Yanqi Lake, Reservoir in Huairou, Beijing, China

Yanqi Lake, also called Beitaishang Reservoir, is a reservoir in Beitaishang village, northern Huairou District, Beijing, formed by damming the Yanqi River. Built between 1959 and 1962, it covers 4.6 square kilometres, with a 31-metre-high, 483-metre-long main dam, five larger auxiliary dams, a spillway and a water tunnel. Its water is 22 to 30 metres deep.

Yanqi Lake is the Beitaishang Reservoir, built between 1959 and 1962 on the Yanqi River in northern Huairou District. Its main dam stands 31 metres high and 483 metres long, with five larger auxiliary dams, a spillway and a water tunnel. In 2011 work began on an ecological demonstration zone, and the site hosted the 2014 APEC meeting and the first two Belt and Road forums.

The name Yanqi, "wild goose roost", refers to the migratory geese that rest on the reservoir. Since 2011 the lake has been developed as an ecological demonstration zone, and it hosted the 2014 APEC meeting and the first two Belt and Road forums, which brought the international conference centre and hotels to its shores.

The lake lies about 50 kilometers from Beijing's center and is easily reached by car via expressways, with paid parking available. Buses and tour shuttles also run to the area, and it is wise to check opening hours in advance since some sections like Yanqi Island may close temporarily.

Yanqi Island hosted world leaders during the APEC meeting and now contains small villas and a hotel surrounded by pines, ginkgos, and flowering cherries. The 14 kilometer lakeside trail runs along the water and transforms into a colorful cherry blossom route in spring, beloved by photographers.