Miyun Reservoir

Reservoir Major reservoir supplying Beijing's water and recreation

Miyun Reservoir northeast of Beijing is the capital’s largest water reservoir; day trippers visit for shoreline walks, fishing and nearby hiking routes in summer.

Main image

Miyun Reservoir is a large artificial lake in Miyun District of Beijing Municipality that functions as a principal water source for the city. It is the largest reservoir within the municipal water-supply system and is surrounded by hilly terrain.

The reservoir and its immediate surroundings are managed to protect drinking-water quality, and recreational activities are restricted in many areas for that reason. The shoreline and nearby hills offer scenic vistas and limited regulated recreation where allowed.

The reservoir was constructed in the 20th century to secure water resources for Beijing and has since been a key element in urban water planning and supply protection. Management emphasizes watershed protection and infrastructure maintenance.

Miyun Reservoir sits in Miyun District in the northeast sector of Beijing Municipality, in a landscape of reservoirs and rolling hills that lie outside the dense urban core.

  • Primary water source: Serves as the largest reservoir supplying Beijing and is an important component of the municipality's water supply network.
Miyun Reservoir
Miyun Reservoir (Miyun County), Beijing Municipality, China
40.5099, 116.8964

How to Get to Miyun Reservoir #

Miyun Reservoir is roughly 70-80 km northeast of central Beijing. It is typically reached by car via the Jingcheng Expressway (G45) and local roads into Miyun County; organized day tours from central Beijing are also common.

Tips for Visiting Miyun Reservoir #

  • If visiting the scenic areas, reserve time for the reservoir's northern viewpoints-they offer better panoramas of the surrounding hills.
  • Boat access is controlled; check local regulations and any seasonal restrictions before planning water activities.
  • Bring insect repellent in summer-margins and reed beds can be mosquito-heavy.

Best Time to Visit Miyun Reservoir #

Spring and autumn are the most pleasant months to visit the reservoir and its scenic areas; summer can be hot and humid, winter cold with frozen shores.

Spring (Mar-May)
Mar-May · 8-22°C (46-72°F)
Clearer skies and pleasant temperatures for lakeside walks and photography.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Sep-Nov · 10-20°C (50-68°F)
Cooling temperatures and good air quality-popular for short excursions from Beijing.

Weather & Climate near Miyun Reservoir #

Climate

Miyun Reservoir's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) - Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 30°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
MaySeptemberApril
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
40°
Warmest Month
-24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-13° -1°
56%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.5h daylight

February

February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.

61 Good

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-9°
52%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.4
UV Index
Low
10.5h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Almost no rain.

71 Very Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
46%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

6 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

80 Excellent

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
19°
43%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
13.1h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 25°
43%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

30 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
14.3h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 29°
56%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
14.8h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (170 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
20° 30°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

170 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
14.6h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

24°
Feels Like Mild
24°C
Temperature
19° 28°
69%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

132 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
13.6h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

83 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 25°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

46 mm
Rainfall
1.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.1
UV Index
High
12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.

79 Very Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
18°
59%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

16 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
11.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
57%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

4 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.3
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

December

December is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -9°C. The driest month with just 2 mm and mostly sunny skies.

63 Good

Comfort

-3°
Feels Like Freezing
-3°C
Temperature
-9°
57%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

2 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
0.2
UV Index
Low
9.2h daylight

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