I spent three unforgettable days camping at Xiangshui 008 Wilderness Base in Huairou, Beijing—a hidden gem that offers a perfect escape from city life. Nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains, ancient caves, and the Great Wall, this camping site can accommodate hundreds of tents and provides a unique opportunity to sleep under the stars while listening to the sounds of nature. From stargazing and BBQ dinners to exploring nearby waterfalls and hiking trails, this journey reminded me why camping has become the preferred travel style for so many seeking authentic connections with the natural world.
Trip Overview
When: October (Autumn)
Duration: 3 days
Travelers: With friends
Budget: ~99 RMB (~$14 USD) per person
Transportation: Self-drive / Car rental
Location: Xiangshui 008 Wilderness Camping Base (响水008野外露营基地), Huairou District, Beijing
Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions
When I first arrived at Xiangshui 008 Wilderness Camping Base, I immediately understood why this place has become a favorite among Beijing's camping enthusiasts. Located in Huairou District, about an hour and a half drive from downtown Beijing, the base sits in a picturesque valley that feels worlds away from the bustling city I left behind.
The drive itself was part of the adventure. As my friends and I navigated the winding mountain roads, the urban landscape gradually gave way to lush forests and dramatic rock formations. I couldn't help but roll down the window to breathe in the crisp autumn air—it smelled of pine needles and earth, a welcome change from Beijing's usual metropolitan scents.
🎯 Getting There
Address: 响水008野外露营基地, Huairou District, Beijing (北京市怀柔区) Drive Time: ~1.5 hours from Beijing city center Best Route: Take the Jingcheng Expressway (G45) north Parking: Free on-site parking available
Setting up camp was surprisingly easy. The base provides flat, grassy areas perfect for pitching tents, and I was impressed by how spacious it felt—even with dozens of other campers nearby, there was enough room to feel like we had our own private corner of wilderness. As I hammered in the tent stakes, I watched the afternoon light filter through the trees, creating a golden glow that made everything feel magical.
As evening approached, my friends and I gathered around our camping stove to prepare dinner. There's something deeply satisfying about cooking outdoors—the simple act of boiling water for tea or grilling vegetables takes on new meaning when you're surrounded by nature. The smell of our BBQ dinner mingled with the woodsmoke from neighboring campsites, creating an atmosphere of communal enjoyment that I rarely experience in the city.
After dinner, we sat on our camp chairs, playing cards and chatting as the sky transitioned from blue to orange to deep indigo. When the stars began to appear—first one by one, then by the hundreds—I felt a sense of peace that I hadn't experienced in months. The lack of light pollution here is remarkable; I could actually see the Milky Way stretching across the sky, a sight that's impossible in Beijing's illuminated urban environment.
Falling asleep that first night was effortless. The sounds of nature—the rustling leaves, distant owl calls, and gentle breeze—created a natural lullaby that no sleep app could replicate. As I drifted off in my sleeping bag, I felt grateful for this chance to disconnect from digital life and reconnect with the elemental rhythms of the natural world.
Day 2: Exploring the Natural Wonderland
I woke up at dawn the next morning, drawn from my tent by the sound of birdsong. The early morning light painted the surrounding mountains in shades of pink and gold, and a light mist hovered over the nearby stream. Standing there in my pajamas, cup of instant coffee in hand, I felt completely present in a way that city life rarely allows.
After a hearty breakfast of camp-cooked eggs and toast, my friends and I decided to explore the area. Xiangshui 008 is uniquely positioned in what locals call a "natural embroidered valley" (天然锦秀谷)—a landscape that combines the Great Wall, ancient caves, mountain peaks, springs, pools, and waterfalls in one compact area.
🎯 Xiangshui Lake Scenic Area (响水湖风景区)
Entry Fee: ~32 RMB (~$4.50 USD) Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Highlights: Great Wall sections, waterfalls, hiking trails Walking Distance: 10 minutes from camping base Best Time: Morning for fewer crowds
Our first stop was Xiangshui Lake Scenic Area, located just a short walk from our campsite. As we entered the park, I was struck by how dramatically different this landscape is from Beijing's urban parks. Here, nature feels untamed and ancient. We followed a trail that wound alongside a rushing stream, the sound of water cascading over rocks providing a constant, soothing soundtrack.
