Mentougou Day Trip for New Year Blessings and Winter Activities

As the Spring Festival approaches, it’s time for those who have been busy all year to take a well-deserved rest. Taking advantage of the children’s winter vacation, a day trip to Mentougou West of Beijing is a perfect way to prepare for the New Year, bringing blessings and good fortune home. Winter activities naturally include ice and snow, which are loved by both children and adults for the pristine snowscapes. At the Slow Flash Park in Tanzhe Temple Town, as the sun melts into the mountain’s cup, let’s hide our love in food and retreat into the romantic bubble houses for a hotpot feast. Gather around the stove to brew tea, and share the coziness of winter with family and friends. In early winter, amidst the valleys and the vastness of nature; we dine with the seasons and are accompanied by the natural world, finding solace in every meal…

Basking in the warm winter sun and enjoying the slow passage of time; life is genuine and at ease. Praying at Tanzhe Temple, it seems that Beijing is no longer cold these days, and there are many people here to seek blessings. Tanzhe Temple is relatively close to the urban area of Beijing and is the earliest temple built after the spread of Buddhist culture in Beijing, which is why Beijing residents have a particular fondness for it, with thriving incense throughout the year. Even I visit several times a year, admiring the beautiful magnolia in spring, taking leisurely hikes in summer, appreciating the ancient ginkgo in autumn, and bringing blessings home in winter. Praying according to one’s wishes, offering incense, hanging fortune lanterns, and ringing bells for blessings, the temple also gifts visitors with auspicious characters. Praying for a smooth and healthy new year! During the Spring Festival, there may be additional activities such as games.

The first thing you see is a tall archway, in front of which there are two ancient pines entwined together, casting a majestic shadow over the sky. The mountain gate, inscribed with ‘Imperially Built Xiuyun Zen Temple’ by Emperor Kangxi, has turned Tanzhe Temple into the largest royal temple in Beijing. The two treasures of Tanzhe Temple, the large copper pots: in front of the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, there is a copper pot with a diameter of 1.85 meters and a depth of 1.1 meters, used by the monks for cooking. In fact, there is an even larger pot in the north room of the eastern courtyard, which can hold 10 shi of rice for porridge and takes 16 hours to cook. Due to the large size and thick bottom of the pot, slow cooking over a gentle fire results in a sticky and fragrant porridge. There is a saying about these pots, ‘Pouring sand does not leak rice’, because there is a ‘sand container’ at the bottom of the pot, and as the porridge is continuously stirred, sand and stones will sink into the concave part of the bottom.

Stone Fish: This fish hangs in the front porch of the Dragon King Hall and is said to be a heavenly gift. It is believed that touching it will make wishes come true, but now touching the fish is prohibited. Mahavira Hall: Inside the hall, you can see Yuan Dynasty treasures, with two giant glazed chime-owls locked by gilded chains on the ridge of the roof. Bodhi Tree: Over 800 years old, introduced from India, it is under this type of tree that Buddha attained nirvana. Emperor Tree and Consort Tree: Over 1400 years old, these ginkgo trees were named a couple by Emperor Qianlong, although both are male trees. Millennium Cypress: The oldest arborvitae in North China, over 1600 years old.
Jin Xiangyu Bamboo: A rare variety bestowed by Emperor Kangxi in the 37th year to Tanzhe Temple. Bai Shi Ru Yi Tree: Couples must touch it, especially newlyweds, as it is said to bring a harmonious marriage! Er Qiao Magnolia: Visit in early May to see the 400-year-old two-colored magnolia, renowned for its beauty in the capital. Guanyin Hall: The highest point in the temple, it features an inscription by Emperor Qianlong, ‘Lotus Realm Compassion Voyage’. Princess Miaoyan, the daughter of Kublai Khan, took vows here, and the place where she worshipped bricks contains a blue brick with two deep footprints made by the princess. Yigan Pavilion, commonly known as the Flowing Cup Pavilion, is located within the imperial garden and was built by Emperor Qianlong for the pleasure of ‘winding water and floating cups’. This type of architecture can only be seen in a few royal gardens such as Zhongnanhai, the Forbidden City’s Qianlong Garden, and Prince Gong’s Mansion. The Flowing Cup Pavilion in Tanzhe Temple is a rare one among the common folk. In addition to praying and making wishes, you can also bring home creative New Year goods symbolizing fortune, prosperity, longevity, and happiness for the Year of the Rabbit! If you’re too busy before the New Year to seek wealth, be sure to come early on the first day of the Lunar New Year! After the blessings and fun, visit the nearby private hot springs to enjoy the tranquility of a rural homestay. For hot spring accommodation, Zi Yang Villa is the top choice, a villa-style homestay cluster with different sizes and types of private courtyard villas, offering good privacy and beautiful scenery. The undulating villa-style ancient dwellings resemble a paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the city, hidden in the mountains. Without a friend’s introduction, one might not know such a place exists. Yipiao Inn’s private hot spring is located in a half-hill inn with great views. The inn has many rooms, private hot spring pools, and excellent service. Entry is not allowed without a reservation, and the housekeeper is very responsible. It is suitable for team building, family gatherings, couples, and birthday parties. There is also Mushan Private Hot Spring Courtyard with four rooms, the overall design incorporates plenty of Japanese elements, combined with pleasant window views and uniquely shaped original stone hot spring pools, creating a quiet and elegant private space. The second floor has a large reception area, dining area, and kitchen with floor-to-ceiling windows replacing walls, offering a beautiful view of the mountains. There are also other homestays such as Dayin Xiaoshe, Qilu, Yunfu Banshan, Yueyi, and Zilaishan Autumn. There is always one that suits you. There is also Tanzhe Ancient Road Inn, 3 kilometers away from Tanzhe Temple, where you can stay, but without private hot springs. All of these homestays can be booked online. On weekends and holidays, consider spending a vacation in the mountains to enjoy a long-lost leisurely time.

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