Mentougou Lingshan Nature Scenic Area

Mentougou Lingshan Nature Scenic Area

The Mentougou Lingshan Nature Scenic Area is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

The Lingshan Nature Scenic Area is located 122 kilometers from Beijing. With its peak at an altitude of 2,303 meters, it is the highest peak in the Beijing area. To the west, it neighbors the Longmen Forest Park; to the east, it connects with the Longmen Gorge Scenic Area; and to the south, it is accessible via National Highway 109. Due to its high elevation, within a 25-square-kilometer radius, Lingshan forms a natural scenic area in the Beijing region that features both fault-block and fold mountains, with steep peaks and boundless alpine flowers.

The area boasts both warm temperate vegetation and plant species related to the cold zones of Siberia. It is home to plants such as rhododendrons, lilacs, birch forests, as well as hazelnuts and daylilies. It is especially famous for its alpine meadows. As a result, it serves as the only natural breeding and farming ground in Beijing for Xinjiang fine-wool sheep, Ili horses, and Qinghai-Tibetan yaks, and is also a paradise for wildlife.

The Lingshan Scenic Area has tourist hotels that can accommodate up to 1,200 diners and over 500 overnight guests. In addition, there are rural guesthouses in the nearby villages where you can enjoy specialties such as whole roasted lamb, roast wild rabbit, and hand-held lamb.

The Lingshan Nature Scenic Area is located at the northwestern tip of Mentougou District in western Beijing, bordering Zhuozhou County in Hebei Province. It is 122 kilometers from Beijing, with its peak at an altitude of 2,303 meters, making it the highest peak in the Beijing area. Due to its elevation, within a 25-square-kilometer radius, Lingshan forms a natural scenic area in the Beijing region that features both fault-block and fold mountains, with steep peaks and boundless alpine flowers.

Lingshan has a short frost-free period, and its seasonal climate varies greatly compared to Beijing, exhibiting uniquely short spring and autumn seasons and long winter and summer periods. The daily temperature difference between Lingshan and Beijing is about 10–12 degrees Celsius.

As the highest peak in Beijing, Lingshan boasts beautiful scenery and a pleasant summer climate, making it an ideal destination for leisure, vacation, and summer retreats. In winter, it is covered in silvery snow, offering the perfect setting for skiing. Along the way into the scenic area, you can see ancient beacon towers and drink from year-round springs. You can also taste local specialties such as oat rolls from Lingshan, as well as wild mountain hazelnuts, wild leeks, wild daylilies, and fresh mushrooms.

The vegetation in Lingshan also changes with altitude. The area features both warm temperate vegetation and plant species related to the cold zones of Siberia. Among these, the alpine meadows above 1,900 meters are the most famous, serving as the only natural breeding and farming ground in Beijing for Xinjiang fine-wool sheep, Ili horses, and Qinghai-Tibetan yaks. It is a paradise for wildlife, with squirrels, rabbits, wild boars, roe deer, and other animals roaming the forests. You may even spot the rare brown-eared pheasant.

When visiting Lingshan in summer, bring warm clothing and rain gear. Although summers here offer a uniquely cool escape, the high altitude results in significant temperature differences with the city, so it’s best to dress in layers. Visiting in winter, you’ll find it still in deep autumn, with thick yellow meadows covering the hillsides—a unique sight. At local guesthouses, you can try rustic dishes such as lamb shreds, braised potatoes, and wild mountain vegetables—don’t miss this flavorful experience. As a rare example of plateau and grassland scenery, Lingshan is a great spot for landscape photography, student field studies, biological specimen collection, and family video projects. To the west of Lingshan lies the Longmen Forest Park, which you can also explore.

Transportation

Self-driving Route:

The one-way distance from Beijing to the Lingshan Scenic Area is 122 kilometers, and the drive takes about three hours. Route: Beijing Fushi Road – Mentougou Sanjiadian – Xiawei Dian – Yan Chi – Junxiang – Zhaitang – Qingshui – Qijiazhuang – Shuangtangjian – Jiangshuihe – Lingshan Scenic Area.

Public Transport:

1. Take Subway Line 1 to Apple Park Station, then transfer to Bus 892 to Shuangtangjian. The full journey from Apple Park subway station to Shuangtangjian is about 100 kilometers and takes approximately three hours. After getting off, it’s still about 20 kilometers to the Lingshan Scenic Area. During the peak season in July and August, there is a direct Bus 892 to the scenic area on Saturdays and Sundays only; at other times, the bus only goes to Shuangtangjian. From Shuangtangjian, you can rent a private car for about 50 yuan per trip to reach the Lingshan Scenic Area.

2. Take Bus 336 or 326 to Hetan Long-Distance Bus Station, then transfer to Bus 929 Branch Line directly to the Lingshan Scenic Area (Apple Park – Lingshan).

Cable Car

From the center of the Lingshan Scenic Area, you can take a 1,548-meter-long cable car with a drop of over 430 meters. It takes just 25 minutes to reach the mountaintop, making it convenient for many elderly visitors and children.

Ticket Price

35 yuan

Opening Hours

Open all day

Location

Qingshui Town, Mentougou District, Beijing