Beijing is edged on three sides by low mountains that were, in ancient times, favorites sites of summer retreat and religious endeavor. Many of these temples, pagodas and caves are now open to the public.
GuoyaMountain, to the north of Beijing. Three of its original 72 temples remain.
ShangfangMountain, near DafangMountain. Temples from the Han Dynasty and Yunsi Grotto make this an interesting place to visit.
ShijingMountain, to the west of Beijing. There is a Tang Dynasty pagoda and stone tablets inscribed with Buddhist sculptures that date from the Sui to Ming dynasties.
DananMountain, Shihua (Stone Flower) Cave, a natural karst wonder, houses 10 stone Buddhas at the foot of the mountain.
EastLingshanMountain, in the Mentougou District, is the highest peak in the Beijing area. Pine, birch, linden and more than 500 kinds of shrubs and herbaceous plants cover the mountain. LingshanMountain is especially beautiful in the autumn when the leaves begin to change and all becomes a festival of color.
Songshan Forest Park is the secondary forest under the state protection. The main attractions in gorge and the Songshan hot spring. The jot spring, known as Tangzimiao, has healed the aches and pains of Chinese from as early ago. Today there are three hot Spring pools, covering 120 square meters, for up to bathers at once.
BaihuashanPark, in the area of FangshanCounty and Mentougou District, 50 kilometers from the city proper, boasts the third highest peak in the Beijing area. It is an ideal spot for sightseeing or a cool retreat on a hot day.
