Based on the weather forecast predicting rain on Saturday, I chose Sunday to visit Yudu Mountain in Yanqing, Beijing. I booked a day tour for 122 yuan, which included a 60-yuan entrance fee and round-trip bus fare. We gathered at the Jiande Gate subway exit at 7:30 AM and departed by bus. Traffic was smooth with no congestion, and we arrived by 9:15 AM. The rest of the day was free time.
Using maps and navigation, we decided to visit the farthest attraction first. Along the way, we passed through alpine meadows. Arriving early meant few visitors, so we took some photos. Then we followed a mountain stream upstream. Recent rain had swollen the stream, making it both deeper and faster-flowing. Walking through the shaded forest, we listened to the roaring water, breathed in the fresh air, and felt the cool mountain breeze.
Upon reaching the upper spring source, “Three Springs Pouring Jade,” part of the path was flooded and impassable. We turned left to climb the mountain. Yudu Mountain derives its name from an isolated hillock. Though only 20 meters higher than its surroundings, its relative independence earned it the original name “Yiduo Mountain,” later changed to “Yudu Mountain” for its phonetic similarity. We initially planned to climb this hill, but a sign pointed to a “Blood Pine Path” leading uphill. Following it, we discovered it formed a loop trail approximately 2000 meters long. The highest point reached about 1,018 meters, roughly 100 meters above the base elevation. However, surrounded by taller peaks, distant views were limited. The path then descended, looping back to our starting point. During the descent, we were suddenly stung by a wasp—extremely painful. After briefly treating the wound, we hurried away, thankfully without any allergic reaction. At the base, we spotted a sign for “Yudu Mountain.” It turned out that just a bit further along from where we'd ascended, a few minutes' climb up well-maintained steps led to the summit. The peak featured a large platform with a pavilion, offering unobstructed views significantly better than the earlier higher elevation. We rested there for a while, enjoying the scenery and eating some sandwiches we'd brought.
Descending, we followed the stream downstream to its terminus at Forget-Worry Lake—essentially a reservoir formed by a dam below. We circled most of the lake. The weather was perfect: blue skies, white clouds, green mountains, and clear waters. A few boats glided across the lake, creating an ideal backdrop for photos or simply sitting and daydreaming.
Walking uphill from the boat dock, we soon returned to the alpine meadow, now bustling with people. Various tents and canopy shelters dotted the area. We found a shady spot, spread out our picnic mat, and lay back to take in the scenery. Across the meadow, people engaged in activities like kite-flying, shuttlecock kicking, and frisbee tossing. Children ran about chasing each other playfully, while most others lay or sat around, snacking, chatting, or playing cards.
After resting for about an hour, we packed up and returned to the bus. Departing at 3:40 PM with decent road conditions, we arrived back at Jiande Gate subway station around 5:30 PM, concluding a delightful day trip.
Yudu Mountain is best visited during sunny summer days, as temperatures are 5-6 degrees lower than in the city. Those seeking tranquility can relax on the alpine meadows or take a boat ride on the lake. Water enthusiasts can wear sandals for stream trekking or bring fishing rods. Hikers can don long sleeves and pants for mountain traverses, with trails leading to Houhe, Songshan, and Haitoushan.