Where did you go during the May Day holiday? Hiker @GoWandering123 from Green Field discovered such a "fireworks wonderland" in the suburbs of Beijing: emerald valleys with red flowers, green mountains with steep cliffs. In the month of May, it’s full of wild charm and poetic beauty. 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 in Fangshan are quite famous, both in 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 main autumn foliage trees in Beijing’s wild mountains are smoke trees, Acer truncatum, and maples. Some say they are the "Three Treasures of Red Leaves." But among them, only the smoke tree — yes, only the smoke tree — not only boasts spectacular red leaves in autumn but also has enchanting "fireworks" in spring.
The vegetation on Pofengling is quite diverse, but mainly consists of smoke trees.The smoke tree is also called the "smoke tree" because its flowers bloom in early summer. Their feathery flower clusters are fluffy and round, and when the wind blows, they look like red smoke. The locals in Huangshandian casually call the smoke tree blossoms "fireworks." Though it’s a "colloquial name," it’s incredibly romantic.
The natural environment of Pofengling’s "Pofengzhai" is excellent. Built along the mountain terrain with logs, stones, and thatched roofs, the village is accompanied by streams running beside the steps. With irises, violets, wild apricots, mountain peaches, smoke trees, poplars, plums, and mulberries — all kinds of wild trees and domestic flowers — in early summer, the fresh green shade is invigorating. Take a deep breath, and even your lungs feel refreshed.
A Brilliant Little Square
A puff of red smoke in early summer is the most moving and beautiful.
Can’t help but write a poem: Emerald valley, red flowers, stone path slants… came up with one line and then ran out of words.
Layers of strange peaks and crimson branches express emotions frankly,Early summer’s fresh greens, flower stands not yet deep red, smoke mingles chaotically.
Early summer’s fresh greens, flower stands not yet deep red, smoke mingles chaotically
Childlike fun by the roadside
Hidden dangers in the mountains
Objects of rural life under the smoke trees
Morning flowing light
If you love photography, you have to give up sleeping in. To shoot the morning mountain scenery, I “reluctantly” set an alarm — as Tsangyang Gyatso said so sorrowfully, “How can there be a win-win in this world, to not betray photography nor the bed?” But actually, every time I capture the morning light, it feels totally worth it. I can always catch up on sleep later.
Morning light shining through the mountain pavilion
From a heavenly abode, looking down at the paths of mortals
The little donkey in the mill is a pet
After the rain, the azure sky is the clearest
Wild charm along the trail
Pofengling has several mountain trails that offer both scenic views and fitness opportunities. Walking up the mountain trail leads to Eagle Beak Cliff; while walking five li along the deep valley plank road takes you to Yuxu Palace, which was 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 a "holiday."
Locals say it takes about an hour to walk there. We decided to visit this ancient temple. The valley is really deep and serene, with the hiking trail built along the cliffside, featuring protruding peculiar rocks and continuous distant peaks.
A secluded stone path
While walking and exploring, it took us nearly two hours to finally see a lonely little temple in the wild valley. The ancient temple was originally in severe disrepair, but it has been renovated and rebuilt in recent years. A stone tablet from the Jiaqing era in the temple indicates that this ancient temple existed before Li Lianying. Only one temple keeper is there, who told us that the real antiquities, besides the door arch and three ancient stone tablets, also include three ancient pagodas in the backyard. It’s said there used to be a pagoda courtyard, but it has collapsed so much that even traces are hard to find.
A healthy hike amidst precarious mountain rocks
The cloud-patterned archway exudes an ancient simplicity.
A secluded mountain temple blessed by feng shui.
Deep in the woods, 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 that seemed almost fused with the wild mountains and forests. 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 Qing Dynasty brick pagodas, weathered by trials, whisper fragmented tales of bygone eras.
Returning from the ancient temple, let time return to the present.The wooden house blurs along with the green leaves and red flowers—I only wishto be an innocent soul in this natural, unspoiled environment.
To be an innocent soul in this natural, unspoiled environment.
Or to forget all worldly things, past and present, in the brilliance of early summer fireworks.
Green and red blur together in the wind.
The green forest, emerald leaves, and wooden house also blur together.
Brew a pot of the exclusive wild mountain tea unique to Pofengling.
The mulberries behind the house are already bearing fruit. Come back in a little over a month to taste their freshness.
Travel Tips for Visiting Pofengling
1. The flowering season of the smoketree 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 ticket to Pofengling Scenic Area is 15 yuan, and parking costs 10 yuan.
4. Public transportation:Take bus 917 from Liuliqiao East to Zhoukoudian Intersection Station, then transfer to bus Fang 32 to Huangshandian Village Entrance Station. Walk about 200 meters west to reach the destination.
5. Accommodation:If you want to stay somewhere a bit more “down-to-earth” and interesting, we recommend “Happy Forest” by the Jiakuai River. Here,you can rent camping tents for an outdoor experience, or enjoy self-service barbecue.
May is when Pofengling’s fireworks are at their most beautiful—why not head out this weekend?~!
