Travel guide for New Year holiday in China (4/5)

Yanqing County, Beijing

Yanqing County, 74 kilometers northwest of downtown Beijing, is the northern gate of the capital. Although a famous summer resort, it's also a wonderful place to enjoy winter. Visitors can take a hike on the Great Wall, go skiing in the Badaling Ski Resort and Shijinglong Ski Resort, enjoy hot springs at Badaling Hot Spring Resort, and have fun on the frozen lake in the Xiadu Park. From December to February each year, the Yanqing Ice and Snow Tourism Festival is held by the local government. This year, the 26th festival opened in mid-December and will last till the end of February 2012. Colorful ice lanterns, interesting ice sculpture and various activities will provide you with an ideal getaway.