Plan to escape the smog: "Jingxi Ancient Trail" — a spontaneous weekend getaway!

The wonderful weekend is almost here, but unfortunately the weather in the capital isn't great... If you don’t want to stay indoors or breathe in the city smog, how about a trip to the Jingxi Ancient Trail in the suburbs?~!

The "Jingxi Ancient Trail" is not a single route, but rather a collective term for many trails. Historically used for commerce or military purposes, these paths spread across the Mentougou District like a grid. Though they no longer boast the bustling prosperity of their peak years, many historical relics remain, exuding an old-world charm nestled between mountain homes and wild landscapes.

There are numerous and complex routes along the Jingxi Ancient Trail. Even with the same start and end points, there are different ways to go. However, the overall difficulty is relatively low, featuring both flat paths and rugged trails. The scenery is beautiful and full of wilderness appeal, plus the convenient transportation allows for a one-day round trip from downtown Beijing, making it perfect for a relaxing hiking trip on the weekend. Below are several main routes, though the lines between them aren't strictly defined. You can use them as references or plan your own route using the diagrams and suggested tracks provided later.

Also known as the middle section of the Western Mountains Grand Trail. It starts in Mayu Village in today’s Shijingshan District, crosses the Hun River (Yongding River), then enters Dayu Village, passing through Dongxinfang, Quanmen, Sunqiao, Tianqiaofu, Mengjia Hutong, Guanting, Fengkou’an, Huangshigang, and ending at Wangpingkou. The total length is approximately27.5kilometers. About13meters long and1.5meters wide, a rock located just over a hundred meters southwest of Fengkou’an Pass features a stunning “Horse Hoof Depression Wonder,” with over a hundred hoof prints of varying sizes and depths.

Also called the northern section of the Western Mountains Grand Trail, it follows the Yongding River valley and is the oldest ancient trail in the Jingxi area. The Western Mountains Grand Trail starts in Sanjiadian, crosses the Yongding River, passes through Liuli Canal Village, climbs over Chou’erling, continues through Xiehejian and Shuiyuzui, ascends Niujiaoling, then goes through Qiao’erjian, Magzhuang, Shigu Yan, and Seshufen, ending in Wangping Village.

Comprising parts of the Western Mountains Grand Trail, Yuhe Ancient Trail, Yongding Riverbank Ancient Trail, and some branch trails, it is the most scenic and diverse section of the Jingxi Ancient Trails and also the most frequented by hikers.The Wangping Ancient Trail is dotted with numerous historical remains, including hoof print relics, the former residence of Ma Zhiyuan, Guan Di Temple, Sanyi Temple, various stone inscriptions and tablets, passes, and watchtowers. It even includes the site where Emperors Huizong and Qinzong of the Song Dynasty were imprisoned.Wangping Ancient TrailWell-preserved sections include: the Ximagzhuang Section, Shifoling Section, Luopoling Section, Wangpingkou Section,,and Fengkou’an Section. Among them, the Shifoling Section is particularly outstanding.,The Shifoling Ancient Trail winds between the mountainside and mist, nearly hidden from sight. The hoof prints here are denser and clearer, a marvel of nature that is truly breathtaking.

Starts in Xincheng, passing through Hegezhuang, Taiqingguan, Wanfotang, climbing over Hongmiaoling, going through Sangyu, and arriving at Tanzhe Temple.

Starts in Pangcun, crosses the Yongding River, then goes through Wolonggang, Shichang, Xifeng Temple, Luohuling, Dongcun, Pingyuan Village, and finally reaches Tanzhe Temple.

Starts in the east at Lugou Bridge, passing through Changxindian, Dongwangzuo, Shawo Village, Xinzhuang, Dahuichang, Shifocun, then to Jietai Temple. After crossing Xifengling, it continues through Lujia Tan, Nanxinfang, Pingyuan Village, and arrives at Tanzhe Temple.

As there is no fixed route, most hikers takeLine 1 to either Apple Park or Gucheng subway stations, and then use buses to travel between these two points. Here are some commonly used bus routes:

929Bus Route 336 (Apple Park subway station – Muchengjian): goes to Jiuyuan Archway (ask the conductor to let you off at Jiuyuan)--Muchengjian): You can get off at Jiuyuan Archway (inform the conductor that you want to disembark at Jiuyuan)

Operating hours:5:50--18:30

370Bus Route 929 (Gongzhufen West – Mt. Mentougou Quanmen): goes to Quanmen--Mentougou Quanmen): You can get off at Quanmen

Operating hours:6:20--22:40

931Bus Route 931 (Tanzhesi – Apple Park subway station): goes to Tanzhesi and Keluotuo--Metro Apple Park Station): You can get to Tanzhe Temple and Keluotuo

Operating hours:6:00--18:00

385Bus Route 959 (Tianshunzhuang – Dahuichang): goes to Dahuichang--Dahuichang): You can get off at Dahuichang

Operating hours:5:00--21:00

△Dongshiguyan – Jiulongshan – Fengkou’an – Wangjiapo – Tanzhesi, fromLZFoot user @DuZhou, track code 28794

△Sanjiadian – ??? Liushulin – Mentoukou Village – 370 Quanmen Station, from LZFoot user @onejt, track code 25497

△Wangping – Quanmen, from LZFoot user @DouDizhu, track code 18287

You can download the LZFoot app and search for the corresponding track codes to view these three routes.

After looking at the above routes, you’ll notice that many end at Tanzhesi Temple. In ancient times, there were numerous pilgrimage activities between Tanzhesi and Jietai temples, leading to several historic pilgrimage trails. “Tanzhesi came before Beijing,” and as the “No.1 Temple of the Capital,” this temple with1700years of history has always been bustling with worshippers. If you choose a route ending at Tanzhesi, be sure to experience its classic, timeless atmosphere.

The magnolia flowers at Tanzhesi Temple are quite famous. The “Erqiao Magnolia,” located to the east of Pilu Pavilion inside the temple, is one of only two surviving Ming Dynasty bicolor magnolias in China. The flowering season is from late March to mid-April, attracting many visitors each year who come to admire the blossoms and enjoy spring. Viewing the flowers against the backdrop of the ancient temple offers a uniquely elegant charm.

Don't miss the beautiful spring scenery in the suburbs—it's not too late to head out now~

PS: The "Silk Road Ancient Trail Marathon" event is about to kick off. This event departs from within China, passes through multiple countries including Mongolia and Russia, and ultimately reaches Athens, Greece. Along the route, a variety of historical, cultural, and geographical exploration activities are planned, along with interactive promotional events for the "Ancient Trail Marathon" in several cities, giving everyone the chance to get involved. As an important domestic segment of this international ancient trail marathon, the "Jingxi Ancient Trail" will host its first run on March 20, 2016—this Sunday. Friends planning to visit the Jingxi Ancient Trail this weekend can also check it out~