Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area is located 500 meters north of Dashuiyu Village, Huaibei Town, Huairou District, Beijing. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and a national water conservancy scenic area. The scenic area covers an area of 150 hectares, stretching about ten miles from north to south. Integrating green mountains, clear waters and ancient Great Wall, the scenic area boasts both the beauty of southern landscapes and the grandeur of northern mountains, and is known as the "Little Three Gorges of the North". Within the scenic area, mountains and rivers surround, gullies crisscross, the Great Wall is simple and vicissitudes, and the lakeside trail winds like a dragon. Special facilities include an 800-meter-long cableway and entertainment projects such as bungee jumping and rock climbing.
History and Culture
Dashuiyu, where Qinglong Gorge is located, became a village in the Jin Dynasty and was named after Qinglong Mountain to the west of the village. During the Ming Dynasty, it was under the jurisdiction of Miyun and was the "Dashuiyu Pass", a vital pass of the Jizhen Great Wall in the Ming Dynasty, known as the "First Pass of Huairou". It connects Simatai in Miyun County to the east and Mutianyu Great Wall to the west, and was a transportation fortress from the capital to Dage and Rehe areas during the Ming and Qing dynasties. At that time, the ancient road here was relatively prosperous, serving as an important military corridor and transportation artery.
According to historical records, Mongolian tribes often invaded through the pass during the Ming Dynasty, and Dashuiyu Pass was repeatedly harassed, with no fewer than 10 attacks launched from Dashuiyu alone. The Ming court sent troops to garrison here many times. For example, in June of the 13th year of Hongzhi (1500), the emperor ordered Dudu Li Cheng and Zhang Sheng to lead troops to Dashuiyu to assist the local government troops in defense.
In 1933, anti-Japanese generals Ji Hongchang and Fang Zhenwu led their troops into the pass here and resolutely issued an anti-Japanese telegram, adding a strong patriotic color to the history of this place.
The first concrete arch dam in Beijing, built from 1969 to 1972, cleverly divides the scenic area into four regions. The dam is majestic, 59 meters high, 4 meters wide, stretching 283 meters, with a storage capacity of 14.6 million cubic meters.
Main Attractions
Tour of Climbing the Great Wall
The ancient Great Wall in Qinglong Gorge is the Dashuiyu Pass, a frontier fortress of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall. Although most of it is in ruins, it has its unique style. Tourists can overlook the majestic appearance of the Great Wall on the ridge along the Canglong Valley, or start climbing the wall in the secluded path. On the way, they can see famous ancient trees such as "Lianli Dicuì" and "Mother-Child Pine", and also overlook landscapes like "Winding Pavilion Road, Qixing Rock, and Hidden Qinglong in the Gorge". Climbing to the highest peak of the Great Wall, "Yuhuang Terrace", you can have a panoramic view of the vast Miyun Reservoir and the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall. On clear days, you can even get a glimpse of the grand scene of Beijing.
Viewing Feilong Waterfall in Canglong Gorge
Canglong Gorge is about 2 kilometers long from the entrance to Feilong Waterfall. Walking along the gorge towards the stream inside, with winding stone steps leading upwards, there are 18 springs and pools of various sizes along the way, such as "Yufeng Pool" and "Yuebo Pool", as well as stone carvings like "Hanyun", "Yulu", and "Sounding Spring under Dangerous Stones". When reaching the highest point, you can see "Feilong Waterfall" like a white silk ribbon pouring down from a height of more than ten meters, with splashing water and pleasant roaring sounds.
Longxia Lake
Longxia Lake, formed by the interception of the dam, has clear water and a wide surface. The northern part is the water tour area of Longxia Lake, with a water depth of generally 40-50 meters, equipped with entertainment facilities such as speedboats, dragon boats, ancient painted boats, and luxury cruise ships; the southern part is the water play area, with a water depth of 1-2 meters, offering projects like bamboo rafts, rowing boats, and single-person kayaks.
Qinglong Mountain
The peaks are steep and covered with dense vegetation. There are many peculiar rock landscapes on the mountain, with various shapes—some resembling humans, some like objects, and some like birds and beasts. Every spring, mountain apricot flowers and wild flowers bloom all over the mountains, presenting a very charming scene.