The hiking trails here range from easy walks to more challenging climbs. We chose a moderate trail that led us past several small waterfalls and through dense forest. Along the way, I noticed vendors selling interesting handicrafts and local snacks—a nice surprise that added cultural flavor to our nature excursion. I bought a hand-carved wooden ornament from an elderly vendor who told me stories about the area's history dating back hundreds of years.
The highlight of our hike was reaching a viewpoint where we could see sections of the Great Wall snaking across the mountain ridges. There's something humbling about standing in the same spot where ancient builders once worked, watching the same sun rise over the same mountains they guarded. The Great Wall here is less restored than the tourist-heavy sections near Beijing, which made it feel more authentic and wild.
By midday, we found a perfect picnic spot on a grassy meadow with views of the mountains on all sides. Spreading out our blanket and unpacking sandwiches and fresh fruit, I felt like I was living in a travel magazine spread. The combination of physical activity, fresh mountain air, and natural beauty created an appetite that made even simple food taste gourmet.
In the afternoon, we explored some of the smaller trails that led to hidden spots most tourists miss. One trail took us to a secluded pool where the water was so clear I could see fish swimming below the surface. Another led to a small cave entrance that, according to local legend, was once used by bandits hiding from authorities. Whether the legend is true or not, exploring the cool, dark cave added an element of adventure to our day.
As the afternoon light began to soften, we made our way back to camp, tired but exhilarated. My muscles ached pleasantly from the hiking, and my mind felt clearer than it had in weeks. This, I realized, is why camping has become so popular—it offers not just a change of scenery, but a complete shift in mindset.
Evening Magic: Stargazing and Outdoor Cinema
Back at camp, we started preparing for what turned out to be the highlight of the trip. As the sun set behind the mountains, painting the sky in brilliant shades of orange and purple, my friend set up a portable projector and screen. Yes—outdoor cinema under the stars!
While we waited for full darkness, we built a proper campfire and cooked an elaborate dinner of grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, and even a bottle of red wine we had brought in a cooler. Eating a gourmet meal in the wilderness, with the Great Wall silhouetted against the twilight sky, felt like the height of luxury. At that moment, I couldn't imagine wanting to be anywhere else.
💡 Pro Tips for Evening Camping
Temperature: Nights can get cold (bring warm sleeping bags!) Lighting: Bring headlamps or camping lanterns Entertainment: Portable projectors work great—no power needed! Fire Safety: Use designated fire pits only Stargazing: Download a stargazing app to identify constellations
As we ate, a light rain passed through—just enough to create a magnificent rainbow that arched across the valley. We all stopped eating to watch this natural light show, and I managed to capture some photos, though no camera could truly do justice to the scene. Moments like these are why I travel—to witness nature's spontaneous beauty.
Once full darkness fell, the temperature dropped significantly, and we bundled up in jackets and blankets. But the cold was worth it for the stargazing. With virtually no light pollution, the sky was a breathtaking canvas of stars, planets, and the Milky Way. Using a stargazing app, we identified constellations I had only read about—Orion, Ursa Major, Cassiopeia—and spotted several shooting stars.
Then came the outdoor cinema experience. There's something incredibly special about watching a movie while surrounded by nature, with the sound of crickets providing the soundtrack between dialogue. We watched a classic adventure film, and lying on our blankets, heads tilted back to see both the screen and the stars above, I felt completely content.
That night, I fell asleep with a smile on my face, the day's adventures replaying in my mind like a highlight reel. The combination of physical activity, natural beauty, good food, and great company had created a perfect day—one of those rare travel days when everything aligns perfectly.
Day 3: Morning Reflections and Departure
On our final morning, I woke up before dawn specifically to watch the sunrise. Wrapping myself in a warm blanket, I made my way to a small hill near our campsite that offered unobstructed eastern views. As I waited in the pre-dawn chill, the sky gradually lightened from black to deep blue to soft pink.
