The Top Hiking Trails Near Beijing
When the weather is favorable, trekking in beautiful regions and climbing mountains are generally the finest ways to unwind. There are various high slopes and hills with hiking trails in the Beijing area. Along the Great Wall, there are some excellent hiking trails, as well as many more in other mountain park areas. Here are the top hiking trails near Beijing that we recommend. You’ll appreciate these trekking places, and each one has something unique to offer. At Mutianyu and Jinshanling, you can see the highly praised Great Wall parts, enormous caves in Shangfang, gorgeous fall foliage at Hongluo, Fragrant Hills, and Baiwang, and the Beijing cityscape from a high vantage point at Mangshan.
Contents
The Top Hiking Trails Near Beijing
The Jiankou to Mutianyu Great Wall Hike
This is the most popular mountain trek among tourists in Beijing, as it offers variety and challenge on a famously gorgeous portion of the Great Wall. Hike across the area where Ming forces once patrolled 400 years ago. On the Jiankou segment of the hike, you’ll face the challenge of the Great Wall’s steepest portion. Jiankou is the most dramatic and is most commonly featured on postcards. One of the two most popular Great Wall walks is Jiankou to Mutianyu.
The Fragrant Hills (香山)
Censer Peak is known for being “devilishly difficult to achieve” because of its steep terrain.
Almost every weekend, a large number of Beijing residents come here to trek the hills. There are numerous mountains and gurgling streams, as well as “28 noteworthy sites.” You can take a stroll through the trees, little lakes and ponds, and historic structures.
There is also a gondola that will take you to the top of the mountain for a spectacular view. It only operates when the weather permits. When the sun sets, the entire city is bathed in spectacular lights.
Because Fragrant Hills Park is close to the Summer Palace, you may tour both in one day. The Maple Leaf Festival, which takes place in October and lasts for a month, is well-known.
Mangshan Park (蟒山公园)
The scenery of Mangshan are diverse. The 1,299 stone steps on the mountain are paved with 3,666 large stones, making them the city’s longest mountain-climbing stairs. The park is surrounded by trees. Mangshan National Forest Park is the largest national park in the Beijing area, with 8,700 hectares (21,000 acres) of forest with 176 different types of trees and flowers.
Baihua Mountain (百花山)
The mountain is tall and lovely. Green grass covers the gradual slope, which stretches for dozens of kilometers and is sprinkled with a variety of brilliant wild flowers in the summer. On the mountain, the weather is rainy and the air is clean. The mountain is also known as the “natural botanical garden” since it has over 700 different plant species.
Miaofeng Mountain (妙峰山)
Miaofeng Mountain is a tourist destination that combines religious pilgrimages with hiking. At the foot of the mountain, Jiangou Village () is known as the “Land of Roses.” Miaofeng Roses are grown on thousands of hectares (acres) there. The region is also adorned with a variety of fruit trees and flowers. It is regarded as one of the top trekking spots in the Beijing mountains.
Shangfang Mountain (上方山)
Shangfangshan is known for its green mountains and caverns. It’s known as “the path to the stars” and is frequently likened to the scenery of Suzhou and Hangzhou. The nine caverns are the most distinctive features. The “Cave of Cloud and Water,” with 108 natural vistas, is the most well-known. Each of the six massive tunnels appears to be larger than the last; one is approximately 70 meters high. For access, take the cable car or climb up a footpath.
Baiwang Mountain (Baiwang Shan)
A climb to Baiwang Mountain is a short and easy climb appropriate for hikers of all ages and abilities. It is also conveniently located in Beijing, barely three kilometers from the Summer Palace. The park that surrounds the mountain is densely forested and can provide a respite from the suffocating Beijing haze. Along the journey to the top, there are stelae stones etched with poems, poetry, and calligraphy.
Huangcaoliang Mountain (黄草梁)
This location is ideal for individuals who want to hike on natural routes rather than stone or concrete paths. There are mild slopes, and because to great permeability, the summit of the mountain is fairly dry. Huangcaoliang translates to “Yellow Grass Ridge,” describing the sparse, dry vegetation that allows for spectacular mountain views.