We’ve revived our old Tiger Valley trail by finding a new starting point just outside the currently closed Tiger Valley scenic spot. While we won’t hike in the valley, we’ll have views into it from the hills above.

The hike finishes near Zhao Tomb, one of the Ming Tombs that is open to visitors, and we’ll go in to take a look about before coming back to Beijing.

The hike

We start off on the outskirts of a village and cross over a dried riverbed to get on to the track that leads up into the hills.

It’s a long climb up dirt and gravel tracks to reach a trail on an open ridgeline. The trail continues towards a dip in the mountains, passing through patches of pine forest on the way to the top.

On the other side of the mountains, our trail takes us down a forested valley – steep in a few places – and out towards a small village. We’ll pass a few shacks and farm sheds, walk below the G7 Motorway, and then we’ll arrive at the village.

From the village it’s a flat and easy walk of about 2km to the finish at Zhao Tomb, following field tracks and farm roads to the end.

Zhaoling Tomb

Zhaoling is the tomb of the Longqing Emperor, Zhu Zaiji, who reigned from 1567 until 1572.

We’ll explore the grounds of the tomb, taking a look about the Merit and Virtue Pavilion, the Gate of Eminent Favour, and the Hall of Eminent Favour amongst other things.