Badachu

Welcome to Badachu, or the 'Eight Great Sites,' a sanctuary of peace and history nestled in the Western Hills of Beijing. As a scholar of cultural heritage, I find Badachu to be one of the most authentic expressions of Beijing's…

We begin at the main entrance area, which transforms during the Lunar New Year into a bustling Temple Fair. This is a sensory explosion of Beijing folk culture. …

Moving deeper into the park, we come to one of the most important sections for worship. Here, the air is thick with the scent of burning incense. …

We now visit the 'Huanxi Xiaoyuan' or 'Joyful Small Courtyard,' which houses a remarkable cultural treasure: the Ming Dynasty Dragon Jar (Long Gang). This massive jar, fired during the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (the…

For those seeking a quieter experience, we head further up the mountain toward the 'Jing Yin Gu' or the 'Valley of Hidden Echoes.' This area is a natural fairyland, especially after a rain when the valley is filled with mist and…

Continuing our ascent, we encounter sites that are deeply connected to the legacy of the Qianlong Emperor, the great patron of the arts who frequently visited Badachu. In the various temple museums, you can see relics that date…

Before we end our tour, we must return to the lower area to explore the 'Agriculture and Special Products' exhibition. This fair features products from the Shijingshan district and its partner regions, such as Chifeng. …

As we conclude our journey through Badachu, we stand once more at the base of the Western Hills, looking back up at the temples nestled among the trees. Badachu is a place that truly offers something for everyone—the vibrant…