On March 23, Mentougou District hosted the "Mountains and Waters Meet, Green Seas Await" – 2012 Beijing Mentougou Tourism Promotion Event, inviting nearly 200 heads of travel agencies from across the country to explore the rich tourism and cultural resources of western Beijing’s Mentougou District. At the event, the China Tourism Salon and Beijing Cuiping Scenic Area in Zhaitang Town signed a 10-year strategic cooperation agreement and a tourism direct bus launch agreement, and presented Zhaitang Town with a plaque designating it as a "China Tourism Strategic Partner."
Located in the western part of the capital, Mentougou District covers a total area of 1,455 square kilometers, with mountainous terrain accounting for 98.5%, making it the only all-mountain district in Beijing. The district is home to two 4A-level scenic spots, five 3A-level scenic spots, one national nature reserve (Baihuashan Nature Reserve), two national forest parks (Xiaolongmen National Forest Park and Tianmenshan National Forest Park), four municipal forest parks (Maluan Municipal Forest Park, Xifengsi Municipal Forest Park, Nanshiyang Grand Canyon Municipal Forest Park, and Miaofengshan Municipal Forest Park), three national historical and cultural villages (Cuandixia, Lingshui, and Liulihe), and two municipal-level scenic areas in Beijing (Dongling Mountain–Baihuashan Scenic Area and Tanzhe–Jietai Scenic Area).
In recent years, Mentougou District has adhered to the development direction of ecology, high-end industries, and unique features. Seizing the opportunity to create a "National Tourism Pilot Zone," it has accelerated the establishment of an industrial system based on tourism, culture, and leisure, successfully transforming resource advantages into industrial strengths. The establishment and improvement of various mechanisms to promote the development of the tourism and cultural industries have not only effectively enhanced supporting facilities for tourism, culture, and leisure services but also facilitated the transformation and development of key mountain towns.
Currently, Mentougou District has further upgraded and improved supporting facilities for the tourism industry. A large number of tourism infrastructure projects have been renovated and upgraded. All public toilets and tourism signage in the district’s scenic areas have been renovated, and 19 tourism hubs integrating parking, shopping, and leisure have been built along National Highway 109. The first phase of the project has been completed, and the second phase is now underway. Tourism information service centers have achieved full coverage. Centers have been established in Mentougou urban area and nine towns, service facilities in 16 municipal-level folk tourism villages have been improved, and a number of star-rated folk tourism service points have been certified. Tourism reception facilities continue to be enhanced. Building on the renovation of COFCO Academy and Longquan Hotel, efforts have focused on attracting investment along the western extension of Chang’an Avenue, introducing 12 landmark projects including AVIC International Headquarters, Chang’an International Financial Center, a seven-star hotel, and a tourism observation tower, with a total investment of 135 billion yuan. The overall plans and regulatory detailed plans for these 12 projects have been largely completed.
Meanwhile, the mechanisms for promoting the development of the tourism and cultural industries in Mentougou District have also been further refined. The district was the first in the city to establish a Tourism Development Commission, integrating tourism with agriculture, landscaping, commerce, culture, and other sectors to coordinate the planning, development, integration, and utilization of tourism resources, fostering the integrated growth of tourism with other industries. The organizational management structure for the cultural and creative industries has been improved, with the establishment of a District Cultural and Creative Industries Promotion Center. A District Eco-Industrial Park Management Committee has been set up to lead the construction of the Sino-Finnish Eco Valley and Sino-Swiss Eco Valley, as well as agricultural industrialization projects, coordinating ecological construction, infrastructure development, resettlement of residents, and employment income growth. Efforts are focused on optimizing the allocation of production factors such as tourist attractions, cultural resources, construction land, and specialty products to enhance industrial efficiency. Additionally, long-term mechanisms to promote tourism development have been established. A special fund of 30 million yuan for the development of tourism, culture, and leisure industries has been set up to support tourism infrastructure construction and assist small and medium-sized tourism enterprises and folk tourism development. Brand promotion activities have been intensively carried out, with major events such as the Tourism Mountain Festival, International Mountain Hiking Conference, and Beijing Wave Music Festival held annually to continuously expand the region’s visibility and influence.
