Detailed Guide to Yanqi Lake and Surrounding Food Recommendations in Beijing

…… I. 🌅 Morning: Lakeside Morning Run and Sunrise at the Viewing Platform Recommended route: Xishan Trail (entrance opposite Sunrise Kempinski Hotel) → Yanqi Pagoda Viewing Platform • Real experience: Arrive at Xishan Trail at 6:00 am, walk along the wooden boardwalk for 20 minutes to the highest point, where the lake mist and sunrise blend together, and the reflection of the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel is like a scene from a science fiction movie. Tips: • Open for free. In summer, it is recommended to arrive before 5:30 to grab a good spot. • Wear non-slip shoes, as the steps are slippery after rain. • Drones need to be reported in advance (there are many no-fly zones in the lake area). …… II. 🍜 Morning: Must-Eat Breakfast Around Yanqi Lake ① Lao Zhang's Farmhouse Fish Stew (800m from the north gate of the scenic area) • Recommended reason: Rainbow trout stewed with firewood, served with corn cakes dipped in fish soup! Average cost is CNY 80 per person. • Hidden way to eat: Add CNY 10 to have the owner add a handful of wild vegetables for double the flavor. ② Lakeside Coffee Truck (lawn behind Kempinski Hotel) • Real experience: The latte art has a custom "Yanqi Lake" pattern. Buy one get one free before 9:00 am. It's super healing to enjoy the lake view with a freshly baked croissant. …… III. 🚴 Afternoon: Lakeside Bike Ride + Hidden Photo Spots Rental Guide: • Double electric car in the scenic area (CNY 120/hour, sunshade + Bluetooth speaker) • It is recommended to ride to "Yanqihu Road Reed Marsh" (search for "No. 3 Bridge, Yanqihu Road" on the map). The silhouette taken against the light in the afternoon is amazing. Reminder: • You need to queue for electric cars on weekends, so it is recommended to go after 2:00 pm to avoid the peak. • For picnics, it is recommended to choose the lawn near "P5 parking lot" (fewer people and more shade). …… IV. 🌃 Evening: In-depth Food Map of Huairou District 🚗 Treasure shops within a 15-minute drive: ① Hongzun Fish Yitiaogou · Yujia Ao (CNY 90 per person) • Must-order: Charcoal-grilled rainbow trout (crispy fish skin + garlic clove meat), fried prickly ash sprouts • Local secret code: "Want fish roe" for free ingredients (limited supply) ② Huairou Cuisine Ceiling · Manchu Erba Banquet (reservation required) • Experience: Eight-dish and eight-bowl intangible cultural heritage banquet, recommended venison jelly, chestnut braised pork, served with homemade hawthorn juice to relieve greasiness. ③ Night Snack King · Lao Wang Sesame Cake with Meat (open until 1:00 am) • Actual measurement: Freshly baked sesame sauce cake + sauce elbow, CNY 9/piece, filling, served with mutton offal soup for a more authentic taste. …… V. 🎑 Hidden Gameplay: Surrounding Linked Routes Day 2 Expansion Recommendation: 1. Hongluo Temple + Vegetarian Meal: The vegetarian shrimp in "Bamboo Forest Courtyard" in the temple is more elastic and tender than real shrimp. 2. Shentangyu Wooden Boardwalk + Rainbow Trout Breeding Base: You can fish and grill on the spot, the first choice for family trips. 3. Topshow American Town: European-style street photography + Belgian craft beer house (recommended "Wizard Smoked Porter"). …… VI. ⚠️ Precautions 1. Ticket Policy: Yanqi Lake Park is free, but Xishan Trail requires reservation (limited to 3,000 people per day). 2. Traffic Control: Jingjia Road is often congested on weekends, so it is recommended to leave before 7:00 am or after 5:00 pm. 3. Accommodation Egg: If the budget is sufficient, you can stay at the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel. The night light show + lake view bathtub experience is worth the price. …… 📌 Summary TIP: • Best season: April (avoid willow catkins) + October (golden period for cycling around the lake) • Ultimate money-saving formula: Rent an electric car for 1 hour (take photos around the lake) + walk around (free area) = CNY 100 per person to fully explore the core area • Must-bring items: Sunscreen (strong ultraviolet rays by the lake), mosquito repellent (many mosquitoes in the forest area), folding stool (for taking photos and waiting)