Xiaowutai Mountain · Jinhe Scenic Area

Xiaowutai Mountain · Jinhe Scenic Area

The Xiaowutai Mountain · Jinhe Scenic Area is located in a valley on the northern foothills of Xiaowutai Mountain—the highest peak in Hebei Province—in the northeastern part of Yu County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. The entire Xiaowutai Mountain stretches 60 kilometers from east to west and 28 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 21,883 hectares. Known as the “Shield of the Capital,” its highest peak stands at 2,882 meters and is hailed as the “Roof of Hebei.” The mountain is called “Xiaowutai” (Little Five Terraces) because its five summit peaks rise abruptly, tall and upright, like five pillars holding up the sky.

Xiaowutai is not only majestic and undulating, but the scenic area also features peculiar peaks and rocks, clear springs and streams, as well as forests and pine waves. It boasts eight major characteristics: ancient, wild, serene, elegant, unique, grand, beautiful, and perilous. The ancient primeval forests and diverse flora and fauna form an important part of the natural forest park of the Xiaowutai Mountain range. There are over 30 interesting sights, such as the Dongpo Ruins, Wind-moving Rock, Colorful Stone Beach, One-Line Sky, Pagoda Forest, and Jinhe Temple. “A bird’s-eye view of Xiaowutai in western Beijing shows the Hulu River meandering through the middle. Bees and butterflies flutter beautifully, while birds return to their nests at sunset.” This is a symphony of nature composed of color, fragrance, sound, charm, danger, and antiquity.

Xiaowutai is also a famous Buddhist mountain. Through the reconstruction efforts of emperors throughout the dynasties and the virtuous deeds of eminent monks, it has formed a splendid Buddhist culture. It has preserved a wealth of ancient ruins, temples, cliff inscriptions, grottoes, pagodas, and steles, serving as a testament to the rise and fall of Buddhism across the ages.

The Xiaowutai Jinhe Scenic Area is situated at the foot of Xiaowutai Mountain, one kilometer away from the location of Yu County Jinhe Scenic Area Tourism Co., Ltd. The Jinhe Scenic Area stretches eight kilometers in length, with a wide belly and a narrow mouth, featuring a peculiar shape. At the entrance of the scenic area lies the One-Line Sky, which presents an impregnable barrier—“one man could hold the pass against ten thousand.” It also gives the feeling of reaching a dead end with no way out. On both sides of the valley, the eastern side is concave while the western side is convex, matching perfectly as if the mountain had split apart right here.