Location & How to Get There

Gushan Village might be Beijing’s best-kept secret. Tucked away in Mentougou District, it sits just 100 meters north of the iconic 109 National Road. If you’re coming from downtown Beijing, it’s a straight shot west—about 90 minutes by car. No need to stress about exact directions; just follow signs for Mentougou until you hit the winding roads hugging the mountains. The village feels worlds away from the city buzz, yet it’s easy enough for a day trip.

For budget travelers, buses from Apple Garden Station (subway Line 1) take you close. Hop off at “Mentougou Xiangyu” and grab a taxi for the last 10 minutes. Cyclists will love the challenge: the 109 National Road offers stunning mountain views, though be prepared for steep climbs!

Nature’s Playground

Gushan Village is nature’s masterpiece. Imagine waking up to mist-covered peaks, with the Yongding River whispering through valleys. In spring, wildflowers paint the hills like a watercolor canvas, while autumn turns the leaves into a fiery orange-red blanket. The air here tastes cleaner—perfect for lungs tired of city smog.

Hiking is the star attraction. Trails loop around Gushan (“Drum Mountain”) and nearby peaks, offering everything from gentle strolls to leg-burning ascents. One popular route leads to a hidden waterfall, where you can splash your face with icy mountain water. Keep an eye out for playful goats and shy pheasants—they’re regulars here.

Culture in the Mountains

Don’t mistake Gushan Village for just another pretty face. This place has soul. The village itself is a living museum: stone houses huddle together, their roofs weighted down by centuries of pine needles. Elderly villagers still wear traditional clothes, weaving baskets or drying herbs in front of their homes.

A tiny temple clings to the mountainside, said to date back 500 years. It’s not flashy—just a quiet place to sit with your thoughts. On weekends, locals sometimes perform folk dances (think ribbon twirling and drumming) near the old stage by the river. It’s touristy, but charmingly so.

Practical Tips

Bring cash! While some shops take mobile payments, it’s safer to have yuan on hand. The village has a handful of family-run restaurants serving hearty noodles and mountain-grown veggies. For snacks, try roasted chestnuts sold by street vendors—they’re warm and sweet.

Accommodation options are simple but clean. A few B&Bs offer rooms with paper-thin walls (perfect for eavesdropping on nature sounds). Camping is allowed in designated areas, but bring layers—mountain nights get chilly.

The Full Gushan Experience

Start your day early. Hike up to the watchtower for sunrise; the sky turns pink over the ridges. Spend mornings exploring trails, then refuel with a bowl of handmade dumplings at a local eatery. Afternoons are perfect for riverside picnics or visiting the tiny village museum (if you’re lucky, the curator might share stories about Gushan’s mining past).

End the day with a walk along the lanterns lining the main path. As dusk falls, the village glows like a firefly nestled in the hills.

Pro Tip: Visit on a weekday to dodge crowds. Weekends get busy, especially during fall foliage season. And yeah—you’ll hear “Nihao!” a lot, but the friendly vibe makes it worth it.

Gushan Village isn’t about ticking off sights; it’s about breathing deeply, stepping slow, and letting the mountains sink into your bones. Come ready for adventure, and leave with a pocket full of pebbles (and maybe a new appreciation for quiet corners).