Without leaving Beijing, enter the real-life version of The Wizard of Oz: A complete guide to Xiao Zhangjiajie in the suburbs of Beijing

Tired of the hustle and bustle of the city? My dears, it’s time to dive into the embrace of nature! This super detailed guide to traveling to Yudu Mountain will definitely allow you to fully appreciate its unique charm and immerse yourself in the visual feast of alpine waterfalls and meadow forests. The moment I stepped into Yudu Mountain, it was like I was cast under a spell and was instantly teleported to Zhangjiajie. The alpine waterfalls are majestic, and the splashing water plays an exciting movement of nature; the alpine meadows are green and vibrant like a velvet carpet of the earth; the dense forests block out the sky, and the sunlight shines through the gaps between the branches and leaves, full of a dreamy Tyndall effect; the plank road winding beside the stream is absolutely stunning, with scenery at every step, and every frame is so beautiful that it can be directly enshrined as a wallpaper. Any shot will be a blockbuster, and I lose if I don’t get asked about the location 100 times when posting it on WeChat Moments! In Beijing, waterfalls and meadows are not uncommon, but such a long and gentle path along the stream is very rare. Bringing the elderly and children here to play is completely stress-free. The whole family can easily embrace nature and share a warm outdoor time~ 📍 Scenic spot: Yudu Mountain Scenic Area 🎫 Tickets: 60 yuan/person, student discount ticket 30 yuan/person 🕙 Opening hours: 8:30 - 17:00 (admission stops at 16:00) ⏰ Recommended play time: 1 day 🐾 It’s pet-friendly, so bring your furry kids along to have fun and record the happy outdoor moments with your cute pets. They are so adorable when they have fun! 🌤️ The scenic area is located in Yanqing. The temperature is about 5° lower than that in downtown Beijing. The mountains are even cooler and more pleasant. It is a perfect choice for summer vacation. You can enjoy the coolness and comfort even in the hot summer. 🅿️ Parking lot: There are multiple parking lots, and those who drive themselves can choose freely; however, the bus can only park at P4. It is recommended that you choose a parking spot according to different playing methods before playing, which can save a lot of walking. 🚻 Toilets: Widely distributed and conveniently located, you don’t have to worry about not being able to find them. It’s super safe throughout the trip~ 🧭 Gameplay guide: ✅ Method 1: Stream Tracing and Waterfall Viewing Tour Navigate directly to the P1 parking lot and follow the signs for a leisurely 10-minute walk to reach the beautiful Heyi Waterfall. The entire road is flat and spacious, and both the elderly and children can handle it easily. The sound of gurgling streams accompanies the journey, as if nature is humming in your ears, and a sense of comfort arises spontaneously, and fatigue and worries disappear in an instant. ✅ Game method 2: Camping in alpine meadows Park your car at the P2 parking lot and start your romantic camping time. Here you can set up your own small tent and put up a canopy that creates a strong atmosphere. If you don’t want to bring your own equipment, that’s totally OK. The scenic spot provides super considerate rental services and a variety of packages for you to choose from. It’s really worry-free and you can easily realize camping with just your luggage! ✅ Play method three: 7km essential hiking route My dears, I really recommend this route! Navigating the P3 parking lot is a sure thing! First walk on the Forget-Your-Troubles Lake plank road. The calm lake surface reflects the sky and clouds, making people forget their worries instantly. Then we continue along the stream, accompanied by the gurgling water. On the way, we will pass the spectacular Heyi Waterfall and see the top of Yudu Mountain (but it is not recommended to climb to the top, the scenery is really average, so don't waste your energy). On the way back, follow the signs and you can also stop by the alpine meadow to play, run and roll on the grass, and feel the purest happiness. ⚠️ Tips for playing: 1. There are many mosquitoes in the mountains, so be sure to prepare mosquito repellent spray. It is recommended to use one containing DEET, which has a super long-lasting effect. This way you can enjoy nature to your heart's content, avoid the trouble of mosquito bites, and have fun without worries~ 2. The food prices in the scenic area are relatively high, and the cost performance is not very good. It is recommended that children bring their own food. You can prepare some sandwiches, sushi, fruits, and nuts, which are delicious and filling. If you want to play in the water, remember to bring slippers or wading pants so that you can start the cool water play mode at any time, stepping in the water and playing in the stream, which is cool and relaxing. 3. Sun protection is also very important. Sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen should all be prepared. Don’t let ultraviolet rays ruin our good mood for play. While being beautiful, you must also take good protection! 4. Try to leave early, not only to avoid the peak crowds, but also to have more time to slowly appreciate the beautiful scenery, take photos, check in, and enjoy a leisurely time. My dears, it’s better to take action than to just think about it. Hurry up and save this guide and find some time to go to Yudu Mountain to embrace nature! Remember to share your travel experience in the comment section when you come back. I look forward to your beautiful photos and interesting stories~