Your weekly dose of discovery — from mountain ridges to hidden cafés in Beijing. Looking for the perfect weekend in Beijing? This week’s Adventure & Chill Guide takes you on a scenic mountain hike at Phoenix Ridge (Fenghuangling) and winds down with coffee and calm at SUR CABO, a cozy café tucked into a historic hutong near White Pagoda Temple. Whether you’re craving altitude or just need a quiet nook to recharge, we’ve got you covered. Join us and plan a weekend that blends energy and ease — just the way Our Beijing likes it.
📸 Follow along on our adventures on Instagram, or check out our latest curated experiences for travelers, explorers, and culture lovers alike.
Craving some altitude this weekend? Head to Phoenix Ridge Nature Park (凤凰岭自然风景区) — a scenic escape in Beijing’s Haidian district that delivers dramatic rock formations, peaceful trails, and sweeping views without needing to leave the city. It’s a favorite among local hikers, weekend warriors, and anyone looking for an easy adventure with plenty of photo ops.
🌿 Vibe: Tranquil, natural, slightly mystical. You’ll see families, solo hikers, and even calligraphy lovers sketching poetry on stones.
🗺️ Location: No. 19, Fenghuangling Road, Sujiatuo Town, Haidian District, Beijing
📍 Subway Access: Line 16 to Bei’anhe (北安河站) → short Didi ride (~10 mins)
📍 Taxi Pin: 凤凰岭自然风景区 – 东门
🕰️ Best time to visit: Late mornings on weekdays — fewer crowds, softer sun, and the best mountain light.
Phoenix Ridge combines nature, culture, and a touch of thrill. You’ll wind past massive boulders with nicknames like “Snail Rock” 🐌 and “Elephant Trunk,” hike through pine forests and rocky ridgelines, and even squeeze through a few cool tunnels carved into stone. There’s an ancient temple site halfway up, and panoramic spots at the top to enjoy your packed snack (or catch your breath).
This is the kind of hike that gives you variety — peaceful paths one minute, mild scrambling the next — making it feel like a mini mountain adventure right in the capital.
🟢 Moderate – suitable for active beginners
🥾 ~3-hour loop without long stops
⏱️ Add 1–2 hours if you like to chill at viewpoints or take lots of photos
🚶♀️ Trail type: Loop with clear signage
⚠️ Some sections have stairs or steep inclines — bring comfy shoes with grip!
Want to turn this into a deeper cultural experience? Skip the crowds and check out our Wild Wall & Mountain Hikes — handpicked trails beyond the tourist zones. No tour buses here—just rugged paths, wild walls, and serious adventure. Our guides customize each route to match your pace and passions, whether you’re into ancient ruins, sunrise climbs, or pure forest solitude.
“Meanwhile, the Chiller’s just looking for sunshine, coffee, and calm vibes…”
Tucked in a quiet alley just steps from the White Pagoda Temple, SUR CABO brings global beans and breezy Latin vibes to a classic Beijing hutong setting. It’s a relaxed space where you’ll spot both solo journaling locals and curious travelers sipping slowly—no rush, no fuss, just pure chill.
What sets this spot apart is its serious love for coffee from around the world 🌍. Their Filter Coffee menu reads like a travel journal — featuring single-origin beans from Ethiopia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Yunnan, and beyond. Expect notes like jasmine, mango, strawberry, and even chocolate brownie in each slow-brewed cup. If you’re a pour-over lover, this place is a dream.
Not into hand brew? Try their signature Aussie-style Flat White or get adventurous with specialty lattes like:
📍 Location: No.14 Qingfeng Hutong, Xicheng District
🕓 Best time to visit: Late morning or golden hour (3–5pm), when sunlight filters into the courtyard
💡 What to try:
Not into hand brew? That’s okay. Try their signature Aussie-style Flat White, or get adventurous with specialty lattes like the Uruguayan Honey Latte or Oatly Dirty Chai.
Pro tip: The alley gets especially charming during sunset, and it’s just a short walk from hidden temples and vintage storefronts. Bring a book, grab a window seat, and make this your weekend hideaway.
✨ Want more cozy cafés like this, woven into real local life?
Join one of our Bike Tours through Beijing’s backstreets — sip world-class coffee, explore hutong hideaways, and feel the rhythm of the city like a local.
Or hop on a Foodie Tour and taste your way through Beijing’s hutongs — think authentic street bites, local snacks, and hidden culinary gems led by people who know (and love) the real flavors of this city.
👉 Whether you’re into cycling or snacking (or both), we’ll take you beyond the obvious, straight into Beijing’s best-kept corners.
Q1: Is Phoenix Ridge suitable for beginners?
A: Yes! While parts of the trail are steep, there’s a clearly marked 3-hour loop that’s doable for most hikers with moderate fitness. Take it slow, bring water, and enjoy the views — it’s not a race.
Q2: How do I get to SUR CABO?
A: Take the subway to Xinjiekou or Ping’anli and walk, or simply grab a Didi to “庆丰胡同14号”. It’s tucked in a quiet hutong near the White Pagoda Temple — easy to miss, but well worth finding.
Q3: Can I join a guided hike or foodie tour instead of going solo?
A: Absolutely. If you want to blend adventure with local stories, hidden spots, and good company, check out Our Beijing’s curated Wild Wall & Mountain Hikes or Foodie Tours. Just let us know your vibe and we’ll help you plan the day.
Q4: What if I want a full weekend itinerary?
A: You’re in luck — we also offer custom planning. Whether you’re into biking, street food, quiet gardens, or family-friendly spots, Our Beijing can help you craft a weekend you’ll actually remember.
Want more weekends like this? Our Beijing crafts unforgettable experiences — from curated hutong walks and bike rides to veggie food tours and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, we’ll help you unlock the best of Beijing.
📱 WeChat: ourbeijing
📧 hello@our-beijing.com
Shared adventures make the best memories — let’s make some this weekend.