Shimen Mountain Natural Scenic Area

Shimen Mountain Natural Scenic Area

Shimen Mountain Natural Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Landscape Tour · Scenic Spot · Cultural Tour · Family Tour

Address: Yudaohe Natural Village, Duanshuling Village, HuaiBei Town, Huairou District, Beijing

Shimen Mountain Scenic Area is located south of Duanshuling Village, HuaiBei Town, Huairou District, just 11 kilometers from the APEC venue Yanqi Lake. It is adjacent to attractions such as Qinglong Gorge, HuaiBei Auto Camp, Baiquan Mountain, and Yougu Shen Tan.

The scenic area spans a total of 3,600 acres, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in nature. With over 3,000 acres of forest, more than 300 acres of flatland, and a 2-kilometer river surface, sites such as Shimen Cave, Love Valley, Fengming Waterfall, Sisters Spring, Guangshan Temple, and Kanli Tree—all rich in beautiful legends—are sure to captivate you.

As you stroll along the riverbank or spend the night in a unique container cabin hotel, the perfect blend of modernity and nature offers you an extraordinary travel experience.

The scenic area is fully equipped with facilities for hiking, fishing, riverside barbecues, dining, accommodation, water sports, and campfire parties. Whether you're on a self-driving trip, corporate team-building outing, hosting a large event, or looking for wedding photography, it provides a one-stop perfect experience.

Upon entering the scenic area, you’ll see a huge yuanbao (ingot)-shaped rock inscribed with three bold characters: 石门山 (Shimen Mountain). Bizarre rocks, sacred waters, dense forests, and serene valleys form the four major natural features of the area. Cave Heavens, Blessed Lands, Filial Piety Paths, and Joyful Parks create a spiritual utopia. With its distinctive theme as a “Love Landmark and Chinese Filial Piety Destination,” Shimen Mountain integrates six major cultural elements—landscape culture, leisure culture, wellness culture, love culture, traditional culture, and adventure culture. It combines travel, play, shopping, dining, accommodation, and transportation, making it a renowned love sanctuary, prayer blessed land, cultural hub, leisure resort, and adventure base in the suburbs of Beijing.

The scenic area consists of two parts. Ascending from the eastern foothills, you enter Emerald Valley. Inside the valley, it’s cool and tranquil, with towering waterfalls nearby and the sound of spring water trickling along the paths. Mountain trails wind with the peaks, streams meander alongside the roads, while shaded green trees, wildflowers everywhere, crystal-clear pools, and azure skies make you forget worldly worries and noise, achieving a clear and peaceful state of mind. The mountain is home to 146 tree species across 33 families, forming Shimen Mountain’s unique “natural oxygen bar.” Along the way, you’ll encounter attractions like Fengming Waterfall, Qingniao Stone, Camel Peak, Resting Immortal Platform, Asking-Heaven Stone, Guangshan Temple, Hundred-Year Corridor, Dharma Lecture Platform, Stone-carved Heart Sutra, Sisters Spring, Lovebird Rock, Lovers’ Slope, Shimen Cave, and more. These wonders of nature are further enriched with soul and emotion through a touching legend of undying love and a widely told story of filial piety that moves heaven and earth.

The lower scenic area features attractions such as Samsara Bridge, Blue Cloud Sky, Lang? Zhi? 5 Items, 7? Fu? Bei? Dai?, 7? Xian? Pu? Wei?, 5? Lao? An?, and others, as well as 7? Xian? Fu? Gu? 7? Xia? Yuan? Mu?, 3? Shan? Yuan? Miao? Xiang?, 9? Ling? Bu? Men?, 7? Xia? Yuan? Mo? Shan?, 3? Chi? Shan? Ye? 1? Zao? Ye? 3? Chi? Zu? Zhuang?, and various projects.

At Shimen Mountain, you can go camping, participate in water adventure activities, join group campfire parties, enjoy moon-gazing alone in a cabin, drink high-strontium sacred water, savor farmhouse cuisine, rest in a blessed land, and discover a hidden paradise away from the city’s hustle and bustle—truly a world apart.

The beautiful natural scenery, moving love stories, traditional filial piety culture, and rustic local customs attract numerous domestic and international tourists, religious devotees, art enthusiasts, and couples in love...

