Fangshan taps romantic tourism to boost suburban consumption

Beijing's Fangshan district is seeking to turn its mountain landscapes, traditional festivals and local agricultural products into new drivers of tourism and rural consumption, as it rolls out a series of activities aimed at attracting visitors to the city's western outskirts.

The 2026 Fangshan Cultural and Tourism Integration Consumption Season opened on Aug 19 in Puwa village, featuring locally produced honey and a new travel guide covering romantic destinations, food and accommodation.

Organized by Fangshan's culture and tourism, agriculture and rural affairs, and landscaping authorities, the event highlighted more than 30 tourism activities and special offers across the district.

The new travel guide groups recommendations into three categories: scenic attractions, food and leisure, and accommodation.

More than 10 destinations, including Yunju Temple, Shidu scenic area and Pofengling, offer a mix of cultural sites, mountain trails, valleys and caves. Visitors can choose from village cafes, Chinese-style tea snacks and local specialties, while more than 10 hotels and homestays offer options ranging from stone houses in the mountains and private hot-spring stays to garden-style hotels.

Puwa, one of the district's key destinations, is seeking to build a niche mountain getaway centered on its high-altitude natural environment. The village has developed hiking trails and viewing stations while promoting local products such as honey and mushrooms. Seasonal activities, including stargazing experiences around traditional festivals, are also being used to create new tourism scenarios.