Looking for a real adventure beyond Beijing’s city center? Somewhere with great views, rich culture, and local legends? Discover your perfect Beijing day trip hike at Yaji Mountain (Yājì Shān).
📍 Official Address: Liujiadianzhen Beijishancun, Pinggu District, Beijing (北京市平谷区刘家店镇北石山村) Ticket office in the cover image is beside the South Gate of Yajishan Scenic Area, Qifu Road, Pinggu District, Beijing
🕒 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Note: Hours may vary during winter months or special holidays
Yaji Mountain’s history as a sacred site spans over a millennium, making it the perfect destination for your Beijing day trip hike. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) through the early Republic of China era, successive dynasties constructed more than 18 ancient architectural complexes throughout the mountain.
The mountain reached its architectural peak during the Qing Dynasty. In 1713, to celebrate Emperor Kangxi’s 60th birthday, officials and citizens funded the reconstruction of the East Peak’s Jade Emperor Pavilion, which housed a statue of the Supreme Deity. Emperor Kangxi himself inscribed the plaque “敷锡广生” (Bestowing Blessings and Nourishing Life). The West Peak featured the magnificent Bixia Yuanjun Temple, locally known as the Goddess Temple.
The architecture on both peaks was exceptionally grand and exquisite, featuring intricate carvings and paintings. A unique Iron Tile Hall on the West Peak preserved the portrait of Grandma Wang. Between the two peaks stood the Three Emperor Halls, flanked by a three-zhang (approx. 10-meter) high bell tower to the right and a matching drum tower to the left.
The mountainside was dotted with numerous pavilions and halls, including the Longevity Pavilion, Mountain Patrol Temple, Three Officials Hall, Bodhisattva Hall, and Returning Incense Pavilion. At the mountain base stood an imperial palace and grand theater stage. The climbing path was lined with stone tablets at every temple, particularly several imperial steles renowned for their fine stone quality and elegantly carved calligraphy, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
Since the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Yaji Mountain has been a sacred pilgrimage site for people across the capital region. From emperors, royal consorts, and nobility to scholars and common villagers, all participated in the Dongdashan Temple Fair tradition. A 1715 stele inscription captures the spectacular scene: “Every early summer, people from all directions gather here, carrying paper offerings, incense and candles, worshipping and climbing the mountain in this magnificent assembly, shoulder to shoulder, too numerous to count.” This vibrant tradition continued uninterrupted until 1946.
For centuries, pilgrims have climbed Yaji Mountain’s 365 steps (representing each day of the year) to visit these ancient temples and make wishes. Locals believe wishes made here carry special power in this sacred Taoist site.
While we can’t guarantee miracles, the magic of reaching the summit – breathing fresh air and gaining new perspective – creates the perfect setting for your perfect Beijing day trip hike experience.
📍 Location & Transportation
Yaji Mountain sits in Pinggu District, 60-70 km northeast of central Beijing, making it ideal for your perfect Beijing day trip hike.
🚗 By Car: Most flexible option (1.5-2 hours drive)
🚍 By Bus: From Dongzhimen Station, take bus 852 to Pinggu, then transfer to local bus Pinggu 82 (Check the text/details in the cover photo.)
📱 By DiDi: Great balance of convenience and affordability. Always double-check your pickup location on the map, as GPS can be slightly off in dense urban areas.
Download: DiDi Global Version
Late November creates the ideal conditions for your perfect Beijing day trip hike. Summer crowds disappear, replaced by stunning gold and orange landscapes across rolling hills. Cool, crisp weather makes climbing comfortable – just remember layers for the windy summit.
Complete your perfect Beijing day trip hike with local fruit picking! Late November offers the last of Pinggu’s famous apples and persimmons. Roadside farm stands provide authentic tastes of the region.
✅ Perfect for Families
Well-maintained trails welcome all ages, though steep sections may challenge very young children or those with mobility concerns.
Top Tips for Your Perfect Beijing Day Trip Hike:
Ready for Your Perfect Beijing Day Trip Hike?
📍 Save this guide for your Yaji Mountain adventure
🌈 Tag a friend you want to explore with!
Transform your Beijing experience with this magical mountain adventure – where every step brings new discoveries and lasting memories.
You may also explore more mountain adventures, cultural routes, hutong walks, and local experiences with us:
👉 Our Beijing Hutong Experience
https://our-beijing.com/experience-type/bike-tours/
👉 Our Beijing The Hidden Wild Wall Experience
https://our-beijing.com/experience/the-hidden-wild-wall/