Baiwang Mountain – Beijing Kids https://www.beijing-kids.com Thu, 18 Oct 2018 01:42:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 Mountain Parks in Beijing for Gorgeous Fall Foliage https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/10/16/beijing-gateways-gorgeous-fall-foliage/ https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/10/16/beijing-gateways-gorgeous-fall-foliage/#respond Tue, 16 Oct 2018 07:00:39 +0000 http://www.beijing-kids.com/?p=125637 The period from mid-October to mid-November is widely acknowledged to be the most pleasant season in Beijing, with a temperate climate that’s ideal for heading into the nature for a stroll among the trees, and feasting your eyes on the spectacular autumn hues. Forget about the tourist-jammed Fragrant Hills, and check out our selection of [...]]]>

The period from mid-October to mid-November is widely acknowledged to be the most pleasant season in Beijing, with a temperate climate that’s ideal for heading into the nature for a stroll among the trees, and feasting your eyes on the spectacular autumn hues.

Forget about the tourist-jammed Fragrant Hills, and check out our selection of several lesser-known forest parks located in the suburbs of Beijing, for some outdoor family fun.

Baiwang Mountain

Baiwang Mountain Forest Park
Located 3 kilometers from the Summer Palace, Baiwang Mountain is probably the best alternative to Fragrant Hills for its convenient location. Being heavily forested, the park is described as a “natural oxygen bar”, and is lush with an abundance of deciduous trees, which turns it into a sea of red leaves in autumn. Also, with a mellow elevation of 220m, trekking to Baiwang Mountain posts less challenge for a family trip with little ones.

6am-7pm daily, RMB 6 for entrance. No.19 Heishanhu Beikou, Haidian district 百望山森林公园 (海淀区黑山扈北口19号)

Miaofeng Mountain

Miaofeng Mountain
Located 55 km from the downtown area, Miaofeng Mountain is home to an ancient temple complex consisting of 14 temples, and is especially well-known for the annual temple fair lasting for 15 days, a tradition which has been passed down since the Chongzhen Period of the Qing Dynasty (1627-1644). Over 95 percent of the mountain is forested, with a rose garden covering more than 60 hectares.

8am-5pm daily. RMB 40 for entrance. No.002 County Railway, Mentougou district 妙峰山 门头沟区002县道

Shengquan Mountain Forest Park

Shengquan Mountain
Home to the thousand-year-old Hongluo Temple, Shengquan Mountain is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists. Lying east of Mutianyu Great Wall, next to Yanshan Mountain and Shahe River, the 15-square-kilometer Shengquan Mountain attracts visitors not only for its Buddhist cultural heritage, but also for the magnificent natural scenery. Restaurants at the foot of the mountain serving fall-themed local delicacies are a highlight of any visit there.

8am-5.30pm. RMB 35. 50 meter North to Huaihuang Railway, Huairou district 圣泉山 山野公园 (怀柔区怀黄公路北50米)

Photos: Mafengwo; China.com.cn 

]]> https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2018/10/16/beijing-gateways-gorgeous-fall-foliage/feed/ 0 Top 10 Places in Beijing to Watch the Leaves Change (Part 2) https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2013/11/23/top-10-places-in-beijing-to-watch-the-leaves-change-part-2/ https://www.beijing-kids.com/blog/2013/11/23/top-10-places-in-beijing-to-watch-the-leaves-change-part-2/#respond  

After enjoying a week of blue-sky days, we felt inspired to direct you towards some of Beijing’s best spots to view red leaves. The list below picks up where the first one left off.
 
Go on a weekday if you can, as these places can get extremely busy on the weekends. Shunyi-dwellers with a car needn’t worry; you can get to your destination even on no-drive days since all of these scenic spots can be accessed via Fifth and Sixth Ring Roads. Click on each link for complete addresses.

  

1. Beigong National Forest Park北宫森林公园
Said to be second only to Xiangshan as a place to view red leaves. This 9km2 park has many scenic spots, with mountain peaks, ridges, a fruit orchard, and a 240-meter high viewing platform from which visitors can admire panoramic views of the park and nearby villages. Take a break at the “100 Species of Birds Forest” and enjoy the clean air before heading back to town.
 
•   Distance: 31km from the city center, 58km from Shunyi via North Fifth Ring Road
•   Opening hours: 6.30am-8pm (Apr 1-Nov 30), 7am-5pm (Dec 1-Mar 31)
•   Admission prices: RMB 10 

 

Named after the mountain’s resemblance to a snake (mang means boa constrictor), this national park is the largest forest area around Beijing, at 82km2. It is located near the Ming Tombs Reservoir in Changping District and is a popular hiking venue, with tourists often climbing the 3,666 steps to the highest peak. The park also boasts the largest stone-carved Buddha in North China. 
 
•   Distance: 55km from the city center, 47km from Shunyi via North Sixth Ring Road
•   Opening hours: Daily, 8am-5pm
•   Admission prices: RMB 20
 
At over 2,000 meters above sea level, this is the highest peak in Beijing. It is famous for alpine meadows, as well as plants and animals that do not thrive at lower altitudes. Rhododendrons, lilac, and birch all grow here, and it is a haven for Xinjiang fine-wool sheep and yaks. The temperature in Lingshan is roughly 10-12 degrees Celsius colder than downtown Beijing. This is a more involved visit that normally requires a cable car and horse ride (one hour to ascend). It can be done on foot, but it will take four hours to climb and come back down. Read about one writer’s trip to Lingshan here.
 
