This overview focuses on ancient trade routes, glaze craftsmanship and ceramic history. In Shuizui, the focus is on the Jingxi Ancient Road and the region’s former caravan culture; Liuliqu highlights glaze craftsmanship. At Dingdu Peak, you can compare two routes by their length and stops.
Ancient Roads and Caravan Culture in Jingxi
The Jingxi Ancient Road Scenic Area is located in Shuizui Village, Miaofengshan Town, Mentougou District, and covers 1.5 square kilometers. Within the village, a 1,500-meter section of the ancient road has largely been preserved. The folk customs museum in the scenic area presents the road’s development, earlier repairs, functions and associated customs. The focus is therefore not only on the preserved road section, but also on its role in everyday life and the region’s history.
Caravan culture is also part of the experience here. A description published on August 6, 2026, mentions a regional horse-caravan banquet and the opportunity to experience this culture. Jingxi thus combines a look at a historic route with a culinary experience. If you are interested in trade routes, the museum provides historical context, while the banquet offers a different focus.
Two Routes and Expansive Views at Dingdu Peak
Dingdu Peak Scenic Area lies north of Sangyu Village in Tanzhesi Town. It covers 2,700 mu and combines sightseeing, leisure and wellness holidays. To compare the two routes described, their lengths are a useful starting point: the eastern route is about 3 kilometers long, and the western route is about 4.5 kilometers. Each leads to different stops. The eastern route includes Dajuntai, Xiaojuntai and Wangjingtai, among others; Wangshitai and Guanghui Temple are listed along the western route.
From Dingdu Pavilion, the view extends eastward across Beijing. Visible landmarks include Chang’an Avenue, the TV Tower, the Guomao area, Yintai Centre and the new headquarters of China Central Television. The views and route stops each offer a distinct focus: you can choose between the two routes based on their approximate length or on which of the named places interest you.
Glaze Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage in Liuliqu
Liuliqu Village is in Longquan Town and has been designated a “Chinese Famous Historical and Cultural Village.” It is home to the Royal Glazed-Tile Museum, Sanguan Pavilion Gate Tower and Guandi Temple. A report on a 2024 route mentions these sites as well as a presentation of the glazed-tile firing technique, which is recognized as intangible cultural heritage. The village thus offers two distinct ways to explore its history: historic buildings and traditional craftsmanship.
Visitors can make their own glazed piece at the Jinyu Liuli Culture Creative Industrial Park. The “古道拾遗” route introduced in 2024 included Liuliqu as a stop and connected several places, including the park and the Liuliqu Ancient Road Site, with natural and cultural heritage as well as intangible cultural heritage projects. Both cultural heritage and hands-on insights into craftsmanship are therefore relevant to the route and its sites. A 2024 report also describes an exhibition of modern glaze art in the park as a photo opportunity, along with the chance to make your own glazed product.
Ceramic History at the Museum
The exhibition “西山窑火，千年釉彩——北京龙泉务窑陶瓷展” opened at the Yongding River Culture Museum on March 18, 2025. It featured more than 300 ceramic works. A kiln bed, fire opening and ventilation opening illustrated the historic kiln setting. The exhibition also offered insights into the making process: visitors could experience preparing the clay, shaping the pieces and drying the blanks. Other experiences described as part of the exhibition included choosing a vessel shape, pattern and glaze color, making a personalized “龙泉务窑陶瓷” piece, and a digital collectible. If you are planning to visit specifically for an exhibition or hands-on activity, check current visiting options beforehand.
Coal Mining and Historic Trade Routes
Another historical thread leads to Dongxinfang. According to the account, coal mining there began during the Liao dynasty, grew in importance during the Yuan dynasty and was especially prominent during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Yuhe Ancient Road, one of the well-known trade routes in western Beijing, also passed through the Dongxinfang area. At the time, it was a necessary route for transporting coal to the capital. This history adds a look at the resource that once shaped trade to the themes of roads and craftsmanship.
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