Located in Laishui County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, at the intersection of the Taihang Mountains and Yanshan Mountains, Yesanpo Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a UNESCO Global Geopark. The scenic area covers a total area of 498.5 square kilometers, consisting of multiple scenic spots such as Baili Gorge, Yugudong (Fish Valley Cave), Baicaopan, Longmen Tianguan (Dragon Gate Heavenly Pass), and Juma River. It is a natural ecological scenic area that combines the grandeur of northern landscapes with the elegance of southern landscapes.
The scenic area is renowned for its "magnificent, dangerous, magical, and secluded" natural landscapes and ancient historical relics. It features various landforms including canyons, peak forests, waterfalls, karst caves, and primeval forests, with a forest coverage rate of over 90%. The high concentration of negative oxygen ions makes it a natural forest oxygen bar. With distinct scenery in four seasons—blooming flowers in spring, coolness for summer escape, red leaves covering mountains in autumn, and ice-snow wonders in winter—it is a popular leisure and vacation destination in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
History and Culture
Yesanpo has a long history and profound cultural heritage. According to archaeological evidence, humans have inhabited this area for over 7,000 years. During the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period, it belonged to the territory of the Yan State. In the Ming Dynasty, it served as a border defense stronghold. In the Qing Dynasty, due to its strategic terrain, it became a "peach blossom land" where people lived isolated from the outside world for a long time, forming unique folk cultures.
The scenic area preserves numerous historical relics, such as the Cliff Inscription Group at Longmen Tianguan, which features poems and inscriptions from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Inscriptions like "Wanren Tianguan" (Thousand-Feet Heavenly Pass) and "Qianfeng Gongli" (Thousand Peaks Arching) with vigorous calligraphy are important materials for studying ancient calligraphy and military history. Additionally, Yesanpo is a revolutionary old area. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Eighth Route Army established an anti-Japanese base here, giving rise to many moving heroic deeds.
The unique geographical environment and historical background have nurtured rich folk cultures in Yesanpo. For example, the "Yesanpo Traditional Wedding Custom" has been listed in the Hebei Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and traditional folk art performances such as "Chaozi Association" and "Dragon and Lion Dance" are still preserved.
Main Attractions
Baili Gorge Scenic Area
Baili Gorge is the core scenic spot of Yesanpo, named for its total length of about 105 li (52.5 kilometers), and it is a rare zhanggu (narrow valley with steep walls) landform scenic area in northern China. The scenic area includes three deep canyons: Haitang Valley, Shixuan Valley, and Scorpion Gully. The canyons feature towering strange rocks, steep cliffs, and lush vegetation, forming a "magnificent, dangerous, magical, and secluded" hundred-mile gallery.
Key attractions include "Yixiantian" (Narrow Sky), "Guanyin Stone," "Tiger's Mouth," and "Looking Back Guanyin." Among them, "Yixiantian" is only 0.83 meters wide at its narrowest point, where only a sliver of blue sky can be seen when looking up. "Huquan" (Tiger Spring) is a natural mountain spring in the canyon with clear and sweet water. The scenic area has a negative oxygen ion concentration as high as 90,000 per cubic centimeter, making it a natural oxygen bar. The average summer temperature is 22°C, an excellent place for summer retreat.
Yugudong Scenic Area
The Yugudong Scenic Area is characterized by strange springs and caves. Yugudong is a large karst cave with a total length of about 1,800 meters, divided into 5 layers. The cave maintains a constant temperature of 13°C, warm in winter and cool in summer. Inside the cave, stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and other landscapes form unique natural wonders such as "stone curtains," "stone flowers," and "stone waterfalls." Especially the "eggpipes," as thin as bamboo tubes and hollow-transparent, are treasures among karst cave landscapes.
The Yugu Spring in the scenic area is one of the world's mysterious springs. Every Guyu (Grain Rain) season, it sprays fish from the spring mouth, a wonder that has lasted for thousands of years and remains scientifically unexplained. An "Observation Fish Platform" is built beside the spring for visitors to witness this unique phenomenon.
Baicaopan Scenic Area
Baicaopan is the highest point of Yesanpo, with an altitude of 1,983 meters, one of the four major peaks in western Beijing. The scenic area is densely vegetated, featuring the largest virgin secondary forest in North China, with more than 1,200 plant species, including rare plants like ginkgo and metasequoia, and wild animals such as hares, squirrels, and pheasants inhabiting here.
Main landscapes include the "Aerial Garden," "Five-Finger Peak," "Ant Ridge," and "Wind-Moving Stone." The "Aerial Garden" is an alpine meadow at an altitude of 1,800 meters, where various wildflowers bloom in late spring and early summer, forming a sea of flowers. The "Five-Finger Peak," composed of five peaks, resembles five fingers, vivid and lifelike. In autumn, Baicaopan is covered with red leaves, making it an ideal place for autumn scenery appreciation.
