'Apec-blue' waters

Yanqi Amusement Park is a good place for a stroll and to watch the Yanqi Tower in winter.[Photo by Yangmo Ziyan/China Daily]

Yanqi Lake has become a hot tourist spot since the area hosted heads of state during last year's economic leaders' conclave. Yangmo Ziyan takes an eight-hour tour.

Tourists are pouring into Yanqi Lake since the heads of state have left.

The site has long been a weekend destination in Beijing's suburban Huairou district. But it has been given new appeal since the area hosted the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders' Meeting in November.

More than 100 new shops and restaurants, among other facilities, have been constructed in recent years.

And since the first day of 2015, the entire area－including the islet that served as the main APEC venue－has opened to the public, drawing more visitors than ever.

China Daily takes the trip to discover what an eight-hour visit offers.

7 am－Hitting the road

It takes at least two hours by bus. It's advisable to leave before the morning traffic jam.