Jiufeng Forest Park

Jiufeng Forest Park

Jiufeng Forest Park is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a national forest park.

Destination Introduction

Jiufeng Forest Park is nestled among mountains 30 kilometers west of Beijing. It connects to the Taihang Mountains in the south and the Yanshan Mountain Range in the north, resembling an embroidered ball studded with gems, playfully interacting with two long green dragons.

The Jiufeng area is managed by Beijing Forestry University and was officially approved by the Ministry of Forestry on July 27, 1992. In this magical 866.67-hectare world, ancient mountain trails, spectacular landscapes, and abundant natural scenery attract visitors from all directions, leaving unforgettable impressions on all who come to admire its beauty.

Jiufeng has long been a renowned scenic destination in Beijing. For years, its majestic peaks, rugged rocks, rare trees, and exotic flowers have inspired countless poems, leaving traces of traditional Chinese culture throughout the area. Built in September of the ninth year of the Xianfeng reign, Xiangtang still retains its original Buddhist hall layout. On the steep peaks grow two massive ancient trees: one is the Dragon Claw Phoenix Head Pine, and the other is the Arrow-straight Skyward Pine. Towering into the clouds and complementing each other, they resemble two imposing mountain eagles from afar—hence the name Jiufeng (Eagle Peak). The early Jiufeng Stockade was once one of the 72 military camps of the Liao soldiers, highlighting its strategic importance and the ruggedness of the terrain.

The wonder of Jiufeng lies first and foremost in its abundance of trees. It’s astonishing to find such dense forests so close to the capital. Spanning over 800 hectares, the park is a veritable treasure trove of greenery, with a forest coverage rate of 100%, making it a natural reservoir of plant life. In winter, pines and cypresses stay evergreen; in spring, a riot of blossoms flourishes; in summer, thick canopies offer shade; and in autumn, the scenery is breathtaking. From the sea of pines and cypresses to the red maples and green toon trees, as well as ginkgos, metasequoias, junipers, and cedars, the variety is astounding. Fruits like cherries, walnuts, and persimmons are within easy reach. From medicinal plants like Dioscorea nipponica and Pinellia ternata to edible ones like Allium macrostemon and Brassica rapa, and from ornamental species like Lithocarpus glaber and Abelia to dye plants like Rubia cordifolia, there are as many as 1,065 species. Walking westward from the summit along the ridge brings you to dense woods. Chinese pine, Huashan pine, apricot, Acer truncatum, oak, and Platycladus orientalis display a fascinating variety of shapes and postures. Hiking dozens of miles leads to the Fire-Watching Platform, where you can climb a tower over four zhang high (approx. 13 feet) and gaze out at the undulating sea of green—an endless beauty. Across the seasons, Jiufeng is like a beautiful maiden changing her attire at will. In winter, snow blankets the land, with green pines and cypresses, proud plum blossoms, and smiling blooms welcoming the new year. In spring, floral scents drift for miles, with peach and plum blossoms competing in beauty, magnolia and apricot flowers white as snow, and azaleas and rhododendrons more vibrant than drifting clouds. In summer, trees provide ample shade, with ginkgo and pine leaves spreading like umbrellas, while Albizia and Acacia exude endless green vibrancy. In autumn, sweet gum and Chinese tallow trees blush with crimson spots, torch trees and Acer truncatum forests are dyed in layers, and ginkgo leaves flutter like flags or fall like butterflies. The dense forests, multi-layered tree canopies, and diverse terrains form a paradise for numerous precious and adorable small animals. Pheasants, rabbits, badgers, squirrels, and various birds revel in joy, alongside over 370 species of insects living in harmony. The rich flora and fauna are the treasures and pride of Jiufeng.

The ancient trees in Jiufeng Park are astounding in both age and quantity. There are over 300 trees that are a thousand years old, more than 20 species under first-class national protection, and a total of thousands of protected trees. The earliest magnolia tree in Beijing has withstood the test of time without fading, and a six-person-embracing ginkgo tree stands as a testament to Jiufeng’s long history. The ancient ginkgo in Puzhao Temple lives up to its reputation as a living fossil, with vertically cracked bark, winding grain, and an ancient, vigorous appearance, as if crafted by heaven itself.

