Yanqing District

Yanqing is an administrative district northwest of Beijing featuring mountainous terrain with deep valleys and a large reservoir in its western section. The landscape combines high elevations with water systems that shape the geography throughout the area.

The area was founded as Guichuan during the Tang Dynasty and later took the name Yanqing. It evolved from a county-level division to a district, gaining its current administrative status in the 2010s.

The area was once home to ancient communities who carved dwelling spaces directly into cliff faces. These historic cave settlements remain visible today and show how people adapted to life in this mountainous landscape.

The area is easily reached by rail from central Beijing in less than an hour. Visitors should plan for longer travel times between locations within the district due to the mountainous terrain and distance from the city.

The district is home to the Yanqing National Sliding Centre, built for the 2022 Winter Olympics and China's first competitive venue for sliding sports. This modern facility shows how traditional mountain regions adapted to host international sporting events.