Rape flowers, also known as rapeseed flowers, are grown for the production of edible vegetable oil. The plant called “rape” has disturbing connotations though it is from a Latin word for “turnip”.

Now people in Beijing don’t have to make the effort of going down southern China for a glimpse of vividly bright rapeseed flowers. Though blooming a bit later than in the southern China, the rapeseed flowers in Beijing are just equally beautiful, attracting more and more local and oversea visitors.

Changgou Town is located in Fangshan District, about 75km southwest of Beijing city center. Changgou has long been reputed as “Water Town” with over ten thousand spring heads which generate ponds, streams, lakes and wetlands, dotted with farm courtyards, a large roll of mesmerizing Chinese painting.

Changgou has the largest rapeseed field in Beijing with area of 1300000 m2. It is gorgeous when its rapeseed flowers are in bloom.

Blossom Time: May 25 – June 20

Entrance Fee: Free

How to get there: Take Bus 917 from Tianqiao Bus Terminal (天桥汽车站) and get off at Changgou Fangshan (房山长沟). On the west side of the road, you will see the rapeseed field.