Lingshan is the highest mountain in Beijing, reaching 2,300 meters in elevation. Its vast alpine meadows resemble a lush green carpet, occasionally dotted with white sheep.

The mountain is a haven for vegetation and animals. As you hike up the mountain, the vegetation changes from cloves, azaleas, hazels and birch trees to Siberian-type tundra. Expect to spot foxes, squirrels, hares, wild goats and brown-eared pheasants.

Temperatures on the mountaintop are 12 C lower than in downtown Beijing.

A Tibetan folklore festival takes place on the mountain every July and August. Visitors can taste traditional Tibetan food and enjoy songs and dances.

Transportation: drive along Fushilu to Shijingshan towards west and drive towards north from the Shuangyu roundabout in Mentougou District to National Highway 109 to Shuangtangjian and then turn right.

Source: beijingtoday.com.cn