
Limutai Scenic Area is located in Xiaying Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin. It is one of the three major scenic areas of Tianjin Jiulongshan National Forest Park and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Situated in the eastern section of the Yanshan Mountains, the scenic area is characterized by quartzite peak forest landforms, primeval forests, and abundant hydrological landscapes. Integrating natural elements such as mountains, water, stones, and forests, it enjoys the reputation of "Tianjin's North Pole" and "Jingdong Green Treasure House". The total area of the scenic area is over 1,000 hectares, with a forest coverage rate of more than 90%, featuring numerous natural landscapes such as various peaks, canyons, waterfalls, and streams. The main peak, Limutai Mountain, within the area has an altitude of 997 meters, making it the second highest peak in Tianjin. In addition, there are some historical relics remaining in the scenic area, where natural and cultural landscapes blend with each other, forming unique tourism resources.
History and Culture
Jizhou District, where Limutai Scenic Area is located, has a long history, with traces of human activities as early as the Neolithic Age. The area around the scenic spot was an important military fortress in ancient times. Due to its location at the junction of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, it was a place where multiple ethnic groups merged and a strategic point contested by military forces in history.
Some mountain rocks in the scenic area retain traces of ancient ancestors' activities. Although no large-scale ancient buildings have been found, the folk culture of the surrounding villages interacts with the natural environment of the scenic area, forming a unique regional culture. There are many folk legends related to mountains and waters circulating locally, which add a mysterious historical color to the scenic area and also reflect the local people's reverence and utilization of nature.
Main Attractions
Yixiantian (One-Line Sky)
Yixiantian is a famous canyon landscape in Limutai Scenic Area. The canyon is about 100 meters long, and the narrowest part can only allow one person to pass sideways. The stone walls on both sides are as steep as knives, reaching tens of meters in height. Looking up, the sky only presents a thin line, hence the name "Yixiantian". The rocks here are quartzite, and this unique landform was formed through long geological processes. Walking through it, one can feel the uncanny craftsmanship of nature.
Dengtianfeng (Climbing to Heaven Crack)
Dengtianfeng is a vertical rock crack, about 60 meters high and only 0.6 meters wide. Visitors can climb along the stone steps in the crack. The stone walls on both sides of the rock crack are smooth and steep. Looking up, it seems to lead to the sky, which is highly challenging and ornamental. During the climbing process, one can experience excitement and thrill, and at the same time, observe the texture and structure of quartzite at close range.
Wuzhishan (Five Fingers Mountain)
Wuzhishan is named because the mountain peak resembles a person's five fingers, with an altitude of about 700 meters. The peak is composed of quartzite, and after weathering, erosion and other processes, it has formed five "fingers" with different heights and lifelike shapes. Standing on the viewing platform and looking into the distance, Wuzhishan looms in the clouds and mist, which is very spectacular and is one of the iconic landscapes in the scenic area.
Limutai Waterfall
Limutai Waterfall is located deep in the scenic area, with a drop of about 30 meters. The water flows down from the top of the cliff, forming the beautiful scenery of "flying down three thousand feet". The waterfall is surrounded by green trees, with fresh air and a high content of negative ions. When the water volume is abundant in summer, the waterfall is magnificent with splashing water; in winter, it may form an ice waterfall, which has a unique charm.
Primeval Forest
The primeval forest in the scenic area covers an area of about 500 hectares, which is one of the relatively well-preserved primary secondary forests in North China. There are various trees such as pine, cypress, oak, and birch growing in the forest, as well as national second-class protected plants such as Phellodendron amurense and Tilia amurensis. Wild animals such as leopards, roe deer, and pheasants inhabit the forest, making it an ideal place for eco-tourism and popular science education.
Food
Jizhou Braised Dish
Jizhou Braised Dish is a local traditional food, made by stewing various ingredients together. Common ingredients include pork belly, Chinese cabbage, tofu, vermicelli, etc. It uses fresh local ingredients and is stewed over low heat to make the flavors of various ingredients blend with each other, with a rich soup and a rich taste. This dish can be tasted in almost all farmyards around Limutai Scenic Area, and it is a good product to keep warm in winter.
Stir-Fried Free-Range Eggs
Stir-Fried Free-Range Eggs uses eggs laid by free-range chickens raised by local farmers. The egg yolks are darker in color and rich in nutrition. It is usually stir-fried simply with chopped green onions, with a tender taste and a strong egg flavor. This dish is simple to make but can reflect the original flavor of the ingredients, and it is a common dish in the farm dishes around the scenic area.
