Pearl Lake, Beijing: This is the most treacherous mountain I've ever climbed.

📍Location: Pearl Lake, Mentougou District, Beijing 👣Hiking difficulty: Beginner (suitable for novices) 🕜Time required: 4-5 hours (plenty of time for hiking and taking photos) 📷Photo opportunity rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 👣[Hiking route] Start by navigating to Zhuwo Village, where there's plenty of parking. The trail winds through groves, gravel paths, and mountain streams, leading to the summit overlooking the entire lake. It's truly stunning! Pearl Lake offers various routes, which you can check on "Liangbulu." The difficulty levels vary, so choose a route that matches your outdoor experience. I don't recommend forcing the climb, as it can lead to injuries. ✅[Tips] 1⃣Wear non-slip hiking shoes, as some sections have loose gravel. 2⃣Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no supply points along the way. 3⃣Choose a sunny day for the best photos. Wear bright colors that complement the lake scenery. The lake's color will be more vibrant on a sunny day. 4⃣It can get windy in Beijing starting in spring, so bring wind goggles. They're very useful and offer sun protection too! 🚩Recommended gear 👕Clothing: Quick-drying shirt + mid-layer for warmth + windbreaker; hiking pants + hiking boots + hat + gloves. (I found this to be perfectly adequate. You'll get warm while hiking, so no need to overdress. Just ensure basic warmth, wind protection, and sun protection.) 🌈Other: Power bank; trekking poles (essential! I don't know how I would have descended without them. They're crucial for protecting your knees.) 🍱Food: Don't hike on an empty stomach. Pack a lunch with high-energy snacks (like nuts and chocolate) and a simple lunch (like sandwiches or energy bars). Bring 1-1.5L of water/electrolyte drinks.