Autumn in Beijing is the perfect time to step outside, explore hidden trails, and discover cozy corners of the city. At Our Beijing, we believe that travel is about going beyond the obvious — finding the balance between adventure and chill, between mountains and hutongs, between history and modern life. That’s why every week we share our Adventure & Chill Weekend Guide, designed to help you experience Beijing like a local.
This week’s guide takes you from a short, family-friendly hike at Wolongtang, where autumn colors blaze above the Ming Tombs Reservoir, to Excellent Coffee, a top-tier specialty café tucked beside Nanluoguxiang’s red walls. Whether you’re looking for fresh air or a fresh brew, this combo is your perfect autumn escape.
✨ Follow us on Instagram for more hidden hikes, café gems, and weekly updates. And don’t forget — you can also join our curated tours and experiences through Our Beijing’s website.
If you’re looking for an adventure autumn escape in Beijing, Wolongtang (卧龙堂) on Hanbao Mountain in Changping is the perfect hidden hike. Tucked on the southern side of the Ming Tombs Reservoir, this is one of the smallest mountains near Beijing—yet it offers some of the most rewarding views with the least effort.
Adventure Pick: Wolongtang Hike — A Hidden Autumn Gem in Beijing
🌟 Why Wolongtang Is Special
- Panoramic Lake & Mountain Views From the pavilion at the top, you’ll sit right above the Ming Tombs Reservoir. To your left, endless rippling waters; to your right, rolling green hills. In autumn, the trees blaze with red and gold, turning the hike into a living ink painting.
- A Living History Lesson Beneath your feet are stone steps first laid in 1958, when 400,000 workers built the reservoir in just 160 days. Each step carries the weight of history, making this more than just a weekend hike.
- Family & Beginner Friendly With a total distance of only 2.7 km and just 200 meters of elevation gain, this trail is perfect for families, kids (even 5-year-olds!), or anyone looking for a relaxed walk. Along the way, you may spot squirrels or collect pinecones.
- Seasonal Bonus: Rose Garden Entering from the Sinopec Conference Center, you’ll pass a rose garden that blooms from April to November. Pink, champagne, and red blossoms create a romantic prelude before you even start your hike.
🚶 Trail Options
- Classic Loop (2.7 km, ~2 hours)
- Start at the Sinopec Conference Center
- Walk along the reservoir’s southern trail
- Reach the rest platform and two scenic pavilions
- Descend via a maple forest path back to the start
- Lazy Shortcut (20 minutes to the top)
- From the back gate of Sinopec, take the stone steps straight up
- 20 minutes later, you’re at the summit pavilion with panoramic views
- Best for families, kids, or those who want a quick escape
🚇 Getting There
- By Metro + Bus Take Line Changping to Changping Dongguan Station, transfer to Bus 643, get off at Chaofengan Village, and walk ~10 minutes to the Sinopec Conference Center.
- By Car Navigate to “中国石化会议中心 (Sinopec Conference Center)”. Parking is available inside or across the road. Trail entrance is through a small iron gate to the west.
📝 Tips Before You Go
- Bring water and light snacks — there are no shops on the trail.
- Mosquito repellent is a must in summer.
- Best visited in autumn mornings or late afternoons for cooler weather and softer light.
- Easy hike for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a quick Beijing adventure.
✨ Why It Fits the “Adventure & Chill” Mood
Wolongtang is the definition of an adventure and chill autumn spot in Beijing: a light, scenic hike with stunning seasonal colors, no crowds, and a sense of hidden history. Whether you’re seeking a family outing, a quick weekend escape, or simply a fresh perspective on Beijing’s natural beauty, this hike is an ideal pick before moving on to your Chill café stop.
☕ Chill Pick: Excellent Coffee (感叹好大) — Creative Brews by Nanluoguxiang
After your light hike at Wolongtang, it’s time to chill with coffee in the heart of Beijing. Just steps away from Nanluoguxiang’s red walls and green tiles, Excellent Coffee (感叹好大) has earned a spot among the top specialty cafés in Beijing with its playful, inventive drinks and cozy charm.
🌟 Why We Love It
- Signature Specialties
- Crème Brûlée Latte — creamy, caramelized, and richer with every sip.
- Coconut Vienna — thick espresso balanced with a cloud of coconut cream.
- Xia Xiyang — a refreshing, milk-free blend of white tea, espresso, citrus, and pine. Perfect after a hike.
- Creative Seasonal Drinks From guava fruit foam to tomato-strawberry blends, and lemon-jasmine infusions, every drink is a surprise. Each one feels like an edible perfume, balancing acidity, sweetness, and aroma.
- Atmosphere The café is small but intimate, with just a handful of seats. Sit by the window, sip your cup, and watch the flow of life on the street outside. It may not be the place for long laptop sessions, but it’s perfect for pausing and savoring. Bonus: the café dog, Liu Fugui, is always around to greet visitors. 🐶
📍 Location & Details
- Address: 66-2 Di’anmen East Street, Dongcheng, Beijing
- Nearest Metro: Nanluoguxiang Station (Line 6), Exit A, 2 minutes’ walk
- Opening Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
- Tip: The café can get busy on weekends. Drop by early afternoon for the best chance at a seat.
✨ Why It Fits the “Chill”
If Wolongtang offers an adventure and chill autumn escape into nature, Excellent Coffee brings you back into the heartbeat of Beijing with a cup of creativity. It’s a place where classic espresso meets unexpected flavors, and where you can slow down after your hike, recharge, and enjoy the city’s café culture.
❓ Q&A — Your Adventure & Chill Questions
Q: Is Wolongtang suitable for kids and beginners?
A: Yes! With a short 20-minute “lazy route” and gentle steps, it’s one of the most family-friendly hikes in Beijing. Even 5-year-olds can handle it.
Q: Do I need to book tickets for Wolongtang?
A: No tickets are required. Just bring water, snacks, and mosquito repellent (in summer).
Q: Can I work or study at Excellent Coffee?
A: The café is small and tends to get busy, so it’s not ideal for long laptop sessions. But it’s perfect for a quick stop to enjoy creative brews.
Q: How do I join more activities with Our Beijing?
A: Follow our Instagram @our_beijing for more info, or check our website to join curated hikes, cycling tours, foodie experiences, and more.
🚀 Ready for Your Next Adventure & Chill?
At Our Beijing, we design experiences that go beyond the tourist trail — whether it’s hiking a hidden Great Wall, cycling through old hutongs, or tasting Beijing street food with locals. Here are some of our most loved adventures:
- 🏯 Wild Wall Hike — Explore untouched sections of the Great Wall, away from the crowds.
- 🚲 Hutong Adventure — Pedal through Beijing’s narrow alleys and hidden courtyards.
- 🍜 Foodie Experience — Taste authentic snacks and discover flavors that define Beijing.
- 🏞️ Adventure & Chill Experiences — Pair outdoor adventures with café gems, every weekend.
✨ Book your spot now at Our Beijing, and follow us on Instagram for weekly inspiration, behind-the-scenes stories, and community highlights.
This autumn, make your weekends more than just routine. Make them Adventure & Chill with Our Beijing.
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