Spring is here! If you want to strengthen your body and build a fit physique, come hike the mountains!

If you're looking to connect with others and find a life partner, come hike the mountains!

If you want to challenge yourself and relax your mind, come hike the mountains!

If you're feeling confused, hiking is exactly what you need. As you climb, you'll forget all about it!

In short, spring is here, so everyone should go hiking! Beijing has many mountains and mountain ranges. The nearby areas include Xiangshan, Xishan, and Baiwang Mountain, as well as places like Badachu and Fenghuangling. Come hike and enjoy great health, a good mood, and beautiful scenery!

01 Xiangshan Park

Xiangshan Park is located in the western suburbs of Beijing, with rugged terrain and lush greenery. It is a royal garden with distinctive mountain and forest characteristics. The main peak, Censer Peak, has an elevation of 575 meters and is commonly known as "Gui Jian Chou".

Xiangshan Park is home to many historical relics. Here, you can not only hike but also visit attractions such as the "Biyun Temple," which blends architectural styles from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The elegant "Jianxin Zhai," which features southern Chinese style, and the Qing Dynasty's Jingyi Garden, a royal garden with iconic architecture like the "Hall of Diigent Government," are also located here.

At this time of year, the pale golden wax plums herald the arrival of spring. Their yellow buds, resembling honey-colored wax, release a delicate fragrance, adding a touch of warmth to early spring. Take a stroll along the wooden plank path in the Plum Valley and enjoy the fragrant blossoms. Stop by the educational sign and discover why the "wax plum" isn't actually a plum, yet still bears its name.

Practical Information for Hiking

South Route: Enter the park through the east gate → (Route left of Hall of Diigent Government) Jingcui Lake → Xiangshan Temple → Shuangqing Villa → Laiqingxuan → Baizong Pavilion → Yuxiang Pavilion → Xiyang Pavilion → Yuncao Pavilion → Meishi → Yutaimen → Censer Peak. The slope is moderate, the route is long, and the hike to the top takes about 2-3 hours.

Middle Route: Enter the park through the east gate → (Route right of Hall of Diigent Government) Zhiyuanzhai → Zhisong Garden → Yuhua Cave → Xiangwu Cave → Yutaimen → Censer Peak. The slope is moderate, the route is of medium length, and the hike to the top takes about 1-2 hours.

North Route: Enter the park through the north gate → Follow the cable car steps → Censer Peak. This route has more steps and is the most challenging, but it is the shortest, with a hike time of about 1 hour.

02 Beijing Xishan National Forest Park  

Beijing Xishan National Forest Park is located in the western suburbs of Beijing, on the small Xishan Mountain, which is part of the Taihang Mountain range.

Gui Xiao Stone is situated on Baita Mountain in Xishan, with an elevation of 473 meters. It complements the Censer Peak of Xiangshan and offers a fantastic vantage point for overlooking the city of Beijing.

The plum trees in the Plum Garden of Xishan National Forest Park have started to bloom. 

The first to appear are the Jiangmei (wild plum), which were originally wild and later transplanted into the park. Some varieties feature smaller petals and longer filaments, with a graceful shape and a fragrance that is both subtle and refreshing. Come to Xishan for a spring outing and plum blossom viewing!

Practical Information for Hiking

03 Baiwang Mountain Forest Park

Baiwang Mountain is located in the Haidian District of Beijing and is part of the Taihang Mountain range. It is the easternmost peak of the Taihang Mountains that extends to the North China Plain, earning it the nickname "The First Peak of Taihang's Outpost." The main peak has an elevation of 210 meters, and at the highest point stands a six-sided pavilion called "Wangjing Tower" (Overlooking Beijing Tower).

Baiwang Mountain Forest Park has a long history and is home to many cultural landmarks, including the Capital Green Culture Stone Forest, the Black Mountain Hut Battle Memorial Park, She Taijun Temple, Lan Feng Pavilion, Wangxiang Pavilion, Youyi Pavilion, and more. The park offers a variety of sights that captivate and leave visitors lingering for longer.

After the rain season, as the spring breeze warms, Baiwang Mountain welcomes the first signs of spring with blooming forsythia. Soon, the wild peach trees will add their elegant blossoms to the forest.

