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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Miyun Reservoir #
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.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -3°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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.
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August
August is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 19°C. Significant rainfall (132 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall.
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November
November is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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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.