Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center in Beijing will be under the spotlight once again as film stars and directors gather for the 10th Beijing International Film Festival which opens on Saturday. Before the curtain rises, join CGTN for a sneak peek at the venue:

Be it the fresh air, crystal-clear waters or tranquil environment, Yanqi Lake at the foot of the Yanshan Mountains in Huairou District in northern Beijing is guaranteed to provide a spirit-renewing experience.  

The lake is like an emerald inlaid in the verdant valley surrounded by rolling mountains from three sides. In spring and autumn every year, flocks of migrant birds inhabit the area, hence the name. When you stroll around Yanqi, you will soon be immersed in an oasis of calm.

In the middle of the sprawling Yanqi Island lies the Yanqi Lake International Convention and Exhibition Center that mixes architectural influences from China's Han and Tang dynasties. 

Inspired by the design from Beijing's Ditan Temple and the Imperial Palace, the convention center features a blue roof resembling the wings of a swan as well as symbolizing China's exchanges with the international community. 

The Yanqi Lake complex has become a venue for the film festival and other high-profile international events, including the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the 2017 Belt and Road forum.  

If you want to learn more about this year's Beijing International Film Festival, you can follow all the events with CGTN's on-the-spot updates and insights from our team on the ground. 

Must-see tourist attractions 

Before you leave the Yanqi Lake Scenic Area, don't miss the opportunity to take photos of the striking 97-meter high oval-shaped Kempinski Sunrise Hotel. With the shape of the rising sun, the whole building represents features of China's culture and symbolizes harmony, unity and infinity. 

If you are a fan of mountain climbing, the sightseeing area to the southwest of the waterfront scenic spot in the Yanqi Lake Scenic Area is a must-see. It's worth mentioning that in autumn, the color of dense vegetation turns flaming red, making it a good location for shutterbugs. Additionally, visitors can also appreciate the magnificent view of the Hefangkou Great Wall, which appears indistinctly in the surrounding mountains. 

If you have plenty of your time to stay in the Yanqi Lake Scenic Area, pay a visit to the entertainment areas. Dragon boats rock in the dewy breeze, waiting for visitors to take a ride.  

There are many shops alongside the lake, where you can buy souvenirs before you leave.  

Travel information 

Transportation:

1. Visitors can take Buses 866/ 916/ 916 Express from Dongzhimen station, and transfer to Bus H58 at Miaocheng Dong, and then get off at Yanqihu (Yanqi Lake) Station.  

2. From Wangjing West Station of Subway Line 13/Line 15, visitors can take Bus 970/987, and transfer to Bus H58 at Miaocheng Dong, and then get off at Yanqihu (Yanqi Lake) Station.  

Best time to travel: Spring and autumn

Read more: 

2020 Beijing Intl Film Festival unveils first batch of film screenings