Mountain Baihua Natural Scenic Area is dominant in protection of the warm temperate zone ecosystem of secondary deciduous broad-leaved forest in lithoid mountains in North China. It is one of areas with the richest biodiversity of lithoid mountains in North China due to its unique geographic location and typical mountain forest ecosystem. Mountain Baihua Natural Reserve is a multi-functional reserve integrating natural protection, scientific research, educational practice, rational utilization, and eco-tourism.
Located in Mentougou District of Beijing, Mountain Baihua belongs to the Xiaowutai branch range, north part of the Taihang Mountain Range. It is 100 kilometers from the downtown area of Beijing, and is easily accessible. The area under the operation and management of the Reserve covers 21,700 hectares with a forest coverage rate of 70.36%. The main peak is 1,991 meters above sea level and Baicaopan the highest peak, is 2,049 meters above sea level, the third highest peak in Beijing.
Mountain Baihua is rich of animals and plants and is called the Natural Propagation Garden in North China with four vegetation categories and ten forest communities. On plants, there are 1,100 species, 485 genuses of 130 families including 400 species of medical herbs, and 170 kinds of animals including those under the first level of national protection such as Leopard, Crossoptilon mantchuricum, black stork and golden eagle, and those under the second level of national protection such as goral and koklass pheasant. There are also over 50 kinds of animals under the municipal protection.
Mountain Baihua is complicated in topography, landform and geological conditions, which are of high scientific and tourism value. The historical sites of geological movement——“ancient stone sea”, “ice-edge castle”, “rock column on ice cliff” and more, which were formed under the freezing condition between late Pleistocene and early Holocene——can be found.
Mountain Baihua is an excellent place for travel due to its unique environment, beautiful scenery and cool weather. With annual rainfall above 720mm, average temperature between 6 and 7℃annually and 22℃in July, it is an ideal summer resort. This area is rich of water resources. Streams flow in every valley, and clear and unpolluted fountains can be found in the area between 900 meters and 2,000 meters above sea level.
Embraced by mountains, Mountain Baihua enjoys unique scenery and moderate climate. Enormous peaks wind their ways, streams flow in the valley, rare flowers, grasses, birds and animals are living in this area. The tourism resources in Mountain Baihua can be divided into 35 scenic spots in four scenic areas: the main peak area, Baihua meadow area, Wanghai Tower area and Baicaopan area. The famous spots such as the “steep hill path”, “smiling flowers”, “ancient glacier”, “flowing clouds”, “sunrise on mountain top” and “omnipresent light of Buddha” and more, are comparable to those sceneries in Mountain Huashan (winding path), Mountain Yellow (vast cloud sea), Mountain Taishan (splendid sunrise), Mountain Tianshan (ancient glacier) and Mountain Emei (florid light of Buddha).
Mountain Baihua is famous in Beijing, and has been developed so early. Li Keyong, warlord of Later Tang in the Five Dynasties Period, had a pavilion built here out of military purpose. In the Ming Dynasty the Dragon King Temple and Ruiyun Temple were built in this area. Mountain Baihua Natural Scenic Area was officially opened to tourist in 1992. Reception facilities including 300 beds of various grades, restaurants and recreational facilities are available. It is a good choice for sightseeing and summer vacation. Mountain Baihua Natural Scenic Area welcomes all friends. |
Asia Travel 
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