Exploring Bairui Valley: Discover Natural Wonders and Unlock Healing Moments in the Mountains

Where else can you go around Beijing?
Stop crowding Gubei Water Town, Shidu, and Xiangshan!
I secretly took a trip to Bairui Valley Scenic Area in Fangshan,
and it completely redefined my idea of a "secret spot near Beijing"—
this is not just an ordinary mountain view,
but a geological wonder combining alpine meadows, cliffside plank roads, millennia-old glacial relics, and wildflower gardens!
The best part—few tourists, stunning scenery, and every photo is a masterpiece!
📍 Bairui Valley is located in Shijiaying Township, Fangshan District, Beijing,
at an altitude of 1900 meters. It used to be an abandoned mining area,
but now it has transformed into a model of ecological restoration,
known as "China’s first national 4A scenic area restored from a mining site."
🚗 How to get there? Perfect for self-driving, light hiking enthusiasts, and family trips.
Navigate to "Beijing Bairui Valley Scenic Area,"
about a 2-hour drive from the city (G4 Jinggang’ao Expressway → Jingkun Expressway → Tanwang Road),
the mountain roads are gentle, suitable for SUVs or sedans.
⚠️ Tip: There is a large free parking lot at the entrance!
🏞 Three must-see highlights, each frame feels like stepping into a fairyland!
✅ High-altitude Glass Viewing Platform—“Eye on the Cloud Peak”
Built on the edge of a cliff, suspended 300 meters above a deep abyss,
with panoramic views of the Taihang Mountains stretching endlessly,
on clear days you can see Laishui in Hebei at a glance,
not for the faint-hearted, but a 100% photo success rate!
✅ Kilometer-long Alpine Flower Sea Trail
The peak blooming season is from June to August!
Lavender, coreopsis, and cosmos cover the hillsides,
swaying in the wind like a colorful velvet carpet,
stand in the middle wearing a white dress, and instantly become the heroine of a Studio Ghibli animation.
✅ Explore Millennia-old Glacial Relics + Miner Ruins
Here you can find Quaternary glacial striation stones dating back about 2 million years,
as well as tunnels and rails left by miners from the last century,
a double shock of nature and culture, perfect for kids to learn without boredom!
📌 Practical Tips:
- Tickets: 75 RMB for adults (including shuttle bus), discounts for students and seniors
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
- Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours
- Reminder: Large temperature difference at the summit, be sure to bring a jacket; some sections are steep, wear non-slip sports shoes
- There are simple meals and drinks inside the park, but options are limited, so it’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks
🍂 Best seasons to visit:
- Spring and Summer (May–July): lush greenery and blooming flower seas
- Autumn (September–October): colorful forests with red leaves decorating the valleys
- Winter (December–February): snow-covered landscapes like ink paintings, a paradise for photographers!