Address: Jiufeng National Forest Park, Beianhe Township, Haidian District

Phone: 62455816, 62455821, 62459209

Ticket: Adults 8 RMB, students 4 RMB

Location: Nestled among mountains 30 kilometers west of Beijing

Jiufeng’s mountains are majestic, rugged, and interconnected, with peaks embracing one another and deep valleys and cliffs. From afar, the undulating ridges resemble dancing dragons. Up close, the serene valleys and winding paths lead to the sky. Here, you can experience the grandeur of “overlooking all other mountains” and the ever-changing wild beauty of “mountain upon mountain, suddenly seeing the light.” The mountain springs of Jiufeng are blessed by nature. Eight clear springs flow continuously, offering sweet-tasting water rich in trace elements.

The summit of Jiufeng symbolizes tenacity and upward striving. People gather here from all directions to admire the magnificent scenery and experience nature. The view from the top is the joy of determined hikers. From the peak, the ancient capital of Beijing unfolds beneath your eyes: roads like pathways, fields like chessboards, and picturesque scenery. Watching the sunrise from Jiufeng allows you to feel the greatness and sacredness of nature: as dawn breaks and the morning sun fills the sky, the red sun slowly rises... The rocks of Jiufeng are also a marvel. Some lie prone, some crouch, some appear joyful, others angry; some are vivid in form and spirit, others look as if carved by knives and axes. At the foot of Jiufeng stands a huge boulder, abruptly rising as if split or about to topple. Only lizards with suction-cup toes can climb it—it's called Lizard Rock. To the left of the Chaoyang Guanyin Cave stands a towering boulder teetering precariously, beside which a century-old tree clings to life—this rock is named “Qi Shu Shi” (Tree Qi Rock). The moon-gazing stone resembling Chang’e flying to the moon, and the gleaming golden peak of Xiufeng bathed in sunlight, all stir the imagination.

Jiufeng boasts numerous historical sites, designated as key cultural relics protection units by the Haidian District Cultural Relics Bureau. Its wealth of cultural landscapes tightly intertwines with the natural scenery, adding significant value. Major attractions include: Jiufeng, Jiufeng Manor, Red Leaf Viewing Area, Greenhouse, Specimen Room, Xiufeng Temple, Xiangtang Temple, Monk’s Pagoda, Jinxian Nunnery, Yang Family Garden, Bei Family Garden, Seismic Station Ruins, Chaoyang Guanyin Cave, Qi Song Shi (Gas Tree Stone), Muchun Pavilion, Red Leaf Area, Camping Area, and more. The Jiufeng Seismic Station is China’s first self-built seismic station and was once one of the world’s top seismic observatories, marking the beginning of China’s earthquake research. The former Xiao Zhai Temple still has the “Jiufeng Jingshe Ji” stone tablet; the former Puzhao Temple retains its carved beams, painted rafters, elegant pavilions, and winding corridors. While exploring the ancient sites, visitors can hear many touching legends, such as the “Sixth Son Turning the Pagoda.”

Take bus 346 from the Summer Palace to the north entrance of Beianhe Township, then walk 800 meters west. By train, take a suburban tourist train from Shijingshan or Pingguoyuan subway stations directly.

Xiufeng Temple Reception Center (62455812)

Address: No. 5 Xiufeng Temple Road, Sujiatuo Town, Haidian District, Beijing

Type: Mountain & Forest

Recommended Visit Duration: 2–3 hours

Phone: 010-62455816; 010-62455825

Opening Hours:

Peak Season (April–October): 7:30–17:30; Off-Season (November–March): 8:00–17:00.

Ticket Information:

Door Price: Starting from 10.0 RMB

Peak Season (April–October): 15 RMB for adults; Off-Season (November–March): 10 RMB for adults.

Sujiatuo Area: Sujiatuo Town is located in the northwest of Haidian District, bordering Changping and Mentougou Districts. It currently covers an administrative area of 84.6 square kilometers, with 4 community committees and 19 village committees, a registered population of 33,229, and a migrant population of 18,220. In 2009, the town’s fiscal expenditure was 256.389 million RMB. Sujiatuo enjoys a beautiful natural environment, with temperatures around 3°C lower than the urban area year-round and negative oxygen ions 150 times more concentrated, earning it the reputation of a “green lung.” The area features natural landscapes such as Jiufeng, Yangtai Mountain, and Phoenix Ridge, as well as cultural sites like Dajue Temple, Longquan Temple, and the Tomb of the Seventh King... More details on the Sujiatuo area ++