Qianlong Cave and Yixiantian
During the mountain climbing, there are scenic spots such as "Qianlong Cave" and "Yixiantian". Qianlong Cave is mysterious and deep, while Yixiantian is a narrow gap formed between two opposing mountain peaks, only allowing one person to pass through, giving people a thrilling experience.
Delicacies
- Special Reservoir Fish: Made from fresh fish from the reservoir, with tender meat and delicious taste. There are various cooking methods, such as braised, steamed, and stewed. Each method allows tourists to taste the unique flavor of reservoir fish.
- Farmhouse Dishes: There are various farmhouse dishes in and around the scenic area, such as firewood eggs, farmhouse stir-fried pork, and cold mixed wild vegetables. The ingredients are mostly grown and raised by local farmers, which are green and healthy, full of strong rural flavor.
- Rainbow Trout: Rainbow trout is one of the characteristic delicacies in Huairou area. The rainbow trout here has tender meat and can be made into sashimi or grilled, which is deeply loved by tourists.
Tickets
The ticket price is 48 yuan per person. Entertainment projects in the scenic area require separate charges, such as bungee jumping and rock climbing.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "北京青龙峡" to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday throughout the year.
Tour Routes
- Leisure and Sightseeing Route: Dam - boating tour on Longxia Lake - viewing Feilong Waterfall in Canglong Gorge - walking along the lakeside trail to enjoy the landscape. This route is suitable for most tourists, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful lakes and mountains as well as the spectacular waterfall scenery.
- Great Wall Exploration Route: Ancient Great Wall entrance - climbing the wall in the secluded path - viewing famous ancient trees along the way - climbing to Yuhuang Terrace - overlooking the surrounding scenery. Suitable for tourists interested in history and culture, allowing them to deeply experience the simplicity and vicissitudes of the Great Wall.
- Parent-Child Fun Route: Water play area (bamboo rafts, rowing boats, etc.) - beach bathing area - areas with entertainment projects such as bungee jumping and rock climbing (for viewing). The water play area and beach bathing area are suitable for children to play, and projects like bungee jumping and rock climbing can make children feel excitement and fun. At the same time, parents can also participate to enhance parent-child relationships.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from Beijing Sanyuan Bridge, take Jingmi Road to Huairou Open Roundabout, turn left at the first red light, then turn right, and drive north along Huaifeng Highway to reach the destination, which is 75 kilometers away from Beijing Sanyuan Bridge.
- Bus: You can take bus No. 936 and get off at Qinglong Gorge Station.
- Direct Bus: The scenic area has opened a direct bus to Qinglong Gorge for the convenience of tourists.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Tour of Climbing the Great Wall: You can personally experience the majesty and vicissitudes of the ancient Great Wall, enjoy the magnificent natural scenery and historical relics, and it is an excellent attraction that combines history, culture and natural landscape perfectly.
- Viewing Feilong Waterfall in Canglong Gorge: The spectacular scene of the waterfall pouring down is shocking, and the springs, pools and stone carvings along the way are also full of charm. It is a good place to get close to nature and feel the magic of nature.
- Water Projects on Longxia Lake: Whether taking a speedboat to feel the thrill of speed or rowing a bamboo raft to enjoy the lake view leisurely, tourists can enjoy a comfortable time in the green mountains and clear waters.
Tour Suggestions
- Choose according to seasons: In spring, you can enjoy the blooming flowers; in summer, it is suitable for summer vacation and water activities; in autumn, you can see the red leaves all over the mountains; in winter, you can enjoy the snow scenery of the Great Wall covered in silver.
- Arrange time reasonably: The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to reserve one day for the tour to fully experience various attractions and projects.
- Prepare items in advance: Bring comfortable sports shoes, sun protection products, rain gear, etc. In summer, you can bring an extra set of clothes for changing after water activities.
Notes
- Safety Warning: When participating in water projects and mountain climbing activities, must abide by the regulations of the scenic area, wear life jackets or fasten seat belts, and pay attention to personal safety.
- Protect the Environment: Love the environment of the scenic area, do not litter, and keep the scenic area clean and tidy.
- Weather Changes: Pay attention to the weather forecast in advance. In case of bad weather, adjust the tour plan in time and avoid outdoor activities in heavy rain, strong wind and other weather conditions.