Longmen Tianguan Scenic Area
Longmen Tianguan has been a contested strategic point throughout history. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it served as an important pass to defend against foreign invasions. The scenic area features steep terrain, easy to defend but hard to attack, known as the "Throat of the Territory." It preserves military relics such as the Ming Great Wall, beacon towers, and artillery platforms, as well as a large number of Ming and Qing cliff inscriptions.
The Cliff Inscription Group is distributed on the cliffs of the scenic area, with more than 30 existing inscriptions. Inscriptions like "Wanren Tianguan," "Qianfeng Gongli," and "Longmen Shengjing" with vigorous and majestic calligraphy are important physical materials for studying ancient calligraphy and military history. Additionally, the scenic area includes attractions such as "Dalongmen Castle" and "Caishu'an Great Wall," allowing visitors to experience the charm of ancient military culture.
Juma River Scenic Area
The Juma River is the only unpolluted river in North China, named after the legend of "King Yan Zhao building a platform to reject horses." The river in the scenic area is crystal clear, with rapid currents, and the surrounding peaks are stacked, forming beautiful scenery, an ideal place for leisure and entertainment.
Main entertainment projects include rafting, bamboo rafting, kayaking, etc. The Juma River rafting is about 3.5 kilometers long with a drop of more than 10 meters, featuring multiple rapids and torrents along the way, thrilling and exciting. Bamboo rafting is relatively gentle, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural scenery on both banks and feel the comfort of "a small bamboo raft floating on the river." In addition, the "Beach Bathing Place" along the Juma River is a good place for swimming and sunbathing in summer.
Gourmet Food
Roast Whole Lamb
Roast whole lamb is a characteristic dish of Yesanpo. Local free-range goats are selected, with tender meat. After marinating, they are roasted on a rack, with golden and crispy skin, tender and juicy meat, exuding an attractive aroma. A roast whole lamb usually weighs 20-30 jin (10-15 kg), suitable for 10-15 people. It is the first choice for group dining, recommended to be tasted in farmhouses within the scenic area, priced at about 800-1,200 yuan per lamb.
Laishui Walnuts
Laishui walnuts are one of the specialties of Yesanpo. The walnuts here have good cortex, deep patterns, and unique shapes, preferred by walnut collectors. Walnuts not only have collection value but also fitness effects—frequent handling can promote hand blood circulation. There are many walnut shops in the scenic area, with prices ranging from tens to thousands of yuan according to variety and quality. It is recommended to have an expert accompany you when purchasing.
Wild Mushroom Stewed Free-Range Chicken
Yesanpo's dense mountains produce various wild mushrooms such as pine mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, and agaric. Stewed with local free-range chickens, the soup is rich, the chicken is tender, and the nutrition is abundant. This dish is a traditional food of Yesanpo, with nourishing and health-preserving effects, especially suitable for autumn and winter. It can be tasted in most farmhouses, priced at about 80-120 yuan per serving.
Corn Cakes
Corn cakes are a home-cooked food in Yesanpo, made from corn flour grown locally, with a sweet taste and healthy nutrition. Corn cakes can be eaten directly or paired with stews and stir-fries, a common food on local tables. Farmhouses in the scenic area generally offer them, priced at about 10-15 yuan per serving.
Juma River Fish
The Juma River has clear water, producing various fish such as carp, crucian carp, and catfish, with tender meat and no fishy smell, suitable for braising, steaming, stewing, and other cooking methods. Among them, "Juma River grilled fish" is the most popular, with crispy exterior and tender interior, delicious taste. It is recommended to taste it in farmhouses along the Juma River, priced at 50-100 yuan per jin (0.5 kg) depending on the type and size of the fish.
Admission Tickets
Tickets are sold separately for each scenic area, with specific prices as follows:
Baili Gorge Scenic Area: 100 yuan/person; Yugudong Scenic Area: 65 yuan/person; Baicaopan Scenic Area: 60 yuan/person; Longmen Tianguan Scenic Area: 50 yuan/person; Juma River Scenic Area: free (entertainment projects are charged separately, such as rafting 80 yuan/person, bamboo rafting 40 yuan/person).
You can search for the official WeChat public account "野三坡风景区" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of Yesanpo Scenic Area are from April 1 to October 31 each year. Specific opening hours for each scenic area are:
Baili Gorge, Yugudong, Longmen Tianguan: 7:00-18:00; Baicaopan: 8:00-17:00; Juma River Scenic Area: open all day (entertainment projects open from 8:00-17:00). From November 1 to March 31 of the following year is the off-season, with some scenic areas closed. For specific opening conditions, please consult the scenic area official.
Tour Routes
One-Day Tour Route
In the morning, visit Baili Gorge Scenic Area to admire the zhanggu landform and canyon wonders. It is recommended to enter from Haitang Valley, pass through attractions like "Yixiantian" and "Guanyin Stone," and exit from Shixuan Valley, taking about 3-4 hours. In the afternoon, go to Juma River Scenic Area to experience water entertainment projects such as rafting and bamboo rafting, feeling the coolness and excitement of Juma River, with a playtime of about 2-3 hours.
