Jiufeng National Forest Park (鹫峰国家森林公园)

Located in the northwest of Beijing, Jiufeng National Forest Park is about 2 kilometers from Zhongguancun High-tech Science and Technology Park and 18 kilometers from the Summer Palace and is one of the national forest parks nearest to Beijing.

Jiufeng means “vulture peak” in Chinese, and the park got its name because its two peaks are just like two vultures soaring while seen from a distance. Jiufeng National Forest Park is currently a popular science activity base for teenagers, and in history, Jiufeng was one of the seventy-two barracks of the Liao Dynasty. The park covers a total area of 832.04 hectares, with the annual average temperature of about 12.2 ℃. Its main peak is 465 meters above the sea level, and the highest peak in the park is 1,153 meters high, which is the second highest peak in Haidian District.

Jiufeng National Forest Park used to be the forestry station for teaching experiment of Beijing Forestry University. Famed for picturesque natural environment, it boasts of steep mountains, myriad peeks and externally and internally beautiful stones. From afar, a pair of peaks standing face to face atop the mountain looks like a lifelike soaring vulture, hence the name of Jiufeng (vulture) Peak. Long reputed for its engaging scenery since ancient times, Jiufeng Peak has preserved time-honored and intact temple culture and garden culture. Inside, the park accommodates many historic sites such as Jiufeng Villa of the Liao Dynasty, the Xiufeng Temple of the Ming Dynasty, the Xiangtang Temple of the Qing Dynasty, the Xiaozhai (Forgiveness) Temple of the Republic of China, the Chaoyang Guanyin Cave and the Thousand-year-old Hiking Trail.

Features: Three main scenic areas make up Jiufeng National Forest Park, and they are Jiufeng Central Area (鹫峰中心区), Zhai’er yu Area (寨儿峪谷壑区) and Luobadi Area (萝芭地山顶区). Jiufeng Central Area is located in the central part of the park, which mainly includes historical sites and natural landscape, such as the first seismographic station made in China, Xiangtang Temple (响塘庙) of the Qing Dynasty, Xiufeng Temple of the Ming Dynasty (秀峰寺), Puzhao Temple of the Jin Dynasty (普照寺), Jiufeng Village of the Liao Dynasty (鹫峰山庄), Guanyin Cave (观音洞) and ancient path. Zhai’er yu Area is characterized by artificial forest landscape, spectacular rock landform and various plants. It boasts 15 famous scenic spots, such as the imperial palace of the Queen Mother of the West. Luobadi Area is located over 900 meters above the sea level, boasting immense forests, plentiful wild blossoms and an alpine meadow.

Complete facilities for tourists are provided in the park, including topflight rooms, large-scale restaurants which can accommodate 400 persons simultaneously, karaoke, recreation room and billiards room. In addition, there are also a series of rich activities, such as outward development, camping, barbecues and bonfire evening parties. In short, the park integrates teaching, researching, meeting, vocation, films, popularization of science and summer camp. What's more, Jiufeng National Forest Park is the paradise for small animals, such as pheasants, hares, roe deer, squirrels and various kinds of birds and insects. Over the years, the park is used as the experimental and practice for Beijing Forestry University, Beijing Normal University, Peking University and Beijing Petroleum University.

Historical Sites: Jiufeng Park has an abundance of historical sites, and it has been approved as an important heritage site under state protection by Cultural Relic Bureau of Haidian District. Due to its numerous human landscapes, the park’s natural scenery and brilliant culture combines closely. Main scenic spots include Mt. Jiu, Jiufeng Villa, viewing area of red leaves, greenhouse, specimen room, Xiufeng Temple, Xiangtang Temple, Monk Tower, Jinxian Nunnery, Yang’s Garden, Bei’s Garden, seismographic station site, Muchun Pavilion and red leaves area.