The Songshan Forest Tourist Area (松山森林旅游区)

Lying at the center of Jundu Mountain of Yanshan Mountains, Songshan Mountain Natural Reserve is to the south of Haituo Mountain, Yanqing District, Beijing. With a total area of 4,671 hectare and 90km away from dowtown, it is the first national natural reserve as well as the most well-preserved ecological system in northwestern Beijing. It enjoys unique geographical location that enables it to play a key role in water conservation, withstanding sand storm, and purifying air. Therefore, it has become a natural place for Beijing citizens and tourists to embrace the nature.

The park is rich in wildlife resources that the forest is lush and dense, and there are more than 180 types of vertebrate animals and 700 types of plants in the area. There are more than 50 hectares of Chinese pines that have been well preserved. In the spring and autumn, hundreds of wild flowers are in full bloom and the birds are tuning their singing voices here. The area thrives with natural vitality. The Haituo Mountain in the park is the second highest peak in the Beijing with attitude of 2199.6 meters. There are also more than 30 attractions such as the Natural Chinese Pines, Baipu Spring, Baxian Cave, Songyue Pond, Xiongshi Yinshui, Jinchan Wangyue, Feilong Cliff, and other natural splendors, and each of which have their own special characteristics.

Within the natural reserve, tourists can see running mountain ridges, ancient pine trees in different postures, grotesque rocks, running creeks, and all manners of creatures. It is home to the only large natural Chinese pine forest in northern China, and well-protected natural secondary broad-leaved forest typical of northern China, consisting of Juglands mandshurica, linden, Chinese ash, elm, and birch. Thanks to its high forest coverage rate, it is also the habitat of various kinds of wild animals. According to the data, there are 713 kinds of recorded wild vascular plants and 216 wild vertebrates. It is amazing to come here in May.

Affected by altitude and small terrain, the Songshan Forest Park is the typical mountain climate. It is one of the low temperature areas in Beijing. It is an ideal place for scientific research or educational practices. It is also a great place to pass a vacation, seek medical treatment, write poetry or paint, or enjoy the splendor of the wilderness.