Shidu in Fangshan

Shidu in Fangshan

Shidu in Fangshan is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national geopark.

Introduction to the origin of Shidu:

In ancient times, the Juma River had a very strong flow, making it impossible to build bridges over it. At every major bend where the river entered a village, there was a ferry crossing. Within the 20-kilometer stretch from the First Ferry to the Tenth Ferry, there are 10 bends, hence 10 ferry crossings, which gave the area its name. Another explanation is related to Buddhism—"Shidu" is an abbreviation of the Buddhist phrase "ten directions of the world, saving all sentient beings." The ten directions refer to the east, south, west, north, southeast, northeast, southwest, northwest, up, and down. Why are the First to Fifth Ferries not called "ferries," but starting from the Sixth Ferry they are? Because Buddhist followers must observe the Five Precepts (also known as the Five Barriers) — namely not killing, not stealing, not committing sexual misconduct, not lying, and not drinking alcohol. Only by overcoming these five barriers can one achieve enlightenment. (The Fifth Ferry is called Xiguan Shang.) The Six Perfections, also known as the "Six Pāramitās" or "Six Means of Crossing to the Other Shore," are six methods proposed by Buddhism to go from the shore of samsara to the shore of nirvana. These six methods are: giving, moral discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. They aim to save all beings who are destined to be saved, and only after all beings are saved can one attain enlightenment, benefiting both oneself and others. "Shidu" is a symbol of fulfilled merit and accomplishment. 1. Geographic Location: The Shidu Scenic Area belongs to Shidu Town, Fangshan District, Beijing. It is located at the northeastern edge of the Taihang Mountains and the mountainous region of the northwestern North China Plain, about 80 kilometers from downtown Beijing. Geographically, it lies between 39°5'–39°6' north latitude and 115°3'–115°8' east longitude. 2. Area: The Shidu Scenic Area covers a practical area of 301 square kilometers, making it the largest natural scenic area in Beijing in terms of length and width. It stretches from Yidu Village in the east to Dashadi in the west, from Sanqing Cave in the north to Gaoliang Mountain in the south. It is approximately 40 kilometers long from east to west and up to 25 kilometers wide from north to south. 3. Elevation: The highest point in the scenic area is Dawajian Peak at 1,210.8 meters. The second highest is Niujiao Mountain at 1,176.94 meters. The lowest point is Zhangfang at 84.2 meters. The lowest point in Shidu Town is the Fifth Ferry at 135 meters. 4. Transportation: Nowadays, transportation to Shidu is very convenient. The Beijing–Yuanyang Railway runs through the area. Shidu Station (starting from Beijing South Railway Station, connected to major railway lines such as Beijing–Guangzhou and Beijing–Tianjin–Tangshan, and ending in Taiyuan, Shanxi, which is further connected to major railway lines in Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia) is more than capable of receiving visitors from all directions. The flat and wide asphalt roads lead directly to the capital, Beijing. Bus route 917 (Tianqiao – Shidu) operates ten round trips daily. The bus tour company’s “You 10 Route” also provides easy access to the Shidu Scenic Area. 5. Climate: The Shidu Scenic Area has a warm temperate semi-humid continental climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The annual average temperature is 11.2°C, and the annual average precipitation is 687.5 mm. The climate here is pleasant, the water quality is good, and because the Juma River flows through the area, the air has relatively high humidity and excellent air quality, meeting Class I standards. The air is rich in negative oxygen ions, earning it the reputation of a “natural oxygen bar” and “natural air conditioner.” 6. Environment: Being far from urban areas, the region is free from pollution by any industrial or mining enterprises. The air and water quality are excellent. Its geographic location is outstanding, forming a beautiful scenic line in southwestern Beijing—the picturesque Shidu Scenic Area with its clear mountains and waters. The area boasts rich biological resources, with vegetation coverage reaching 82%, making it an ideal place for visitors to relax and cultivate their minds. 7. Origin of Shidu: In ancient times, the Juma River had a very strong flow, making it impossible to build bridges over it. At every major bend where the river entered a village, there was a ferry crossing. Within the 20-kilometer stretch from the First Ferry to the Tenth Ferry, there are 10 bends, hence 10 ferry crossings, which gave the area its name. Another explanation is related to Buddhism—"Shidu" is an abbreviation of the Buddhist phrase "ten directions of the world, saving all sentient beings." The ten directions refer to the east, south, west, north, southeast, northeast, southwest, northwest, up, and down. Why are the First to Fifth Ferries not called "ferries," but starting from the Sixth Ferry they are? Because Buddhist followers must observe the Five Precepts (also known as the Five Barriers) — namely not killing, not stealing, not committing sexual misconduct, not lying, and not drinking alcohol. Only by overcoming these five barriers can one achieve enlightenment. (The Fifth Ferry is called Xiguan Shang.) The Six Perfections, also known as the "Six Pāramitās" or "Six Means of Crossing to the Other Shore," are six methods proposed by Buddhism to go from the shore of samsara to the shore of nirvana. These six methods are: giving, moral discipline, patience, diligence, meditation, and wisdom. They aim to save all beings who are destined to be saved, and only after all beings are saved can one attain enlightenment, benefiting both oneself and others. "Shidu" is a symbol of fulfilled merit and accomplishment. 8. Local Customs and Culture: The Shidu Scenic Area showcases rich local customs and culture, with diverse dialects and lively local expressions. Established cultural villages such as Xizhuang Folk Village, Xihe Farmhouse Inn, and Liubo Park Resort in the Sixth Ferry have opened and are receiving visitors. The Farmer's Paradise in the Fifth Ferry is under construction. These farmhouse resorts offer authentic rural experiences to visitors, allowing them to stay in farmhouses, engage in farm work, enjoy farm food, watch farming activities (like pushing millstones and grinding—both exhausting and fun), and witness unique wedding, funeral, and festival ceremonies full of cultural color, reflecting kinship, friendship, and camaraderie.

