Shangdi Cherry Sightseeing Garden

　　The cherry orchard covers an impressive 150 acres and grows only cherries, with the main varieties being Hongdeng, Hongmi, and Lapins. In the middle of the garden stands a large canopy, beneath which sit two big pots that serve as the on-site kitchen. On the east side of the park are small shaded pavilions—five or six lined up in a row—each equipped with a small wood-fired stove made from yellow clay. Cooking here is done not with gas but with firewood, preferably pruned cherry branches from the orchard itself, which are said to infuse the dishes with an exceptionally delicious flavor. Most of the cherries grown here are early-ripening varieties, so by the time cherries at other farms are just beginning to show color, those here are already ready to eat.

　　A large iron fence encloses the entire cherry orchard, and unless you venture inside, you might think it’s someone’s private fruit garden. Following a winding stone path through the tranquil grounds, you’ll find wildflowers of unknown names blooming beneath the cherry trees. From a distance, the red cherries, green leaves, and yellow blossoms create a scene reminiscent of a 16th-century European oil painting. At this time, not all the fruits are fully ripe yet—the tree branches display a mix of red and yellow cherries set against emerald-green foliage. It’s so enticing that even before taking a bite, it’ll make your mouth water.

　　Transportation is very convenient. The farm has a strong rustic charm, and the large wood-fired stoves are perfect for stew-style cooking, while the shaded pavilions offer a great place to escape the heat. Pick a few pounds of cherries in the orchard, then sit back with a pot of tea in one of the pavilions, relax for half a day, and enjoy a rare moment of leisure.

　　Related Information

　　Address: East of Tangjialing Village, Xibeiwang Town, Haidian District.

　　010-86890667

　　13701002080

　　Price: Admission is 100 RMB per person, and you can take home up to two pounds of cherries. The average cost for a farmhouse meal is around 20–30 RMB per person, with stewed native chicken being the most distinctive dish.

　　Picking Season: May 17 – June 7. This is a newly established cherry orchard, with trees that are only 6–7 years old, so the cherries are especially sweet and flavorful.

　　Transportation: By car, turn right at Zhongguancun Roundabout and go 500 meters, then turn left onto Shangdi East Road; the garden will be about one kilometer ahead where you see the sign. By bus, take routes 356, 642, 447, 509, Yuntong 112, or Yuntong 205 to Tangjialing North Station, then walk one kilometer east to Jingbao Road.