At this promotion event, the China Tourism Salon also helped elevate Mentougou District’s tourism industry to a higher level. It is understood that the China Tourism Salon is headquartered in Beijing and is voluntarily formed by national tourism authorities, local travel agencies, news media, transportation providers, and scenic spots, aiming to develop tourism markets, open new travel routes, expand industry influence, and build tourism brands. With the launch of the tourism direct bus, the China Tourism Salon will involve nearly 200 travel agencies in the western Beijing tourism industry, further developing the rural folk tourism market and expanding the influence of both parties in the industry.
The launch of the tourism direct bus also signals that the western Beijing tourism market, represented by the Cuiping Scenic Area, will usher in a strong wave of tourism this year. It is understood that as spring arrives, Mentougou District will enter its peak tourist season. In mid-April, the Tangqi Magnolia Festival will be held at the Tanzhe Temple Scenic Area, traditional temple fair activities will take place at Miaofengshan in late April, and the third Miaofengshan Rose Culture Festival will be celebrated in May and June. In addition, Mentougou will continue to host the third International Hiking Conference, the second Beijing Professional Road Cycling Race, the first Western Beijing Road Cycling Race, and the first Dingfeng Peak Mountain Bike Cross-Country Race. Taking this promotion event and launch ceremony as an opportunity, Mentougou will fully kick off the Year of the Dragon tourism promotion campaign, vigorously implement the tourism development leapfrog action plan, and strive to create a leisure and resort tourism destination in western Beijing.
Mentougou District "Tourism Direct Bus" Routes:
Route One: Cuiping Scenic Area Line and Maluan Hiking Route
Located in Cuiping Scenic Area, Zhaitang Town, Mentougou District, Beijing, the scenic area covers a total area of 46.6 square kilometers. The area opens with the picturesque Qinglongjian Valley, passes through the folk village of Huanglingxi, known for its mountain charm, stops by the magical "Stone Village of Western Beijing" – Shuangshitou, and reaches the core of the scenic area – Cuandixia, one of China’s first historical and cultural villages. Deep within the scenic area, visitors can quietly enjoy the ancient military music – the old operas of Baiyu.
Cuandixia was first built during the Ming Dynasty’s Yongle era and remains the most well-preserved ancient residential complex of the Ming and Qing dynasties to this day. The ancient village is built against the mountain, centered around Longtoushan Mountain with a north-south central axis, featuring 76 exquisitely designed quadrangle courtyard homes, totaling about 700 rooms. These homes are spread out in a fan shape down the mountain slopes, arranged flexibly on limited foundations. The overall layout of the village is rigorous, harmonious, and varied, resembling a gold ingot when viewed from above.
A single flower does not make spring; a garden full of blooms does. The social value brought by the historical and cultural resources of Cuandixia has led the mountain-dwelling residents to reflect deeply. In recent years, Mentougou District has transitioned from a coal-based economy to an eco-tourism economy. Zhaitang Town and Zhongkun Group have jointly explored the cultural heritage and valley resources of Zhaitang, forming the Cuiping Scenic Area by integrating resources and breaking village boundaries. By leveraging strong villages to support weaker ones, the area has been developed into a uniquely charming ancient village and town, establishing Cuiping as a distinctive valley tourism base.
The completed Cuiping Scenic Area has become a leisure and resort destination representing ancient village culture. It has been awarded titles such as National Cultural Relics Protection Unit, China’s Most Valuable Ancient Village for Tourism, China’s Outstanding Tourism Destination, First Batch of China’s Historical and Cultural Villages, and Beijing Municipal Intangible Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Ministry of Construction, the National Cultural Heritage Administration, and the Beijing Municipal Government.
In addition to the ancient village of Cuandixia, several villages within the Cuiping Scenic Area each have their own unique features. Huanglingxi Village, known as "Folk Homes," boasts green mountains, clear waters, and deep pools, with a layout in the shape of a "human" character. The hardworking, simple, and hospitable local villagers, primarily engaged in farming, have preserved a wealth of traditional farming tools and household items. The village has developed tourism themed around "folk homes," opening fossil exhibitions, farming tool museums, household item displays, a farmhouse canteen, and even a red song performance troupe, allowing visitors to enjoy both performances and authentic rural cuisine.
