Xiangshui Lake Scenic Area

The Xiangshui Lake Scenic Area is located to the west of Mutianyu Great Wall, Dazhenyu Village, Bohai Town, Huairou District, about 78 kilometers (48.5 miles) from downtown Beijing. It occupies an area of 18 square kilometers (4,448 acres). The scenic area is a splendid natural valley with a section of the Great Wall, an ancient cave, beautiful mountains, clear springs and ponds, and a spectacular waterfall.

In fact, Xiangshui Lake isn't a lake but rather a gash of water from a head of a spring in the valley. It is possible to hear the sound of the running water from afar, so it is named 'Xiangshui Lake'. The spring is the biggest one in Huairou District and the water is sweet, tasty and refreshing.

There are sheer cliffs and steep mountains with diverse rocks and unique peaks at both sides of the valley. The Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) winds up and down the green mountains, looking like a gigantic dragon flying into the sky. The Moshikou Pass was an important pass of the Great Wall and was built in 1404 of the Ming Dynasty. Walking along the Great Wall, visitors see the natural Lianyun Cave and Totem Pavilion halfway up the wall adding mystery to the ancient pass. The Moya Inscription carved in the Ming Dynasty make the pass even more majestic. The most stunning scenery in this scenic area is the grand waterfall. The impetuous springs rush down the mountain and form a compelling waterfall, 24 meters (78.7 feet) wide, 50 meters (164 feet) long. In winter, the waterfall becomes an 'Ice Curtain' hanging over the cave.

The service facilities of the scenic area are excellent. The Xiangshui Villa in a style of ancient architecture stands in full view. The restaurants here mainly offer the countryside food, rainbow trout, and barbecues. During the evening, visitors can make a bonfire, let off fireworks, sing loudly and dance.

 Beijing Parks and Lakes:

• Yuyuantan Park
• Pearl Lake
• Zizhuyuan Park
• Beihai Park
• Lianhuachi Park
• Qinglong Lake & Hope Park