Linghui Mountain Natural Scenic Area

Linghui Mountain Natural Scenic Area

Address: Ganjianyu Village, Huairou Town, Huairou District, Beijing

Suitable for: Family trips, parent-child tours, seniors, students

Themes: Landscape tourism, scenic spots, family outings, leisure and entertainment

Linghui Mountain Scenic Area is situated 5 kilometers northwest of Huairou urban area, in Ganjianyu Village at the western foot of Hongluo Mountain, about 50 kilometers from central Beijing. Covering a total area of over 10 square kilometers, the area boasts a well-preserved natural ecosystem with forest coverage reaching 82%. The climate here is mild, rainfall abundant, and springs flow gently with sweet-tasting water. A wealth of springs and dense vegetation has increased the soil’s moisture content, forming a rare typical wetland in the Beijing area. A large number of wild lilies grow here, and when they bloom each year, the 1,500-meter-long wild lily belt bursts into vibrant colors and fills the air with intoxicating fragrance. The Linghui Mountain Scenic Area features the renowned “Eight Scenic Spots of Red Valley”: Mother and Son Pine Trees, Maitreya Paradise, Heavenly Water Stairs, Sacred Spring Source, Lily Tribute, Waterfront Guanyin, Buddha Stone Questioning Heaven, and Pine Waves. Here, every season offers distinct and beautiful views. In spring, wildflowers, peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and pear blossoms compete in a riot of color, filling the air with a refreshing and delightful aroma. In the height of summer, dense woods shield visitors from the intense sun, and the unique wetland climate keeps temperatures in the Huiyuan Valley Ecological Scenic Area 4–5 degrees lower than in the city. Visitors can walk through the forest, rest under the trees, admire more than 140 species of lotus flowers, and see Beijing’s only wild lilies stretching for one kilometer — as if entering a paradise on earth. It’s an ideal place to escape the heat, enjoy summer, and appreciate flowers. In autumn, the mountains are laden with fruit, and broadleaf trees such as white jujubes and glass trees turn from green to red, set against a backdrop of lush pines and cypresses. From a high vantage point, the surrounding mountains present a striking mix of reds and greens. The pines and cypresses highlight the fiery red of the glass trees, while the red leaves make the greenery appear even more vivid, creating Huiyuan Valley’s unique red leaf spectacle — a wonderful destination for leaf-peeping in Beijing. In winter, specific geographical and climatic conditions create a rare tree-hanging phenomenon in Huiyuan Valley Ecological Scenic Area, seldom seen in the Beijing region.

Not only does Linghui Mountain Scenic Area boast beautiful natural scenery, but it also has a rich cultural heritage. According to the 1604 “Huairou County Annals” from the Ming Dynasty, Linghui Mountain was home to “twenty-four temples and seventy-two hermitages,” historically a favored site for Buddhist meditation. In recent years, following the principles of “restoring the old as it was, preserving while developing,” the Linghui Mountain Ecological Scenic Area has rebuilt four ancient architectural complexes on the sites of former temples — Tianxi Nunnery, Shanxi Nunnery, Desheng Nunnery, and Chaoyang Temple. Additionally, over 3,000 meters of hiking trails have been constructed. The ancient buildings, nestled among mountains, are surrounded by bamboo groves, pine forests, or babbling brooks. The serene environment and profound Zen atmosphere showcase a perfect harmony between natural and cultural landscapes.

The ecological environment of Linghui Mountain Scenic Area is well-preserved, with lush mountain forests and forest coverage exceeding 82%, offering an elegant and pleasant natural setting. The plant species mainly consist of mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests, including Chinese pine, Liaodong oak, Mongolian oak, chestnut, and pear trees. Local fruit-picking gardens primarily featuring chestnuts and pears span 5 square kilometers. The area has been rich in mountain springs since ancient times, with clear and sweet water — hence the name “Ganjianyu” (Sweet Stream Valley). Thanks to the numerous perennial springs, this area has become one of the few typical wetlands in Beijing. In spring and summer, blooming yellow flowers on the wetlands create a spectacular sight. The excellent ecological environment has fostered abundant and diverse vegetation and wildlife. To this day, locals still venture into the dense forests atop the mountains behind Chaoyang Temple every year to gather wild lingzhi mushrooms, adding an extra touch of “spirituality” to the already beautiful surroundings.

With its well-preserved ecological environment, stunning natural scenery, and profound cultural heritage, Linghui Mountain Scenic Area serves as a “paradise on earth” for people seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, cultivate their minds, honor ancestors, and worship Buddhism.

Temple Introductions:

Chaoyang Temple: One of the larger temples in the ecological scenic area. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era and reconstructed in the sixth year of the Qing Dynasty’s Xianfeng reign, the temple earned its name “Chaoyang” (Facing the Sun) because of its high elevation, backed by mountains and facing the sunrise. It enjoys early sunrise and late sunset, along with a pleasant climate.

Tianxi Nunnery: The temple faces south. Surrounded by a tranquil, cool, and beautiful environment, it is named after the small stream that flows past its entrance. Visitors to this site are said to receive the “blessings of the Three Stars” — good fortune, career success, and longevity — bringing happiness and contentment.

Shanxi Nunnery: Surrounded by mountains on three sides and embraced by dense pine and cypress trees, the nunnery enjoys an elegant and picturesque setting. The main hall enshrines the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) in a free and relaxed posture; the two rooms of the east side hall house the Six-Armed Guanyin, while the two rooms of the west side hall are dedicated to the Bodhisattva Who Clears Karmic Obstacles. Legend says Guanyin once revealed herself here.

Ticket: 25 RMB per person

Inquiry phone: 89601286

Address: Ganjianyu Village, Huairou, Beijing

Website: http://www.hlhyg.com