[Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

No.3 Small Wutai Mountain

Small Wutai Mountain forest park belongs to the Heng Mountain arteries. It lies in Zhangjiakou City of Hebei Province and is the renowned campsite near Beijing. There are many hiking routes of varied difficulty levels and very suitable campsites. The campsites most easily accessed are the two campsites at the Xijinghekou scenic spot. The nearer one is only a 1-hour-walk from the entrance, while the further one is recommended for its wide, flat land, proximity to water sources and privacy from other visitors.

Small Wutai Mountain is a famous North China holy site in Buddhism. Buddhists gathered here early in the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907). The temple was rebuilt during the Ming (A.D. 1368-1644) and Qing (A.D. 1636-1911) Dynasty. Even though the temple has been run down, the culture charm is still alive.

Driving directions: Drive on No.109 national highway and change to No. 207 national highway on Xiheying.

Bus route: Take a bus from Beijing to Wei County and get off at Taohua County. The ticket price is 33 yuan per person. Rent a car at Chiyabao or Xijinghekou.