Drained by the hustle and bustle of workaday life, urbanites seek a change of environment in their free time. Outside Beijing city, in the suburban districts and counties of Changping, Huairou, Miyun, Yanqing, Pinggu, and Mentougou, are various local folklore villages that welcome weekend and holiday guests.
Taizi Folklore Village
This village is two kilometers from the Badaling Great Wall, near the Juyong Pass in the east. There are streams to ford, ice gorges to explore, and evening campfire parties to enjoy. Accommodation inclusive of dinner: 50-65 yuan person/day
To get there: Take bus No. 345 from Beijing to Nandajie, and then change to No. 12 bus. Private cars should take the Badaling Expressway.Tel: 89791384, 89791394
Folklore Villages Surrounding the Ming Tombs
The Ming Tombs are the resting place of 13 Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) emperors -- the largest number of imperial tombs extant, and designated World Cultural Heritage. The folklore villages here are in Changping District northwest of Beijing.
Deling Folklore Village in Changling Town
Deling is 500 meters from the Deling Mausoleum near the Ming Tombs Scenic Area and Ming Tombs Reservoir. It offers campfire parties, folk art performances, and farmhouse dinners. There are 30 local families that provide a total 200 beds for guest accommodation. Accommodation inclusive of dinner: 60-80 yuan person/day
Transport: Take bus Nos 345 or 845 from Deshengmen to Changping, then take the No. 314 to Qikongqiao. By car, take the Badaling Expressway. Tel: 60761704
Zhaoling Folklore Village
Visit the Dingling and Zhaoling mausoleums, and visit the Nine Dragon Pond and Lord Guan Temple. Accommodation inclusive of dinner: 50 yuan person/day
Transport: Take bus No. 345 to Dingling, and walk the remaining two kilometers west. By car, take the Badaling Expressway. Tel: 60761261
Kangling Folklore Village
Visit the Kangling Palace, observe the ancient walls in the shape of the Chinese character " and see the 800-year-old gingko tree. Accommodation inclusive of dinner: 50 yuan person/day
Transport: Take bus No. 345 from Deshengmen for Changping, change to a No. 5 local bus for Tailingqiao, walk two kilometers westward, or drive along the Badaling Expressway. Tel: 89721330