Beijing – Scenic Getaways(273 views)

Release date:2010-08-27 11:26:33

Beijing, China is the top tourist destination in Asia. It is surrounded by mountains, natures own fortification. Due to its geographical location, Beijing has wonderful scenic areas.

Fragrant Hills Park situated 20km from the southwest of Beijing is a beautiful imperial garden. It was famous even centuries ago. The park that covers about 395 acres was built in 1186 during the Jin Dynasty. Fragrant Hills Park is not only famous for its imperial style garden but also for the strange fragrance that is believed to be coming from the Xianglu peak on the Fragrant Hill. It is also said that fragrance is produced by the apricot trees during flowering season. Fragrant Hills Park was attacked and burnt down twice but was restored and opened to the public.

Shuangqing Villa, Xiangshan Temple, and Yuhua Villa to the south and Xianglu Peak, Zhao Temple, Jianxin Residence and Dr, Sun-Yat-Sen Memorial Hall to the north are the main attractions in the park. The Shuangqing Villa where Mao- Zedong used to live currently serves as an exhibition hall. The Xiangshan Temple that was built in 1186 is in a dilapidated condition and has only a stone wall and stele left for its visitors. What is charming about Yuhua Villa is its ancient courtyard- style construction and delicate wood work. At the same time, the Jianxin Residence built in 1522 is an excellent example for South- Chinese architectural style and the Emperor Qianlong’s favorite place where he used to throw banquets. The Xianglu peak otherwise known as Incense Burner Peak due to its resemblance to incense burner has a height of 557 meters thus making it the highest peak on the Fragrant Hill. For those who want to avoid tiresome climbing can make use of cable-car service that is available at the north gate.

Traveling in the cable-car for 18 minutes is a memorable experience as you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way and also from the peak. The Zhao Temple built in Tibetan- style is noted for its beautiful archway and a seven-storied pagoda. The best time to visit Fragrant Hills Park is during autumn season when leaves of trees on the hill turn their color.

Yunfeng Mountain Scenic Area is located between Simatai section of Great Wall and Yunmengshan National Forest Park. It has a very good climate throughout the year and is an important summer getaway. When viewed from above, it provides an enchanting sight with Miyun Reservoir shimmering amidst greeneries. Chaosheng Temple, Chaoyang Cave and Mayan Stone Inscriptions are the attractions here. The Chaosheng Temple built during Sui and Tang Dynasty offers an outstanding view among the beautiful greenery and tolling of the bell and drum beats altogether give a charismatic effect. You can also see the stone inscriptions of which each character has one meter height. These inscriptions show the significance of calligraphy in ancient times. If you follow the steps leading from the Temple then you can reach Chaoyang Cave. With 12 meters depth, 6 meters width and 7 meters height it houses the statue of Kwan-yin, the Bodhisattva of Mercy and statues of two other fairies.

Laoxiangfeng Scenic Area is located in Xiaoyuzi Village, 80 kilometers from the Beijing suburbs. ‘Laoxiangfeng’ means ‘old elephant’ and the scenic spot got its name due to the elephant-shaped huge peak located there. With 50-meters in height and 80-meters in length, this peak or rock formation has all the features of an elephant i.e., for example; trunk, legs, head and tail. You can find two such formations one facing east and another facing west. Peaks, mountains, cliffs and greenery around covered in the mist give an enchanting effect to the spot. One can see brick walls that seemed to have built in ancient times and also a square- shaped peak that looks similar to an ancient fortress. The lake that lies adjacent to the forest adds more charm to the area. The valley reminds you of a heavenly garden during summer and autumn when plenty of flowers bloom and carpet the area.

Jiangjingtuo Scenic Area is a beautiful natural location with forests, cliffs, etc and during flowering season the area is filled with fragrance of flowers and fruits. You can even expect to find hares and other cute animals crossing the narrow path right in front of you. Strangely, this area is also a good place for adventure-lovers as there are lots of activities like mountain-hiking, bungee-jumping etc…The other attraction in this area is a hill that is in the shape of a hat, which is why this place got its name. ‘Jiangjing’ means ‘general’ in Chinese and the story goes that Zhang Liang, a wise man of Western Han Dynasty threw his hat here and it became a rock. A sculpture is built in front of the hill in the memory of this great man.

Fragrant Hills Park, Yunfeng Mountain Scenic Area, Laoxiangfeng Scenic Area and Jiangjingtuo Scenic Area are excellent getaways especially for those who want to escape city’s pollution.

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