About 70 kilometers west of Beijing’s city center rises Miaofengshan – the “Mountain of the Marvelous Peak.” Miaofengshan is part of the Western Hills, a mountain range in the Beijing suburb of Mentougou. This district is known for its numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, and especially on weekends, many Beijingers seek relaxation there through hiking, horseback riding, cycling, or boating.

 

Besides its several peaks and small valleys, which can be explored via hiking trails through pine forests, Miaofengshan offers a truly unique feature: on the main peak at almost 1,300 meters altitude stands the “Dongyuemiao” temple, formerly also known as “Lingganggong,” the “Temple of Inspiration.” This temple not only worships Buddhist deities but also venerates Taoist “immortals,” spirits, and ancestors. The architecture of the individual small prayer halls resembles the style prevalent in other temples in China. Visitors can pray before small altars, light incense, or leave small offerings. Prayers to the Taoist gods are primarily for health, and, uniquely for this temple, for a happy marriage. Good fortune and wealth are also welcome, and those seeking them can ask the Buddhist deities at the temple for their blessings.

 

Directly opposite, on a secondary peak, the “Shrine of the Great Goddess of the Blue Sky” (Bixiayuanjunci) is worth a visit. Both the temple-like shrine and the “Dongyuemiao” temple were probably built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), though an exact date is unfortunately unknown. Towards the end of the Ming Dynasty, it became a tradition to hold a temple festival on the summit of Miaofengshan during the fourth month of the lunar calendar. This tradition is continued today by the Miaofengshan Township and the Mentougou Suburb Tourism Bureau, although folkloric and tourist activities have now taken center stage alongside religious ceremonies. These include shadow puppet shows, demonstrations of traditional crafts, culinary specialties, as well as paintings and calligraphy.

 

Another attraction is the “Valley of Wild Roses” at the foot of Miaofengshan, which is particularly worth visiting in late May and early June. At that time, thousands of wild roses bloom across more than 650 hectares, their unique fragrance enchanting the senses, and the bright pink or red of the flowers delighting the heart and eye. For those interested in learning more about rose oil production: a small factory producing this precious liquid is located nearby on the way to Miaofengshan. 500 grams are said to cost a hefty 100,000 yuan RMB, approximately 10,000 euros.