Top 10 hiking trails in Beijing

Miaofengshan Mountain (妙峰山) Miao Feng Shan, about 55km West of Beijing, is the nearest mountain in Beijing. There are persimmon and hawthorn fruits in the area. Red leave trees include maple, yellow smoke trees, and persimmon. Miaofeng Mountain is one of the high peaks rising to over 1,300 meters. Its sheer cliffs, jutting crags and tortuous mountain paths make it one of the most renowned scenic spots in northern China.

At the end of April in west Beijing, Miao Feng Shan Mountain featuring a century-old pilgrim's trail—the Golden Summit - is holding the biggest temple fair in northern China. Thousands from all over China would gather every year on the first day of the forth lunarcalendar - month to worship good luck, family prosperity and maternity goddesses.

Shangfangshan National Forest Park (上方山) Shangfangshan, as the branch of the Mt. Yan, is located in Fangshan Districe, in the southwest of Beijing's suburban area. With its main peak 860 meters (2,820 feet) high, the park is characterized by vast area of woods, nine marvelous karst caves, twelve stupendous peaks, seventy-two ancient temples, and the largest stupa group in North China. The park is also known as a Buddhist shrine for its seventy-two ancient temples. There are 72 ancient temples totally. Add: Shengshuiyu Village, Hancunhe Town, Fangshan District

Ticket Price:50 RMB Opening Time: 08:00-18:00 How to get there: Bus No.917 to Fangshan Bus Station, then transfer to No.15 minibus to Shangfangshan National Forest Park.

Mangshan National Forest Park (蟒山) Located on the east side of Ming Tombs Reservoir in Changping District, Mangshan is the largest national forest park in Beijing with the highest peak at 659 meters. The Mangshan mountain is named Mang (meaning python in Chinese) because it undulates like a huge python. The park is home to 176 plant species; 96 percent of the park area is covered by forests. The most important species are evergreens such as Chinese pine, arborvitae, and lacebark pine.Add: 2 Mangshan Road, Changping District, Beijing

Ticket Price: 10 RMB Tel: 010-60711866 How to get there: Bus No.912, 845 and 919 to the terminus Ming Tomb Reservir, then walk across the dam.

Xiaolongmen Forest Park (小龙门) Located in Xiaolongmen Village of Qingshui Town in Mentougou District, Xiaolongmen National Forest Park is a national AA natural scenic spot for vacations and scientific research & teaching as well.

The park displays totally different scenery in each of the four seasons. In spring, flowers bloom and trees turn green; the whole scene is like a huge colored tapestry. In summer, it is a popular spot due to its natural air-conditioning. In autumn, the scenic area is a world of red leaves and fruits. In winter, the park is all covered with pure snow sparking in brilliant sunshine.

Add: Xiaolongmen National Forest Park, Mengtougou District, Beijing Ticket Price:15RMB Tel: 010-61827665

Miaofengshan Mountain (妙峰山) Miao Feng Shan, about 55km West of Beijing, is the nearest mountain in Beijing. There are persimmon and hawthorn fruits in the area. Red leave trees include maple, yellow smoke trees, and persimmon. Miaofeng Mountain is one of the high peaks rising to over 1,300 meters. Its sheer cliffs, jutting crags and tortuous mountain paths make it one of the most renowned scenic spots in northern China.

At the end of April in west Beijing, Miao Feng Shan Mountain featuring a century-old pilgrim's trail—the Golden Summit - is holding the biggest temple fair in northern China. Thousands from all over China would gather every year on the first day of the forth lunarcalendar - month to worship good luck, family prosperity and maternity goddesses.

Shangfangshan National Forest Park (上方山) Shangfangshan, as the branch of the Mt. Yan, is located in Fangshan Districe, in the southwest of Beijing's suburban area. With its main peak 860 meters (2,820 feet) high, the park is characterized by vast area of woods, nine marvelous karst caves, twelve stupendous peaks, seventy-two ancient temples, and the largest stupa group in North China. The park is also known as a Buddhist shrine for its seventy-two ancient temples. There are 72 ancient temples totally. Add: Shengshuiyu Village, Hancunhe Town, Fangshan District

Ticket Price:50 RMB Opening Time: 08:00-18:00 How to get there: Bus No.917 to Fangshan Bus Station, then transfer to No.15 minibus to Shangfangshan National Forest Park.

Mangshan National Forest Park (蟒山) Located on the east side of Ming Tombs Reservoir in Changping District, Mangshan is the largest national forest park in Beijing with the highest peak at 659 meters. The Mangshan mountain is named Mang (meaning python in Chinese) because it undulates like a huge python. The park is home to 176 plant species; 96 percent of the park area is covered by forests. The most important species are evergreens such as Chinese pine, arborvitae, and lacebark pine.Add: 2 Mangshan Road, Changping District, Beijing

Ticket Price: 10 RMB Tel: 010-60711866 How to get there: Bus No.912, 845 and 919 to the terminus Ming Tomb Reservir, then walk across the dam.

Xiaolongmen Forest Park (小龙门) Located in Xiaolongmen Village of Qingshui Town in Mentougou District, Xiaolongmen National Forest Park is a national AA natural scenic spot for vacations and scientific research & teaching as well.

The park displays totally different scenery in each of the four seasons. In spring, flowers bloom and trees turn green; the whole scene is like a huge colored tapestry. In summer, it is a popular spot due to its natural air-conditioning. In autumn, the scenic area is a world of red leaves and fruits. In winter, the park is all covered with pure snow sparking in brilliant sunshine.

Add: Xiaolongmen National Forest Park, Mengtougou District, Beijing Ticket Price:15RMB Tel: 010-61827665