Have you ever seen a lake so vast it mirrors the sky? Yanqi Lake in Beijing is just that. Nestled at the foot of the Yanshan Mountains it’s a breathtaking sight. The lake itself is actually two lakes East and West. They’re quite large covering a wide water surface. Did you know the reservoir’s capacity is a staggering 38 million cubic meters? The water’s depth reaches an impressive 25 meters at its deepest point.
Yanqi Lake’s story is far more than just its impressive size. It’s a story of geese. Flocks of geese migrate here every spring and autumn. That’s why it’s named Yanqi Lake which translates to Swan Lake. It is a beautiful name for a beautiful place. The lake wasn’t always a tourist destination. It was approved as a key tourism project in 1985. It officially opened to the public in 1987.
Yanqi Lake’s transformation continued. In 2002 it was designated an international AAAA-class tourist scenic area. Then came 2014. The APEC Leaders’ Informal Meeting was held here. President Xi Jinping himself praised its beauty quoting a poem. The lake became a global stage. In May 2017 the Belt and Road International Cooperation Summit Forum was held at Yanqi Lake. The world’s attention turned to this stunning location once again.
Yanqi Lake offers more than stunning views. There’s plenty to do. You can enjoy dragon boats painting boats speed boats or even ride a big yellow duck boat. On land there are thrilling activities too. Think rapids water slides bumper cars and more. There’s something for everyone. The area’s overall planning is extensive covering 31 square kilometers. A 13-kilometer slow walking system circles the lake. There are cycling routes sightseeing cars and ferries. Even electric car charging piles are available. Yanqi Lake is truly a modern marvel.
So here we stand at Yanqi Lake. This isn’t just a lake. It’s a place where history nature and modern convenience meet. It’s a destination where geese have roosted for centuries and world leaders have gathered. It’s a place where you can relax or explore. It’s a place that will leave a lasting impression on your heart.