When the sun finally crested the mountain ridge, sending golden rays streaming across the valley, I felt tears prick my eyes. It wasn't sadness—it was overwhelming gratitude. Gratitude for this beautiful planet, for the opportunity to experience it, for friends who share my love of adventure, and for the simple privilege of being alive to witness such beauty.
After the sunrise, my friends and I shared a final breakfast together—simple fare of instant noodles and coffee, but somehow tasting better than any restaurant meal. We talked about our favorite moments from the trip: the rainbow, the stargazing, the waterfall hike, the feeling of complete peace.
Packing up camp was bittersweet. As we folded tents and packed sleeping bags, there was a shared sense that we didn't want this experience to end. We made promises to return—to see the base in different seasons, to explore more of the surrounding trails, to recreate this perfect weekend.
The drive back to Beijing felt different from our arrival. We were quieter, each lost in our own thoughts, processing the experience. I found myself already planning the next trip, scrolling through photos on my phone, trying to hold onto the feeling of peace I had found in the mountains.
Culinary Discoveries: Campfire Cooking
One of the unexpected joys of this trip was discovering how delicious camp cooking can be. While we brought some prepared foods, we also embraced the challenge of cooking over an open fire. There's a primal satisfaction in preparing a meal over flames you've built yourself.
Our menu was simple but satisfying: grilled chicken marinated in local spices, roasted corn on the cob, skewered vegetables, and for dessert, marshmallows toasted over the campfire until golden and gooey. Paired with that bottle of red wine, it was a feast fit for royalty—especially when enjoyed with such stunning natural scenery.
🍳 Camp Cooking Tips
Equipment: Portable camping stove + cast iron skillet Local Ingredients: Buy fresh produce from Huairou markets Water: Bring drinking water or purification tablets Cooler: Essential for keeping perishables fresh Cleanup: Pack out all trash—leave no trace!
Beyond the food itself, I loved the ritual of meal preparation at camp. There's no rushing, no checking phones—just the methodical process of preparing ingredients, tending the fire, and waiting for everything to cook. It's mindful eating in its purest form.
Final Thoughts: Why Camping Matters
This trip to Xiangshui 008 Wilderness Base reminded me why camping has seen such a resurgence in popularity, especially in post-pandemic travel. In a world of constant connectivity and urban stress, camping offers something increasingly rare: genuine disconnection and reconnection—with nature, with friends, and with ourselves.
There's a profound difference between visiting a place and inhabiting it. When you camp, you're not just passing through; you're living in the landscape, subject to its rhythms—the sunrise that pulls you from sleep, the temperature drop that reminds you of nature's power, the darkness that reveals the cosmos. You're vulnerable in a way that hotel stays never require, and that vulnerability creates a deeper connection to place.
Xiangshui 008 is particularly special because it combines accessibility with wilderness. It's close enough to Beijing for a weekend escape, yet remote enough to feel like a true adventure. The combination of camping facilities, natural beauty, hiking trails, and proximity to the Great Wall makes it a perfect introduction to camping for beginners while still offering enough to satisfy experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
If you're feeling burned out by city life, if you're craving stars instead of streetlights, if you want to wake up to bird song instead of alarm clocks—then I can't recommend this place enough. Pack a tent, gather some friends, and head to Huairou. The mountains are waiting, and I promise they're worth the journey.
📋 Quick Reference Guide
Location: Xiangshui 008 Wilderness Camping Base (响水008野外露营基地), Huairou District, Beijing Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Beijing center Best Season: Autumn (September-November) for clear skies and comfortable temperatures Capacity: Can accommodate 100+ tents (300-500 people) Facilities: Toilets available, but no showers—this is wild camping! Nearby: Xiangshui Lake Scenic Area (entry ~32 RMB), Great Wall sections, hiking trails What to Bring: Tent, sleeping bags, warm clothes, cooking equipment, drinking water, flashlight/headlamp Budget: ~100 RMB per person (excluding equipment and food) Reservations: Recommended for weekends and holidays