With warmer weather, the temptation grows to escape the heat and smog of downtown Beijing and head for the hills when the skies turn blue. Beijing’s mountain ranges and valleys provide surprisingly good opportunities for hiking. But even on the sunniest summer day, it pays to be prepared when hiking. Sudden thunderstorms, unstable terrain, and spotty emergency services in remote areas can turn a pleasant weekend stroll into a trip into an epic – and sometimes dangerous – journey.