Where: Yanqing County, Beijing
Distance: 8km
Walking hours: 3
Travel time: 1.5 hours each way
Level of difficulty: 2+

If you are curious to cave dwellings, Gu Ya Ju Ancient Caves at Yan Qing County, Beijing is the place for you.

131 "rooms" were carved into the mountain cliff. The dwellings are multi-storied and show the ingenuity of their builders with ventilation holes, water drainage, heating systems and good orientation. The caves are extensive with animal shelters at ground levenl and heating and cooking areas as well as a templet/meeting hall. They were an ideal hideout.

We will have lunch in a nearby farmer's home.

Bus leaves from the China Culture Center, Beijing, China.

About CCC's Beijing Amblers

A more relaxed, rambling hikes, although some are rigorous and marked with high difficulties. It is to take in some of the fine scenery, the wild wall and rural life around the capital at a leisurely pace -- the pace set by Beijing Amblers, CCC' s special interest group. We also do hiking tours and they are rated by difficulties ( from level 3 to 5 as seen below), and we try to manage the climbs and hikes at a relatively leisure pace so that you won't feel rushed and exhausted but have no time to take photos or to appreciate the landscape.

Level of Difficulties:

Level 1 ambling tours are very easy without much climbing, and they usually take around one or one and half hours to complete. The main theme of these tours is to “smell the flowers” and enjoy greens and fresh air out of the city.

Level 2 ambling tours are relaxing, even though they are sometimes kind of hilly but not very long. They are usually less than 5 kilometers in length and take around two hours to finish, and they are also children friendly.

Level 3 from Level 3 above, they are hikes rather than ambling tours. They are about 5 - 10 kilometers in length and take approximately 2-3 hours, and involve one or two sections of severe climbs. can be either reasonably or challenging, depending on your level of fitness. They tend to be and Most people will be able to complete a level 3 hike without much trouble, although they may be difficult for people who are not used to hiking or are severely out of shape.

Level 4 hikes are 10 - 15 kilometers in length and take 3-4 hours to complete, and involve a lot of climbing and descending. They can be sometimes very steep. They are difficult for people who have no hiking experience or are out of shape.

Level 5 hikes will usually take 4-5 hours or sometimes 7-8 hours to complete. They are physically challenging and suitable for very experienced hikers in really good shape.

Insurance

CCC can arrange your local insurance (RMB 10 per day) by request but it takes two working days. Usually we have two to three guides to help with the organization to ensure the safety but CCC is not responsible for accidents, injuries or losses suffered during the hike.