Ancient towns and forts, local culture, and the 300-year old local tradition that sees molten iron being flung against the city walls in lieu of a fireworks display!
Bookings and more info for Yu County’s Ancient Walled Towns and Fireworks of Molten Iron

Spend the day out in Cuandixia, a Ming Dynasty-era village in the mountains west of Beijing – first a walk in the hills near the village, then a good look about the old courtyards, temples, and narrow lanes of the village itself. Lunch included.
Bookings and more info for Cuandixia ‘Ming Village’ day trip

Hike a relatively mellow track through the mountains northwest of Beijing, reaching the quirky and intriguing Baipu Temple for a mid-afternoon look about.
Bookings and more info for Through the Hills to Baipu Temple