Embracing the New Year at Beijing Landmarks
Tourists greet the first rays of sunlight of the New Year at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall in Beijing, capital of China, on January 1, 2026. Photo: VCG
From countdown parties beneath the Great Wall to time-honored ritual climbs, the New Year was welcomed in many ways across Beijing during the holiday. As winter tourism gains momentum, suburban destinations are reimagining how tradition and modern creativity can meet, offering visitors a choice between lively celebrations, cultural immersion, and moments of quiet communion with nature at the start of the year.
One of the most popular destinations this holiday season has been Gubei Water Town in the capital's Miyun district, where a New Year-themed concert set the tone for the celebrations. As melodies echoed through the water town, a series of signature events unfolded, including the illumination ceremony of the Simatai section of the Great Wall, a drone performance featuring nearly 1,000 aircraft, and a lantern-blessing ritual.
Elsewhere in rural Beijing, destinations catered to different tastes in welcoming the New Year.
As the country's first New Year's celebration to experiment with a "classical IP + modern electronic music" format at a Great Wall venue, the Badaling event brought together iconic literary figures, contemporary performance forms and the historic site itself. By exploring new ways to integrate cultural heritage with modern cultural and tourism experiences, it offered visitors a New Year celebration that combined rich cultural depth with interactive enjoyment, Shen Bingtang, a publicity staff member with the Badaling Culture and Tourism Group, told the Global Times.
A rotating cast of classic characters from Journey to the West, including Monk Xuanzang, the Monkey King and Chang'e, were brought to life on stage. Through a mix of guochao, electronic music, interactive experiences and pop-up performances, the event created an immersive cultural atmosphere beneath the ancient heritage.
Meanwhile, for those seeking a quieter start to the year, Tianmen Mountain in Mentougou district offered a more contemplative alternative. Rooted in the traditional belief that climbing to a high point at the beginning of the year symbolizes progress and good fortune, the low-difficulty hike attracts outdoor enthusiasts looking to pause, look out over the winter landscape, and mark the turning of the year in a calmer way.
A romantic way
During the New Year holiday, the Gubei Water Town was filled with a festive winter bustle as visitors strolled along its stone-paved lanes and canal-side walkways. Lines of colorful lanterns swayed gently above the buildings, while the sounds of music and laughter drifted through the town.
Since the free-admission policy was introduced in December, visitor numbers have doubled at the scenic spot, with daily footfall reaching more than 20,000, a staff member surnamed Zhang at the water town told the Global Times.
The free reservation entry policy will remain in effect until January 31, according to a notice issued by the water town on Monday. A series of New Year celebrations and an ice-and-snow festival are also underway to enrich visitors' experiences.
Tourists paused to sample hot snacks, watch performances or step into workshops offering hands-on intangible cultural heritage experiences, ranging from kite-making to traditional crafts.
"Coming here in winter feels like strolling through a temple fair during the Spring Festival," said Guo Yi, a Beijing resident visiting with his family during the holiday.
"There are many spots designed for taking photos and we enjoyed interactive experiences at some stalls. We watched an acrobatic show and Sichuan Opera face-changing. Visitors can also ride ice sleds on the frozen river, a simple pleasure that brought back my childhood memories of winter," Guo told the Global Times.
For another visitor, Li Mengxi, watching the drone show, wandering through the lantern fairs and soaking in the hot spring was a romantic way to kickstart the New Year.
Ascending high
In addition to the New Year party, the Badaling section of the Great Wall offered visitors a hiking activity to ring in the New Year.
Thanks to an exoskeleton climbing device rental service, tourists were able to enjoy a nearly effortless climbing experience, according to Shen.
For some elderly visitors, climbing the steep steps of the Great Wall is a physical challenge. Buckled around the waist and strapped on the legs, the exoskeleton device can intelligently detect inclines and declines, automatically adjusting its assistance mode to ensure optimal support on varying slopes. The device significantly reduces physical strain for its users, especially the elderly, making the experience of climbing much easier and more enjoyable, Shen said.
For those seeking to ascend for good fortunes outings at the beginning of the New Year, Tianmen Mountain and Pearl Lake in western Beijing's Mentougou district were recommended by a regular hiker named Yu Xinsong.
Located close to the urban area, the Tianmen Mountain offers an easy climb, and at the summit visitors are greeted by a picture-frame-like viewing spot, perfect for taking photos and gazing into the distance, Yu told the Global Times.
The "picture frame" is a naturally formed, irregular opening in the cliff at the mountain's summit, created by erosion over time.
Shaped like a gateway open to the sky, it is known locally as the "Tianmen cave" or the "Eye of Beijing," framing distant views like a living window in the rock.
At the foot of Tianmen Mountain are two natural caves extending dozens of meters inward, making them suitable for cave exploration and offering views of stalactites inside, said Yu.
Whether marveling at dazzling light shows, joining interactive performances, strolling through lantern-lit streets or simply taking in the serene winter landscapes from a mountaintop, rural Beijing offered something for every way of celebrating the New Year. These suburban escapes gave visitors an invitation to step into the New Year with both joy and reflection.