Baicaopan Natural Scenic Area

Baicaopan Natural Scenic Area

The full name of the scenic area is: Baicaopan Natural Scenic Area of Xiayunling Forest Park in Beijing. It includes seven attractions: Baicaopan, Kunpeng Gorge, Thyme Valley, Pine Forest Round City, Lao Dao Cave, Dragon Bone Stone Hall, and Apricot Grove Garden. It is known for its Eight Scenic Spots on the Mountain, Eight Scenic Spots at the Foot of the Mountain, and 106 scenic views.

The Eight Scenic Spots on the Mountain are: Lilac Spring, Moon Viewing from the Pavilion, Summit Morning Light, Graceful Five-Finger Peak, Sea of Clouds and Mist, Lights of the Capital, Ancient Trees Through the Ages, and Plateau of a Hundred Herbs.

The Eight Scenic Spots at the Foot of the Mountain are: Angry Stones Descending from the Sky, Pine Sea and Forest Waves, Thousand Ant Mounds, Prehistoric Relics, Kunpeng Spreading Its Wings, Divine Cave and Immortal Path, Pine Forest Round City, and Mother and Child Worshipping the Dragon.

Including the eight scenic spots on the mountain and at the foot, there are 106 named landscapes in total.

Baicaopan is the highest peak in southwestern Beijing. Satellite measurements confirm its exact elevation at 2,161 meters. It lies on the same mountain ridge as Baihua Mountain, which is located to its northeast, about 7 kilometers away, with an elevation of 1,990.7 meters—approximately 170 meters lower than Baicaopan. Due to Baicaopan’s height, the scenic area exhibits a distinct vertical vegetation zonation from the foot to the summit: 800–1,200 meters features mild broadleaf deciduous forests and shrubland; 1,200–1,700 meters consists of cool temperate larch and birch forests; and 1,700–2,100 meters is home to cold alpine shrubs and meadow landscapes.

Most people are familiar with lilacs. In May, lilacs in Beijing are in full bloom, but near Simatai Village at 800–1,000 meters altitude, they are just budding, not blooming until early June. As you climb to 1,400–1,500 meters, the lilacs are only starting to sprout, and at the 2,000-meter summit, the branches are still bare, without even buds. By mid-June, lilacs at the foot of the mountain are in full bloom, while those halfway up are fragrant and vibrant, and at the summit, red flower buds have just emerged. Friends are welcome to visit in late spring and early summer to enjoy the intoxicating fragrance and enchanting blossoms of these unique alpine lilacs—white, red, and purple lilacs.

The summit of Baicaopan is over 2,100 meters above the Beijing Plain, and the mountain area is more than 800 meters higher than Beijing. As a result, the climate here is cool and pleasant in summer, making it an ideal destination for escaping the heat. At 1,680 meters above sea level on the mountainside lies the “Ruida” Alpine Resort, where summer temperatures are 8–9°C lower than in Beijing. At the 2,160-meter summit, Beijing’s highest underground resort hotel is situated, with summer temperatures 11–14°C cooler than in the city.

Upon entering the Baicaopan alpine meadow, you’ll immediately feel the fresh, cool air, the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the vibrant life of nature. Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of urban life, you arrive in this lively paradise gifted by nature. A green carpet spreads out before your feet—lie down, gaze at the blue sky, count the green mountains, and breathe in the floral scents. What could be more delightful? Over 200 species of medicinal herbs have been identified among the plants here, making it an important habitat for wild herbs in northern China. With China’s long-standing tradition of herbal medicine, the meadow, just 100 kilometers west of the historic “Yellow Emperor City” in Zhuolu County, is said to be where the divine farmer Shennong tasted hundreds of herbs. Baicaopan will become China’s first theme park dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine culture. The vast meadow is not only a sky garden but also a natural treasure trove of herbal heritage.

Baicaopan Natural Scenic Area was developed with investment from Baicaopan Tourism Development Co., Ltd., and its operating entity is Simatai Village.

Scenic Area Ticket: RMB 40 per person

Sightseeing Bus Ticket: RMB 40 per person

Attractions: Baicaopan Natural Scenic Area includes (Angry Stones Descending from the Sky, Forest Sea and Pine Waves, Thousand Ant Mounds, Dinosaur Ridge, Moon Viewing from the Pavilion, Summit Morning Light, Graceful Five-Finger Peak, Sea of Clouds and Mist, Lights of the Capital, Ancient Pines Through the Ages, Grand Meadow, and Little Meadow).

Discount Group 1: College, university, and high school students (excluding adult education), active-duty military personnel, with valid ID; seniors aged 60 and above with ID card—50% discount on tickets.

Discount Group 2: People with disabilities (with disability certificate), children under 1.2 meters, and retired personnel (with retirement certificate)—free admission.

(Note: The above ticket discounts apply only to Chinese citizens. Eligible visitors should present valid personal ID directly at the ticket office, then show it again at the entrance gate. Discounts apply only to tickets, not other consumption items.)

Scenic Area Ticketing Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Latest Time for Park Closure: 7:00 PM

Address: Simatai Village, Xiayunling Township, Fangshan District

Postal Code: 102421

Phone: 010-60369037

Transportation Guide

Bus Route: Take bus 917 from Tianqiao Station or Guang’anmen Station to Fangshan Bus Station, then transfer to bus 20 to reach Baicaopan Scenic Area.

Self-Drive Route: Beijing – Liuliqiao – Enter the Jing-Shi Expressway – 30 km – Yan Village Exit – 8 km – Tuoli – 21 km – Hebei Town – Follow National Highway 108 – 4 km – Fozizhuang Township – 21 km – Jiayukou – 32 km – Longmentai Village – 4 km – Simatai Village – Baicaopan Scenic Area Ticket Office Parking Lot

Friendly Reminder:

Baicaopan Natural Scenic Area is closed during winter from October to April. Please confirm before your trip.