Reference Time

1–2 days

Transportation

External Transportation:

1. Take bus 836 from Beijing Tianqiao. There are stops at every village from the First Ferry to the Tenth Ferry. The full fare is about 22 RMB.

2. Take bus 917 from Suzhuang Station on Beijing Subway Line. There are stops from the First Ferry to the Fifteenth Ferry. The fare is about 15 RMB.

Internal Transportation:

Buses 836, 917, Fang 16, Fang 17, and Fang 19 run between the First Ferry and the Fifteenth Ferry, allowing you to visit each site by bus.

Admission Fee

Free entry. The Shidu Scenic Area itself does not charge, but individual attractions and entertainment facilities have separate fees. For example, Gushanzhai Scenic Area is 75 RMB, Dongganggang Scenic Area is 50 RMB, and Juma River Rafting is 80 RMB. Other entertainment options such as bamboo raft rafting and bungee jumping range from tens to hundreds of RMB. For details, see the official website: http://www.shidu.cn/menpiao/

Opening Hours

The Shidu Scenic Area is open all day. Internal attractions and entertainment facilities are generally open from around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Location

Shidu Town, Fangshan District, Beijing

Shidu Town: Located in the deep mountainous area of the Taihang Mountains, Shidu Town features undulating hills, long valleys, steep cliffs, and uniquely shaped rocks. The Juma River winds through the mountains, resembling a jade belt embedded among peaks and valleys, creating a rare karst landform in northern China. To strive for national AAA-level scenic status and accelerate the development of a green barrier in southwestern Beijing, the Shidu Town government has established a tourism-led regional economic development model and proposed an agriculture-for-tourism approach, which is being rapidly implemented. The focus is on combining environmental improvements with increasing farmers’ income, adhering to the principle of “one village, one product,” and highlighting unique characteristics. The mountains... More detailed information on Shidu Town++