Places where pets can go wild

Many Chinese families like to take pets with them when they go out. [Photo/Kurapatka-Fotolia]

Beijing is not exactly a city crawling with spas for pets. But there are places you can take your furry friends on fun outings.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Mutianyu is 70 kilometers from downtown, and less crowded and commercialized than Badaling and Juyongguan.

It was built in the sixth century and refortified in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

More than 22 watchtowers dot the 2.25-km bulwark, surrounded by forests and water. There are many local and Western restaurants.

US first lady Michelle Obama and her daughters, Sasha and Malia, visited the site last year.

7:20 am-6 pm, daily. Mutianyu village, Huairou district. 010-6162-6873.

Xiangshuihu Great Wall

This stretch of Ming Great Wall 80 km from downtown covers 18 square kilometers.

It features mountains, streams and stone inscriptions. It is next to a huge spring that can be heard kilometers away. There is also an ancient city built by a local tribe. It is said the wall is paved in such a way the stones make music as you walk.

8 am-5 pm, daily. Dazhenyu Village, Bohai county, Huairou district. 010-8960-2539.