Ancient Villages Around Beijing

Village Introduction

Lingshui Village, also known as the "Scholar Village", has a history of over 600 years. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, this small village produced 22 Jinshi (Imperial Scholars) and numerous Juren (Provincial Graduates), making it famous as a "village of scholars".

The village is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, with ancient trees over 1,000 years old. Key attractions include the Ancestral Hall of the Five Scholars, Yin-Yang Well, and various well-preserved courtyards. It was also the filming location for the popular TV show "Where Are We Going, Dad?".

Must-visit attractions here: (1) Dragon King Temple Stage and Cypress Embracing Elm (龙王庙戏台及柏抱榆): A thousand-year-old cypress tree has mulberry and elm trees naturally growing from its trunk, three trees in one body, one of the Eight Sceneries of Lingshui. (2) Ganoderma Cypress (灵芝柏): This ancient cypress resembles a blooming ganoderma mushroom, offering a panoramic view of the village's stone-paved roads, perfect for photos. (3) Octagonal Dragon Pool (八角龙池): The source of life for this ancient village, it served as the drinking water and water storage pool for villagers during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Qing Dynasty "Three Prohibitions Stele (三禁碑)" beside the pool witnesses our ancestors' advanced ecological protection awareness and holds great historical value.

Town Introduction

Gubei Water Town is a large-scale ancient town resort located in Miyun District, built along the banks of the Baihe River. Combining traditional northern Chinese architecture with water town features, it spans 9 square kilometers and features over 430 courtyard houses.

The town offers a unique experience with its night views - when all the lanterns are lit, the town transforms into a magical world. Key attractions include the Great Wall Observation Deck (长城观景台), Wuzhen Water Street (乌镇水街), and traditional craft workshops.

Must-visit attractions: (1) Yongshun Dyeing Workshop (永顺染坊): Colorful fabrics, ideal for Hanfu photos. (2) Sima Xiao Shao Distillery (司马小烧酒坊): Traditional brewing, free tasting. (3) Simatai Great Wall (司马台长城): Day hike or night cable car with golden lights. For detailed guide, see Simatai Great Wall. (4) Hilltop Church (山顶教堂): Panoramic views, sunset & night lights. (5) Drone Show (无人机表演): Nightly at Sun-Moon Island Plaza (日月岛广场), romantic light patterns. (6) Great Wall Music Water Dance Show (长城音乐水舞秀): Wangjing Street, spectacular water-fire-light show.

Must-Try Food: (1) Qiaotou Cake (桥头糕): ¥10 each, filled with sweet red bean paste, soft and chewy. (2) Tofu Cakes (豆腐角): Wangjing Street specialty, crispy outside with juicy tofu inside. (3) Gubei Roasted Pear (古北烤梨): ¥16 each, warm and comforting, served in a reusable enamel cup. (4) Shredded Radish Pancake (萝卜丝饼): Savory and crispy, affordable and filling.

Village Introduction

Liuliqu Village is famous for its ancient glassmaking tradition. For over 700 years, this village supplied glazed tiles for the imperial palaces, including the Forbidden City. The village is also known as the "Capital of Glaze".

Key attractions include the Glaze Culture Exhibition Hall (琉璃文化展览馆), Yuhuang Pavilion (玉皇阁), and the well-preserved ancient streets (古街). The village retains its traditional layout with stone-paved roads and courtyard houses.

Must-visit attractions: (1) Jinyu Glazed Cultural and Creative Industrial Park (金隅琉璃文化创意产业园): An art space converted from an old kiln factory, free to enter. The dragon and phoenix wall and long glazed cultural wall at the entrance are stunning, visited by many celebrities for filming. (2) Sanguange Overpass Building (三官阁过街楼): Beijing's only glazed screen-style overpass building, built in the Qing Dynasty, full of ancient charm, photogenic from all angles. (3) Royal Glazed Art Museum (皇家琉璃艺术馆): Houses a large collection of Ming and Qing dynasty palace glazed components, including ridge beasts removed from the Forbidden City, offering close-up views of imperial glazing craftsmanship. (4) Fengsha Railway (丰沙铁路): Abandoned railway tracks in the village, perfect for watching freight trains pass by, popular with photographers and children.

Must-Try Food: (1) Fire Pot Tofu Feast (火盆锅豆腐宴): Local specialty, heated with charcoal, tender tofu and pork belly in rich broth, perfect for cool weather. (2) Fried Sichuan Pepper Sprouts (炸花椒芽): Fresh pepper sprouts coated in batter and fried, crispy outside tender inside, with unique numbing aroma, worth trying.