Mountain hiking at Fenghuang Mountain

2017-08-22

Mountain hiking in the forest parks around Beijing has become a very popular activity among tourists for a weekend trip. Fenghuang Mountain is a challenging site, even for youngsters. But it is worth trying a trek along the tree-covered zigzagging natural mountain lanes.

The park is approximately 33 kilometers away in a straight-line northwest from Tiananmen Square. It is about 25 kilometers northwest of the Baiwang Mountain. The mountain covers 15 square kilometers and is divided into three travel sections: the South Travel Route, Central Travel Route and the North Travel Route.

The best time to visit the mountain is from April to October. If you want to tour all the three routes, you will have to spend two days there: one day for the south and central parts and one day for the north part.

Inside the main gate are two small temples: Guandi Temple (The God of War Temple) and Longquan Temple (Dragon Spring Temple).

Temples dedicated to the God of War were once one ubiquitous in Beijing, celebrating the manly and public virtues of the historical figure Guan Yu (162-220 AD). Guan was especially venerated in ancient China for his bravery, loyalty and legendary martial skills known throughout the country.

The Dragon Spring Temple has a history of more than 1,000 years, dating from the Liao Dynasty (926-1125). There is a legend that at the bottom of the pool there is a golden teapot large enough to slake the thirst of nine people.

Other features of the temple compound include two large Maidenhair trees that still bear ginkgo fruit despite being there for a millennium, and a small pagoda containing the remains of a Buddhist master surnamed Wei. A large pair of stone shoes sits at the base of the reliquary.

The main gate where the two temples are situated belongs to the Central Travel Route. From the backyard of the temples to the south is the South Travel Route; to the North is the central and north part.

Grotesque rocks, mountain peaks, pavilions and towers made of huge rocks are the main features of all the routes.

The south and the central parts need about five hours and the northern part needs another five hours for an ascent and descent trip.

At the foot of the mountain, many fruit-picking fields are open for visitors. Jujube, apple, pear and pumpkin can be found in the fields. Local farmers also put piles of these fruits and pumpkins along both sides of the road to the mountain gate. The produce is cheaper than you can buy from downtown shops.

Entrance: 15 yuan.

Parking fee: Five yuan for 5-seat sedans and eight yuan for large bus a day.

To get there: take bus route 346 at the Summer Palace.

Tel: 86-10-62459492 (Chinese only).

China.org.cn