Where did you go during the May Day holiday? A hiker from Green Field @going_wander123 discovered such a “fireworks paradise” in the suburbs of Beijing: emerald valleys with red flowers, green mountains with steep cliffs — in the month of May, it’s both wild and poetic. So where exactly is this place? Let’s take a look at this hiker’s share~
Fireworks in Bloom
On the last day of the May Day holiday, we went against the tide of cars returning to Beijing to shoot fireworks — “Fireworks?” Yes, fireworks — the flowers of smoke trees.
The wildflowers of Fangshan are quite famous in both the natural history and photography circles. This time, we went to Pofengling, deep in the mountains of Zhoukoudian Town, Fangshan District. It’s a well-developed mountain village resort and also one of the core areas of the autumn maple leaf festival. The red leaves on Beijing’s wild mountains are mainly from Chinese smoke trees, Acer truncatum, and maple trees. Some say they are the “three treasures of red leaves.” But among them, only the Chinese smoke tree — yes, only the Chinese smoke tree — not only boasts spectacular red leaves in autumn but also has enchanting “fireworks” in spring.
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The vegetation on Pofengling is quite diverse, but it’s mainly Chinese smoke trees.The Chinese smoke tree is also called the smoke tree because its flowers bloom in early summer. Their feathery clusters are fluffy and round, and when swayed by the wind, they look like red smoke. The locals in Huangshandian casually call the Chinese smoke tree blossoms “fireworks.” Though it’s a “colloquial name,” it’s incredibly romantic.
The “Pofeng Village” area of Pofengling has an excellent natural environment. Built along the mountain slope with logs, stones, and thatch, the village sits beside streams. With iris and violas, wild apricots and mountain peaches, Chinese smoke trees and poplars, plums and mulberries — all kinds of wild and cultivated plants — in early summer, the fresh green shade fills your lungs with every deep breath, making it feel crisp and clean.
Brilliant little square
A puff of red smoke in early summer is simply the most moving and beautiful.
Couldn’t help but write a poem: Emerald valley, red flowers, sloping stone path… came up with one line and then ran out of words.
Towering peaks and layers of crimson branches speak straight from the heart,Early summer greens, flower stands not yet lush, as red smoke bursts in.
Early summer greens, flower stands not yet lush, as red smoke bursts in
Childlike fun by the roadside
Hidden dangers in the mountains
Country items under the smoke trees
Morning shimmering light
Loving photography means giving up sleeping in. To capture the morning mountain scenery, I “painfully” set an alarm — as Tsangyang Gyatso aptly put it with melancholy, “How can one find a way in this world to cherish both photographic pursuits and the comfort of bed?” But in truth, every time I capture the morning light, I feel it’s all worth it — I can always take a nap later.
Morning light shining through the mountain pavilion
From a heavenly abode, gazing down at the paths of mortals
The little donkey in the mill is a pet
The clearest hues appear after the rain clears
Wilderness charm along the walking trail
Pofengling has several mountain hiking trails that offer both scenic views and fitness opportunities. Hiking up the mountain trail leads to Eagle Beak Cliff, while walking five li along the deep valley plank path takes you to Yuxu Palace — a temple funded and built by the powerful eunuch Li Lianying in the fifth year of Emperor Guangxu’s reign. It’s said he would come here for “vacation.”
Locals say it takes about an hour to walk there, and we decided to explore this ancient temple. The valley is truly deep and serene, with the hiking plank path built along the cliffs, rugged rocks jutting out, and distant peaks stretching into the horizon.
The stone path leads to a secluded spot
While wandering and walking, it took us nearly two hours to finally see a solitary little temple in the wild valley. The ancient temple was once in severe disrepair, but it has been renovated and rebuilt in recent years. An inscription from the Jiaqing era inside the temple indicates that the temple existed long before Li Lianying. Only one temple keeper is present. He told us that the true antiquities include the door arch, three ancient stone tablets, and in the backyard, there are three ancient stupas. It’s said there used to be a stupa courtyard, but it has collapsed so completely that even traces are hard to find.
A healthy hike amid precarious rocks and stones
The cloud-patterned archway exudes an ancient charm.
A secluded mountain temple blessed with feng shui.
Deep in the forest, where the yin energy is thick and midges swarm, the path is barely visible. After searching doubtfully for ten minutes, I finally spotted three ancient pagodas almost merged with the wild mountains and woods. Judging by the signs of damage, these pagodas had been looted.
The three ancient pagodas have blended seamlessly with the forest and wild trees.The brick pagodas from the Qing Dynasty, weathered by many trials, whisper fragmented tales of bygone eras.
Returning from the ancient temple, let time return to the present.The wooden house blurs together with the green leaves and red flowers—I only wishto be an innocent soul in this natural and unspoiled environment.
To be an innocent soul in this natural and unspoiled environment.
Or to forget the past and present of the world in the brilliant fireworks of early summer.
Green and red blur in the wind.
The green woods and leaves, along with the wooden house, also blur together.
Brew a pot of private wild mountain tea, a specialty of Pofengling.
The mulberries behind the house have begun to bear fruit; come back in a little over a month to taste them fresh.
Travel Tips for Pofengling
1. The blooming season for smoke trees is early May.
2. Pofengling is 50 kilometers from downtown Beijing. Driving is the most convenient option, and Baidu Maps on your phone can guide you there very accurately.
3. The entrance fee for Pofengling Scenic Area is 15 RMB, and parking costs 10 RMB.
4. Public Transportation:Take bus 917 from Liuliqiao East to Zhoukoudian Intersection Station, then transfer to Fang 32 bus and get off at Huangshandian Village Entrance Station. Walk about 200 meters west to reach the destination.
5. Accommodation:If you want to stay somewhere “down-to-earth” and more interesting, it is recommended to stay at “Happy Forest” by the Jiaikuo River. Here,you can find camping tents for direct outdoor stays, as well as options for self-service barbecues.
May is when Pofengling’s fireworks are at their most beautiful—why not set off this weekend~!?