Beijing’s Western Stone Village – Shuangshitou Village. Nestled beside the ancient Western Beijing Road, Shuangshitou Village gets its name from a pair of massive rocks in the valley and is shaped like a phoenix spreading its wings. The village is filled with stone culture, as the song goes: "Stone mills, stone mortars, stone walls, houses topped with stones, stone gates welcome guests from afar, and weddings take place in stone houses." The village features odd rock formations such as Mandarin Duck Stones, Sister Stones, Double Hanging Stones, and Lovers’ Stones, as well as folk houses built atop giant rocks, highlighting the area’s stone-centric culture.
Military Household Ancient Music – Baiyu Village is a typical military household settlement. About one kilometer north of the village lies the "Tianjin Pass" (also called Tianjing Pass), where successive dynasties established fortifications and stationed troops. Baiyu Village’s Yangge opera, known as the "living fossil" of theater, has a history of over 400 years. The singing is passionate and rustic, with tight, coherent rhythms, and is renowned for its unique style, often described as having "nine tones and eighteen melodies." As early as 2005, Baiyu Yangge Opera was listed as a municipal-level intangible cultural heritage for protection.
Hiking Route – Maluan
Maluan Village is located south of National Highway 109, 5.5 kilometers from the Zhaitang Town government, covering a village area of 16.34 square kilometers with 397 households and 810 residents.
Maluan Village has a long history and abundant red tourism resources. The former headquarters of the Jirecha Advance Column of the Eighth Route Army, now a museum, was the first museum funded and built by farmers. Opened on July 7, 1997, it was designated as a municipal-level patriotic education base and youth education base by the Beijing Municipal Government in the same year. In 2000, it became a municipal-level national defense education base; in 2008, it was among the first 33 free museums in Beijing; in 2010, it became Beijing’s first municipal-level anti-corruption education base; and in June 2011, it became Mentougou District’s first municipal-level red tourism site.
In addition to its rich red resources, Maluan Village has abundant coal resources with a long mining history and coal of high quality, with ash content as low as 7,000 kcal. Historical records indicate that coal burned by merchant ships traveling to ancient Beijing came from Maluan. During the War of Resistance, General Xiao Ke wrote his book *Blood Soaked Luoxiao* in a small coal mine here. After the reform and opening-up, Maluan Village had 22 coal mines, and the village plans to establish a coal museum to showcase the history of coal formation and mining in various forms.
Maluan Village’s Shuihuxiang is a pristine natural landscape. In 2011, the village funded the construction of over 1,000 meters of tourist trails, with stacked water features such as Sun-Moon Ponds and Tongxin Lakes along the paths. Additionally, the village’s Yuan Dynasty Dragon King Guanyin Chanlin Hall and ancient stage have been restored, with creative activities introduced.
Route Three: Tanzhe-Jietai Scenic Area Line
The Tanzhe-Jietai Line is a key tourist attraction along National Highway 108 in Mentougou, home to the famous Tanzhe Temple and Jietai Temple.
Tanzhe Temple is located in the southeastern part of Mentougou District and is a national key cultural relics protection unit. Named after the Dragon Pool behind the temple and the Zhe trees once planted abundantly on the mountain, it was first built during the Western Jin Dynasty (265–317 AD), boasting a history of over 1,700 years—800 years older than Beijing itself, hence the saying, "Tanzhe Temple came before Beijing."
Tanzhe Temple is grand in scale, covering 2.5 hectares within the temple grounds and 11.2 hectares outside, plus over 121 hectares of managed forests and mountain areas, totaling more than 121 hectares. The halls are built along the mountain’s contours, creating a well-arranged layout. The temple currently has 943 rooms, including 638 ancient halls, maintaining the architectural style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the largest ancient temple architectural complex in the suburbs of Beijing. The entire complex embodies the aesthetic principles of ancient Chinese architecture, with a central axis running through it and symmetrical layouts on both sides, giving it a sense of order, hierarchy, and balance. Architectural forms include halls, chambers, pavilions, studies, towers, terraces, and more.
