Scenic Cafes and Dining Spots in Beijing Miyun District

Beijing urbanites seeking a weekend escape from the city’s concrete jungle have increasingly turned their sights to Miyun District. Famed for its sprawling reservoir and lush mountain backdrops, Miyun has cultivated a vibrant lifestyle scene. From scenic "village cafes" (known locally as Cun Ka / 村咖) to traditional wood-fired iron-pot fish, this guide maps out top-rated cafes, unique bakeries, and essential dining spots in Miyun for your next suburban escape.

1. Lakeside & Reservoir View Cafes

For those who want to sip coffee with sweeping water views resembling a coastal escape, Miyun's reservoir-adjacent cafes offer the perfect "Little Erhai" vibe.

• Ku Cafe (库咘啡): Perched on a 180-degree observation deck near Miyun Reservoir, this spot is highly sought after for its panoramic views. Located inside the Sunshine Valley Camp Resort (Mujiayu Town, Gelaoyu Village) and also featuring a peaceful spot in Heiwocun, it offers two floors of indoor and outdoor terrace seating. It is ideal for sunset-watching, sunbathing, and taking in the mountain scenery.
  • Practical Tip: Drive up the broad, one-way mountain road to the mountain top parking lot, then walk 200 meters up the wooden plank road to the cafe.
  • Caveat: Roadside parking spaces are very limited (only 6-8 spots). The outdoor terrace can become exceptionally cold due to strong reservoir winds. Note that the observation deck has recently introduced entrance and shuttle fees.
• Ono Coffee (小野咘啡): Hidden inside Vanke Vernon Town, this cafe boasts massive glass windows overlooking a serene, blooming lotus pond. It offers indoor seating and outdoor shaded tables with comfortable camping chairs. Try their signature refreshing plum Americano.
  • Practical Tip: Free, abundant parking is guided by dedicated staff. Combine your visit with exploring Vernon Town's market, flower rooms, and animal farm.
• Miyun Shuian Homestay & Cafe (密云水岸民宿): Situated directly on the water’s edge in Shicheng Town (Shuibaozi Village), this location features an expansive lawn ideal for camping, photography, and relaxing under the breeze.

2. Hidden Mountain & "Village Cafes" (村咖)

Miyun's rural villages have birthed creative, design-forward cafes nested in nature, offering urbanites a tranquil retreat.

• He·村儿咖 (He·Cun'er Cafe): Regarded as Miyun’s pioneer village cafe (located at No. 10 Zhengjie, Beibaiyan Village), this massive 300-square-meter venue features meticulously designed rooms incorporating themes from camping to tropical rainforests. It famously pioneered the pairing of traditional Chinese pancakes (jianbing) with espresso drinks.
  • Caveat: Highly crowded on weekends. Weekdays are highly recommended for a quieter experience.
• Siikoo (西口研食社): A tiny, warm American-country style dessert shop in Jinpoluo Village. The owner uses local, village-grown crops like millet, sweet potato, and chestnut to bake unique low-sugar treats, such as the Sweet Potato Chestnut Basque and chocolate Napoleon pastries.
  • Caveat: The shop is extremely small (only 4 two-person tables). Be prepared for long weekend waits or popular items selling out early.
• Chanson Cafe (浅山咘啡): Located in Diaoyutai Village, this stunning lakeside, wabi-sabi themed cafe feels like a miniature zoo, featuring resident black swans, alpacas, and ostriches.
  • Practical Tip: A 39 RMB entry ticket is required but can be fully redeemed for drinks. The matcha cake (42 RMB) is highly recommended. Don't forget bug spray, as the natural setting attracts mosquitoes.
• 岟coffee (Lan Coffee): Nestled inside the Yixu Lanshanju Hotel in Bulaotun Town. This French pastoral-style cafe sits beside a tributary of the reservoir, featuring dry hay bales, white drapes, and an outdoor pool. They serve wood-fired kiln pizzas and visual desserts.

3. Creative Dining & Adventurous Coffee Spots

• Fazhu Cafe (法猪咘啡): Located near the reservoir dam (No. 65 Shishanyu Erjiayu), this high-design, pet-friendly venue features custom wood detailing, a cozy fireplace room, and a rooftop balcony. Founded by a former medical professional with strict hygiene standards, it offers great brunch options, like a hearty mini-burger combo (98 RMB) and unique drinks like "Huichundan" (a matcha-infused espresso).
  • Caveat: Heavy coffee drinkers might find the creative signature coffees a bit weak in coffee concentration.
• Miyun Mountain Kitchen (密云山野厨房): A heartwarming Western restaurant located halfway up a mountain, run by a welcoming deaf-mute couple. It is highly rated for its incredible roasted chicken and intimate mountain views.
• Cave Coffee (洞穴咘啡): Tucked inside Duobu Camp, this adventurous cafe is built directly into a natural mountain cave, surrounded by lush canyon greenery.
  • Caveat: Requires a 10-15 minute forest and stream trek from the camp entrance.

4. Essential Miyun Dining: Authentic Reservoir Fish

No trip to Miyun is complete without experiencing its legendary reservoir fish, traditionally cooked in large iron pots over a wood fire.

5. Essential Tips for Your Miyun Getaway

• Self-Driving Route: Take the highly scenic S313 road, which runs along the southern side of the reservoir, offering sweeping mountain and water views perfect for a road trip.
• Duobu Camp Water Sports: If you plan to try paddleboarding or kayaking at Duobu Camp, note that open flames are strictly banned (bring a cassette stove instead). Avoid wearing loose accessories or glasses, which are easily lost in the water.
• Avoid the Rush: Most popular spots like He·村儿咖 and Siikoo experience heavy weekend crowds. Plan to arrive early, prepare for wait times, or seek weekday alternatives.

Locations

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