In 2014, Shimen Mountain Scenic Area was designated as a “China Tourism Brand Culture Construction Demonstration Base” by the Brand Culture Management Committee of the China Culture Management Association.

The stone wall and gate frame are about three meters apart, over a meter thick, more than ten zhang (approximately 33 meters) high, and nearly twenty meters wide, as if cleaved by knife and axe—a marvel of nature. Speaking of Shimen Mountain and Shimen Cave, there is a widely circulated legend.

Legend has it that long ago, there was a young man named Yan Huaixin, from a scholarly family. After his father died early and the family fortune declined, he relocated to Yudaohe Village at the foot of the scenic Shimen Mountain to escape turmoil, bringing his elderly mother along. Though extremely poor, they upheld the tradition of farming and studying, surviving on a few acres of poor farmland. Huaixin was known for his honesty, kindness, and literary grace, earning the respect of fellow villagers. One year, his mother fell gravely ill and was near death. Desperate, Huaixin sought doctors and medicine in vain. He resorted to praying at the mountain temple. At that time, Guangshan Temple was called Qingliang Temple. Without waiting for him to explain, the elder handed him pen and paper, gesturing for him to write any character. Without hesitation, Huaixin wrote a large 孝 (filial piety). His heartfelt desire to save his mother shone through. The elder furrowed his brow, then slowly relaxed, explaining: “This single character of 孝 has three meanings. First, it means to be good to one’s parents—from ‘old’ with ‘child’ beneath, the child supports the elder. Your filial heart is clear. Second, the upper part of 孝 is ‘earth’ with a stroke, suggesting the elixir to save your mother grows as a ‘reviving herb’ sprouting sideways from the earthen cliff atop Shimen Mountain. The lower part indicates you must retrieve it at midnight tonight.” Before the elder could offer the third interpretation, Huaixin, desperate to save his mother, prepared to leave. “Wait!” The elder stopped him: “Though your 孝 is neatly written, the ancient seal script for 孝 depicts an old man with flowing hair—indicating a wise person will assist you. The key lies in the third point.” Huaixin, convinced, bowed and hurried back.

At midnight, Huaixin climbed to the peak of Shimen Mountain. Pitch dark—how could he find the reviving herb?

Suddenly, thunder roared, winds howled, and rain poured. A lightning flash revealed a cluster of green reviving herbs growing in a crevice on the cliff. Overjoyed, Huaixin, fearing he’d lose them, leapt and grabbed the herb—but slipped, fell down the cliff, and lost consciousness.

When he awoke, he found himself in a cave of unfathomable depth, aglow with golden light, magnificent and dazzling, with gold ingots strewn everywhere, golden mules and horses turning a golden millstone—as if in a fairyland.

A silver-haired, long-bearded, youthful-faced deity told Huaixin he was the mountain god, moved by his filial piety, and would gift him a reviving herb and a lump of gold to support his mother. But Huaixin, not greedy, only took the herb and returned the gold, hoping it would go to those more in need, trusting he could support his mother with his own hands. The deity nodded in approval and said if he ever needed money, he could return. Huaixin thanked him again, turned to leave, and as he stepped out of the cave, a loud boom followed—he turned to see the stone gate slam shut.

Outside, a large bird awaited, signaling for him to climb on. Huaixin closed his eyes, heard a cry, felt the wind rush past, then another cry—and in moments, he was at his doorstep.

Truly, sincerity moved heaven—the stone gate opened. Yan’s mother was saved, and Huaixin’s story of retrieving the herb spread far and wide, growing ever more miraculous. This is the tale:

Sacrificed for the Reviving Herb

The Righteous Path Is Filial Piety

Millennium Stone Gate Bears Witness

Goodness Is Rewarded in the End

Since then, locals visit the mountain on the first and fifteenth of each month to worship the mountain deity, standing before the stone statue to silently make wishes, touch the gold ingots, and pray for favorable weather, prosperity, filial descendants, and the five blessings.

The Kanli Romance

In Huairou's Shimen Mountain lies a Jade Valley, where over ten scenic spots nestled in the secluded mountain valley have been imbued with a touch of tenderness through a poignant love legend.

The entire canyon boasts ever-changing and magical scenery, with mountain streams murmuring crystal-clear over stony beds, and lush, verdant trees lining both banks. It is a rare retreat near Beijing for leisure, cooling off, connecting with nature, witnessing love, and cultivating one's spirit.

