Hiking photos - Intelligence Valley, 2011/05/01

Were you on this trip? How did you like it? We'd love to hear from you.

Send us feedback Review it on TripAdvisor Share this page on Facebook

This easy stroll of a hike passes through a scenic valley which is surrounded on all sides by towering rock walls and cliff faces. There are quite a few high, rugged peaks to be seen above the valley too. We started this hike from a small village and followed the valley to where it came to the banks of a river. In the winter, we walked on the surface of this river, observing the unusual ice formations there, but in the spring we walk parallel to its banks for much of the distance of the hike.

There were still flowers in bloom and now the vegetation is lush and there are various shades of green to be seen everywhere as new leaves unfurl. The clear, shallow water of the river that runs along the bottom of the valley forms a pool not far from the end of the hike, where we usually take a lunch break, resting on the rocks that encircle it and occasionally paddling one of the inflatable boats that are for rent there.

After arriving at the end of the valley, we had a short ride to a nearby restaurant where we had a filling lunch of hot and delicious traditional Chinese food before returning to the city.

A swan and some ducks, Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

A swan and some ducks in the valley.

We crossed a small dam, Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

We crossed a small dam to start the hike.

In the spring, Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

In the spring, one can see many species of insects.

There were beautiful flowers, Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

There were beautiful flowers in bloom.

 Several easy stream crossings, Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

We made several easy stream crossings.

Flower buds , Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

Flower buds that have yet to bloom.

A clear stream , Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

A clear stream at the bottom of the valley. In the winter, we walk along its frozen surface.

These small flowers, Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

These small flowers along the trail are easy to miss, but it’s worth taking a little extra time to notice them.

Spring has arrived., Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

Everywhere there are signs that spring has arrived.

This is a really fun hike, Beijing Hikers 20110302-Intelligence Valley hike, May 01, 2011

This is a really fun hike for kids.