•   Distance: 200km from the city center, 194km from Shunyi via North Fifth Ring Road
•   Opening hours: Daily
•   Admission prices: RMB 45/person in peak season (Jun, Jul, Aug), no fee in low season
 
From our friends over at the Beijinger: “Located two hours east of Beijing, the lush hills embracing Jinhai Lake are dotted with pavilions, rock formations, caves, historical spots, and what is purported to be Asia’s largest peach orchard. If you tire of hiking and chomping on peaches, you can fish, rent a boat, go swimming, or visit the water park for water skiing and parasailing. Jinhai is very popular with native Beijingers.”
 
•   Distance: 94km from the city center, 81km from Shunyi via JingPing Expressway
•   Opening hours: Daily 7am-6.30pm
•   Admission prices: RMB 28
 
5. Mutianyu Great Wall慕田峪长城
Mutianyu is a popular alternative to the Badaling Great Wall for those who want a less-touristy feel. This doesn’t mean you can escape vendors and hawkers because they are still here, but the Wall itself has a much more authentic feel to it despite being restored. Take the cable car up and walk a 3km section of the wall to get to a toboggan station before whizzing back down to the foot of the mountain. A combination of history, a work-out, and some amusement-park style fun.
 
•   Distance: 75km from the city center, 52km from Shunyi via JingCheng Expressway
•   Opening hours: Daily 7.30am-5.30pm (Nov-Mar), 7am-6pm (Apr-Oct)
•   Admission prices: RMB 45/adult, RMB 25/child 12 and under
•   Cable car ticket: RMB 60 (one way) or RMB 80 (return)/adult; RMB 30 (one way) or RMB 40 (return)/child 12 and under; cable car up + toboggan down RMB 60/adult, RMB 50/child
 
Photo by ames sf (Flickr)
 
Dana is the beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Beijing in 2011 (via Europe) with her husband, two sons and Rusty the dog. She enjoys writing, photography, theater, visual arts, and trying new food. In her free time, she can be found exploring the city and driving along the mountain roads of Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu.

 

 

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We’ve been lucky to have some really beautiful blue sky days recently. If this keeps up, it’ll be a great opportunity to head out to one of Beijing’s best spots to view red leaves. Go on a weekday if you can, as these places can get extremely busy on the weekends. Shunyi dwellers with a car needn’t worry; since all of these scenic spots can be accessed via Fifth Ring Road and Sixth Ring Road, you can get to your destination even on no-drive days. Click on each link for complete addresses.
  
1. Xiangshan 香山
Arguably Beijing’s most popular spot to see red leaves, Xiangshan (also known as Fragrant Hills) is covered in smoke trees. A cable car makes it convenient to go up and down the mountain. There are also forests and lakes to be explored. Click here for a walking guide around Xiangshan and neighboring Beijing Botanical Garden.
 
  • Distance: 32km from the city center, 38km from Shunyi via North Fifth Ring Road
  • Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6am-6.30pm, Sat-Sun 8am-8pm
  • Admission prices: RMB 10, RMB 5 for students. Cable car costs RMB 50 from Mon-Fri and RMB 60 on Sat-Sun and holidays (one way).
 
2. Badaling Great Wall 八达岭长城
Though always overrun with tourists, Badaling has the distinction of holding a red leaf festival every November. Local newspapers all feature photos taken from around the wall.
 
  • Distance: 72km from the city center, 65km from Shunyi via North Sixth Ring Road and Badaling Expressway
  • Opening hours: Daily 6.40am-6.30pm
  • Admission prices: RMB 40 (Nov 1-Mar 31). Cable car costs RMB 40 one way and RMB 60 roundtrip.
 
3. Baiwang Mountain Forest Park 百望山森林公园
Often referred to as Beijing’s source of oxygen because of its close proximity to the city. The park covers an area of roughly 133 hectares, of which more than 95 percent is vegetation. There is rock climbing available for lovers of the sport. Check the website for details (in Chinese).
 
  • Distance: 26km from the city center, 33km from Shunyi via North Fifth Ring Road
  • Opening hours: Daily 8am-5pm
  • Admission prices: RMB 6
 
4. Miaofeng Mountain 妙峰山
The highest peak in Beijing, Miaofeng Mountain is located at the intersection of Haidian, Changping and Mentougou Districts. The area is renown for its ancient temples, majestic pine trees and interestingly-shaped rocks. A paved road leads to the top of the peak, making Miaofeng accessible by car and bike.
 
  • Distance: 43km from the city center, 67km from Shunyi via North Sixth Ring Road
  • Opening hours: Daily 7am-7pm
  • Admission prices: RMB 20, RMB 10 for students
 
5. Shangfang Mountain National Forest Park 上方山国家森林公园
The largest national forest park in China, Shangfang features twelve peaks and nine caves. One of the park’s highlights is Yunshui Cave, which stretches for over 600m. The cave contains the largest stalagmite in China at more than 37m tall. Temples and nunneries also dot the park.
 
  • Distance: 72km from the city center, 103km from Shunyi via North Fifth Ring Road
  • Opening hours: Daily 8am to 8pm
  • Admission prices: RMB 40

 

 

Photos courtesy of Scott Meis Photography (Flickr)
Dana is the beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent. Originally from the Philippines, she moved to Beijing in 2011 (via Europe) with her husband, two sons and Rusty the dog. She enjoys writing, photography, theater, visual arts, and trying new food. In her free time, she can be found exploring the city and driving along the mountain roads of Huairou, Miyun and Pinggu.

 

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