Looking for the perfect way to spend your weekend in Beijing? This Weekend Guide Beijing combines adventure and chill ,so you can enjoy both nature and city life. Autumn in Beijing is the best time to get outside — crisp air, colourful leaves, and cozy cafés tucked into hutongs. This week’s picks: a breathtaking hike at Yunlongjian, where you’ll find the best views of Miyun Reservoir, followed by a refined coffee experience at Sanchuan Café, a hidden gem in Xicheng’s hutongs.
Adventure Pick: Yunlongjian (云龙涧), Miyun
If you’re looking for a breathtaking way to see the Miyun Reservoir, Yunlongjian (云龙涧) is one of the best vantage points near Beijing. With cable cars, shaded trails, and panoramic platforms, it’s a great weekend escape for both casual hikers and adventure lovers.
📍 Location
Beijing Miyun District, Xiwozhuang Town (北京密云区溪翁庄镇)
🚡 How to Get Up
- Cable Car: RMB 110 round trip / RMB 60 one-way. Highly recommended! A 20-minute ride takes you straight to the top, leaving only a short 100-meter climb to the summit.
- Hiking: Full hike takes 6–9 hours along steep ridges. Only for experienced hikers. Bring plenty of water and food — there are no shops or toilets on the mountain.
🌄 Highlights
- Miyun Reservoir Viewing Platform 👁️
- Chinese Seal Cliff Carving (中国印摩崖石刻) 🗿
- Olympic “文” Symbol from the 2008 Games — perfect for a photo stop.
- Wooden boardwalks and shaded forest trails — beginner-friendly, cool even in summer.
🎫 Entrance & Costs
- Entrance ticket: RMB 35 (RMB 18 for children/seniors)
- Cable car: RMB 110 round trip (RMB 60 one-way)
- Parking: RMB 5
⚠️ Tips Before You Go
- Wear long pants — some narrow trails and high steps.
- Limited facilities — water only available near the cable car station.
- Slippery after rain — uneven rocky steps.
- Cable cars are old and sway on windy days — not ideal for those afraid of heights.
Chill’s Pick: Sanchuan Café (三川咖啡), Hutong Hideaway
After a day of adventure, nothing feels better than slowing down in one of Beijing’s hidden cafés. Sanchuan Café (三川咖啡), tucked inside Qijing Hutong in Xicheng District, is a small yet beautifully designed spot that combines minimalist style with thoughtful details.
✨ Atmosphere
- A compact hutong courtyard with a clean black-and-white interior and pops of color.
- Handcrafted details like menus on Dongba paper and unique bean trays shaped for weighing beans.
- The aesthetic is refined yet warm — a true “small but exquisite” café.
☕ Coffee Experience
- Expert baristas who recommend rare beans such as Sudan Rume, known for its jammy aroma and bright fruit notes.
- Pour-over flights that guide you through flavor changes from hot to cool temperatures, paired with sparkling water to cleanse the palate.
- Balanced, clean flavors with floral notes, red-tea-like finish, and high sweetness.
🍩 Treats
- Flat white and canelé with cinnamon — the oil-painted red and blue cups add charm to the ritual.
- Seasonal single-origin beans (like sun-dried Hamasho) with sweet, tea-like complexity.
📍 Location
Sanchuan Café, No. 11 Courtyard, Room 3–4, Qijing Hutong, Xicheng District (西城区七井胡同11号院3-4号房)
❓ Q&A: Your Weekend Guide Beijing
Q: Is Yunlongjian suitable for beginners?
A: Yes — if you take the cable car, the climb is short and beginner-friendly. The full hike is much tougher and only recommended for experienced hikers.
Q: Where can I find the best hutong cafés in Beijing?
A: Sanchuan Café in Qijing Hutong is one of our favorites — minimalist design, rare beans, and a relaxing space that makes it perfect for an adventure and chill weekend.
Q: What’s special about autumn in Beijing?
A: Crisp weather, colorful foliage, and fewer crowds. It’s the perfect season to balance outdoor adventures like hikes with cozy hutong café afternoons.
🌟 Ready for Your Own Adventure & Chill?
That’s it for this week’s Weekend Guide Beijing! If you’re ready to go beyond the obvious and explore the city with us, check out:
👉 Who would you bring on your next Beijing adventure?
Back to blog