After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, aiming to defend against Mongol invasions, set up the “Nine Garrisons” fortifications, stationing up to 800,000 troops along the line and raising nearly 300,000 warhorses. Faced with the enormous demand for military provisions and the high cost of transport, Shanxi Provincial Administration petitioned Zhu Yuanzhang, suggesting the court encourage civilians to deliver grain to the frontier in exchange for “salt certificates” as rewards. Zhu adopted the proposal and mandated its implementation nationwide. As Yuncheng in Shanxi was a major salt-producing hub, Shanxi merchants seized the opportunity early on, with the Kang family from Pingyang being one of the prominent households.

One day, Kang Liang, the second son of the Kang family, was leading a caravan transporting supplies when he arrived in Huairou and happened upon Miss Li Lang, daughter of Magistrate Li, who had been bitten by a venomous snake. He promptly used his family’s secret antidote to save her life. This heroic rescue moved heaven and earth, and the talented scholar and beautiful maiden fell in love at first sight, thus beginning an extraordinary romance. Although Magistrate Li was extremely wealthy, he lacked a son, had lost his wife early on, and only had two exquisite twin daughters whom he cherished as the apple of his eye. He proposed that if Kang Liang wished to marry Li Lang, he must join the Li family, take their surname, and become his son-in-law—only then would the marriage be allowed. Though deeply in love with Li Lang, Kang Liang was also a man of utmost filial piety. Coming from a distinguished family himself, even if he were willing, such a significant matter required his parents’ approval. Moreover, the Li family had strict principles. Though Li Lang was utterly infatuated with Kang Liang and longed to be with him, she could not defy her father’s will and could only secretly swear eternal love to Kang Liang at Shimen, bidding a reluctant farewell. Kang Liang promised her that no matter what, he would persuade his parents and, when the mountain flowers bloomed in the spring of the following year, would surely return with betrothal gifts to propose.

Before one knew it, spring had arrived with flowers in full bloom. After many hardships, Kang Liang finally persuaded his parents and, driving a caravan laden with betrothal gifts from thousands of miles away, came to propose—but was shocked to learn that the magistrate’s daughter had already married the son of the prefect the previous year. Overwhelmed with despair and depression, he fell ill. Pointing to the sky, he cried out, “I have not betrayed you, so why have you betrayed me?” He then hurled down the cliff a pair of ancestral jade bracelets meant for the proposal, which shattered into pieces in the valley. Ever since, the trees in the valley remained lush and green, and people said they were transformed from the shattered jade—thus naming the place Jade Valley. Reflecting further, Kang Liang thought that Li Lang, a sheltered young lady, naturally had to obey her parents’ and matchmakers’ arrangements, so he couldn’t bring himself to blame her too harshly. Vowing to heaven, he declared that even if Li Lang had forsaken him, he would never forsake her. When he returned to the spot where they had pledged their love, the memories overwhelmed him, and before long, he died with a heart full of regret.

In truth, it was not Li Lang who married the prefect’s son, but her twin sister, Li ? (Note: character unclear). She had always sympathized with her sister’s plight and loved her deeply. Unable to bear seeing her suffer, and with no other recourse, she took her sister’s place. Dressed exactly alike, she went to the prefect’s residence in her sister’s stead and married the son of the prefect. After the wedding, she sneaked away under the cover of night, journeying through mountains and rivers to find her sister. Upon reaching the prefecture, she learned that her sister had already passed away, and her grief was so profound that she, too, hanged herself. Not long after, the magistrate, overcome with guilt and sorrow, also died. Not long after that, his wife followed suit, passing away as well.

Wracked with remorse, Magistrate Li had Kang Liang and Li Lang buried together in a single grave. Heartbroken and blaming himself daily, he gave away his fortune, restored the Qingliang Temple, and became a monk there, shaving his head and taking monastic vows. Whenever young people came to pray and make wishes, he urged them to value virtue and filial piety and to practice kindness in the world. When older visitors entered, he advised them to be kind and tolerant toward the younger generation and not to be overly bound by rigid customs that could harm both others and themselves. His acts of kindness spread by word of mouth until they reached the emperor. Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang then bestowed upon the temple a plaque inscribed with “Guangshan Temple,” and from then on, Qingliang Temple became known as Guangshan Temple.

