Waterfront locations: Jingxi Shibatan, Gushan Village Scenic Area, Cuanbai Scenic Area, Cuanshe
The Yongding He is known as the mother river of Beijing. It was historically called Zaoshui, referred to as Sanggan He during the Sui Dynasty, and called Lugou during the Jin Dynasty. Spanning a total length of 747 kilometers, it flows through Beijing starting from Sanjiadian in Mentougou District and passes through Fengtai, Fangshan, and Daxing. The Yongding He is not only a vital waterway nourishing the material civilization along its banks but also a cultural conduit that carries and spreads the achievements of civilization. It has played a significant role in the urban development of Beijing, enriched the lives of its residents, and nurtured the cultural essence of the capital.
Jingxi Shibatan is nestled against Qingshui Peak, one of Beijing's four major peaks, and is located to the north of the Yongding He. Surrounded by mountains and water, it boasts stunning natural scenery. The streams in the scenic area flow year-round, creating a constant sound of bubbling water. Springs cascade down, forming waterfalls over cliffs and creating pools in depressions. In spring, Shibatan is adorned with blooming wildflowers and delicate orchids in the secluded valleys. During the height of summer, mulberries ripen, and after heavy rains, the breathtaking sight of waterfalls, resembling a white dragon leaping over the mountains, brings a refreshing coolness to visitors during the hot days.
The Gushan Village Scenic Area is located in Miaofeng Mountain Town, right next to the 109 National Road, known as the Golden Tourist Route, and just a stone's throw away from the Yongding He. In 2020, Gushan Village was voted by netizens as a "new trendy check-in spot." It is also referred to as a "nostalgic time machine" and a "great place for kids to play."
Visiting Gushan Village allows you to immerse yourself in the rich atmosphere of "the three rural issues" (agriculture, rural areas, and farmers). You can find various agricultural machinery and tools that are closely related to farming here. From bamboo carts and children's tricycles to a father's 28-inch bicycle and a grandmother's pedal sewing machine, as well as an array of grains, these sights instantly transport you back to the days of riding on your dad's bicycle through the streets.
In the Xiaogu Paradise of Gushan Village, there are some primitive, simple, and down-to-earth entertainment options, including a tractor slide, a high-altitude ropeway, trampolines, single-person spinning chairs, rock climbing, sand play, and local games. Here, you can also experience using a threshing machine to shell corn or grinding flour with a stone mill. These activities not only help improve children's coordination skills but also boost their courage and sense of achievement while providing plenty of agricultural knowledge. Whether you're walking with kids, taking photos, indulging in nostalgia, relaxing, or picking fruits, there are plenty of new activities to enjoy.
The banks of the Yongding He are also home to a number of traditional ancient villages. The Cuanbai Scenic Area encompasses some of China's first historical and cultural famous villages, including Cuandixia, the Stone Village of Beijing—Shuangshitou, the military household folk music of Baiyu Village, and the commoners' home of Huangling West Village.
Visiting the Cuanbai Scenic Area, you can discover the ruins of ancient villages from the Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty murals, reports of achievements from the First Sino-Japanese War, the ruins of houses burned by Japanese forces during World War II, sites of anti-Japanese lookout posts, and slogans from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Ancient roads, wells, temples, and theater stages allow visitors to reflect on history, meandering through the area like savoring aged wine.
Strolling along the Yongding He invites a slow, enjoyable pace of life. Consider staying at Cuanshe, located in the historic Cuandixia Village in Mentougou District, which is over 400 years old. This accommodation has been transformed from a traditional siheyuan (courtyard house). The owner has renovated the old courtyard, preserving its original charm while infusing it with new meaning and vitality. The courtyard features five well-equipped rooms, providing a comfortable resting place for families.
Another option is Shiyu Lishe, a cultural-themed inn that combines accommodation with poetry. Upon entering the small courtyard, you are greeted by a strong cultural atmosphere. Here, you can discover numerous poems depicting the famous scenic spots and cultural characteristics of Mentougou, and the inn regularly organizes poetry gatherings, making it both artistic and enjoyable. Shiyu Lishe cleverly incorporates local wheat straw into artistic creations, embodying a perfect fusion of cultural art and natural beauty.
In Mentougou, the Yongding He spans over a hundred kilometers, creating a unique blend of folk customs and the cultural heritage of ancient villages and paths. When visiting, a selection of boutique homestays called "Mentougou Xiaoyuan" is definitely worth trying.
