Dragon Boat Festival Holiday: From Da Le Zhi Ye to Imperial Beijing, These 5 Must-Visit Attractions

During the Dragon Boat Festival, these 5 attractions are a must-visit.

The bright sunshine carries a hint of restlessness, and the early summer breeze a touch of warmth—I just know the Dragon Boat Festival is coming.

As a travel blogger, I've spent every Dragon Boat Festival of past years outdoors.

Rafting, spring outings, stream tracing, mountain climbing… The vitality of early summer is always so relentless; every cell in my body stirs.

This year is different. Because of the pandemic, I have to celebrate conservatively.

Who will you spend the festival with?

Let me share a few of my favorite Dragon Boat Festival destinations. Save them and be sure to visit!

Moganshan Da Le Zhi Ye

My first recommendation is Da Le Zhi Ye in Moganshan!

The name "Da Le Zhi Ye" has an intriguing origin from the Classic of Mountains and Seas.

Legend has it that Da Le Zhi Ye was a vast, thriving region dense with forests, with beautiful mountains and waters. Later, the ancient gods fought fiercely over divine positions there.

The Heavenly Emperor, enraged, sealed off the land, and from then on, no one could ever enter this paradise. Thus it was called "Da Le Zhi Ye," meaning "the forgotten paradise."

Today, Da Le Zhi Ye is blessed with clear streams, lush mountains, flourishing trees, and sweet air.

The vegetation here is especially lush and full of life. Layer upon layer of trees wrap together like nature's own quilt, enfolding this treasured land.

There are also countless winding paths—take a leisurely stroll and savor the charm of nature and the wild character of the mountains.

The patches of rice fields exude the cultural essence of rural China and a return to simplicity.

And the streams are no less enchanting than those in the Jiangnan water towns. It's like "all is silent in the mountains, save for the tinkling of the spring."

Da Le Zhi Ye not only dispels the summer heat, leaving you cool and at ease, but also drives away the busyness and fatigue of daily life. Slow your pace, ease your mood, and your joy will soar.

Speaking of Beijing, there are equally wonderful places to go—don't believe me? Read on.

Xiari Xingguang Camp

What's it like to set up camp in a park and chat the day away with a few good friends?

Xiari Xingguang Camp can fulfill all your outdoor travel fantasies!

Located in Huairou, Beijing, it's a favorite outdoor camp for both adults and children.

In the morning, when the air is at its freshest, you can greedily breathe it in as you stroll around—an absolutely delightful experience.

During the day, there are pool parties, picnicking and camping—everything you could want.

In the evening, you can gaze at the stars, pitch tents, and have a barbecue—the activities are plentiful.

Besides food, drink, and fun, there are also parent-child activities that blend education with entertainment, so kids learn while they play.

For example, horseback riding, soccer, painting, go-karting, feeding small animals…

Each activity is meaningful, fostering an interest in the outdoors while nurturing kindness, courage, and a sense of adventure.

What's more, there are several scenic spots near Xiari Xingguang Camp—Hongluo Temple, Yanqi Lake, Qinglong Gorge—all conveniently close.

If you find these two spots a bit remote, take a look at my third recommendation: Longtan Lake.

It's near the Second Ring Road, with easy access. It has a lake, boats, hills, scenery, and even fitness trails—an unbeatable choice for a summer outing.

Built around the lake and nestled among hills and waters, it boasts numerous trees and water features.

Apart from cultural landmarks like the Yuan Chonghuan Temple and the Long Stone Forest, there are also recreational activities like boating on the lake.

My favorite view here is sitting on a bench by the shore, gazing at the rippling lake and watching willow leaves dance in the breeze—so tranquil and thoroughly enjoyable.

During the Spring Festival every year, there are grand temple fairs where you can buy all kinds of traditional old Beijing knick-knacks and watch spectacular performances.

Longtan Park is a must-visit every year. Both young and old will love it.

It's especially perfect for flower-viewing during Qingming and Dragon Boat Festival.

It hazily reminds me of my childhood, when every Dragon Boat Festival, every household would race dragon boats and compete for prizes.

Nowadays, people seem more inclined to go outdoors and enjoy nature during the festival. The activities may have changed, but the festive spirit hasn't faded one bit.

After all, it marks the official start of summer—the most lively and energetic season of the year. You just have to embrace it.

"For entertainment, go to Tianqiao; for shopping, go to Dashilan."

This old Beijing jingle still holds true. Qianmen Dashilan has preserved the ancient charm of the capital.

The name comes from the tall, prominent wooden fences at both ends, so most people lovingly call it "Dashilan" (Big Fence).

Century-old stores can be found everywhere here, with red windows and gray tiles—a definitive Chinese style.

Not only do visitors from other provinces love to linger here, but even Beijing locals have a special attachment to this place.

On the one hand, it's a famous commercial street with over 580 years of cultural history and a resounding reputation.

On the other, it was once an entertainment hub, boasting five grand theaters: Qingleyuan, Sanqingyuan, Guangdelou, Guangheyuan, and Tongleyuan.

Even the Daguanlou, the earliest cinema in Beijing's history, was located in Dashilan.

So this place is brimming with the richest old Beijing culture—you absolutely must visit!

Yanqi Lake has always been my ace-in-the-hole destination.

Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it features rolling hills to the north and the Great Wall winding faintly among them.

To the west is Hongluo Temple, and to the south, the endless North China Plain.

On the east bank are Yuanbao Mountain and Jindeng Mountain.

Climb up and look far into the distance—the magnificent scenery unfolds before your eyes.

It's said that every spring and autumn, flocks of wild geese come to rest in the lake, hence the name "Yanqi Lake" (Geese Resting Lake).

There's also a small island lying on the lake—Yanqi Island.

On the island are the famous National Convention Center, Yanqi Pagoda, twelve state guest villas, and other landmarks.

The landscaping and air quality here are simply top-notch.

I once saw survey data on Yanqi Lake's vegetation:

"The entire scenic area has a vegetation coverage of 90%. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, it forms a natural barrier. The lake is free from windblown sand, the air is humid all year round, and both atmospheric and environmental quality rank first-class."

Flowers in three seasons and evergreen all year round—that's the peerless beauty of Yanqi Lake.

Editor: Walking Two-Dimensional

Profile: I'm Uncle Two, a Beijinger born at the foot of the imperial city and raised under the red flag. I've traveled to 80 countries, but what I yearn for most is the African continent. Even now, my heart still races at the mention of travel. If the world were a stamp album, every single stamp would be worth collecting.