Baijiatuan Sightseeing & Picking Garden

　　 Baijiatuan in Wenquan is a place steeped in culture. Not far from here is the Cao Xueqin Trail, which the renowned author Cao Xueqin used to take when he crossed the mountains from the Fragrant Hills to his residence in Baijiatuan to write *Dream of the Red Chamber*. This trail undoubtedly inspired him. The area is also known as a “village of celebrities,” where many notable figures have made their homes. Moreover, the mountain spring water here is of exceptional quality—elderly city dwellers often come to carry it back for drinking. The cherries grown in such a blessed location, nourished daily by mountain spring water and imbued with cultural ambiance, can’t help but be delicious.

　　 Baijiatuan Picking Garden is one of Beijing’s highest-yield cherry orchards. Its 300-acre plot is neatly arranged with fertile soil—perfect for cherries, which are particularly particular about soil and water conditions. This year’s main varieties include Hongyan, Hongmi, Italian Early Fruits, and Lapins. The early-ripening fruits are already ready for picking—pinkish and deep red in color. Spotting a few eye-catching bright red cherries, you pop one into your mouth, and the sweet juice bursts forth instantly. No wonder they’re nourished by mountain spring water.

　　 Related Information

　　 Address: West or East Entrance, Baijiatuan Village, Wenquan Town, Haidian District. Tel: 010-62454358

　　 Price: Their prices are reasonable—at 35 RMB per jin (500g), with a minimum purchase of 3 jin per person.

　　 Picking Season: May 20 – June 20

　　 Transportation: By car, drive along the Fifth Ring Road to the exit for Yuanmingyuan West Road, then continue on Yiyang Road. Turn left at Shuangpo Intersection and go straight for 1,000 meters—you’ll see the huge fenced-in picking garden. By bus, take bus 330, 651, or 633 from the Summer Palace and get off at Wenquan Nursery Station.