Secret Beijing: The Abandoned Railway Turned Urban Nature Trail

Hidden in plain sight, just a stone's throw from Beijing’s bustling Third Ring Road, lies a forgotten relic of China’s industrial past — an abandoned railway line that’s been quietly reclaimed by nature. Locals call it the Huogesi Railway, or sometimes the Beijing Sakura Track, and it’s become one of the city’s best-kept secrets for urban explorers, photographers, and anyone craving a peaceful escape without leaving the capital.

This 2.5-kilometer stretch once served freight trains heading to the old Huogesi Coal Yard. But after decades of disuse, rusting rails are now overgrown with wild grasses, ivy, and in spring — a breathtaking tunnel of blooming cherry blossoms. It’s like Tokyo’s Yamanote Line had a poetic lovechild with New York’s High Line… but way more low-key.

Why This Place Feels Like Magic

What makes this trail special isn’t just the scenery — it’s the contrast. One minute you’re dodging scooters and street hawkers; the next, you’re walking beneath a canopy of pink petals with birds chirping and the only sound being your footsteps on gravel. It’s urban rewilding at its finest.

According to local environmental bloggers, over 47 plant species have naturally colonized the corridor since abandonment. And during peak bloom (late March to early April), Instagram geotags spike by 300% week-over-week — though you’d never know it from the serenity on-site.

Quick Stats: Huogesi Abandoned Railway Trail

How to Find It (Without Getting Lost)

The trail runs parallel to the north side of the 2nd Ring Road, tucked behind residential hutongs near Jishuitan Hospital. Start at Dianmen North Street — look for a narrow path between the old brick buildings. Follow the rusted tracks. Pro tip: Go early — before 8 a.m. — for the best light and zero crowds.

No signs mark the entrance. That’s part of the charm. But bring comfy shoes; the terrain is uneven, and puddles linger after rain.

More Than Just a Pretty Path

Beyond aesthetics, this trail represents a quiet shift in how Beijingers relate to their city. With green space per capita still under 16m² (well below WHO recommendations), spaces like this are grassroots oases. Some activists even propose turning it into an official linear park — think ‘Beijing Greenway’ — though nothing’s been confirmed.

For now, it remains unofficial, unlit, and utterly enchanting. And honestly? That’s exactly how we like it.

So if you're tired of temple queues and tourist traps, take a detour down this sleepy rail bed. Bring a camera. Maybe a thermos of tea. And rediscover Beijing — not as a megacity, but as a place where nature quietly whispers back.