Unrushed and tranquil, this mountain forest trail in Shijingshan allows you to stroll along and take in the sunset scenery at your own pace.

Badachu • Deep in Cuiwei Hill

Within Lingguang Temple (灵光寺), the second of the eight temples of Badachu, slanting sunset glow bathes the 13-storey octagonal ancient pagoda in warm, golden hues. Standing before the pagoda, you may observe the glow receding slowly from its spire downwards. A 6-to-7-minute uphill stroll from Lingguang Temple leads to Sanshan Nunnery (三山庵). Sunset glow streams through tall trees flanking the trail, building a captivating ambience. Right nearby is Cuiwei Teahouse (翠薇茶舍) sheltered by ancient trees, where you can order a pot of tea, sit peacefully in its courtyard, and watch the sunset glow fade slowly across the walls.

Jinding Mountain • Urban Viewing Platforms

Jinding Mountain is located north of Pingguoyuan Subway Station. The summit can be reached in a dozen minutes along the hiking trail. Four viewing platforms have been built atop the mountain, each offering a different perspective. Hanyuan Platform (涵远台) at the southwest corner provides the best view, where you can gaze westward across the layered ridges of the Western Hills, with an expansive urban skyline stretching out before you. The mountain features well-arranged trails fitted with pavilions and rest areas. The full tour from the trailhead through all four viewing platforms takes about 1 hour, which coincides exactly with the time when sunset glow displays its richest color variations.

Tiantai Mountain • Where Mountain Meets Lake

The dam of Tiantai Lake is a perfect point to view the sunset. The sky shifts from orange-pink through grey-purple to deep blue, and the entire color transition lasts roughly 30 to 40 minutes. Pavilions and boardwalks run along the lakeshore, and water birds are frequently spotted gliding over the water. Boasting unobstructed views, the dam allows you to snap beautiful shots of the sunset glow without searching for ideal angles.

Dining Options

Jingxi Kaofang BBQ • Coffee • Pizza

It specializes in American-style smoked barbecue and burgers, and also serves coffee and authentic Italian pizza.

Address: Courtyard 1, Zhiqingfang, Chenjiagou Village

Tel.: +86-13381407236

Huizhen Xiaochu (Shijingshan Moshikou Branch)

Its courtyard preserves the traditional features of the old-street layout. Must-try dishes include Anhui-style fermented mandarin fish, braised pork belly in brown sauce, and chicken soup simmered with bamboo fungus and stone-ear mushrooms.

Address: 223, Moshikou Village

Tel.: +86-10-80881982

Xinghuatang Shanxi Private Cuisine (Jin'an · Zhonghai Huanyuhui Branch)

It features neo-Chinese interiors adorned with apricot blossom motifs, and soft lighting creates a poetic ambience throughout the venue.

Address: Courtyard 106, 1F, Building 2A, Pingguoyuan North Street

Tel.: +86-18400663695

Accommodation

Yinbao Jianguo Hotel (Beijing)

Address: 1F, Building 1, Courtyard 32, Jinfu Road

Tel.: +86-18400663695

Junzhong Lvhua Hotel

Address: 1‑1, 1F, Building 1, Courtyard 89, Jinfu South Road

Tel.: +86-13161999799

(Source: Shijingshan Wenlv)