Nestled in the mountainous outskirts of Beijing, Mentougou District offers travelers and culture enthusiasts a rare blend of historical preservation and cinematic allure. Its winding trails and ancient architecture provide both a retreat from urban bustle and a window into China’s storytelling traditions.</p>
Tanzhe Temple: A Millennia-Old Sanctuary</h3>
Walk in the footsteps of emperors and filmmakers at Tanzhe Temple, one of Beijing’s oldest Buddhist sites. Dating back to the Jin Dynasty (266–420 CE), its serene courtyards and majestic cypress trees famously framed pivotal scenes in the 2010 romantic drama If You Are the One 2</i>. Visitors today can meditate in the same spaces where monks have chanted for centuries.</p>
Dingdu Peak: Beijing’s Skyline Through a Lens</h3>
For photographers and nature lovers, Dingdu Peak remains an underrated marvel. Its sweeping vistas capture the contrasts of modern Beijing — glittering high-rises against mist-clad hills — earning it a reputation as a prime location for time-lapse photography. Local guides whisper that even acclaimed directors have scouted this spot for upcoming projects.</p>
Step into history at Cuandixia Village, where over 70 Ming and Qing courtyard homes cling to terraced slopes. The village gained cinematic fame as a backdrop for Peter Chan’s The Warlords</i> (2007), but its true star is the ‘爨’ (cuàn) character etched into stone alleyways — a testament to the region’s enduring craftsmanship. Don’t miss the Golden Toad Viewpoint, offering panoramic views of the village’s unique fan-shaped design.</p>
