Labagou Virgin Forest Park (喇叭沟原始森林) is the only primitive forest natural ecological scenic area in Beijing, covering approximately 46 square kilometers of secondary forest. The park’s highest peak is Nanhouling, standing over 1,700 meters above sea level, making it the tallest peak in Huairou District.
The park consists of several key viewing areas: the Glacier Viewing Area, Nanhouling Viewing Area, Foding Mountain Viewing Area (currently undeveloped), and the Baizhang Cliff Viewing Area. Within the park, you will find: Mysterious primordial forests; Rare sea of clouds in the Beijing area; Expansive white birch forests; Steep cliffs at Baizhang Cliff; The thrilling but not overly dangerous Eighteen Plates Trail. Among these, the most memorable and unforgettable features are the sea of clouds, glaciers, and the pine trees scattered throughout, each with its unique appearance.
Due to the high elevation of Labagou, there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. Even in summer, it is advisable to bring long sleeves for warmth; during late September to early October, a thick down jacket is recommended.
Travel Information about Labagou Virgin Forest Park
Tickets and Opening Hours
- Ticket Price: 40 RMB (valid for two days).
- Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM. The park is closed in winter annually.
Best Time to Visit
- Before Mid-April: Enjoy remnants of snow and ice waterfalls in the Labagou Primitive Forest (usually melts by June).
- Around May: Witness a mountain full of blooming flowers and have the opportunity to pick wild vegetables for a wild vegetable feast.
- Late September to Early October: The best time for leaf viewing, capturing vibrant and colorful forests. However, weather conditions can significantly affect the experience, so keep an eye on the forecast.
Getting to the Park
- Location: Manchu Township, Labagoumen, Huairou District, Beijing.
- By Bus: Take bus 936 or the S6 suburban railway from Dongzhimen to Huairou Bus Station. Transfer to buses H9, H10, or H14, and get off at Jiayuan. Then, transfer to bus H43 and get off at Labagoumen Station, and walk to the park.
- By Car: Drive along the Jingcheng Expressway to Huairou District. Continue north along Jingjia Road (National Road 111) until reaching the Chenbagoumen Township Government. Turn left to reach the Labagou Primitive Forest Park.
Scenic Rating
- Cultural Value: ★★
- Unique Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Romantic: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★★
Highlights of Labagou Virgin Forest Park
Baizhang Cliff Viewing Area
The Baizhang Cliff Viewing Area covers approximately 10 square kilometers and is renowned for its large expanse of original oak forest, the last remaining in Beijing. At the end of the 3-kilometer tourist road from the area’s entrance archway, there is a gently sloping mountain valley surrounded by towering cliffs and lush vegetation, creating a serene and refreshing environment.
From this point, a 6-kilometer circular sightseeing trail ascends the mountain, offering views of various scenic spots. The trail traverses through deep canyons and steep cliffs, winding through the ancient oak forest. Notable features in the viewing area include: The original oak forest; The sheer cliffs of Baizhang; Lotus Peak; Longquan; Five Dragon Pools; Five Pine Cliff; Cool Gorge; Northern Pillar Peak; Wild Boar Nest
The original oak forest in this area spans 5 square kilometers, with oak trees averaging over 100 years old, representing the last remaining primitive oak forest in Beijing. The trees are robust and ancient, with dense foliage that provides ample shade. The forest environment is vast and secluded, interspersed with other trees such as oil pine, yellow horn, and drought-resistant willow.
This comfortable and safe primitive forest, with its abundant wild fruits and vegetables, provides an ideal habitat for large wildlife such as wild boars, blue sheep, and wild buffalo. Signs of wild boar activity are commonly seen throughout the forest.
Nanhouling Viewing Area
The Nanhouling Viewing Area covers approximately 15 square kilometers, with its primary feature being a 5-square-kilometer expanse of pristine birch forest. In summer, the area is lush and green, while in autumn, it transforms into a colorful mosaic. A 5-kilometer-long asphalt road provides direct access to the birch forest.