Captured on February 17th, the forsythia flowers along the No. 1 road have quietly bloomed. Hike along the No. 1 main trail and, upon reaching the summit, enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The CCTV Tower and the China World Trade Center stand out, while the Olympic Tower rises into the skyline. Here, the bustling city and majestic mountains blend together beautifully.

Practical Information for Hiking

For those who don't like stairs: It's recommended to enter from the east gate and follow the No. 1 road uphill. This route is 95% cemented, with only a small section near Wangjing Tower requiring you to climb stairs. Along the No. 1 road, there are wooden benches and several scenic platforms for rest and to enjoy the view, making it especially suitable for families with children or elderly people.

For those seeking a challenge: If the No. 1 road feels too easy, you can take the 111 Trail, which is a steeper stone staircase path. The trail will eventually reconnect to the No. 1 road, and you can continue your hike from there.

04 Badachu Park

Badachu Park is located in the northern part of Shijingshan District, surrounded by the Taihang Mountain range, including Hutou Mountain, Cuiwei Mountain, and Qinglong Mountain. The highest peak has an elevation of 464 meters.

The park is named after the eight ancient temples located within it: Chang'an Temple, Lingguang Temple, Sanshan Nunnery, Dabei Temple, Longwang Hall, Xiangjie Temple, Baozhu Cave, and Zhengguo Temple. Each temple has its own fascinating legend.

This spring, come to Badachu and hike up through the temples. While enjoying the rich traditional Chinese culture, you may find yourself reaching the highest point at Baozhu Cave, where you can experience the thrill of reaching new heights and take in a breathtaking panoramic view of Beijing.

Practical Information for Hiking

Warm Reminder: The Badachu Park cable car will be suspended for upgrading and renovation starting on October 28, 2024.

05 Beijing Fenghuangling 

Beijing Fenghuangling Scenic Area is located in the northwestern part of Haidian District, in Sujiatuo Town.

The scenic area is naturally charming, with green mountains, clear waters, blue skies, white clouds, steep peaks, dense forests, and winding paths. The ecological environment here is excellent.

Fenghuangling is often referred to as the "Small Huangshan of Beijing" due to its breathtaking beauty, with unique peaks, strange rocks, vast forests, and sacred springs. The cultural landmarks in the area are rich and diverse, with numerous ancient health and wellness culture sites and relics. The area has more than 40 scenic spots across its northern, central, and southern lines. Among them, four are considered "Beijing's best."

The southern line features the most magical stone tower in Beijing, the "Diamond Stone Tower," and the oldest independent sculpture, the "Northern Wei Stone Buddha." 

The central line boasts Beijing's largest and most complete ancient health practice site and the city's largest cliff inscription reading "Fenghuangling."

Practical Information for Hiking

Central Line: Longquan Temple → Love Heart Tree Forest → Immortal Cave → Three Buddhas Cave → Xuanyuan Cave → Immortal Chair → Apricot Blossom Village

Central to Northern Line: Longquan Temple → Immortal Cave → Three Buddhas Cave → Xuanyuan Cave → Immortal Chair → White Tower Reservoir → Cool Pavilion → Cliff Inscriptions

Northern Line: Divine Spring → Jade Rabbit Pavilion → Peach Blossom View → Heavenly Ladder → Heavenly Ladder Pavilion → Gongbao Stone Village → Flying Stone Tower

Recommended Food for Hiking

When heading out for a hike, you may spend an entire day outdoors, and your energy will be heavily depleted. Here are some portable and tasty food options to fuel your journey:

· Protein and Fat: Sausages, braised meat, jerky, boiled eggs, milk...

· Vitamins and Minerals: Bananas, apples, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes...

· Carbohydrates (Sugar): Steamed buns, rice balls, corn, granola bars, eight-treasure porridge...

· Water: Mineral water, electrolyte water, fruit jelly...

(Choose foods based on your personal preferences, as what you enjoy on a regular basis will be easier to consume during the hike.)

How to Recover After Hiking

· Stretching: Perform some static stretching exercises to relax your muscles.

· Meal: Eat a balanced meal about an hour after hiking.

· Massage: Use a foam roller to relieve tight or sore areas; roll your feet on a tennis ball for relaxation.

· Rest: Get a good night's sleep to help your body recover effectively.

Translator: BAI Jing