The Longqing Gorge in Beijing's Yanqing district hosts an annual ice lantern and snow festival. [PHOTO BY LI WENMING/FOR CHINA DAILY]

BEIJING

Changping Station

For rail passengers boarding the Beijing-Zhangjiakou service, historical sites await less than 30 minutes away from downtown Beijing. Travellers can explore an ancient impregnable pass and frontier garrison, as well as mausoleums from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Experience the natural military defense system at the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall and take in the overlapping mountain ranges, deep gorges, lush vegetation and flowing streams in the distance. Then, a 20-minute drive away sits the Ming Tombs, featuring red walls, yellow tiles and upturned eaves. Visitors can get a taste of the solemnity and harmony of traditional Chinese tomb culture, as well as enjoying the serene mountain-river setting.