Zhuang Gong Yuan: A Tranquil Hike to an Ancient Temple

Located in Louzishui Village, Zhoukoudian Town, Zhuang Gong Yuan is a cultural heritage site in Fangshan District, Beijing. Established during the Liao Dynasty, it was originally named Chao Hua Temple and occupies approximately 7,000 square meters. Set amidst the serene mountains and countryside, it offers a peaceful retreat, perfect for those looking to explore ancient sites or enjoy a light hike suitable for all ages.

The journey begins at a fruit-picking garden in Louzishui Village, covering over 400 acres with fruits like apples, peaches, apricots, walnuts, plums, mulberries, and cherries. By this time of year, the orchard is quiet, with piles of apples still visible behind fences, offering a chance to buy some for a taste of the season.

Following the orchard road for about a kilometer, you’ll come to a small train tunnel. From here, you can continue straight to the temple or take a detour to the right, where a trail leads up the mountain. From the higher vantage point, you can overlook the winding railway and enjoy the autumn colors still lingering in the valley.

Though the trail involves some uphill sections, it’s a well-maintained path suitable for people of all ages. The higher you go, the more you can appreciate the surrounding scenery—vast wheat fields in the distance, terraced orchards with traces of autumn, and a winding path through the landscape. After the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s a refreshing sight to encounter such pastoral beauty.

At the summit, a pavilion awaits, offering an ideal spot to rest. Though only about 250 meters above sea level, its unique location makes it a perfect viewpoint. Despite being early winter, the sun is warm enough to sit and relax for a while.

From the pavilion, the path descends. Along the way, you’ll pass through pine forests and maple trees, with traces of recent maintenance visible. On the way back, two enthusiastic women mentioned that the area might start charging an entrance fee soon, potentially affecting the quiet charm of the place in the future.

The pavilion at the top, viewed from a distance, has the shape of a dragon in flight, though it’s called Wugong Pavilion (Centipede Pavilion).

After passing through the pavilion, you can continue up the road to the left or descend on the right side toward the temple.

At the top of the mountain, you’ll spot a cave on a distant peak. While the surrounding mountains have an autumnal chill, the vegetation around the cave remains lush and green. It’s unclear which ancient “immortal’s cave” this might be in Fangshan.

Along the way, you can also catch sight of Longgu Mountain (Dragon Bone Mountain), known for its golden hue under the sun. It’s said that the area is being developed into a campsite.

A few minutes later, you’ll have a full view of Zhuang Gong Yuan. The temple, built according to the mountain’s terrain, faces south. As you reach the temple’s entrance, the sight of the red walls and gray tiles brings a sense of joy.

After passing through a tranquil bamboo forest, you’ll find two gates. The left gate, a red door, leads to Chao Hua Temple, while the right gate grants access to Zhuang Gong Yuan. The confusion between the two names on navigation maps remains unclear.

Zhuang Gong Yuan’s long history is reflected in the five stone tablets found within the temple. According to an inscription from the Ming Dynasty’s Chongzhen period (1643), the site was initially called Zhuan Gong Yuan. After being damaged, it was repaired by philanthropists, and the name was changed to Chao Hua Temple.

In the 37th year of the Kangxi period, Wang Taiding, a Daoist from the Longmen sect, rebuilt the temple, restoring the name Zhuan Gong Yuan, while the origin of the name Zhuang Gong Yuan remains unknown.

The temple’s courtyard is home to a statue of Guanyin, and the Dizhih Hall enshrines the Bodhisattva of the Earth. Visitors are invited to remove their shoes and kneel in reverence.

In the courtyard, two ancient pine trees tower over the landscape, their twisted branches complementing the old stone tablets, evoking a deep sense of history.

On the east side of the Dizhih Hall, there’s an ancient well known as the Xiantai Water Pool. The water here is remarkably clear, and it’s said to never freeze or decay. A sip of this refreshing water offers a crisp taste, even in early winter.

Continuing uphill, you’ll encounter the Guanyin Hall and the Mahavira Hall, where a magnificent statue of Shakyamuni Buddha stands in serene majesty. The colors of the hall are vivid and striking, though I refrained from taking photos inside.

On the left, you’ll find the San Sheng Hall, which also serves as a viewing platform. Even in early winter, the surrounding trees remain vibrant, adding to the charm of the temple.

At the highest point of the temple complex is the Liao pagoda, known as the Dingguang Buddha Pagoda or Zhuang Gong Pagoda. Standing about 6 meters tall, this three-tiered brick pagoda faces south, with wind chimes hanging from its eaves. The gentle breeze produces a calming sound.

Originally, the hiking route was supposed to continue from the pagoda along another ridge. However, I realized there was no “Dizhang Cave” along the path, so I had to descend through the temple and take another route to reach the cave.

In the cave, the Bodhisattva of the Earth and other Buddhist figures from the Dizhang Sutra are enshrined, along with figures from the Sutra of the Examination of Good and Evil Deeds.

Beside the cave, a small spring trickles down the cliffside, forming a small pool, with a rope hanging down the high cliff—possibly a work of rock climbers.

Descending along the main path, the sight of expansive pine forests on the right is refreshing, though I regret not being able to cross the ridge, as it would have offered a complete experience.

The entire hike covers just under 6 kilometers, with a planned 7-kilometer route. There’s a slight incline, but the well-maintained paths make it suitable for all ages. For those driving, Louzishui Village’s fruit-picking garden has parking and restrooms available.