Juling Gorge Lingshan Ancient Road - First Peak of Beijing

Julingxia Lingshan Ancient Road Scenic Area is located in Hongshuikou Village, Qingshui Town, Mentougou District, Beijing. Lingshan, formerly known as Fanshan and also called Tianyunshan, is known as the "First Peak of Beijing." On Lingshan, there is an ancient road that has been used for three thousand years, running from Hongshuikou Village at the foot of the mountain on the south side to the summit. In ancient times, the only route from the outside world to Lingshan was the Dadigou (Great Ditch) in Hongshuikou Village, which people called the "Lingshan Ancient Road." Because of the lush vegetation and abundant wildlife within the Dadigou Lingshan Ancient Road, it was also praised by scholars and poets as "Julingxia" (Gathering Spirit Gorge). Legend has it that Bodhidharma, the founder of Buddhism, first ascended Lingshan from the Dadigou in Hongshuikou Village to the Lingshan Hualing Temple. The Lingshan Ancient Road is also known as "Julingxia" or "Bodhidharma Ancient Road." Juling Gorge belongs to the Taihang Mountains. The Lingshan Ancient Road, formerly known as the Lingshan South Road, stretches 8 kilometers from Dadigoukou in Hongshuikou Village (940 meters above sea level) to the main peak of Lingshan (2303 meters above sea level). Along the ancient road are more than 20 natural and cultural scenic spots, such as: Lingquan Waterfall, Divine Turtle Emerging from the Mountain, Hero's Slope and Lion Ridge, Damo Hall, Apricot Grove, White Dragon Pool, Dragon Back Waterfall, the ruins of a nunnery and the Lilac Grove, Sanfo Hall, a primeval forest, and ancient Ming Dynasty watchtowers. The Lingshan Ancient Road scenic area is also a natural wildlife park, home to more than 700 species of wild animals. You might unexpectedly discover many small creatures inhabiting the pine forests, meadows, grass, or even the corners of rocks. There are also more than 800 species of plants to admire. Of course, we must also mention the yaks, the "ships of Qinghai," which have taken root and thrived here in large numbers. What's especially exciting is the presence of the rare brown eared pheasant, a national treasure, within the Lingshan Scenic Area. These wild animals coexist harmoniously under the protection of Lingshan, adding to its charm and vitality, creating a pristine and unique ecological landscape rich in oxygen. Here, life is both vibrant and tranquil, with majestic mountains and gentle streams.