All Aboard the Tour Train

--railway links city to scenic spots

Cartoon by Liu Ying

Photos supplied by Huang Ying, Haidian Tourism Bureau

A new railway line linking a series of distant west Beijing scenic attractions was scheduled for completion at the end of June. For the first time, travelers can quickly enjoy visiting the Dajue Temple, Jiufeng Forest Park, Fenghuangling Scenic Area and Yangtaishan.

Inconvenient transportation had dogged the development of these attractive sites, but a new train station was being built in early June across the street from the Pingguoyuan subway station.

The line was built purely for tourism purposes. It links Beijing to the following attractions:

Yangtai Mountain

Yangtai Shan (Balcony Mountain) is a famous spot for enjoying a sunrise. The slope is not steep and apple, pear, plum and cherry trees cover the whole mountain, making it a cool place in summer.

Modest peasant siheyuan (local Chinese courtyards) are available to visitors. Prices range from RMB16-80. Before October 15, if you reserve beforehand, you can also have a roast lamb camp fire party.

Tel: 86 - (0) 10 + 8521 9691/2/3 or 5166 1575

Dajue Temple

Dajue Temple is built on the eastern slope of Yangtai Mountain, 18 kilometers north of the Summer Palace. Built in 1068, this Buddhist temple was named Qing Shui (Clear Water) after its fresh water spring.

Today, the water is still collected in the dragon pool and then runs in little rivulets through the temple grounds, lending a tranquil atmosphere. The temple halls, with their fine statues and old trees in the courtyards, attract many visitors.

A kinkgo tree in the courtyard on the right seems to grow with many trunks and is said to be almost 1,000 years old. The temple offers overnight stay, allowing travelers to savor the early morning serenity just as many famous folks have done. Emperor Qianlong (1736-96) of the Qing Dynasty loved coming to this place to meditate. Years later, Mao Zedong stayed here for about a month before moving to Shuang Qing Bie Shue (Double Spring Villa).

Tel: 86 - (0) 10 + 8521 9691/2/3 or 5166 1575

Jiufeng Forest Park

An ancient path leads you to the top of this forest land. Perched atop the 1,153 peak are two pines.

They look a little like two vultures (in Chinese it's jiu). Hence the name: jiufeng (peak).

More than 937 plants, including 289 rare plants, grow on the mountain. Half way to the top is a small pond, a good place to rest. Further up is a temple hidden in the trees.

The park is the first choice for student summer camps and has invited professionals from Beijing Forestry University because of its wide variety of trees.

Tel: 86 - (0) 10 + 8521 9691/2/3 or 5166 1575

Fenghuangling Scenic Area

Beijing's "Natural air conditioner", Fenghuangling is a wild and untamed land with ancient ruins above, and relics beneath, the surface.

Fenghuangling currently boasts four curiosities: One is the name in itself. The three Chinese characters "Feng Huang Ling" were carved on rock in strokes 4 meters high, 3 meters wide and 10 centimeters deep.

Another is a Buddhist statue, dating back 1,500 years. The monks' grottoes hidden in the forest are a third attraction and the fourth is a pagoda spectacularly placed on top of a leaning rock. The 2.65-meter tower was built around 1450 for the Eunuch Yinfeng, who retired from the imperial court to become a monk. Before he died, he instructed a disciple to store his ashes on the rock.

Fenghuangling is located inside the Xijiao Nongchang (farm), the farthest point of the area 22 kilometers from central Haidian.

Tickets costs 8 yuan. Students and people over 60 get half price. If you're over 70, entrance is free. But bring your ID card. And yes, that means laowei too.

Tel: 86 - (0) 10 + 8521 9691/2/3 or 5166 1575