Last weekend we took a road trip to LingShan (灵山), 100km west of Beijing. Despite the short distance, the actual journey time is close to three hours due to the narrow windy roads – although it should be said the road quality was excellent. Though technically in Hebei Province (河北省), the entrance to the LingShan Scenic Area (灵山风景区) is in Beijing: it costs ¥35 per person entrance fee, plus the optional ¥50 for the cable car (actually ski lift) halfway up, ¥40 for the cable car down – or ¥80 for a return cable car journey. From the upper cable car station you must walk the final distance to the summit: 2302m above sea level, or you can ride a horse: typically ¥30 per person although you can haggle with the locals.
Ling Shan is well worth visiting: it makes an excellent weekend retreat from the buzz and pollution of Beijing city, and is an ideal day hike also. Although it is a shame that entrance fee is required to the park (mountains are a public good and should be free!), the views make for a stunning contrast to the city.
Just a word of warning to those with bad knees: there are lots of steps involved, although half of them can be avoided.
