The growing popularity of so-called folk travel villages around Beijing's suburban districts has prompted the municipal government to establish 35 more this year.

These villages aim to offer visitors a taste of authentic traditional customs, countryside sightseeing, animal gardens, fruit-picking opportunities and entertainment.

The municipal government says it will invest 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million) to improve facilities and the environment of these villages.

Last year, the existing designated folk villages welcomed more than 6 million tourists, bringing in a total income of 600 million yuan (US$73 million).

The following outlines some of the villages designated recently on the outskirts of Beijing. Each also offers dining and accommodation.

Bailuyuan Garden (White Deer Garden)

Though the garden is named White Deer Garden, it in fact mainly features hundreds of colored deer. Covering about 13 hectares, the garden only houses one white deer, which are extremely rare in China.

The single rare white deer here has given the garden great pulling power.

The garden has around 300 different species of deer making it a must-see with animal lovers.

The largest populations are usually found in mixed woodland areas and open land, although deer also live in swamps and in mountains.

Visitors in the garden are allowed to feed the animals. Leaves and some vegetables are available in the garden.

The garden also houses eight fat black bears and dozens of ostriches. Aside from the bear area, other animals walk freely in the garden among visitors.

Fruit picking is another major attraction for visitors. Vegetables, apples, peaches, pears and watermelons can be found in the garden.

A restaurant in the garden specializes in venison. The meat comes from home-raised deer found in the garden.

To get there: Drive along Jing-Cheng (Beijing-Chengde) Expressway. The starting point of the expressway is at the North Fourth Ring Road in the northeast part of Beijing. When getting to the North Sixth Ring Road, turn left towards Changping and continue until the Mafang-Exit. Then drive toward Asuwei Village. The garden is about 1,500 meters ahead.

Entry to the garden is free.

Tel: 86-10-6178-3264 (Chinese only)

Zhuanghu Folklore Village

A short distance from the Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall, this village offers the opportunity to pick fruit and chestnuts, and to go fishing for rainbow trout. Altogether 35 households with a total of 500 beds offer tourist accommodation.

Accommodation inclusive of dinner: 25-30 yuan (US$3) per person per day.

To get there: Take bus No 916 from Dongzhimen going to Huairou, and take a minibus to your specific destination. Private cars should take the Beijing-Shunyi Road at Sanyuan Flyover or Siyuan Flyover, and drive northward to Bohai Town, Huairou District.

Tel: 86-10-6163-2679 (Chinese only)

Hexi Folklore Village in Gubeikou Town

Scenic spots here include the Wohushan and Yinshan sections of the Great Wall, and an ancient mosque. The village has a total accommodation capacity for 1,000 visitors.

Accommodation inclusive of dinner: 35 yuan (US$4) per person per day.

To get there: Take an air-conditioned coach (Beijing-Chengde) from Dongzhimen to Gubeikou, or the 7 am train to Gubeikou from Xizhimen Railway Station. By private car, take the Airport Road to Beigao Exit and turn on to the Beijing-Miyun Road. Tel: 8105-1291

Taizi Folklore Village

This village is two kilometers from the Badaling Section of the Great Wall, near the Juyong Pass in the east. There are streams to ford, ice gorges to explore, and evening campfire parties to enjoy.

Accommodation inclusive of dinner: 60 yuan (US$7.5) per person per day.

To get there: Take bus No 345 from Beijing to Nandajie, and then change to No 12 bus. Private cars should take the Badaling Expressway.

Tel: 86-10-8979-1384, 86-10-8979-1394 (Chinese only)

Folklore Villages at the Ming Tombs

The Ming Tombs are the resting place of 13 Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) emperors-the largest number of imperial tombs extant, and a designated World Cultural Heritage.

The folklore villages here are in Changping District northwest of Beijing.

Deling Folklore Village

Deling is 500 meters from the Deling Mausoleum near the Ming Tombs Scenic Area and Ming Tombs Reservoir. It offers campfire parties, folk art performances, and farmhouse dinners. There are 30 local families that provide a total of 200 beds for guest accommodation.

Accommodation inclusive of dinner: 70 yuan (US$8) per person per day.

To get there: Take bus No 345 or 845 from Deshengmen to Changping, then take the No 314 bus to Qikongqiao. By car, take the Badaling Expressway.

Tel: 86-10-6076-1704

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(Beijing Weekend July 23, 2004)