Beijing is experiencing a new wave of cooling, with temperatures continuing to "fall and fall" without pause.
In such chilly weather, heading to the mountains for a hot spring soak is a must. While there, you can also visit ancient temples and enjoy the expansive, serene mountain views. As you relax in the warm waters, look up to admire the deep, enchanting starry sky. It's truly an indescribable experience.
Travel Guide
Tanzhe Temple
Tanzhe Temple was originally built during the Western Jin Dynasty and has a history of over 1,700 years. According to a popular saying in Beijing, "First came Tanzhe Temple, then came Beijing city."
In early winter, at Tanzhe Temple, the Emperor Trees and Companion Trees have shed their leaves, leaving behind a blanket of golden yellow on the ground.
Visitors come and go, and the incense for blessings rises in the air, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and peace.
Touch the stone fish and wish for safety and good health. If you're lucky, you might even encounter Tanzhe Temple's star residents—the adorable little fox and the charming, lucky cat.
Address: Tanzhe Temple, Tanzhe Mountain, Tanzhe Temple Town, Mentougou, Beijing.
Jietai Temple
As winter sets in, the ancient pines within Jietai Temple retain their majestic presence. After enduring centuries of wind, frost, snow, and rain, they have developed a variety of unique forms, offering immense aesthetic value.
Jietai Temple is not only a witness to history but also a filming location for several popular TV dramas and movies, including Journey to the West, Zhang Sanfeng, and Empresses in the Palace. Visitors can even visit iconic scenes from these productions.
The mountain trail around Jietai Temple is well-paved with smooth stone paths, making it comfortable to walk. The entire route is about 3-4 kilometers long, with moderate difficulty and no steep steps, allowing you to easily enjoy the pleasures of hiking.
Starting from the first parking lot of Jietai Temple, you can enjoy panoramic mountain views along the trail. From there, you can gaze at the golden Buddha of Qianling Mountain in the distance, see the pagoda forest of Jietai Temple, and discover historical relics such as cliffside inscriptions.
Address: Yongding Town, Mentougou, Beijing.
TANKO
TANKO, located between Tanzhe Temple and Jietai Temple, has earned various labels from those who have visited. Some call it the "Sanlitun in the mountains," while others refer to it as "Beijing's aranya"…
TANKO is home to many brands, offering a variety of experiences. There's Sanke Movie, where you can enjoy a meal while watching a film, Berry Beans, where you can experience hand-brewed coffee, and many trendy shops, providing a rich selection for dining and shopping.
TANKO · Moofland is a child-friendly park, featuring numerous facilities designed for children to play and have fun.
A must-visit spot is the rainbow slide, which boasts a high photo op rate. It's a source of joy that both adults and children simply can't resist.
Address: Southwest corner of the intersection of Jingtan Middle Road and Jiufeng Road, Mentougou, Beijing.
Hot Springs
Yipiao Inn
Yipiao Inn features 14 hot spring pools, including 3 indoor baths and 11 outdoor stone pools. Each outdoor stone pool is uniquely designed, with some shaped by hollowed-out boulders, while others blend seamlessly into the garden landscape. Guests can immerse themselves in the serene mountain scenery, savoring the tranquil atmosphere and artistic ambiance.
The underground mountain spring at the foot of Tanzhe Mountain features crystal-clear water rich in minerals. The water is smooth and soothing, steaming gently, dispelling the chill from the body and warming you to the core.
As night falls and the starry sky sparkles, soak in the natural spring water, listen to the sounds of the mountains, and gaze at the moonlight reflecting like water. It's a perfect moment to experience relaxation and rejuvenation.
Address: No. 9, Block 5, Ziyang Villa, Tanzhe Temple Town, Mentougou District, Beijing.
Gourmet
Jiafu Binshe
Jiafu Binshe offers four vegetarian set meals: Truffle Mushroom Fried Rice, Lotus Leaf Hundred Mushrooms Braised Rice, Colorful Vegetable Noodles, and Luohan Vegetarian Dish. These meals are made with a variety of fresh vegetables, offering a refreshing taste and lingering flavor, while also benefiting your health.
Address: West side of Yuanbao Mountain, Tanzhe Temple Scenic Area, Mentougou, Beijing.
Tanzhe Courtyard
Located just over 200 meters from the Tanzhe Temple Scenic Area, Tanzhe Courtyard offers a down-to-earth dining environment, rich local charm, and authentic farmhouse cuisine.
Cornbread, sticky rolls, wild vegetables with eggs, iron-pot stewed fish… A table full of hearty dishes is sure to make your mouth water.
Address: South No. 1 Parking Lot of Tanzhe Temple Scenic Area, Tanwang Lu(Rd), Tanzhe Temple Town, Mentougou, Beijing.
The Great Dining Hall
The Great Dining Hall of Jietai Temple is located outside the south wall of the Mahavira Hall. Traditionally, it served as a place where the temple distributed porridge to the people and where monks practiced vegetarian dining. Today, the hall offers vegetarian meals to visiting tourists.
Jietai Temple Great Dining Hall: Luohan Vegetarian Feast also known as "Luohan Dish," this vegetarian specialty derives its name from the concept of the Eighteen Arhats gathering together. It is crafted using 18 seasonal, flavorful ingredients such as mushrooms, wood ear fungus, bamboo shoots, and beans. The dish boasts a tender, smooth texture and a harmonious blend of aromas.
Address: Great Dining Hall of Jietai Temple, Mentougou, Beijing.
Accommodation:
Yipiao Inn
Yipiao Inn is situated in the heart of Ziyang Villa, offering an elevated location with expansive and breathtaking views.
The inn features 13 guest rooms, each designed with large floor-to-ceiling windows that bring natural elements to the forefront. The courtyard and mountain scenery are seamlessly integrated into the rooms, creating a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor beauty.
The 14 hot spring pools at Yipiao Inn allow travelers to fully indulge in the comfort and relaxation of winter hot springs.
Address: No. 9, Block 5, Ziyang Villa, Tan Zhi Temple Town, Mentougou, Beijing.
Moto Coffee-Themed Guesthouse
Moto Coffee-Themed Guesthouse is a creative, coffee-inspired retreat tucked away in the mountains. The courtyard features six guest rooms, each named after a classic coffee variety.
This modern two-story villa is nestled halfway up the mountain. Sitting by the window on the second floor offers stunning views of the distant mountain ranges.
Moto Courtyard is equipped with professional coffee-making equipment, and all rooms feature smart home technology. Guests can enjoy private hot spring pools, state-of-the-art KTV facilities, and other modern amenities, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable stay.
Address: Moto Coffee Guesthouse, Caodian Shui Village, Tan Zhi Temple Town, Mentougou, Beijing.
Where do you plan to go for a hot spring this winter? Feel free to share your life's hot spring experiences.
Some images courtesy of Tanzhe Temple, Jietai Temple, TANKO, Dianping, Mentougou, and Yipiao Inn.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan
