Yunfeng Mountain

Yunfeng Mountain Scenic Area is located on the northern bank of the Miyun Reservoir in Bulaotun Township in Beijing’s Miyun District. It is within the embrace of two great landmarks – the Simatai portion of the Great Wall to the east and Yunmengshan National Forest Park to the west. Yunfeng Mountain has a pleasant climate all year-round, and the average temperature is 7-9 degrees Celsius below that of the city. In the summer, the climate is cool and mild, making the mountain a popular vacation destination.

The mountain's unusual elevation features a large variety of oddly shaped stones. Lush grass and trees cover Yunfeng hill during virtually all year round. Its peak is steep and wondrous, jutting directly upwards into the sky. At the top of the mountain, Miyun Reservoir is in clear view shining like a bright pearl. Other compelling sights in the scenic area include Chaosheng Temple, the Moya Stone Inscriptions, and the Cave of Guanyin (also Kwan-yin, the East Asian bodhisattva). The ancient temple was built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is situated in the midst of a forest and makes for a harmonious scene – a rarity in the bustling Beijing. Behind the temple lies the oldest and largest Moya Stone Inscriptions in Beijing, the text of which refer to the characters carved on the natural rocks. The imposing inscriptions are well preserved, reflecting the great value of the art of calligraphy and the appreciation of cultural relics. Guanyin Cave is a natural granite cave, 12 meters deep, six meters wide, and seven meters high. In the middle of the cave sits the Guanyin statue, accompanied by two smaller statues of fairies. Guanyin is an infinitely merciful Bodhisattva in Chinese culture and is believed to help people escape the sufferings of this world.

Featured Attractions: Chaosheng Nunnery (Exceeding Wonder Nunnery) is a must-see spot for visitors, as it embodies the spirit of Yunfeng Mountain. As one of the most well-known ancient nunneries in Beijing, Chaosheng Nunnery was first built in the Tang Dynasty more than 1,000 years ago. Later, it was rebuilt during the Jin, Ming and Qing Dynasties. However, the majority of the construction was demolished by the Japanese during their invasion into China in 1943.