It's time to go hiking and visit the "Eye" nestled in the mountains.

Spring has sprung, so don't stay cooped up at home! It's the perfect time to plan some lightweight outdoor activities like hiking. I've heard that there's a mountain outside Beijing with a hole right through it, so I took advantage of the beautiful weather to explore it. Tianmen Mountain, located in Mentougou District, is famous for the large, irregular hole at its summit. This naturally formed hole looks like an eye embedded in the mountain and is known as the "Eye of Beijing." It's just over an hour's drive from the city center to the foot of Tianmen Mountain. This used to be a forest park, but it's currently closed. However, the well-maintained hiking trails are still accessible, making it a popular free hiking route in the suburbs of Beijing. 🚶 Hiking Routes: Tianmen Mountain has an elevation of 550 meters, and the climb is relatively gentle, making it suitable for hikers of all ages and abilities. There are two entrances at the foot of the mountain. I recommend taking the one on the right, as it's closer to the "Eye of Beijing" and the Stone Great Wall. 1. Half-way: Hike from the foot of the mountain to the "Eye of Beijing" and then return the same way. This route is shorter and suitable for those with limited stamina or who just want to see the "Eye of Beijing." 2. Full route: Follow the loop trail along the mountain ridge. There are pavilions for resting and enjoying the scenery at regular intervals along the way. Just follow the direction of the pavilions, and you won't get lost. The entire loop is two to three kilometers long. We spent 2.5 hours hiking and exploring, and it wasn't tiring at all. 🔸Highlights: The "Eye of Beijing" on Tianmen Mountain is a great spot for taking photos, but I personally found the natural Stone Great Wall, made of rock formations, even more interesting. The Stone Great Wall section is the wildest part of the trail, with cliffs on both sides. Standing on top, you have a wide-open view of the surrounding rolling mountains. 🌟Tips for Visiting: 1. Navigate to "Tianmen Mountain Forest Park." After seeing the Tianmen Mountain archway, turn left uphill and drive for another 2 kilometers to reach the parking area at the foot of the mountain. 2. It gets crowded on weekends, so it's best to arrive before 10 am. Otherwise, you might not be able to drive up due to traffic and will have to park along the road and walk a long distance to the trailhead, which can be tiring. 3. As the park is closed, there are no facilities on the mountain, so be sure to prepare everything you need beforehand. 4. The trail is mostly stone steps, so bringing hiking poles can be helpful. 5. Tianmen Mountain is close to Tanzhe Temple, and the surrounding area has many other attractions, making it a great place to spend a day exploring.