Shijingshan

In western Beijing, Shijingshan combines industrial heritage with historic temples, making it a good destination for a day trip or a relaxed weekend.

• Shougang Park: Highlights include the Winter Olympics Big Air ramp, No. 3 Blast Furnace and Xiuchi Pond. Repurposed industrial structures give the park a cyberpunk look, making it a popular setting for photography.

• Fahai Temple: The temple preserves precious Ming dynasty murals, including the well-preserved colors of *Indra and Brahma*. Visits require advance reservations, and photography is prohibited in the gallery displaying the original murals.

• Badachu Park: Eight ancient Buddhist temples are spread across the park. Visit in spring to pray for blessings or in autumn to enjoy the red leaves. You can take a cable car uphill and a slide ride down; Lingguang Temple houses a Buddha tooth relic.

• Moshikou Street: This revitalized old neighborhood along the historic Camel Bell Route retains a network of lanes ideal for leisurely walks. Along the way, visit Cheng'en Temple, Jingxi Bookstore and a range of cafés selling creative gifts and crafts.

• Shijingshan Amusement Park: The Ferris wheel is the park's signature attraction. When the lights come on at night, the park takes on the look of a fairy-tale castle, making it a good choice for night photography or a date.
• Yongding River Market: This riverside camping space has a large lawn, cafés and a sunset viewing deck—a place to rest, enjoy the views and slow down.

Classic One-Day Itinerary

• Morning (industrial sights): Take Subway Line 6 or 11 to Jin'anqiao or Xinshougang Station, then head to Shougang Park. Start with the Winter Olympics Big Air ramp, No. 3 Blast Furnace and Xiuchi Pond, then visit the boardwalk over Qunming Lake to photograph the water against the industrial buildings.

• Midday (lunch on the old street): Have lunch on Moshikou Street, where you can try freshly fried Fahai Temple rice cakes and old Beijing-style shaobing flatbread stuffed with pork knuckle. Before or after your meal, stop by Moshan Coffee and Jingxi Bookstore.

• Afternoon (temples or a hill walk): Visit Fahai Temple to admire its precious Ming dynasty murals; tickets to see the originals must be reserved in advance. Alternatively, head to Badachu Park for the cable car and slide ride, and explore historic buildings among the wooded hills.

• Early evening (riverside sunset): Head to Yongding River Market or Gongbei Pavilion in Shijingshan Park. Spread a picnic mat on the lawn and relax in the river breeze as you watch the sunset toward Shougang Bridge.

• Evening (night views and relaxation): If you still have energy, visit Shijingshan Amusement Park to see the illuminated Ferris wheel. For a quieter break, settle into a café beside Qunming Lake in Shougang Park.

Dining Options

Transport and Practical Tips

• Public transport: For Shougang Park, use Jin'anqiao or Yangzhuang Station on Subway Line 6, or take Line 11 directly to Xinshougang Station. For Fahai Temple and the Moshikou area, get off at Moshikou Station and continue on foot or by bicycle.
• Admission and reservations: Shougang Park is free to enter, but you must reserve through the “AI Shang Shougang Park” mini program before entering. Daily visitor numbers for Fahai Temple's original murals are limited; book ahead through “Shijingshan Culture and Tourism.” Photography is strictly prohibited in the gallery displaying the original murals.
• Clothing and footwear: Technical clothing, workwear or simple outfits suit Shougang Park's industrial backdrop. Wear comfortable athletic shoes for Badachu or a climb up Shijingshan Hill.
• Timing: Queues for the slide ride at Badachu can be long during peak season, so aim to go early in the morning. Gongbei Pavilion in Shijingshan Park may close around 5:30 p.m., so keep an eye on the time.