Miyun ReservoirAbout Miyun Reservoir
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.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | -13° - -1° | -10° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 2.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
| February | Good | -9° - 3° | -7° | 3 mm | some cloud | 52% | 2.4 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.5h |
| March | Very Good | -3° - 9° | 1° | 6 mm | some cloud | 46% | 2.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Excellent | 6° - 19° | 12° | 13 mm | partly cloudy | 43% | 3.0 m/s | 1.2 high | 13.1h |
| May | Excellent | 12° - 25° | 18° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 43% | 2.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.3h |
| June | Very Good | 17° - 29° | 23° | 66 mm | partly cloudy | 56% | 2.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.8h |
| July | Good | 20° - 30° | 25° | 170 mm | overcast | 67% | 1.9 m/s | 1.5 high | 14.6h |
| August | Very Good | 19° - 28° | 24° | 132 mm | partly cloudy | 69% | 1.6 m/s | 1.5 high | 13.6h |
| September | Excellent | 13° - 25° | 19° | 46 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 1.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 6° - 18° | 12° | 16 mm | some cloud | 59% | 1.9 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.0h |
| November | Very Good | -2° - 9° | 2° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 1.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| December | Good | -9° - 2° | -6° | 2 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 1.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
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.