The Peking Man discovery at Zhoukoudian, about 50 kilometres southwest of downtown Beijing near Longgushan (Dragon Skeleton Mountain), is of great significance. It dates the cultural history of Beijing to 600,000 years ago.

Not only is the site an exceptional reminder of the Asian continent's prehistorical human societies, but it also illustrates the process of evolution.

Beijing's Zhoukoudian site was among the first sites in China to enter UNESCO's World Heritage List. It is also the only site in the world to yield evidence of human activity and mankind's earliest use of fire, 500,000 to 600,000 years ago.

Karst caves: a cool underground world

The area's underground caves are ideal places for adventurers to escape the summer heat. Limestone caves can be found in many of the mountains in Fangshan, but most of these caves around Beijing are undeveloped and have no safety facilities. So far, Fangshan has two karst caves open for visitors: Shihua and Yinhu.

Shihua Cave is full of stalactites that remind one of plants and animals, such as monkeys, lions and peacocks. There is also a crystal-clear cauliflower-shaped stalactite, the first of its kind ever found in a Chinese limestone cave.

Yinhu Cave is the largest of its kind in North China. The most-famous animal likeness here is a two-metre-long crystal that looks like a furry silver fox for which the cave is named. It appears to be hiding in a small hole and hanging upside down from the cave wall.

Shidu: rolling mountains and winding river

Sometimes dubbed "The Guilin of the North," Shidu Scenic Spot is located along the middle-upper reaches of Juma River, 100 kilometres from the city. There are 10 river bends along this segment of the river. A ferry crossing has been set up at each of them.

Shidu is the only natural scenic spot in North China characterized by karst peak forests and river valley topography.

There is beautiful scenery at each ferry crossing. The varied terrain the winding river course, deep here and shallow there, broad here and narrow there, as well as the rolling hills, sometimes undulating sharply and sometimes slightly forms the scenic spot's distinctive and unique style.

Shangfang Mountain National Forest Park

Located in the south of Fangshan District, Shangfang Mountain National Forest Park is a mountainous limestone region, abounding with extraordinary peaks and karst caves. There are altogether nine caves (the most famous being Yunshui Cave) and 12 peaks (Tianzhu Peak is the most famous).

Yunju Temple is a famous Buddhist site on Shangfang Mountain. Dating back 1,300 years, the temple is known for its large number of Buddhist scriptures engraved on rocks.

Shenglian Mountain: a new choice for visitors

Shenglian Mountain Scenic Spot is a newly opened travel destination, including several limestone caves and some unique geological landscapes such as Shenniu Peak and Cuiping Mountain.

Baihua Mountain, a haven of flowers

Baihua Mountain is the boundary between Fangshan and Mentougou districts. Flowers blossom here nearly year round. The highest point, Baicaopan, allows a magnificent view of mountain ranges, fresh flowers and a sea of clouds. Temperatures at Baicaopan are about 7 degrees lower than those of Beijing even on the hottest days. With an elevation of 1,991 metres, Baihua Mountain is the highest peak that can be reached directly by bus in Beijing. It is now a natural preserve.

Baihua Mountain is a natural botanical garden with more than 700 different kinds of trees. It is famous for its yields of peach, plum, apricot, persimmon, pear, walnut, chestnut and other fruits.

Yesanpo: Nature's Studio

To the west of Beijing, Yesanpo Canyon consists of more than 10 small valleys, with primitive trees, wildflowers and animals. Many of its sites are very rarely visited. Strangely shaped rocks and steep cliffs are everywhere.

Bailixia Gorge is one of the main attractions of the Yesanpo scenic area. It is 105 metres at its deepest point and covers about 110 square kilometres. This spot is known as "Nature's Studio" because of its beautiful mountains and valleys.

Baishi Mountain: wonderful waterfalls

With an area of 60 square kilometres, Baishi Mountain scenic area boasts dozens of waterfalls and springs, differentiating it from other scenic spots in Fangshan.

(China Daily 09/14/2006 page18)