Gushanzhai Village at Qidu (Shidu Scenic Area) 孤山寨

The Shidu Scenic Area consists of ten villages, one at each of the Juma River ferry crossings between Zhangfang and Shidu. Western tourists flock to Shidu Village for the bungee jumping, but for a more authentic experience, head to Gushanzhai, “Lonely Mountain Village,” at Qidu (the seventh crossing). A 10km loop trail through the valley starts with a swaying 200m suspension bridge (RMB 20) and is followed by a winding dirt path (horses are available for rent, but the scenery is best absorbed on foot). The valley around Gushanzhai spent part of prehistory underwater, and the resulting rock forma-tions are fascinating, particularly the mountaintop formation Quanshoutianmen (Dog Guarding Heavenly Door). Later, the trail passes a series of small waterfalls before reaching Erchipu (“Two-foot Falls”), where visi-tors can take pictures from behind the waterfall. On the way back, take the fork up the steep stairs – it’s worth the climb for the view and a chance to pass through Yixiantian (“One Line of Sky”), a fantastically narrow trail through the canyon. The entire loop takes a few hours and is perfect for an afternoon out of the city.
Daily May 1-Sep 11 8am-6pm; rest of the year 8am-5pm. RMB 60. Qidu Village, Zhangfang Town, Fangshan District. (6134 8888/0078) 孤山寨，房山区张坊镇七渡
Approx. distance: 100km
Bus: Take Bus 917 十渡 from Tianqiao (near Tiantan) to Liudu Tiesuoqiao (六渡铁索桥).
Car: Take Jingshi Expressway to Liulihe Exit, and drive past Hancunhe and Zhangfang. Follow the signs to Qidu (七渡 seventh crossing).