Lingshan Scenic Area

Lingshan Scenic Area

A great summer retreat. In summer, here “lush green grass thrives in vibrant competition, and fine trees flourish in delightful abundance.” Walking through the forest brings a sense of great comfort. Natural landscapes, natural scenery, natural air conditioning, and natural breezes—gentle winds blow, bringing a refreshing ease to the heart. Only when you come to Lingshan do you truly realize how different rural and urban life can be. At night, gaze at the starry sky; the area offers wide-open views where you can admire the beautiful sight of “moonlit steps as cool as water, lying down to watch the Cowherd and Weaver Girl stars.”

Lingshan Natural Scenic Area is 122 kilometers from Beijing. Its summit stands at an elevation of 2,302 meters, making it the highest peak in the Beijing area. To the west, it neighbors Longmen Forest Park; to the east, it connects with the Longmen Gorge Scenic Area; and to the south, it links up with National Highway 109. Due to its high altitude, within a 25-square-kilometer radius, Lingshan forms a unique natural scenic area in the Beijing region that combines fault-block mountains and fold mountains, featuring steep peaks and boundless flowers.

The area boasts both warm temperate vegetation and plant species related to the cold regions of Siberia. It is home to plants such as azaleas, lilacs, birch forests, as well as hazelnuts, daylilies, roses, globeflowers, and wild leeks. Especially famous are its alpine meadows, which resemble thick, velvety carpets embroidered with countless blooming, fragrant flowers. As a result, it serves as the only natural breeding and farming ground in Beijing for Xinjiang fine-wool sheep, Ili horses, and Qinghai-Tibetan yaks, as well as a paradise for wildlife.

Within the Lingshan Scenic Area, there are three tourist hotels that can accommodate over 1,200 diners and more than 500 overnight guests at the same time. In addition, there are farmhouse accommodations in the nearby villages. If you’re interested, staying at places like “Three Brothers” or “Mountain People” will allow you to enjoy local specialties such as roasted whole lamb, grilled wild rabbit, and hand-pulled lamb.