The town of MIYUN lies some 65km northeast of Beijing, at the foot of the long range of hills along which the Great Wall threads its way. Buses run here from Dongzhimen bus station in the city. The area's claim to fame is the reservoir built in the flat, wide valleys behind the town. Supplying more than half the capital's water, it's a huge lake, scattered with islets and bays, backed by mountains and the deep blue of the Beijing sky. The reservoir has become a favourite destination for Beijing families, who flock out here at weekends to go swimming, fishing, boating and walking. Joining them is half the fun; however, if you're here for a little solitude, it's easy enough to wander off on your own. Behind the reservoir, in the hills, you'll find rock pools big enough to swim in, streams, trees, flowers and a rushing river - and on the hill tops there are outposts of the Great Wall, still in ruins. To make a weekend of it, and perhaps combine your trip with a visit to Simatai, 50km to the northeast, you can stay the night at the three-star Miyun Yunhu Holiday Resort (tel 69044587; ¥300-500), on the shores of the reservoir.