On July 1, 2024, the Beijing section of Beijing-Yuxian Expressway was officially opened. Stretching 65.4 kilometers, this section starts at the Junzhuang interchange in the Mentougou District of Beijing and heads west through towns like Junzhuang, Longquan, Miaofeng Mountain, Wangping, etc., connecting to the Zhangjiakou-Zhuozhou Expressway at the Hebei border.

This expressway section, cutting through the deep mountains of Mentougou, links numerous tourist spots along its route, making it "the most scenic expressway in Western Beijing." This summer, embark on a memorable journey along the Beijing-Yuxian Expressway!

First Stop: Junzhuang Town

Destination: Peking White Pear Orchards

Junzhuang Town's Dongshan Village is the birthplace of Peking white pear. Known for its thin skin, thick pulp, and delightfully sweet and sour taste, this pear has a 400-year history and was a traditional tribute to the royal families since the Ming Dynasty.

After the Start of Autumn, the pear picking season begins. Drive down the Beijing-Yuxian Expressway to Junzhuang Town to see the bountiful pear trees and pick these exquisite fruits yourself!

Orchards Recommendations: Shangbeigou Orchard in Dongshan Village, Mengwu Orchard in Junzhuang Town

Second Stop: Longquan Town

Destination: Jinyu Colored Glaze Cultural Creative Industrial Park

Longquan Town, home to the "Township of Royal Colored Glaze" in China, hosts the new landmark, Jinyu Colored Glaze Cultural Creative Industrial Park.

This park is Beijing's first intangible cultural heritage themed area retaining its production capabilities. Visitors can tour, stay in unique lodgings, and engage in hands-on experiences.

The Colored Glaze Museum, a key attraction, exhibits a vast collection of colored glaze artifacts and offers guests a chance to witness the traditional crafting techniques of imperial colored glaze.

In the intangible heritage experience area, visitors can make their colored glaze pieces to take home as a unique keepsake.

Dining Recommendations: Yichi Garden Western Restaurant, Colored Glaze Chinese Restaurant

Accommodation Recommendation: Liuguang Lishe

Third Stop: Miaofeng Mountain Town

Destinations: Miaofeng Mountain Scenic Area, Gushan Village Scenic Area, Jingxi Ancient Road Scenic Area

Part 1

Miaofeng Mountain, part of the Taihang Mountains, stands as the tallest peak in the western mountains of Beijing with expansive views, pristine waters, and lush forests.

The temple for the Taoist goddess Bixia Yuanjun, also known as Niangniang Temple, is a notable site here.

Dining Recommendations: Miaofeng Mountain Gezhi

Accommodation Recommendation: Miaofeng Shanju

Part 2

Gushan Village, adjacent to National Highway 109, offers a pastoral scene right next to the mother river of Beijing, Yongding River.

The village features a comprehensive farming culture experience base where visitors can learn about traditional Chinese agriculture and even participate in farming activities.

Dining Recommendation: Liangcang Banquet

Accommodation Recommendations: Gushan Renjia B&B, Gushan Shuyuan B&B

Part 3

Jingxi Ancient Road, once a major travel route in ancient western Beijing, retains its historic charm with the well-preserved Shuiyuzui section offering a glimpse into the bustling trade routes of old.

Dining Recommendation: Mabang Banquet

Accommodation Recommendations: Back to Ancient Road B&B, Gudao Shanju B&B

Fourth Stop: Wangping Town

Destination: Former Residence of Ma Zhiyuan

The former residence of the famous poet Ma Zhiyuan in Wangping Town's Jiuyuan Village reflects the spirit of his poetry. After visiting his home, explore the surrounding Nangang Village on foot, enjoy local cuisine, and experience the charm of local guesthouses.

Note: Ma Zhiyuan's residence is currently closed, and reopening date shall be confirmed by official sources.

Dining Recommendation: Jiuyuan Pickles Restaurant, Dongma Mountain Family Restaurant

Accommodation Recommendations: Shiyu Lishe, Qixiaozhu, Dongma Shanjia (Dongma Mountain Family)

Fifth Stop: Yanchi Town

Destination: Baipu Yunjing Pastoral Complex

The Baipu Yunjing Pastoral Complex covers 500 acres, including a 38-acre mountain reservoir, nestled among verdant trees and clear waters.

The complex offers various themed zones such as fishing, dining, a small community for pets, starlit courtyard, wonderful farmland, a lawn expansion area, and a leisure zone in the Baipu forest, making it an ideal spot for family and corporate outings, as well as romantic dates.

