Puwa

Introducing Puwa

Puwa Township, Fangshan District, Beijing, known as "Little Tibet in Beijing", is located in the southwest of Beijing. It has high terrain, is surrounded by mountains, has fresh air, and a vegetation coverage rate of up to 89.3%. It has a cool climate, high altitude, and beautiful scenery. It is a natural oxygen bar.

It is 120 kilometers away from the city center. It is adjacent to Tangshang Village, a red tourism base in Xiayunling Township, in the east, Shidu Scenic Area in the south, Jiulong Scenic Area, a national-level Yesanpo Scenic Area, in the west, and Nanbianqiao Village, Jiulong Town, Hebei Province in the north.

The main features of Puwa Township include traditional cultural arts such as Shanbangzi Opera and Dragon King Temple, folk handicrafts such as embroidery pendants, insoles, and gourd pyrography, the Huatai Comprehensive Ecological Tourist Park for leisure tourism, a 10-kilometer ridge hiking trail, 24 scenic pavilions, and 130 folk tourism households.

Climate and best time to travel

With a temperate monsoon climate, the average annual temperature is 9-11°C, with a wide temperature swing between day and night. In spring, Puwa is a vibrant scene of blooming flowers and verdant grasses; in summer, the landscape is awash in lush greenery; in autumn, the forests are dyed a vibrant golden color; and in winter, Puwa is blanketed in snow, creating a breathtaking spectacle. It's a year-round destination for leisure, summer escapes, and sightseeing.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Huatai Alpine Car Camping Park

The park currently covers over 5,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres) and is divided into seven functional areas: log cabin wellness, mountain ridge scenery, forest bathing, picking, farm leisure, hiking and adventure, and car camping. With an average annual temperature of 9 to 10 degrees Celsius, the climate is cool, the vegetation is pristine, and the air is fresh. Spring brings a vibrant bloom of flowers, summer is awash with lush greenery, autumn is a vibrant display of vibrant colors, and winter is blanketed in snow, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The tent camping area, covering 40,000 square meters of alpine meadows and accommodating 1,000 tents, offers unobstructed views, a cool climate, and fresh air, making it an ideal spot for stargazing from your bed at night. The ridge scenic area is built on a tourist trail following the ridge and the terrain. It is about 5,500 meters long and has pavilions and viewing platforms every 600 to 800 meters on average. It provides tourists with a great opportunity to exercise, integrate into nature, and overlook the mountain scenery. They can truly experience the feeling of "overlooking thousands of beautiful mountains from afar, and seeing myself as a peak from close up."

Quemingshan Painters Sketching Base

Located at an altitude of nearly 1,200 meters, Queming Mountain is also known as the Chair Circle because of its resemblance to a round chair. The mountain encompasses the Longtangang gully and a 6-hectare alpine meadow on its summit. The gently sloping slopes are covered in green grass, dotted with unusual rocks. Surrounding the meadow are stunning cliffs that appear to be crafted by the gods, particularly the Laojun Preaching Stone, a natural and lifelike formation. Due to its elevated position, it offers a commanding view of the Shidu Coaster landform, offering stunning scenery and making it an ideal spot for painters to sketch.

Dayoulong Scenic Area

The Dayoulong Scenic Area is a large canyon with the Tianxuan geological wonder formed over tens of millions of years. There are also natural attractions such as Erlangdan Mountain Hole, Wolf's Den, and Echo Wall. The scenic area is covered with dense forests and complete vegetation. There are scenic spots in every gully and strange mountains and dangerous peaks everywhere. The scenic area has the Wei Family Cultural Park, which is the ancestral home of the Wei Family.

2 days

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Most Popular FAQs for Puwa

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Puwa is a hidden gem in Beijing, known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Historically, it has been a retreat for people seeking tranquility and connection with nature. The area is also famous for its rich biodiversity, attracting both nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Puwa is located about 50 km to the north of Beijing’s city center. It can be accessed by taxi or private car, which takes around an hour. Public transportation options are limited, but buses that connect nearby towns might offer some convenience.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Puwa is open year-round, though the best times to visit are during spring and autumn, when the weather is most pleasant. Summer can be quite hot, and winter, though peaceful, can be cold and less inviting. The site is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee to Puwa is approximately 40 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and during peak seasons, it is recommended to purchase them in advance. You may also inquire at local hotels or travel agencies for ticket bookings.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak seasons like weekends or holidays. Booking 1-2 days in advance should suffice.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

It usually takes about 2-3 hours to explore the natural beauty of Puwa, including a boat ride and walking around the scenic areas. If you plan to relax and take photos, you may want to extend your visit to a full day.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The main highlights include the calm river, lush green areas, and the peaceful atmosphere. The boat ride on the river is a must-do to truly appreciate the beauty of the landscape. There are also scenic walking trails for those who enjoy hiking.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available, though they are mostly in Mandarin. Some tour guides may speak basic English. It’s recommended to inquire about the availability of tours in advance if you prefer an English-speaking guide.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best viewpoints are along the riverbanks, especially where the river winds through the landscape. The boat ride provides some of the best photography opportunities, capturing both the water and surrounding greenery. The top of the hills also offers a panoramic view of the entire area.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by walking along the riverbanks to enjoy the peaceful environment. Afterward, take a boat ride to get a full view of the area’s beauty. Finish your visit with a hike up one of the nearby hills for a panoramic view of Puwa.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits or light shows are not available at Puwa. However, it is a quiet place that offers a serene evening experience, perfect for stargazing and a calm retreat.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Puwa is relatively uncrowded, especially during weekdays. Weekends and public holidays may bring in more visitors. The least crowded times are during the early mornings on weekdays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

There are basic facilities available such as toilets, water stations, and small rest areas. There is a small café selling light refreshments. For more extensive food options, you may want to bring your own snacks or head to nearby towns after your visit.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The attraction is mostly accessible, though the terrain can be uneven in some areas. It may be difficult for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues to access some parts of the scenic areas, especially on the walking trails.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted at Puwa. Cash is also accepted, but mobile payments are more convenient and preferred.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few local restaurants and cafés near Puwa offering simple Chinese meals. For a wider selection, you may want to travel to the nearby towns of Yanqing or Beijing.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan food options are available at the local restaurants. However, halal food options are limited, and it's advisable to check restaurant menus in advance.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are a few guesthouses and small hotels in the nearby areas, including Yanqing. For more luxury accommodations, Beijing city center offers a wider variety of options.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Great Wall at Badaling is a popular nearby attraction that can easily be combined with a visit to Puwa.
• Yanqing District, known for its natural beauty and the Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition, is also a great nearby destination.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir shops near the entrance selling traditional Chinese handicrafts, postcards, and items related to nature and Puwa. Popular souvenirs include local artwork and crafts.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

For continuing your trip, taxis or private cars are the best options to explore other nearby attractions. Public transportation options like buses are available but may require transfers.