Two-Day Tour Route
Day 1: Visit Baili Gorge Scenic Area in the morning, go to Yugudong Scenic Area in the afternoon to visit karst cave landscapes and Yugu Spring wonders, and stay in a farmhouse within the scenic area at night to taste specialty foods like roast whole lamb.
Day 2: Visit Baicaopan Scenic Area in the morning, climb the main peak at 1,983 meters above sea level to enjoy virgin forest and alpine meadow landscapes; go to Longmen Tianguan Scenic Area in the afternoon to visit cliff inscriptions and ancient military relics, feeling the charm of historical culture.
Three-Day Tour Route
Day 1: In-depth tour of Baili Gorge Scenic Area, carefully appreciating every landscape in the canyon and experiencing the comfort of the "natural oxygen bar."
Day 2: Yugudong + Longmen Tianguan Scenic Areas, exploring mysterious karst caves in the morning and feeling the charm of ancient military culture and cliff inscriptions in the afternoon.
Day 3: Baicaopan + Juma River Scenic Areas, enjoying natural landscapes from a height in the morning and relaxing with water entertainment on Juma River in the afternoon.
Transportation
- Self-driving: From Beijing, take Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway to Langzhuo Expressway, then transfer to Zhangzhuo Expressway, and exit at Yesanpo, with a total distance of about 150 kilometers and a driving time of 2.5 hours. From Tianjin, take Jinbao Expressway to Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway, then transfer to Langzhuo Expressway and Zhangzhuo Expressway, with a total distance of about 240 kilometers and a driving time of 3.5 hours. From Baoding, take Jingkun Expressway to Zhangzhuo Expressway, with a total distance of about 130 kilometers and a driving time of 2 hours.
- Bus: Liuliqiao Bus Station in Beijing has direct buses to Yesanpo every day, departing at 7:40, 9:40, and 11:40, with return trips at 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00, priced at about 60 yuan, taking 3 hours. Baoding Passenger Transport Center has direct buses to Yesanpo every day, departing at 8:00 and 10:00, with return trips at 14:00 and 16:00, priced at about 40 yuan, taking 2 hours.
- Train: Take a train from Beijing West Station to Laishui Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Yesanpo. The train journey takes about 1.5 hours, priced at 16.5 yuan. The bus from Laishui to Yesanpo costs about 20 yuan, taking 1.5 hours.
- Internal transportation: Scenic areas are far apart; self-driving or taking scenic area sightseeing buses is recommended. Sightseeing bus tickets cost about 20-30 yuan/person, available at each scenic area entrance.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Baili Gorge Scenic Area: As the core of Yesanpo, it features unique Zhanggu landforms and abundant natural scenery. Highlights like "Skyline Gorge" and "Guanyin Looking Back" are geological marvels. With cool summers, it's ideal for summer retreats and sightseeing.
- Yugudong (Fish Valley Cave) Scenic Area: Known for strange springs and caves, the cave's stalactites form unique shapes. The annual fish-spraying phenomenon at Fish Valley Spring is a world rarity, perfect for exploring geological science and natural wonders.
- Baicaopan Scenic Area: The highest point in Yesanpo, offering primeval forests and alpine meadows. With fresh air and high negative oxygen ions, it's great for hiking and nature immersion. Autumn's red leaf scenery is particularly stunning.
- Juma River Scenic Area: The only unpolluted river in North China, offering thrilling water activities like rafting and bamboo drifting. It combines outdoor adventure with picturesque riverside views.
Travel Tips
- Best Seasons: April-May for blooming flowers; June-August for cool weather and water activities; September-October for crisp autumn air and red leaves at Baicaopan.
- Itinerary: Allow 2-3 days to fully experience each scenic area, as attractions are spread out. Avoid rushed schedules.
- What to Wear: Comfortable hiking shoes and casual clothing. Sunscreen and hats in summer; warm layers in autumn due to lower mountain temperatures.
- Dining & Accommodation: Many farmhouses offer affordable meals and stays with local specialties. Book in advance, especially during holidays and peak seasons.
- Water Activities: Check weather forecasts before rafting or bamboo drifting on the Juma River. Always follow safety instructions and wear life jackets.
Precautions
- Ticket Management: Tickets are single-use. Re-entry requires a new ticket, so keep yours safe.
- Safety: Steep paths in Baili Gorge and Baicaopan require caution, especially when wet. Wear non-slip shoes. Water activities carry risks—strictly follow safety protocols.
- Environmental Protection: The scenic area is home to diverse wildlife. Avoid picking plants or littering to preserve the ecological balance.
- Cultural Respect: Cliff inscriptions and historical relics at Longmen Tianguan are precious cultural heritage. Do not deface or damage them.
- Medical & Communication: First-aid stations are available. Signal is strong in most areas but weak in remote spots like Baicaopan. Travel in groups and avoid solo adventures.