Beijing’s Best Family Camping Destination: Two Days and One Night to Enjoy the Picturesque Miyun Scenery

Text & photos by Mu Chengzi

Every weekend and holiday, going out with the kids is absolutely the biggest headache for parents. If you pick the right hotel when you’re away, even the naughtiest little one can turn into a little angel in an instant. The kids have a blast, and parents get to relax and enjoy their vacation.

I invited a close friend and her child, and the five of us drove from Beijing to Miyun on the outskirts of the city. We headed for a forest-embraced valley where sunlight streams in — two days, one night, let’s go!

Sunlight Valley is at No. 1 Heida Road, Gelaoyu Village, Mujiayu Town, Miyun District, Beijing. It takes just over an hour’s drive from downtown Beijing, making it perfect for short trips and convenient weekend getaways.

I first visited back in 2018, and returning now left an even deeper impression. The greenery, facilities, and recreational offerings have all been upgraded and expanded.

There are many types of accommodation: grassy tents, lake-view glamping tents, RVs, standard cabins, and cabin villas for gatherings. You can also bring your own tent or drive your own RV straight into the park and set up camp.

RV: Compact but fully equipped, a great way for kids to experience something different. Each RV comes with its own cozy outdoor lounge area.

Gathering villa: Ideal for a few families or company team-building, great value.

Grassy tent: The new camellia tents are spacious and more budget-friendly than the lake-view ones.

Lake-view glamping tent: Features a balcony, private bathroom, and 180° glass walls — you can lie in bed and gaze out at the park scenery, wonderfully peaceful.

Bring your own tent: In designated areas, you can pitch your own tent and stay overnight, enjoying both the fun and the convenience of on-site facilities.

There are shared kitchens, showers, restrooms, and shared electric vehicles. In line with local policies, waste is sorted for recycling.

Beyond the variety of accommodation, you’ll be amazed by just how many recreational facilities there are as you wander around the park.

Outdoor play areas with trampolines, seesaws, slides, swings, and mini ziplines have become a children’s paradise. Apart from kids’ amenities, there’s also kayaking by the lake and a large lawn — perfect for picnics or even holding a wedding.

If you’re after an adrenaline rush, try the ATV越野车 (all-terrain vehicles), dirt bikes, or the go-kart track at Sunlight Valley.

Too hot in summer, too cold in winter? Sunlight Valley has indoor play and learning spaces prepared. Board games, massage chairs, a ball pit, mini go-karts for kids, a children’s library… and a mini greenhouse where you can see all kinds of tropical plants — also a great spot for family photos.

There’s such a huge range of things for kids to do here. Many parents come with their own tents, set up camp, and enjoy a picnic for the whole day — a really lovely day out.

But whatever you do, don’t miss this!!!

I, Mu Chengzi, can’t recommend enough the one-of-a-kind views from the 180° and 360° lookout points that overlook the entire Miyun Reservoir.

From the valley, take a 7–8 min shuttle up to the mountainside and you’ll see a long wooden boardwalk. Walk for about 10 minutes and you’ll reach first the 180°, then the 360° viewing platform. Trust me, you must see the 360° view!

The scenery here is absolutely stunning. Just look at the photos — first-class beauty!

A perfect moment to watch the clouds roll by and let your mind relax!

Sunlight Valley offers camping, family fun, nature education, organic cuisine, outdoor sports — a complete leisure experience.

Eating fish when you come to Miyun is an unspoken rule for everyone in Beijing.

On the way back, stop at Yuwang Food Street to sample the local specialty — a cauldron fish stew!

This time we went to Jinding Yuxiang, which is very easy to find and has its own parking. The interior is full of character, said to be designed by the owner himself.

Entering, the front desk is on the left and the main dining area is on the right with about eight tables. Walk further, through a narrow passage just wide enough for one person, and it feels like emerging into a hidden world. Before you is a transparent aquarium filled with lively goldfish, forming a natural “screen wall”.

Beyond the screen wall, the space is bright and airy. The main hall is very spacious with a large table in the center that can accommodate three cauldron stoves — perfect for group gatherings or team building. There are also plenty of private rooms to suit different needs.

The manager’s service was warm and courteous. Since we had children, he recommended a bighead carp head with very few bones, which was huge. Served together with yellowhead catfish, the moment the pot began to boil, the aroma was mouthwatering. We couldn’t wait to try: the fish was tender, incredibly fresh, and the broth rich and flavorful.

Cauldron fish stew is paired with steamed rolls dipped in the broth — you could easily eat two just on their own. Freshly made and soaked in that fish soup, they’re simply delicious.

Besides the cauldron fish, their pickled fish and fried fish fillets are also excellent. My favorite, though, were the small cold dishes made in-house — slightly spicy, appetite-stimulating, and wonderfully refreshing.

Fancy a little drink? I recommend their signature “Jinding Huaxi”.

It’s brewed using premium hops (type 90 pellets), no artificial additives, selected spring water, and malt, oats, rye, hops, and yeast. It has a enticing yellow hue, fine creamy foam, and with a small sip, your mouth fills with a rich malty aroma and a refreshingly crisp finish.

Escape the noise of the city, leave the restlessness of the crowd behind. In this fast-paced life, let’s learn to savor slow moments. On a weekend off, invite a few good friends or take your little one along for a truly relaxing time — not as tiring as a long trip, with scenery all to yourselves, and a casual meal with friends over a special local fish. It’s just so wonderfully laid-back.

1. Sunlight Valley address: No. 1 Heida Road, Gelaoyu Village, Mujiayu Town, Miyun District, Beijing. For self-drive, set the navigation to 【Sunlight Valley】. It’s right next to the Miyun Reservoir.

2. Free recreational facilities: swings, bubble balls, board games — perfect for kids and team-building.

3. Exclusive to Sunlight Valley guests: two viewpoint platforms on the hill, overlooking the Miyun Reservoir with superb scenery (accessible by shuttle car, motorbike, or on foot).

4. Accommodation types: bring your own tent, grassy tent, lake-view glamping tent, Sunlight RV, self-drive RV, standard cabin, gathering villa.

5. Jinding Yuxiang address: Inside Yuwang Food Street, Xiwengzhuang Town, Miyun District, Beijing.