Lingshan Scenic Area

　　A great summer retreat to escape the heat. In summer, here you’ll find “lush green grass thriving in competition, and fine trees lush and delightful.” Walking through the woods brings a deep sense of comfort. With natural landscapes, natural scenery, natural air conditioning, and natural breezes, the cool wind feels delightful and the heart at ease. Only when you come to Lingshan can you truly feel the vast difference between city and countryside. At night, gaze at the starry sky — the area offers wide-open views where you can enjoy poetic sights like “moonlit steps cool as water, lying in wait to watch the Cowherd and Weaving Maid stars.”

　　Lingshan Natural Scenic Area is 122 kilometers from Beijing. Its peak 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 Longmen Gorge Scenic Area; and to the south, it is accessible via National Highway 109. Due to its high altitude, Lingshan has formed a natural scenic area within a 25-square-kilometer radius that combines fault-block mountains and fold mountains, featuring steep peaks and boundless flowers — all unique within the Beijing region.

　　The area is home to both warm temperate vegetation and cold-climate vegetation related to Siberia. It grows azaleas, lilacs, birch forests, as well as plants like hazelnuts, daylilies, roses, trollflowers, and wild leeks. Especially famous are its alpine meadows, which look like thick velvet carpets embroidered with thousands of brightly blooming flowers. As such, it serves as the only natural breeding and farming ground in Beijing for Xinjiang fine-wool sheep, Ili horses, and Qinghai-Tibetan yaks, and also a paradise for wildlife.

　　The Lingshan Scenic Area houses three tourist hotels that can accommodate up to 1,200 diners and over 500 overnight guests simultaneously. In addition, there are rural guesthouses in the nearby villages. If you’re interested in staying at places like “Three Brothers” or “Mountain People,” you can enjoy rustic delicacies such as roasted whole lamb, grilled wild rabbit, and hand-pulled lamb.