Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ous caves, some relatively preserved, others with multicolored light displays. Three of the
largest in the area include Shihuadong (Stone Flower Cave), Yinhudong (Silver Fox Cave),
and Xianqidong (Xianqi Cave). All three are quite spectacular, particularly Shihuadong,
which has eight levels. Though only four of these are open to the public, the entire viewing
route is still more than 2,500 meters (8,202 feet) long. To get to Shihuadong, take Tour Bus
7 (
特7路
) from outside Qianmen, Hepingmen, Xuanwumen, or Changchunjie subway sta-
tion (Line 2); and to get to either Yinhudong or Xianqidong, take the regular bus 917 from
Tianqiao long-distance bus station (east of Tiantan Park or from Liuliqiao East subway sta-
tion, Line 9, exit E).
Mentougou sits directly above Fangshan in Beijing's west. The district covers 1451 square
kilometers (560 square miles), and, according to the 2010 census, just 290,000 live here,
making it officially the least-populated district (or county) in all of Beijing. In fact, in the
10 years between the last two national censuses, it grew by only just over 20,000 people.
Having no subway in the area doesn't really help things, but when the new Mentougou Line
opens off the end of Line 1 in 2015 we might see a change.
The lack of population can also be explained by Mentougou's terrain. Approximately 93
percent of the district is mountainous, being part of the Western Hills. The hills are rich in
natural resources, including coal, granite, and minerals, although, these days, many of the
mines have begun to be depleted.
Within the area there are numerous sites that should be visited. These include the won-
derful Cuandixia (
爨底下
), a tiny ancient village that sits in the nook of a ridge. Come here
in spring when the mountains are full of color and stop in at one of the local homes to have
lunch. It can take two or three hours to get here, so set off early. Take the 892 bus from Ping-
guoyuan subway station (Line 1) and then almost 2.5 hours and 55 stops later you can get
off right at the village (Cuandicun Kouzhan,
爨底村口站
). You'll probably be hassled by
drivers outside Pingguoyuan subway station offering to drive you all the way there. Many
will try to get RMB300 from you but in the end will usually accept RMB100. It's up to you,
but be clear about the final price before you get in the car. There is an official ticket office
into the village once you get there, and while no one is likely to even look at your tickets,
it's better to buy them there than have the driver scam you for more money when they offer
to purchase the tickets for you.
If you haven't yet fallen into the pit of complete temple apathy, then there are various
temples in Mentougou to continue to satisfy your interest. Tianzhe Temple (or Pool and