Dining Recommendation: Reservoir Fish

Accommodation Recommendations: Huaijing Shishe, Tudianer B&B

Sixth Stop: Zhaitang Town

Destinations: Cuanbai Scenic Area, Shuanglong Gorge Scenic Area

Part 1: Cuanbai Scenic Area

Located in Zhaitang Town, Mentougou District, Cuanbai Scenic Area is a well-preserved cluster of ancient village architecture and is recognized as a premier spot for leisurely tourism centered around ancient village culture. It encompasses China's historically and culturally renowned villages, including Cuandixia Village, Shuangshitou (the Stone Village of Western Beijing), Baiyu Village (known for its ancient military music), and Huanglingxi Village (a typical civilian settlement).

Here, you'll find rich historical and cultural remnants. Cuandixia Village, the most famous ancient village in the area, clings to the mountainside with its scattered and ancient charm. It still retains complete courtyard houses from the Qing Dynasty, providing a glimpse into the past through its rustic, pristine "Qing Dynasty residential picture." Visit this hidden gem to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature's beauty!

Dining Recommendations: Fried bread, Shuifan Porridge

Accommodation Recommendations: Cuan Residence and relevant guesthouses

Part 2: Shuanglong Gorge Scenic Area

Shuanglong Gorge Scenic Area is located 2.5 kilometers south of Huo Village in Zhaitang Town, Mentougou District, nestled within verdant mountains. Celebrated as the "Little Jiuzhai" of western Beijing, the area boasts a vegetation cover of 95%.

The highest peak, Laolongwo, rises to 1646 meters, featuring two major waterfalls over 29 meters high and nearly a hundred smaller cascades. The scenic composition of rivers, pools, green valleys, and red rocks offers stunning vistas.

In the summer, Shuanglong Gorge offers a cool retreat with babbling brooks and bubbling springs. Ancient poplars and willows, centuries-old kiwi and wild grapevine forests provide lush shade. You can also ride the popular mini train through the mountains to explore the wilderness secrets.

Dining Recommendations: Baihutou Village Country Meals (pancakes, home-style stir-fries, etc.)

Accommodation Recommendations: San Jian Yi She Guesthouse

Seventh Stop: Qingshui Town

Destinations: Beijing Baihua Mountain National Nature Reserve, Longmenjian Scenic Area

Part 1: Beijing Baihua Mountain National Nature Reserve

Known as the "Natural Botanical Garden and Animal Kingdom of North China," Beijing Baihua Mountain National Nature Reserve is home to protected species such as the Baihua Mountain Grape, along with the nationally protected plants. It also shelters nine types of national first-class protected wildlife and thirty-six second-class species.

The reserve boasts rich tourist attractions including the Baihua Mountain peak and the Baihua Meadow, reputed as the "Herbal Garden of North China," where visitors can witness the sea of clouds at sunrise.

Apart from its scenic beauty, Baihua Mountain is a cool summer retreat, with an average annual temperature of just 6-7 degrees Celsius, and even in July, the peak summer, the average temperature hovers around 22 degrees.

In the height of summer, towering trees with deep roots and a profusion of wildflowers provide a perfect setting for a cooling escape, mountain activities, and educational tours.

Dining Recommendations: Qingshui Tofu

Accommodation Recommendations: Baihua Mountain Lodge, Waoyao Guesthouse, Yinbei Yeshe, Yinbei Banshan, Langshi Country House

Part 2: Longmenjian Scenic Area

Located northwest of Yanjiatai in Mentougou District, the Longmenjian Canyon is flanked by imposing peaks with crystal-clear springs flowing through the gorge. Notable sights include Jianpi Peak, General's Stone, and The Cave in the air, Narrow Sky Cave, Black Dragon Pool, Sisters' Peak, Goddess' Peak and Sky Ladder Waterfall.

Due to its geographic and topographic conditions, the gorge remains exceptionally cool, with temperatures 6-8 degrees Celsius lower than downtown Beijing, rendering it an ideal spot for leisure, entertainment, and summer escape.

Note: The area is temporarily closed due to weather conditions. Please refer to official site information for reopening details.

Dining Recommendations: Yanjiatai Village Nongjiale

Accommodation Recommendations: Chuangyi Country House, Qingshui Garden Guesthouse, Nie Family Inn

Are you ready to explore this "most beautiful expressway in western Beijing"? Leave a comment below and share your travel plans!

Information from Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.

Photos from Beijing Development and Construction News, Mentougou District Government, Mentougou District Culture and Tourism Bureau, Jinyu Colored Glaze Cultural Creative Industrial Park and relevant scenic areas.

Translator: DING Zhizhong 

Reviewer: Ding Hongwei