Beijing Weekend Self-Driving Tour: Treasures of Mentougou, 4 Secretly Hidden Spots for Summer Escape

Number of days: 2 days
Time: July
Average cost: 1,000 yuan
With whom: and friends
Tour kinds: Photography, self-driving, free travel
Updated: 2022.07.19

Photos and Text | Muchengzi

Summer is here. Where can you escape the heat in Beijing?

Orange Seed recommends a hidden gem for a great summer escape: Mentougou. Escape the sweltering heat of the city and escape the embrace of nature, where you can find a moment of relaxation amidst the lush green mountains and clear waters, enjoying a refreshing summer day. Nestled amidst the shade of trees, deep valleys and pools, Mentougou offers breathtaking views under azure skies and fresh, cool air. Take advantage of the weekend to go and see it with Orange Seed~

D1: Gushan Village Scenic Area (intangible cultural heritage sugar painting, experience farming culture, enjoy the granary banquet) - Shuanglong Gorge (hiking and playing in the water, take a mountain train, boat grass skiing, shooting experience) - Cuanbai Scenic Area (village plank road, Baiyu Yitiantian, Cuanzaoshe cultural and creative store, stay in Cuandixia Village)

D2: Baihua Mountain (feel the summer coolness, check in the plant diversity, enjoy the blooming flowers) - return

The space also features trendy elements that suit contemporary aesthetics: a decorative wall, a chess lawn, and the viral bird's nest swing... Snap away and create stunning photos. For lunch, you can choose a local specialty, the granary banquet. If you don't want to leave in the afternoon, there are also tented camping areas. Escape the heat and cool down from the high vantage point, enjoying the fresh air and the refreshing greenery stretching out before your eyes. Enjoy the fun of hiking through the wild mountain streams and listen to the moving music of nature. After lunch, we arrived at Shuanglong Gorge, a paradise nestled among verdant mountains and lush valleys. The vegetation here is incredibly lush, encompassing mountains, forests, lakes, and streams... With streams stretching for tens of miles and waterfalls stretching for hundreds of miles, it's known as "Little Jiuzhaigou." Take a ride on the little red train, traversing a sea of greenery and stepping into the world of The Wizard of Oz. The gurgling sound of the mountain stream, the gentle breeze ruffling the leaves, and the chirping of insects and birds create a harmonious symphony of relaxation. Climb the 99 steps and laze on a pedalo, enjoying the tranquility of the mountains and waters. Across the lake is a gently sloping mountain trail, perfect for leisurely strolls. After about half an hour, you'll reach the first waterfall, cascading down into the pond. In addition to the natural beauty, the alpine grass skiing at the entrance of the scenic area is perfect for adrenaline junkies. At the shooting range at the train station exit, you can try out air rifles and meet a very friendly and cheerful woman. Across the shooting range is the children's playground, with slides, water wheels, climbing equipment, swings, and more. Children are fascinated by the endless variety of activities, and their lively and adorable faces are everywhere. Not far from Shuanglong Gorge is the Cuandixia Scenic Area, where we stayed in Cuandixia Village. The village is nestled against the mountain, which is quite interesting. From a bird's eye view, the village's overall layout resembles a gourd and a gold ingot, symbolizing fortune and wealth, along with gold and silver. The Chinese character "爨" literally means "home," and "never separate" (爨) signifies a never-ending family. With a history spanning over 400 years, the village is now a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site, preserving over 500 courtyard-style dwellings, including over 70 units, dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The village boasts ancient roads, wells, temples, and even a stage... Those seeking to experience the charm of an ancient village and its centuries-old folk culture shouldn't miss it.

The farmhouse dishes here are affordable and incredibly delicious. The tofu soup is especially good; I don't know how it's made, but it doesn't have any fishy tofu flavor at all. And my favorite, the sweet and sour pork ribs, is absolutely delicious!

The next day, you can sleep in naturally. After breakfast, you can stroll along the village plank road in the morning light, overlooking the entire village, and then visit Baiyu Yitiantian to experience the wonders of nature.

One mountain, one world; a hundred flowers, a hundred styles.

Baihua Mountain isn't exactly a mountain, but rather a range of mountains. Part of the Yanshan Mountains, it's divided into Mentougou Baihua Mountain, Fangshan Baihua Mountain, Fangshan Baicaopan, and Yeshanpo Baicaopan, depending on where it's located.

Our final destination on this trip was Mentougou Baihua Mountain, where the summit is crowned by a vast alpine meadow.

Explore the diverse flora and fauna as you ascend the steps from the scenic area's entrance. Along the path, Larix principis-rupprechtii, arborvitae, poplar, dianthus, nasturtium, and wild lily...are dotted along the steps. Strolling along the mountain path, you'll find a world completely different from the outside world. Tall plants, shrubs, and trees block out the sun, forming a natural botanical corridor. The forest is lush and verdant, and the negative oxygen ion content is extremely high. Climb to the top of the mountain and admire the various wild flowers blooming on the meadow. The long plank road is lined with colorful flowers on both sides, swaying in the wind, as beautiful as an oil painting.

Summer's days are long, and here's where you'll find a refreshing coolness.

Driving into Mentougou, you'll find lush green grass, fragrant blossoms swaying, birds chirping and cicadas wandering through the woods. Four hidden gems of summer retreats are right within your reach. Bring your family this weekend to experience the fresh air of nature and indulge in a leisurely and carefree stay.