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Step back in time on a gentle walking tour through three beautifully preserved Ming-era mountain villages in Beijing's Mentougou district—Shuangshitou, Cuandixia, and Yanhecheng.
Escape the city and wander into the tranquil heart of rural Beijing on this easy, guided day trip through three of Mentougou’s most evocative ancient villages. Begin in Shuangshitou Village, a 500-year-old settlement nestled in a verdant valley, where stone pathways and courtyard homes tell stories of Ming dynasty life. Continue to Cuandixia, a photographer’s dream with its terraced architecture and labyrinthine lanes, then finish at Yanhecheng, a fortress village with watchtowers and traditional inns. This private, English-speaking tour offers a relaxed pace, perfect for culture lovers and hikers alike. No strenuous climbs—just authentic encounters with local heritage, rural architecture, and the timeless beauty of the Beijing countryside.
The map shows the tour area. The detailed plan below remains the source for stops and timing.
This is an easy and relaxing walk around the three ancient village - Shuangshitou village, Cuandixia Village and Yanhecheng Village.
Shuangshitou Village: Shuangshitou Village ( or Double Stone Village ) is located in the valley sandwiched by the east hillside and the west hillside, 5km north of Zhaitang Town in Mentougou District Beijing. Overlooking from the hillsides, the over 500-year old ancient village looks like a phoenix extending its wings. Stone culture is found everywhere in the village – stone mills, stone mortars, stone walls and stone houses built on the stones.
Cuandixia Village: Candixia Village is located between Shuangshitou Village and Baiyu Village under the jurisdiction of Zhaitang Town in Mentougou Beijing. Lying about 90km west of Beijing, Cuandinxia Village is an ancient village of over 400 years built in Ming and Qing Dynsties with an area of 5.3 square km. There are about 74 coutyards with 689 rooms, most of which were built in late Qing Dynasties. Many of the local villagers, especially the young people have left the village for the development in the big cities. But there are still approxi. 29 households with 93 people living in the village.
Yanhecheng Village: Yanhecheng” literally means “a riverside city”. It used to be a fortress built in 1578 during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), as part of the Great Wall in Ming Dynasty, a stronghold between Beijing and the northern frontier. The fortress was built by the Yongding River, hence the name of Yanhecheng. The fortress and the river are nestled in the valley sandwiched by Huangchao Ridge and Qingshuijian Mountain. The old fortress, the ancient village, the river and the Ming Great Wall constitute a poetic picture of primitive simplicity.
Walking Tips:
Make sure you know what the local weather conditions
Good shoes are an essential when hiking
Taking plenty of water so you don't get dehydrated is an essential.
Wear a head and arm coverings in sunny or high altitude areas, and use sunblock
The first rule with interacting with the environment is: Leave it as you found it
Respect the local custom in the villages around Beijing
Make sure you have appropriate rain gear
Leave a change of clothes in your car.
Carry a spare handkerchief to dip in cool streams and spread over your neck, forehead, etc.
| Included | Not included |
|---|---|
| All transfers and city transportation for your own use | Gratuities to drivers and guides. |
| Lunch | Travel insurance for your coverage of injury or accident |
| Entrance fees as listed | |
| Private car or van with English speaking guide | |
| The above private escorted tour is customized for you, your family or your friends exclusively. No other travelers will join in your group. |
English
| Travelling Party | Tour Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $249 |
| 2 persons | $149 |
| 3 persons | $125 |
| 4 - 5 persons | $99 |
| 6 - 9 Persons | $85 |
| 10 persons and above | $69 |
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