Going Underground: Pingguoyuan, Line 1

“Going Underground” is a regular magazine column in which we explore the neighborhoods surrounding subway stations.

Selling point
The western terminus of Line 1, Pingguoyuan station arrives at the foot of Beijing’s Western Hills. It’s an easy jaunt out of the city for a restorative day trip to take in some historical and cultural sites.

Pay homage
Grab a cab or transfer to a bus, but the bit of extra leg work to reach the nearby temples is well worth it. Constructed
in the Jin Dynasty and perched up in the hills, Tanzhe Temple dates back to about 1,700 years ago. The grounds are extensive and the greenery abundant. Climb to the top and offer respects to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. This is also a good spot to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival.

Nearby is Jietai Temple, well-known for its ancient pines and cypress trees dotting the courtyards. Wind through the complex to the top for impressive views of Beijing and the surrounding area. If painting’s your thing, visit the hidden gem of Fahai Temple and take in their incredibly well-preserved Ming Dynasty frescos. Or if more is better, then check out Badachu Park, aptly named for its eight temples and spend the day meandering from one to another.

Visit the dead
As a eunuch of the imperial court, Tian Yi served three emperors over the course of 63 years. When he died in 1605, the emperor ordered a tomb to be built in his honor and several other eunuchs were buried alongside him. Wander the small graveyard of Tian Yi Eunuch Tomb and see the underground Ming Dynasty mausoleum. An exhibition hall towards the entrance provides a bit of insight into the life of a eunuch, complete with explanatory dioramas.

Get away
With over 400 years of history, the charming village of Cuandixia offers picturesque architecture with its wellmaintained
courtyard houses from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Go for a daytrip or turn it into a weekend getaway. Locals open their homes as lodges for overnight guests, providing simple meals and traditional kang beds.

Photo: gill_penney on Flickr