If you are thinking of a one-day excursion out of Beijing, it is a good idea to try Tianjin suburb's two famous attractions, the Tang Dyansty Dule (Solitary Joy) Temple (oldest and most notable one) in Jixian county and Panshan Mountain 12 kilometres northwest of Jixian.



The Dule (du le, or Solitary Joy) Temple, was first built in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and rebuilt in 984 AD during the Liao Dynasty ( 916-1125).  It is now a specially protected historical relic by the government. The Guanyin Tower, one of the main buildings of the temple, is 23 meters high with 24 different kinds of arches, and shows a superb architectural skill. Du Le Temple survived 28 earthquakes including 3 destructive ones, and it is still magnificent and unshakable. Undoubtedly, it is the best-preserved wooden structured and high storied piece of architecture built by the ancient Chinese. In it, there is a 16-meter-high and eleven-faced Bodhisattva, which is a rare clay sculpture made during the Liao Dynasty ( 907-1125 ).



Mount Pan Shan, a scenic spot approved by the government, lies 12 kilometers northwest of Jixian County. The mountain consists of five peaks, among which the major one is the 864-meter-high Guiyue (Laurel Moon ) with a tower on its top. Panshan boasts its unique hills, forests, springs, and rocks. There are three bends: Upper Bend, Middle Bend, and Lower Bend. The upper is known for its pines; the middle for its rocks; and the lower for its springs. From the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 ) to the end of the Qing Dynasty ( 1635-1911), the mountain as an attraction was visited by many emperors and elite. It is well-known as the "first mountain to the east of Beijing".



Meet at the Chinese Culture Club to board the coach.