Escape the city and discover the "real" China. From rugged Great Wall peaks to minimalist coastal retreats, here are the best spots within a 3-hour drive of central Beijing. 1. History & World Heritage Jinshanling Great Wall & Gubei Water Town Drive Time: 2.5 hours Why Visit: The most authentic, uncrowded Great Wall hiking paired with a luxury lakeside "Venice-style" resort. Best Visit Time: September – early November. Juyongguan Wall, Ming Tombs & Silver Mountain Pagoda Fore