CHINA ADVENTURE CLUB JOURNEYS
GUDAO Beijing: West of the Capital
Explore China Adventure Club journeysJourney at a glance
- Day 1 Guanting - Sangyu Village
- Day 2 Sangyu Village - Tanzhe Temple
About this Journey
Discover a side of Beijing that few get to experience — its ancient trails, which, though largely forgotten in the modern rush of tourism, have shaped the city for thousands of years. Today, Beijing is dominated by highways and concrete streets, but once, it was linked only by winding dirt and stone paths. While many of these ancient routes were lost in the wave of urbanization, some have endured in the less-traveled suburbs of Western Beijing.
The Western mountains stretch across this region, rugged and largely untouched by urban development, yet they have played a vital role in the city’s growth. For centuries, they provided the coal that fueled Beijing’s homes during cold winters, as merchants and traders on foot and horseback transported the precious resource into the city. These trails also served as key routes connecting Beijing to China’s northwestern regions, facilitating trade, education, and military exchanges.
Join China Adventure Club’s GUDAO Jingxi to see the capital from a nuanced perspective. Trek through the West Mountains — a landscape that has long defined Beijing’s geographical and cultural identity. Walk the ancient paths that have borne witness to the city’s rise, explore relics that tell stories from distant times, and gain a deeper understanding of Beijing through the very trails that helped it thrive.
Tour Highlights
- Walking along thousand-year-old stony paths, where distinct hoof prints, 10cm deep, remain etched in the flagstones
- Exploring small and large temples nestled along the trails, built by ancient travelers seeking blessings and protection
- Taking in breathtaking views of Beijing from the West Mountains, with endless mountain ridges stretching toward the northwest
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Guanting - Sangyu Village
11km with 450m elevation gain (~6 hours)
In the morning, meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel in Beijing. Sit back and enjoy a one-hour drive from the city center to Western Beijing. We will arrive at Guanting at 9:00 a.m., the starting point of this inspiring journey.
The ancient trails of Western Beijing transport visitors to another era as they walk along the stony paths. Picture the travelers who once journeyed here — people, horses, and camels — carrying goods and messages along these very routes.
The morning hike begins on these stony paths that zigzag up the mountain. After several turns, the hike reaches a height offering a view of the city layout, weather permitting. The next stop is Fengkou’an Gate, an old tax point for commerce on this ancient trail. Enjoy the view before catching sight of Matiwo, or “Horseshoe Hollow.” This pathway, carved from a single massive rock, is etched with numerous hoof marks, a testament to the countless steps taken along this trail, continuing to tell its story.
Soon, the main path is left behind as the hike moves along a mountain ridge. The hillside, covered in trees, and the stretching mountain ranges provide breathtaking views. A simple yet delicate picnic lunch awaits on the mountaintop.
In the afternoon, the hike continues, climbing over small hillsides and passing through diverse vegetation, until reaching an open campsite for a tea break. Sit in the camping chairs and feel the mountain breeze. After the break, the descent begins, trekking through beautiful German oaks before arriving at Guanghui Temple, a small, serene one-courtyard temple with two-thousand-year-old ginkgo trees.
Not far from the temple lies today’s destination: Sangyu Village, a charming stop along the Western Beijing ancient trail. Visitors settle into a cozy local guesthouse owned by the warm and hospitable Mr. X and Mrs. Li, a delightful couple who take pride in cooking delicious meals and sharing stories with new friends they meet through their work. A hotpot dinner is served in the guesthouse. Afterward, the heated courtyard pool offers a chance to relax, or guests can unwind in their comfortable room.
Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 Sangyu Village - Tanzhe Temple
2km with 50m elevation gain (1 hour)
After breakfast at the hotel, begin the final section of the hike. Starting from Sangyu Village, walk through tree-lined paths on a small hill, making the way toward the ultimate destination: Tanzhe Temple.
Built during the Western Jin Dynasty, the temple boasts a rich history of more than 1,700 years, making it the oldest in Beijing. The temple features a stunning array of layered courtyards, each hidden behind the other, adding to its mystique and beauty.
As one of the birthplaces of early Buddhist culture in Beijing, Tanzhe Temple has long served as a protector along the ancient trails. It was also a key starting point for many travelers setting out on their journeys.
A local saying goes, “First came Tanzhe Temple, then came Beijing city.” Whether through its influence on the layout of the city or the legend that it drove away evil spirits to bring peace to the people, Tanzhe Temple has played an essential role in shaping the capital.
Take a private guided tour through this historic site and immerse yourself in the stories that have been passed down through generations.
As the day concludes, bid farewell to the tranquil landscapes of Western Beijing. Your guide will escort you back to the city center, where the vibrant energy of Beijing awaits.
Meals included: Breakfast
Photos
Hotels Moyan She Guesthouse Local Boutique Moyan She Guesthouse in Sangyu village features private courtyards and heated pools, providing easy access to village exploration and starlit nights.
Photos
Photos Jingxi Ancient Trail Matiwo (Horseshoe Hollow) Horseshoe MarksPhoto by Jenny Mountain Views Along the Jingxi Trail Tanzhe Temple
Details
Seasonal Availability
January – June | October – December
What’s Included
- Services of an English-speaking local English-speaking guide
- Accommodation based on single occupancy with breakfasts included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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