Thousand Buddha Cliff Scenic Area

Thousand Buddha Cliff Scenic Area

Located within the Huangtuliang National Forest Park in Huangsongyu Township, Pinggu District, the Thousand Buddha Cliff Scenic Area has been hailed by a UNESCO ecological survey team as the “Zhangjiajie of the North.” In this national forest park, the mysterious veil of Thousand Buddha Cliff is gently lifted.

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The Thousand Buddha Cliff Scenic Area is characterized by its numerous towering peaks and sheer cliffs. The Ming Dynasty Great Wall runs across the central mountains of the township. In 1998, villagers who ventured up the mountain accidentally discovered over a thousand carved Buddha statues on the rock faces, along with an ancient temple called Guanyin Pavilion. The local residents thus named it "Thousand Buddha Cliff."

The Thousand Buddha Cliff Scenic Area has so far revealed more than a thousand relief Buddha statues, most of which are well-preserved. Preliminary expert research suggests that these carvings date back to the Song and Liao dynasties. This is currently the only known stone Buddha statue cluster discovered in North China, and its large quantity and exquisite craftsmanship are rare in the world. The largest Buddha statue, hidden among the pine forest, stands 5.3 meters tall and 3.5 meters wide, with its head alone measuring 0.8 meters in height and 0.5 meters in width. With a broad face, square-shaped ears, and a serene expression, the statue’s hands are folded in front of its chest in a petal-like shape as it sits cross-legged on a lotus pedestal. Its robe is intricately and ornately carved, exuding grace and majesty. Buddhist inscriptions are also engraved on the rocks and cliffs. According to experts, the discovery of the Thousand Buddha Cliff Scenic Area holds significant research value for the study of ancient Chinese carving art and northern Buddhist culture.

The scenic area boasts a pristine ecological environment with lush vegetation, blooming wildflowers, and a forest coverage rate of 90%. Wildflowers dot the landscape, turning the green mountains into living poetry. Streams flow continuously—sometimes gently meandering through emerald valleys, other times cascading down steep cliffs in a lively rhythm, playing the music of high mountains and flowing waters. Occasional bird songs add a touch of spirituality to the quiet valley. The air here is fresh, rich in negative oxygen ions, and a stroll through the mountains and waters washes away the fatigue of daily life. In summer, the temperature in the scenic area is about 5 degrees Celsius lower than in Beijing, offering a cool and pleasant retreat even in the scorching heat. It is an ideal destination for sightseeing, leisure, summer escapes, exploration, hiking, and fitness.

Source: Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development