Roast Whole Lamb
Some restaurants around the scenic area offer roast whole lamb. It uses local goats, which are marinated and then roasted over charcoal fire. The roasted whole lamb has a crispy outer skin and tender meat. After sprinkling with cumin, chili and other seasonings, the taste is more fragrant. It is usually suitable for consumption when many people dine together and is a main dish at local banquets.
Wild Vegetables
Various wild vegetables are abundant around Limutai Scenic Area, such as shepherd's purse, purslane, bitter herbs, etc. These wild vegetables mostly grow in the mountains and forests, are naturally pollution-free, and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Common cooking methods include cold mixing and stir-frying. They have a refreshing taste and a unique wild flavor, which is a good choice for tourists who pursue healthy eating.
Tickets
The ticket price is 70 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "梨木台" to get the latest news or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours
The opening hours will be adjusted according to the season. The opening hours in the peak season (April 1st - October 31st) are 8:00-17:30; the opening hours in the off-season (November 1st - March 31st of the next year) are 8:30-16:30. It is recommended that tourists check the official information of the scenic area before traveling to avoid affecting their travel plans due to time adjustments.
Tour Route
A classic one-day tour route is recommended: After entering from the scenic area entrance, first visit Yixiantian (One-Line Sky) to experience the steepness of the canyon; then head to Dengtianfeng (Climbing to Heaven Crack) to enjoy the fun of climbing; afterwards, go to Wuzhishan (Five Fingers Mountain) to admire the peculiar mountain peak landscape. At noon, you can have meals at the rest area along the way or return to the farmyards near the scenic area entrance. In the afternoon, proceed to Limutai Waterfall to watch the beautiful scenery of the waterfall, and then wander in the primeval forest to enjoy the tranquility of nature. This route is about 8 kilometers in total, with a hiking time of approximately 5-6 hours, allowing you to fully appreciate the main landscapes of the scenic area.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Starting from downtown Tianjin, drive along Jinji Expressway to Jizhou Station, get off the highway, then drive north along Jinwei Highway, pass through Xiaying Town, and follow the road signs to reach Limutai Scenic Area. The whole journey is about 130 kilometers, and the driving time is about 2.5 hours.
- Bus: Take a bus to Xiaying Town at Jizhou District Passenger Station. After arriving in Xiaying Town, you can transfer to a local minibus or taxi to the scenic area. The bus ride is about 1.5 hours.
- Tourist special line: In the peak tourist season, tourist special lines from downtown Tianjin to Limutai Scenic Area will be opened. Tourists can take them at designated places. For specific schedules and times, you can check the official information of the scenic area or travel platforms.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Yixiantian: It is about 100 meters long, and the narrowest part can only allow one person to pass. The stone walls on both sides are steep. It is a very distinctive canyon landscape in the scenic area, which can make people feel the magic of nature.
- Dengtianfeng: It is about 60 meters high and 0.6 meters wide. The vertical rock crack is highly challenging, and the climbing process is exciting and thrilling. It is a must-play item for tourists who like adventures.
- Limutai Waterfall: With a drop of about 30 meters, the water flows down, presenting a spectacular scenery. It is particularly shocking when the water volume is large in summer, and it is the iconic water landscape of the scenic area.
- Primeval Forest: Covering an area of about 500 hectares, it preserves rich animal and plant resources. Strolling in it can let you feel the charm of the original ecology, which is suitable for leisure and popular science experience.
Travel Suggestions
- It is recommended to spend 1-2 days for the tour. If time permits, you can stay in a farmyard around the scenic area for one night to experience rural life.
- There are many mountain roads in the scenic area, so it is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes for walking and climbing.
- When visiting in summer, you need to take sun protection measures, such as bringing a sun hat and sunscreen; in autumn, you need to pay attention to keeping warm and bring a coat.
- It is recommended to carry sufficient drinking water and some snacks with you to supplement energy during the tour.
- You can bring a camera or mobile phone to record the beautiful scenery of the scenic area, especially the iconic landscapes such as Wuzhishan and the waterfall.
Matters Needing Attention
- The mountain roads in the scenic area are steep, and some sections are relatively slippery. When visiting, you need to pay attention to safety, abide by the safety regulations of the scenic area, and do not deviate from the tourist route without authorization.
- Take good care of the environment of the scenic area. Do not litter at will, pick plants, or harm wild animals, so as to protect the ecological balance.
- Mobile phone signals are weak in some areas of the scenic area. It is recommended to keep in touch with your companions to avoid getting separated.
- In thunderstorm weather, you should avoid staying on the top of the mountain or in open areas to prevent lightning strikes. You can take shelter in a nearby rain shelter.
- Abide by the opening hours of the scenic area, arrange your travel itinerary reasonably, and avoid staying in the scenic area after closing.