Snowy highlights: Juyongguan, Ming Tombs, Baifuquan Park
The majestic Juyongguan Great Wall appears even more magnificent under a blanket of heavy snow. This winding giant dragon transforms into a silver world, seamlessly blending with the mountains, gray bricks, and white snow. Juyongguan spans a gorge, connecting the Xishan and Yanshan mountains, its snow-covered landscape radiating tranquility and purity. This scene is famously known as one of the "Eight Scenic Spots of Yanjing"—"Juyong in Snow". After the snowfall, the fortress resembles a large pearl nestled among the mountains, while the snow-covered peaks appear as moving snow dragons, creating a picturesque scene reminiscent of "dragons playing with pearls". With the snow beginning to settle, the fortress stands like a warrior draped in a white robe, even more magnificent.
Typically, a visit to Juyongguan isn't complete without a trip to the Ming Tombs, which are nearby. This renowned UNESCO World Heritage site lies at the foot of Tianshou Mountain, housing the mausoleums of thirteen Ming dynasty emperors surrounded by stunning mountain scenery. The snow adds a serene beauty to these solemn ancient structures. Walking along the ancient paths of the tombs, one feels the harmony between historical memory and natural beauty, with thick walls, ancient pines, and the glistening snow intertwining, vividly evoking the prosperous scenes of the Ming dynasty.
When tired and hungry, head to Kangling Village near the Kangling tomb to enjoy the most authentic spring pancake feast. Don't worry about the signs or the storefronts; any home you enter will serve delicious, authentic Kangling spring pancakes.
Nearby trendy spot:
Baifuqian Ruins Park is where the Baifuqian spring, the source of the Grand Canal, is located. During the Yuan dynasty, water conservancy expert Guo Shoujing brought water from Baifuqian Spring into the Tonghui River, providing ample water for the Grand Canal. Today, while the spring no longer flows abundantly, the "Dragon Spring and Rinsing Jade" feature, part of the "Eight Scenic Spots", still stands with nine vividly sculpted dragon heads. Water spurts from these stone dragon heads, converging in a pond below.
