Exploring Bairui Valley: Discover Natural Wonders and Unlock Healing Moments in the Mountains

Where else can you go around Beijing? Stop crowding Gubei Water Town, Shidu, and Xiangshan! I secretly took a trip to Bairui Valley Scenic Area in Fangshan, and it completely redefined my idea of a "secret spot near Beijing"— this is not just an ordinary mountain view, but a geological wonder combining alpine meadows, cliffside plank roads, millennia-old glacial relics, and wildflower gardens! The best part—few tourists, stunning scenery, and every photo is a masterpiece! 📍 Bairui Valley is located in Shijiaying Township, Fangshan District, Beijing, at an altitude of 1900 meters. It used to be an abandoned mining area, but now it has transformed into a model of ecological restoration, known as "China’s first national 4A scenic area restored from a mining site." 🚗 How to get there? Perfect for self-driving, light hiking enthusiasts, and family trips. Navigate to "Beijing Bairui Valley Scenic Area," about a 2-hour drive from the city (G4 Jinggang’ao Expressway → Jingkun Expressway → Tanwang Road), the mountain roads are gentle, suitable for SUVs or sedans. ⚠️ Tip: There is a large free parking lot at the entrance! 🏞 Three must-see highlights, each frame feels like stepping into a fairyland! ✅ High-altitude Glass Viewing Platform—“Eye on the Cloud Peak” Built on the edge of a cliff, suspended 300 meters above a deep abyss, with panoramic views of the Taihang Mountains stretching endlessly, on clear days you can see Laishui in Hebei at a glance, not for the faint-hearted, but a 100% photo success rate! ✅ Kilometer-long Alpine Flower Sea Trail The peak blooming season is from June to August! Lavender, coreopsis, and cosmos cover the hillsides, swaying in the wind like a colorful velvet carpet, stand in the middle wearing a white dress, and instantly become the heroine of a Studio Ghibli animation. ✅ Explore Millennia-old Glacial Relics + Miner Ruins Here you can find Quaternary glacial striation stones dating back about 2 million years, as well as tunnels and rails left by miners from the last century, a double shock of nature and culture, perfect for kids to learn without boredom! 📌 Practical Tips: - Tickets: 75 RMB for adults (including shuttle bus), discounts for students and seniors - Opening hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM) - Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours - Reminder: Large temperature difference at the summit, be sure to bring a jacket; some sections are steep, wear non-slip sports shoes - There are simple meals and drinks inside the park, but options are limited, so it’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks 🍂 Best seasons to visit: - Spring and Summer (May–July): lush greenery and blooming flower seas - Autumn (September–October): colorful forests with red leaves decorating the valleys - Winter (December–February): snow-covered landscapes like ink paintings, a paradise for photographers!