Legend has it that the following spring, when the mountain flowers bloomed once more, two chestnut trees sprouted at the very spot where Kang and Li had pledged their eternal love and bade farewell—standing close, gazing at each other, keeping each other company. At the site where the two were laid to rest, two massive rocks suddenly appeared, shaped like birds in flight, nestled close together… And on the opposite cliff, people discovered a huge rock formation resembling a pair of lovers locked in an embrace. The scenery there is beautiful, with dense trees and wildflowers everywhere—it is said to be the place where the couple had their secret trysts. Li Lang and Kang Liang, though having passed away early, left behind a timeless lament.

Their souls gave birth to twin chestnut trees,

Their bodies transformed into birds with wings as one.

Plants may wither and bloom again,

But true love never fades.

The refreshing natural air of Jade Valley draws people here to escape the summer heat, while its rich romantic ambiance attracts couples from all over to come hand in hand, express their feelings, and pledge their love. Today, you can still hang love locks, plant love trees, walk this blessed land, and journey together through love.

The Extraordinary Love of Kang and Li

In Huairou's Shimen Mountain lies a Jade Valley, where over ten scenic spots nestled in the secluded mountain valley have been imbued with a touch of tenderness through a poignant love legend.

The entire canyon boasts ever-changing and magical scenery, with mountain streams murmuring crystal-clear over stony beds, and lush, verdant trees lining both banks. It is a rare retreat near Beijing for leisure, cooling off, connecting with nature, witnessing love, and cultivating one's spirit.

After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, aiming to defend against Mongol invasions, set up the “Nine Garrisons” fortifications, stationing up to 800,000 troops along the line and raising nearly 300,000 warhorses. Faced with the enormous demand for military provisions and the high cost of transport, Shanxi Provincial Administration petitioned Zhu Yuanzhang, suggesting the court encourage civilians to deliver grain to the frontier in exchange for “salt certificates” as rewards. Zhu adopted the proposal and mandated its implementation nationwide. As Yuncheng in Shanxi was a major salt-producing hub, Shanxi merchants seized the opportunity early on, with the Kang family from Pingyang being one of the prominent households.

One day, Kang Liang, the second son of the Kang family, was leading a caravan transporting supplies when he arrived in Huairou and happened upon Miss Li Lang, daughter of Magistrate Li, who had been bitten by a venomous snake. He promptly used his family’s secret antidote to save her life. This heroic rescue moved heaven and earth, and the talented scholar and beautiful maiden fell in love at first sight, thus beginning an extraordinary romance. Although Magistrate Li was extremely wealthy, he lacked a son, had lost his wife early on, and only had two exquisite twin daughters whom he cherished as the apple of his eye. He proposed that if Kang Liang wished to marry Li Lang, he must join the Li family, take their surname, and become his son-in-law—only then would the marriage be allowed. Though deeply in love with Li Lang, Kang Liang was also a man of utmost filial piety. Coming from a distinguished family himself, even if he were willing, such a significant matter required his parents’ approval. Moreover, the Li family had strict principles. Though Li Lang was utterly infatuated with Kang Liang and longed to be with him, she could not defy her father’s will and could only secretly swear eternal love to Kang Liang at Shimen, bidding a reluctant farewell. Kang Liang promised her that no matter what, he would persuade his parents and, when the mountain flowers bloomed in the spring of the following year, would surely return with betrothal gifts to propose.

Before one knew it, spring had arrived with flowers in full bloom. After many hardships, Kang Liang finally persuaded his parents and, driving a caravan laden with betrothal gifts from thousands of miles away, came to propose—but was shocked to learn that the magistrate’s daughter had already married the son of the prefect the previous year. Overwhelmed with despair and depression, he fell ill. Pointing to the sky, he cried out, “I have not betrayed you, so why have you betrayed me?” He then hurled down the cliff a pair of ancestral jade bracelets meant for the proposal, which shattered into pieces in the valley. Ever since, the trees in the valley remained lush and green, and people said they were transformed from the shattered jade—thus naming the place Jade Valley. Reflecting further, Kang Liang thought that Li Lang, a sheltered young lady, naturally had to obey her parents’ and matchmakers’ arrangements, so he couldn’t bring himself to blame her too harshly. Vowing to heaven, he declared that even if Li Lang had forsaken him, he would never forsake her. When he returned to the spot where they had pledged their love, the memories overwhelmed him, and before long, he died with a heart full of regret.