The temple is home to famous ancient trees such as the thousand-year-old ginkgo trees "Emperor Tree" and "Consort Tree," Zhe trees, sal trees, purple magnolia, magnolia, and cypresses, all witnesses to Tanzhe Temple’s long history. Outside the temple are numerous structures and attractions such as the Anle Hall, Upper and Lower Pagoda Courts, East and West Guanyin Caves, and Tiger Listening Cave, scattered like stars around the moon, forming a vast tourist area with numerous scenic spots. The late Zhao Puchu, former president of the Buddhist Association of China, once wrote a couplet praising it: "Its aura commands half of the Taihang Mountains, its grounds pioneered the seclusion of Youzhou."
Jietai Temple is located at the foot of Ma’an Mountain in Mentougou District, 35 kilometers from Beijing, overlooking the capital from an altitude of over 300 meters. Covering 4.4 hectares with a built-up area of 8,392 square meters, the temple’s halls are built along the mountain’s contours, combining the majestic grandeur of northern temples with the serene elegance of southern gardens. It boasts a strong religious cultural atmosphere and breathtaking natural scenery, making it not only a renowned Buddhist temple in China but also a famous tourist destination.
Jietai Temple was first built during the Sui Dynasty’s Kaihuang era (581–600 AD) and has a history of over 1,400 years. It is named for housing the largest Buddhist precept platform in China, commonly known as the Precept Platform Temple or Jietai Temple.
Jietai Temple has long been renowned worldwide for its "ordination altar, peculiar pines, and ancient caves." The ordination altar was first built in the fifth year of the Xianyong era during the Liao Dynasty. Together with the ordination altars of Kaiyuan Temple in Quanzhou, Fujian, and Zhaoqing Temple in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, it is collectively known as one of the "Three Great Ordination Altars in China." Among these, the ordination altar at Beijing’s Jietai Temple is the largest, earning it the title of "The Number One Ordination Altar Under Heaven." It is the highest-level ordination site in the history of Chinese Buddhism. Despite the vicissitudes of time, it remains well-preserved.
Jietai Temple boasts numerous ancient and famous trees, including 88 nationally protected ancient trees alone, among which the most celebrated are the ancient pines. These pines, whether shaped by human hands or formed naturally, have endured centuries of wind, frost, snow, and rain, developing a variety of unique forms that hold high aesthetic value. The Activity Pine, Carefree Pine, Nine-Dragon Pine, Pagoda-Embracing Pine, and Reclining Dragon Pine are collectively known as the "Five Famous Pines of Jietai." When a gentle breeze blows, the rustling of the pines creates the distinctive "Pine Waves of Jietai," a unique landscape of the temple.
The back mountains of Jietai Temple are composed of limestone. Over hundreds of millions of years of erosion by rainwater, many natural caves have formed. The stalactites and stalagmites inside these caves take on a myriad of bizarre and stunning shapes—some resembling dragons leaping, fish swimming, or lions sitting, all formed by the solidification of limestone deposits. These formations have given rise to countless legends and sparked beautiful imaginations. Some of the caves in the area have been artificially modified to create cave temples, which once served as places for meditation by eminent monks of the temple.
Additionally, located adjacent to Jietai Temple is the newly constructed Dingdu Pavilion Scenic Area. Dingdu Pavilion is situated on Dingdu Peak in Tanzhesi Town, Mentougou District, Beijing, at an altitude of 680 meters. Its main structure was completed in 2012. Covering a land area of 550 square meters and a building area of 2,400 square meters, it stands 33.9 meters tall with six floors in total—one underground and five above ground, including two hidden floors, making it appear as a three-story structure from the outside.
Dingdu Pavilion features an ancient-style design, with its composite roof formed by multiple hip-and-gable roof sections. Each floor is adorned with single-curved, single-rising five-step bracket sets (dougong) beneath the eaves, gradually tapering in height, complemented by cantilevered corridors. Due to its location atop Dingdu Peak at the western end of the western extension of Chang’an Avenue, it is named Dingdu Pavilion.
"An ancient peak hosts the capital’s city; a new pavilion shines over Chang’an." Dingdu Pavilion, standing at the western terminus of the Chang’an Avenue extension, forms a striking cultural counterpoint with the Grand Canal in Tongzhou to the east, creating a new core cultural landmark of Beijing: "The Grand Canal in the east, Dingdu Pavilion in the west." It has become a new iconic architectural highlight for the region and adds a brilliant touch to Mentougou District’s development of tourism, cultural leisure industries, and the construction of a premium international mountain tourism and cultural resort in the capital.