Address: North of Xiaotangshan, Changping District, Beijing

Open Time: 08:00-17:00

Entrance Fee: RMB 25

The pagoda forest is located in the north of Changping District, 50 kilometers from downtown Beijing. Here there are peaks, cliffs, boulders, and pitch-black rocks. It lies on a mountain, which is covered with silver-like snow in winter, hence the name Silver Mountain. In the Ming and Qing dynasties it was one of the eight greatest scenic spots of Beijing. With 18 stupas remaining, it is a large scenic spot of historic interest.

The mountain used to be a famous Buddhist shrine in north China. Over four dynasties of Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing, many monks tomb pagodas were built, most of which were Lama pagodas shaped like inversed bowls. Their sizes varied from about one meter to about a dozen meters. Some were built within the walls of the temple, while others were built somewhere else at the foot of the mountain.

Extending to about a hundred li, the Silver Mountain boasts of magnificent scenery. Three lofty summits stand out among the peaks. The peaks, slopes and valleys are completely covered with pines, cypresses, and large groves of oaks, pears, chestnuts, and walnuts. With a good environment, high negative ion level and fresh air, the mountain is an ideal place for pondering on the past, cultivating one’s mind and temperament, exercising, and sightseeing.

Source: beijing-travels.com