In truth, it was not Li Lang who married the prefect’s son, but her twin sister, Li ? (Note: character unclear). She had always sympathized with her sister’s plight and loved her deeply. Unable to bear seeing her suffer, and with no other recourse, she took her sister’s place. Dressed exactly alike, she went to the prefect’s residence in her sister’s stead and married the son of the prefect. After the wedding, she sneaked away under the cover of night, journeying through mountains and rivers to find her sister. Upon reaching the prefecture, she learned that her sister had already passed away, and her grief was so profound that she, too, hanged herself. Not long after, the magistrate, overcome with guilt and sorrow, also died. Not long after that, his wife followed suit, passing away as well.

Wracked with remorse, Magistrate Li had Kang Liang and Li Lang buried together in a single grave. Heartbroken and blaming himself daily, he gave away his fortune, restored the Qingliang Temple, and became a monk there, shaving his head and taking monastic vows. Whenever young people came to pray and make wishes, he urged them to value virtue and filial piety and to practice kindness in the world. When older visitors entered, he advised them to be kind and tolerant toward the younger generation and not to be overly bound by rigid customs that could harm both others and themselves. His acts of kindness spread by word of mouth until they reached the emperor. Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang then bestowed upon the temple a plaque inscribed with “Guangshan Temple,” and from then on, Qingliang Temple became known as Guangshan Temple.

Legend has it that the following spring, when the mountain flowers bloomed once more, two chestnut trees sprouted at the very spot where Kang and Li had pledged their eternal love and bade farewell—standing close, gazing at each other, keeping each other company. At the site where the two were laid to rest, two massive rocks suddenly appeared, shaped like birds in flight, nestled close together… And on the opposite cliff, people discovered a huge rock formation resembling a pair of lovers locked in an embrace. The scenery there is beautiful, with dense trees and wildflowers everywhere—it is said to be the place where the couple had their secret trysts. Li Lang and Kang Liang, though having passed away early, left behind a timeless lament.

Their souls gave birth to twin chestnut trees,

Their bodies transformed into birds with wings as one.

Plants may wither and bloom again,

But true love never fades.

The refreshing natural air of Jade Valley draws people here to escape the summer heat, while its rich romantic ambiance attracts couples from all over to come hand in hand, express their feelings, and pledge their love. Today, you can still hang love locks, plant love trees, walk this blessed land, and journey together through love.

Shimen Mountain Scenic Area Expansion Base, established in 2013, has hosted over 10,000 participants to date. With comprehensive expansion facilities, a pristine natural environment, and the capacity to accommodate over a thousand people for expansion activities simultaneously, it is the top choice for corporate groups.

Whether indoor expansion, outdoor expansion, water-based activities, adventure routes, or fun sports events—the base can accommodate all.

Base facilities: Located within the scenic area and integrated with the landscape, the base features abundant mountains and water, ample flat space, accommodation for over 240 people, dining for up to 800 guests with meal packages ranging from 500 to 1,000 yuan, and meeting rooms including one large, one small, and a multi-function hall usable for conferences or KTV. All conference rooms are equipped with microphones, sound systems, tables, chairs, and projector screens, with flexible seating arrangements. There are three bonfire sites that can host 200–300 people for self-service barbecues simultaneously.

The base’s highlight is its water-based activities, which have long been the main summer attraction. Water obstacle courses and raft-building are especially popular. This year, new additions include a water play area and water challenge courses. Set within 3,000 square meters of natural river surrounded by mountains and blooming flowers, this water park in the heart of nature is truly one-of-a-kind. Outdoor trekking is another major draw, with routes that not only pass scenic spots but also offer viewpoints for panoramic views of Huairou, sunrises, and sunsets, as well as a section of the so-called “Mislaid Great Wall,” an unrestored section of the ancient wall. The trek ends inside the Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area.

Address: No. 1 Yudaohe, Duanshuling Village, Huairou Town, Huairou District, Beijing

Recommended visiting time: 4–5 hours

Phone: 010-89696648

Opening hours:

The scenic area is currently closed and is expected to reopen in April 2018.

Admission:

Ticket: 24 RMB