11 Scenic Beijing Drives: Road Trips with Breathtaking Views

Beijing, a city that blends ancient and modern elements, not only boasts rich historical and cultural heritage, but also its surrounding natural scenery is equally desirable. For self driving enthusiasts, the 11 super beautiful highways in the outskirts of Beijing are undoubtedly the best way to explore the city. These highways not only connect numerous tourist attractions in Beijing, but also allow tourists to deeply experience the charm of local culture in Beijing during their journey. Here is a detailed self driving guide to provide inspiration for your Beijing tourism planning. 

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1. Beijing Kunming Railway (G108)

Scenery along the way: The Beijing section of the Beijing Kunming Railway is over 130 kilometers long, starting from Fuxingmen and passing through places such as Princess Tomb and Wukesong, before finally leaving Beijing on a mountain road near Wolonggang on the west sixth ring road. This route not only boasts beautiful scenery, but also passes through famous ancient temples such as Tanzhe Temple and Tiewa Temple, making it a great place to experience Beijing's History and Culture.

Travel advice: Tanzhe Temple was founded in the Western Jin Dynasty and is one of the oldest temples in Beijing, with a thriving incense industry. Tiewa Temple is famous for its roof covered with iron tiles, with ancient cypress trees and clear springs flowing inside.

2. National Highway 109 (Jingla Highway)

Scenery along the way: National Highway 109 starts from Dinghui Bridge on the West Fourth Ring Road of Beijing in the northeast and ends at Lhasa, Xizang in the southwest. The Beijing section passes through Mentougou District, with scenic spots such as Miaofeng Mountain and Zhaitang Reservoir along the way.

Travel advice: Miaofeng Mountain is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and winding mountain paths, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Zhaitang Reservoir is the largest reservoir in Mentougou District, with picturesque scenery and often inhabited by swans and wild ducks.

3. Changchi Road

Scenery along the way: Changchi Road connects Changling Town in Changping District with Chicheng County in Hebei Province, with attractions such as the Thirteen Tombs and Shuiquangou Village along the way.

Suggested visit: The Thirteen Tombs is the location of the tombs of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty, built along the mountain with a magnificent atmosphere. Shuiquangou Village is a specialized village for folk tourism in Beijing, preserving a strong cultural heritage.

4. Luanchi Road

Scenery along the way: Luanchi Road passes through attractions such as Wulong Canyon and Silicified Wood in Yanqing District, making it a great place to enjoy natural scenery.

Travel advice: The scenery of Wulong Canyon is unique, and the Silicified Wood Forest Park features the display of silicified wood, making it an excellent place to learn about the history and biological evolution of the Earth.

5. Hongjing Road

Scenery along the way: Hongjing Road is famous for its many bends and beautiful scenery, with different seasonal changes in scenery.

Travel advice: Suitable for self driving and cycling enthusiasts, where you can enjoy magnificent natural scenery along the way.

6. Rolling road

Scenery along the way: La Nian Road passes through the Labagoumen Primitive Secondary Forest Scenic Area, with a strong Manchu flavor along the way.

Travel advice: In spring, the sea of peonies along the way is breathtakingly beautiful, making it a great time for photography and flower appreciation.

7. Xiao Er Road

Along the way, there are many scenic spots such as Guandi Temple and Yaoqiao Ancient Castle developed along Xiaoer Road, where natural scenery and cultural landscapes complement each other.

Travel advice: Suitable for tourists who enjoy a combination of historical culture and natural scenery.

8. Xiongnan Road

Scenery along the way: Xiongnan Road passes through the Four Towers Scenic Area and the Beizhai Red Apricot Fruit Production Area, with beautiful natural scenery.

Travel suggestion: Suitable for cycling enthusiasts, you can taste authentic Beijing fruits along the way.

9. Huanling Road

Scenery along the way: The Ring Road surrounds and connects the thirteen imperial tombs of the Ming Dynasty, with a strong historical charm.

Travel advice: Suitable for tourists who love history and culture. Along the way, you can also visit famous attractions such as Juyong Pass and BaDaling Great Wall.

10. Liushi Road

Scenery along the way: Liushi Road connects the tourist attractions of Nanbeigou in Fangshan District, such as Xiayunling and Shidu.

Travel advice: Suitable for self driving enthusiasts, you can enjoy rich natural and cultural landscapes along the way.

11. Left embankment road

Scenery along the way: Zuodi Road starts from Lugou Bridge in the north, runs along the Yongding River, and ends at the Hebei border in the south, with a total length of 62.8 kilometers.

Travel advice: Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yongding River and the blooming pear blossoms in the most beautiful countryside "Pear Blossom Village".

Recommended self driving tour routes in Beijing

Based on the above highways and attractions, we recommend two self driving tour routes for you:

1. Jingkun Line+109 National Highway: Starting from Fuxingmen, follow the Jingkun Line to Tanzhe Temple and Tiewa Temple, then turn onto 109 National Highway to visit Miaofeng Mountain and Zhaitang Reservoir, and experience the historical culture and natural scenery of Beijing.

2. Changchi Road+Luanchi Road: Starting from Changping, follow Changchi Road to the Thirteen Tombs and Shuiquangou Village, and then turn onto Luanchi Road to visit Wulong Canyon and Silicified Wood Forest Park, experiencing the natural beauty and cultural charm of the suburbs of Beijing.

Local Cultural Experience in Beijing

During the self driving trip, it is worth experiencing the local culture of Beijing in depth. For example, experiencing the influence of Buddhist culture in ancient temples such as Tanzhe Temple and Tiewa Temple; Learn about Ming Dynasty history and royal culture at the Thirteen Tombs; Experience authentic Beijing rural life in folk villages such as Shuiquangou Village and Hanjiachuan Village.

In short, the 11 super beautiful highways in the suburbs of Beijing provide a wealth of choices for self driving enthusiasts. Whether it's appreciating natural scenery, experiencing historical culture, or experiencing local customs, these highways can meet your needs. Come and plan an unforgettable self driving trip to Beijing!