{"id":9261,"date":"2013-08-21T17:17:19","date_gmt":"2013-08-21T21:17:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/chinese\/?p=9261"},"modified":"2013-08-21T17:17:19","modified_gmt":"2013-08-21T21:17:19","slug":"shi-du","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.transparent.com\/chinese\/shi-du\/","title":{"rendered":"Escape the Concrete Jungle at Shi Du"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Nothing<\/a>

Nothing but rivers and mountains!<\/p><\/div>\n

From the maze of skyscrapers and hazy clouds of pollution that are omnipresent in Beijing city, one merely needs to hop on a public bus<\/strong> (\u516c\u5171\u6c7d\u8f66 \u2013 g\u014dng g\u00f2ng q\u00ec ch\u0113) \u2013 number 917 to be exact \u2013 and ride out of the city 100 km to the southwest to find stunning landscapes and a weekend full of non-stop fun.\u00a0\u00a0 Welcome to Shi Du<\/strong> (\u5341\u6e21 –\u00a0sh\u00ed d\u00f9). This scenic spot literally translates as \u201cTen Crossings\u201d; this is because the entire area is a series of crossings along the Juma River<\/strong> (\u62d2\u9a6c\u6cb3 \u2013 j\u00f9 m\u01ce h\u00e9), with each crossing offering visitors something fun to do. Although the name indicates only ten crossings of the river, you can actually venture as far out as 23 Du and even beyond\u2026 just make sure you hire a local driver, as it is beyond reach of the bus and way too far to walk. What really makes Shi Du special is its rare karst rock<\/strong> (\u5ca9\u6eb6 \u2013 y\u00e1n r\u00f3ng) formations, which is why it\u2019s often dubbed the \u201cGuilin of the North.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"You're<\/a>

You’re bound to spot a rainbow or two out at Shi Du.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"You'd<\/a>

You’d better brush up on your \u6c49\u5b57 if you want to understand this map.<\/p><\/div>\n

While a day trip<\/strong> (\u4e00\u65e5\u6e38 –\u00a0y\u00ed r\u00ec y\u00f3u) here is certainly doable from Beijing, you\u2019d be selling the area short if you tried to cram it all into one day. Plus, you\u2019d wear yourself out, and end up spending 4-5 hours sitting on a bus. Instead, it’s best to head out early on Saturday morning, rent a room in a local guesthouse, squeeze in an afternoon of rafting<\/strong> (\u6f02\u6d41 \u2013 pi\u0101o li\u00fa), followed by a round of bungee jumping<\/strong> (\u8e66\u6781 \u2013 b\u00e8ng j\u00ed). Those less inclined to hurl their bodies toward the water from 55 meters high can opt for carnival games and bamboo rafting while watching their friends risk life and limb.<\/p>\n

\"After<\/a>

After a long day, kick back at your guesthouse (which come as cheap as 50 RMB\/night for 4 people!)<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Group<\/a>

Group picture with new friends that we finished many a beer with.<\/p><\/div>\n

Back at your guesthouse, be sure to indulge in some fresh grilled fish<\/strong> (\u70e4\u9c7c \u2013 k\u01ceo y\u00fa). You\u2019ll want some food in your stomach for all of that beer you\u2019ll be drinking with your new friends that you\u2019re sure to meet in one of the many local beer gardens<\/strong> (\u5564\u9152\u82b1\u56ed – p\u00ed ji\u01d4 hu\u0101 yu\u00e1n).\u00a0 Actually, they\u2019re more like beer parking lots, but garden just sounds better.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The next day, wake up early, grab a snack and some huge bottles of water, and head out to hike up one of the many incredible mountains. Alternatively, if your hangover is just too much to bear, you can always take the cable car<\/strong> (\u7f06\u8f66 \u2013 l\u01cen ch\u0113) up and then walk down. As a nature buff who somehow found himself stuck in the concrete jungle of Beijing, Shi Du has proven to be a godsend for me, and I\u2019ve already made three trips out there, with plans to return as soon as my work schedule allows. There\u2019s plenty more to do out at Shi Du, and this website<\/a> is a great go-to guide for a basic rundown of the area. In the meantime, enjoy some of my favorite pictures from my various trips out to Beijing\u2019s most scenic area:<\/p>\n

\"Just<\/a>

Just floating along the lazy river…<\/p><\/div>\n

\"The<\/a>

The bungee tower looming high over the river.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"I'm<\/a>

I’m ready to take the leap!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"And<\/a>

And now I’m falling helplessly from 55 meters.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Celebrating<\/a>

Celebrating with our “Braver Certificates.”<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Talk<\/a>

Talk about a scenic pick-up game!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"And<\/a>

And what an intense game it is – Da Kuai coming in big with the block!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Setting<\/a>

Setting off on a hike at Qi Du (the 7th Crossing).<\/p><\/div>\n

\"You<\/a>

You can stop to chill at plenty of waterfalls along the way.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Classic<\/a>

Classic Chinglish sign.<\/p><\/div>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Bat Mountain – can you see it?<\/p><\/div>\n

If the pictures just aren\u2019t enough, and you\u2019re just dying for more Shi Du, well\u2026 you\u2019re in luck! Here\u2019s a video I put together a while back showcasing some of the highlights of my second trip out there.<\/p>\n