Badachu Park, Shijingshan District, Beijing

Badachu Park takes its name from the eight well-preserved ancient Buddhist monasteries within its grounds. First established during the Sui and Tang dynasties and repaired over the centuries, the park is a rare cluster of Buddhist temples within the urban area of Beijing. The eight monasteries are scattered along the mountainside according to the terrain, arranged from the foot to the summit as follows: Chang'an Temple, Lingguang Temple, Sanshan Nunnery, Dabei Temple, Longquan Nunnery, Xiangjie Temple, Baozhu Cave, and Zhengguo Temple. Their architectural layout blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountain landscape, revealing a simple yet solemn religious and cultural heritage. The second monastery, Lingguang Temple, is the heart of the entire park. It enshrines one of only two existing Buddha tooth relics of Shakyamuni in the world, housed in a towering and majestic relic stupa that draws a constant stream of worshippers. The fourth monastery, Dabei Temple, preserves a set of eighteen Arhat statues sculpted by Liu Yuan, a renowned Yuan-dynasty sculptor. The figures are vividly expressive and masterfully crafted. The eighth monastery, Zhengguo Temple, was first built during the Tang dynasty and is one of the oldest temples in the capital. In front of the temple stands a sturdy, 600-year-old Chinese pistache tree, and beside it lies the remarkable Secret Demon Cliff (Mimo Ya), inviting visitors to explore its hidden wonders. Covering an area of 332 hectares, the park reaches its highest peak at 498 meters above sea level. With forest coverage exceeding 95% and air rich in negative oxygen ions, it is hailed as a "natural oxygen bar." Cultural attractions such as cliff inscriptions and the China Fine Seal Valley are scattered throughout the woodlands. The park's twelve scenic highlights—including "Spring Apricot Forest," "Autumn Red Leaves," and "Sunlit Snow on Layered Peaks"—offer beauty in every season, with the fiery red leaves covering the hills from late October to early November being the most spectacular, making it a classic autumn foliage destination in the capital. Visitors are advised to enter through the main gate and follow the clockwise trail from Monastery One to Monastery Eight, which takes about 3 to 4 hours in total. Those with limited stamina may take the cable car uphill and the toboggan slide down from the halfway point, while the gentle paths are also suitable for light hiking and parent-child learning excursions. Admission is only 10 yuan, and opening hours are from 6:00 to 18:30. Visitors are recommended to wear flat, non-slip shoes, prepare mosquito repellent and rain gear in summer, and confirm the operating status of the cable car and toboggan before setting out.