20-05-2019
Beijing, China
Houhuayuan (后花园), the back garden of Beijing located at the northwest of Beijing. This place is quite famous for being the weekend gateway of people in Beijing. There are many families with children come here and stay overnight for hiking in a weekend. Also, a lot of groups of elderly come here during the weekdays.
The entrance fee : 60 RMB./ 30 RMB for student / Free of charge for elderly
Inside the park, there are many routes you can choose, from 1-2 hours to 4-5 hours hike, from beginner level to advance level route. You can consult it with staff. However, I told the staff that I want to hike for 2-3 hours because I want to back in town before sunset. The staff suggested that I should choose the route on the left side of the park which has 81 Manhole
（通天八十一洞）which we need to climb the rock and bend to pass some rock caves in order to pass 81 Manhole.
This is the starting point for 81 Manhole. This route is not suitable for people who has a back problem because you need to bend a lot.
However, Chinese elderly are so strong, with their backpack and trekking pole, they walked so fast, climbed and bent down through a little space between rocks.
The above picture, you need to hold the chain and climb up.
At the end of 81 Manhole, you will see hills, a lower one and a higher one. Sadly, the continuing route is the higher hill.
The lower hill
below picture is the higher hill
I recommend this place for one-day trip hiking or stay overnight and feel nature.
Transportation - take a Beijing Houhuayuan bus (北京后花园临线) from Beianhe subway station (北安河）. Take exit A, face the main street and turn right, then walk to the bus stop. Take Beijing Houhuayuan bus (北京后花园临线) to the Houhuayuan which is the last stop. It takes 25 mins and 1 RMB. for the ride fare.
Score - 6/10
I deduct the score because the scenery is not that stunning. (I personally love fresh and green atmosphere, but this place is rock, sandy and brown) However, I really enjoy the 81 Manhole and the friendly entrance fee.