Badachu (Fragrant Mountains)

When we got home, Jeanny suggested

we all go to Badachu (Fragrant Mountain) to hike up and up and, as

it turned out, up and up. The day was

fantastic, warm but not too hot, crystal

clear. I heard a person who has lived

here for 7 years say that it was the most

beautiful day she had every seen in

Beijing.

From the mountain we could easily make out Bill’s office building. When we were at his office last fall, Bill told me that he usually can’t see the buildings across the street…pretty good indication of improved air quality as a result of the Olympics. Bill's office is near the tall building far left. The tower in the middle is the CCTV building.

The name Badachu means Eight Great Sites, and refers to the eight Buddhist temples and monasteries scattered across Cuiwei, Pingpo and Lushi hills at the foot of Beijing's Western Hills Scenic Area. Located along the outskirts of Beijing, it was restored during the 1980's and has since become a famous tourist destination. There are a total of eight former Buddhist temples and monasteries in Badachu Park. From Travel China's website.

Angie and Jeanny