Mountain climbing is one of the most loved activities for all ages, and it is even more interesting and healthier if you choose to climb mountains in spring. Climbing a mountain can burn more calories than running, and each mountain climber can enjoy the fascinating scenery of the season when they work all their efforts to the top. In Beijing for spring outing climbers, lots of places are available and some are the most ideal places for mountain climbers to conquer.
Fragrant Hills
The Fragrant Hills is not that high for high mountain seekers but must be one of the best places to go for spring outing. It is not that high but has lakes, ancient buildings, pavilions, groves and wildlife species such as squirrels. It is only over 600 meters. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of spring and also have a decent practice of your body.
Admission: 10 yuan; 15 yuan for the coupon, which includes the ticket to Biyun Temple.
Opening hours: Peak Season: 6:00 - 18:30（April 1 - November 15）
Off-peak season: 6:00 - 18:00（November 16 - March 31)
Transportation:
By Bus: Take Bus No. 318, 360 Express, 714, 698, 331, or 696 and get off at Xiang Shan Station.
By Subway: Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station and get off from Exit A. Then transfer to Bus No. 331 or 696 to Xiangshan Station.
Baihua Mountain
Baihua Mountain is located inside Baihua Mountain Natural Conservation Area, which, located within Mentougou District and 120 km away from downtown Beijing, boasts its convenient location. Since many species of flowers bloom in different seasons of a year, this mountain got its name Baihua, which means hundreds of species of flowers. However, this mountain’s main peak is 1,991 meters above sea level and Baicaopan Peak is 2,050 meters above sea level, being the third highest peak in Beijing. This mountain is not suitable for everyone but for real alpinists. In spring, flowers in this mountain must be the most important reason for travelers to go.
Opening hours: 7:30-18:00
Admission: 40 yuan
Transportaion: take Subway Line 1, and get off at Pingguoyuan Station. Then take public bus 892, and get off at Baihua Mountain Crossing (Zhangjiapu Station). Then take a taxi to the entrance. Otherwise visitors need to walk for about two hours to reach the entrance.
Phoenix Ridge
The Phoenix Ridge is worth visiting in spring, for apricot blossoms are the most amazing view of the ridge. The highest peak of it is 1276 meters above sea level but it is not tiring to travel inside it, for the huge rocks and stones that form a unique and nice picture can make you wow all the way along any of the routes inside it you have chosen. There are also pavilions built on the routes, and so you can have short rests and restart on the way.
Admission: 25 yuan/person
Opening hours: 6:00-17:30
Getting there: Take Subway Line 4 to Beigongmen Station and get on Bus No. 346 to the park.
Indeed, other mountains such as Xishan Mountain, Yunmen Mountain and Wuling Mountain can also be pocketed by you unless you have more free time to spend in Beijing.
Vulture Peak
The Vulture Peak is not the one located in India but is another peak located in one of Beijing’s national forest parks named Vulture Peak National Forest Park, where the highest peak is 1153 meters high above sea level and the most famous peak Vulture Peak is 465 meters high. To have decent sport and a good tour of the beautiful spring, this is one of the best choices for you if you visit Beijing during the spring season.
Admission: 10 yuan (off-peak season); 15 yuan (peak season)
Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00
Getting there: Take Bus No. 346 or 848 and get off at Beianhe Xikou (北安河西口).
Location: West of Bei'anhe Viliage, Sujiatuo Town, Haidian District 淀区苏家坨镇北安河村西
Mangshan (Python Mountain)
Mangshan Moutain is a national level forest park which is located to the east of the Ming Tombs Reservior in Changping District, about 50km north of downtown Beijing. The stone step ladder here is made of 3,666 dressed stones and is the longest mountain-climbing ladder in Beijing. Moreover, the huge stone Maitreya statue (the Chinese version of Maitreya: big-belly Buddha) leans against the mountain half-way to the mountain top. This statue is 9.99 meters high and weighs 3,000 tons and is considered the largest Buddhist statue in north China. The Python Mountain is 640 meters above sea level.
Admission: 20 yuan
Opening hours: 8:00-17:00
Bus Route: Take Bus 919 (Deshengmen -Jiulong Amusement Park) at Deshengmen, and get off at the terminal; or Take Bus 345 Branch, get off at the terminal, and then transfer to Bus 6 Ring or 912 to get there.
Shangfang Mountain
Shangfang Mountain is the largest national forest park in north China. It is well-known for its nine caves, 12 peaks and 72 thatched cottages. "Heavenly ladders" lead up to the peak. Along the way, visitors can see the primitive forest. In the mountain there are 9 caves, 12 peaks, and 72 temples and nunneries. It is very suitable for Buddhist believers. The main peak of the mountain is 860 meters above sea level, which sounds a little bit high but may be very good for exercising.
Admission: 40 yuan
Opening hours: 8:00-16:00
Getting there: Take Bus No. 917 from Tianqiao and transfer to take a mini bus at Fangshan to the destination.
