Baiyu Village, Baiyucun Mentougou Beijing

Baiyu Village (柏峪村）literally means “Cypress Valley Village”, named after the cypress trees that used to grow on the mountains surrounding the village. Baiyu Village is located on the ancient path in the valley with great military importance. Baiyu Village is about 10km long from the south to the north and 5km wide from the east to the west, adjacent to Cuandixia Village on the south and to Huangcaoliang on the north.

Cuandixia Village – Baiyu Village – Tianjin Pass was once the famous Beijing West Ancient Path with great military importance. Baiyu Village is about 5 km’s walking distance from Cuandixia Village to the north, the highlight of the Beijing West Ancient Path.

Baiyu Village is nicknamed “Military Village”. In Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 ), each family in the village at least had one family member in the army. One kilometer north of Baiyu Village was the former “Tianjin Pass”, one of the most important Great Wall Passes in Beijing. According to the historical record, 10 kilometers inside and outside the Great Wall were not allowed to grow trees. So every year soldiers would come here to burn plants on the mountains including cypress trees. The trees have disappeard, but the name of Baiyu has remained till today.

Cuandixia Village as not affected by the wars too much, so it still keeps its remain ancient outlook. But Baiyu village had been sacked by Japanese army for three times. There are not many anicent houses remaining with complete structure.

In Baiyu Village, you raise your head and look at the north, the mountain in the north is called “Huangcaoliang” – “Yellow Meadow Ridge”. Huangcaoliang is famous for its beautiful meadow. The altitude of the mountain meadow is over 1700meters. It is a great place to hikers.

Every year starting from June, a lot of hiking lovers come here for the mountain hiking and camping.

We leave from Cuandixia Village along the ancient path which has been turned into a new and wide the asphalt road with a placard pointing to Baiyu Village, 4 km north of Cuandixia Village.

We are passing the narrow sky road section of the ancient path.

Driving by a “yaodong” – an abandoned Dwelling Cave.

Soon Baiyu Village is in sight with the backdrop of Huangcaoliang (Yellow Meadow Ridge).

The village houses are orderly arranged on the both sides of the main street in the village.

At the southern tip of the village is located the Villagers’ Committee of Baiyu Village, the administration organ of Baiyu Village.

A side lane branching from the main street and the placard shows one of the household named”Xiayunzhen” who offers the accommodationa dining in the name of Xiayunzhan Inn.