The forest landscape in the Nanhouling Viewing Area includes birch forests, maple groves, alpine rhododendrons, and mixed forests of mountain ash, oak, maple, and birch. Notable peak and cave features include: Phoenix Terrace; Phoenix Spring; Black Stone Cave; Heavenly Ice Mouth; Nanhou Peak
The birch forest is primarily located on the north-facing slopes at altitudes between 1,000 and 1,600 meters. Walking through the birch forest, you will find the ground covered with a lush green carpet, and the silver-white trunks standing tall and spaced out. The occasional mist or dappled sunlight creates a magical, otherworldly atmosphere, making it a refreshing and serene experience.
Maple forests, aside from a few isolated stands of single-species trees, are mixed with mountain ash, oak, and birch. By late September, the maple leaves start turning from green to red, and by early October, they are fully red. The vibrant red of the maple leaves under the autumn sun is striking and intense.
Nanhou Peak, located above Black Stone Cave, is the highest point in the Primitive Forest Park, standing at 1,705 meters. This area is characterized by steep terrain and frequent sightings of large wild animals, so it is not open to visitors.
Related Details:
- Phoenix Terrace is the best spot for photographing the birch forest. Here, you can capture the stunning vista of “mountains completely covered in red, layers of forest dyed in color.”
- Nanhou Peak at Phoenix Terrace is the highest point in Huairou. If you are lucky, you may witness the spectacular sea of clouds phenomenon from there.
- Due to the high altitude and short frost-free period in Labagou Valley, the leaves turn red earlier. The best time for photography is late September to early October. After mid-October, the area is generally closed, so plan your visit accordingly to view the red leaves.
- Every autumn, the area hosts the Manchu Cultural Festival, offering a great opportunity to experience local folk customs.
Glacier Viewing Area
The Glacier Viewing Area covers approximately 15 square kilometers and is known for its extensive alpine rhododendron, purple birch, and white birch forests. The alpine rhododendron spans 3 square kilometers, while the purple and white birch forests cover 5 square kilometers. The main attractions include glaciers, Fangma Gorge, Baishi Cave, Shuangjing Terrace, Rhododendron Mountain, and larch forests.
The glacier phenomenon here is a result of the unique local environment. The glaciers are trapped between cliffs on either side, and the dense forest on the mountain prevents the ice from seeing sunlight for long periods. Consequently, even during summer’s heat, the thick ice accumulated over the years melts very slowly. This results in a summer glacier that sometimes remains frozen into September and even refreezes in October, creating a remarkable sight.
Manchu Folk Customs Museum
The museum is built into the mountains, featuring the architectural style of Qing Dynasty princely residences, exuding a dignified and majestic courtly ambiance. The museum is divided into two main sections:
Qing Dynasty Cultural Exhibition Hall: This section includes seven exhibition rooms and houses over 950 treasures dating from the Han Dynasty onwards. Among these are more than 500 items of Manchu folk artifacts, and an additional 235 items donated by Aisin Gioro Yulan.
Laba Goumen Township Calligraphy and Painting Art Gallery: This section showcases over 120 works by numerous renowned calligraphers and painters.
Visitor Guide for Labagou Virgin Forest Park
Accommodation: There are several comprehensive farmhouse inns around the scenic area that combine lodging, dining, and tourism services. These inns feature unique and cozy heated Kang beds (traditional Chinese heated platforms). The rooms are clean and tidy, and hot water is available 24 hours a day.
Food: Labagou is a well-established tourist spot, so you’ll find restaurants and food options starting from the road signs and extending into the village’s farmhouses. There’s no need to worry about meals. The farmhouse inns primarily serve dishes made with wild vegetables. You can choose to include three meals a day with your accommodation or order individually. On average, a single dish costs between 20-50 RMB, while accommodation with three meals included is priced at 100 RMB per day (as regulated by local authorities).
Itinerary Recommendation:
DAY 1:
- Morning: Travel from Dongzhimen by bus or car.
- Noon: Arrive at Sunzhaizi Village Farmhouse for lunch.
- Afternoon: Visit the Nan Monkey Ridge Viewing Area.
DAY 2:
- Explore: Choose to visit either the Glacier Viewing Area or the Baizhang Cliff Viewing Area.