Qinglong Gorge
Qinglong Gorge, located 75 km northeast of Beijing in Huairou District, is a 150-hectare National AAAA scenic spot combining green mountains, clear waters, and ancient Great Wall relics. Divided by a dam into four zones, it offers water activities, adventure sports, and cultural exploration. The gorge’s name derives from a local legend of a "green dragon" inhabiting its pools, while its modern appeal lies in its blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities.
Historical Overview
- Ancient Legacy: The Dashuiyu Pass of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall (built 1403–1424) runs through the area, connecting to Simatai and Badaling sections.
- Modern Development: The Dashuiyu Reservoir, constructed in 1972, transformed the gorge into a tourist destination. It was officially opened in 1996 and later designated a National Water Conservancy Scenic Spot.
- Cultural Fusion: The site merges natural landscapes with human engineering, exemplified by its dam-created lake and preserved Great Wall sections.
Structural Layout
The gorge is divided into four zones by a central dam:
- Southern Shoal Area: A 1m-deep water zone for bamboo rafting, kayaking, and bumping boats.
- Northern Longxia Lake: A 70-hectare reservoir with speedboats, dragon boats, and an artificial beach.
- Western Mount Qinglong: Features a 800m cable car ride (369m drop) and Ming Dynasty Great Wall ruins.
- Eastern Amusement Zone: Offers bungee jumping (70m), rock climbing (25m), and rapid descent (28m).
Major Attractions
- Spillway Waterfall: A 50m-high, 12m-wide cascade active during July–August monsoons.
- Longxia Lake Cruises: Scenic boat tours past landmarks like "Fairyland in Mist" and "Golden Toad Watching the Moon."
- Mount Qinglong Cable Car: A 10-minute ride offering panoramic views of the Great Wall and surrounding valleys.
- Adventure Sports: Bungee jumping, rock climbing, and zip-lining for thrill-seekers.
- Ming Dynasty Great Wall: Well-preserved watchtowers and ruins near the western peak.
Suggested Itineraries
- Half-Day Family Tour (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Southern Shoal (rafting) → Longxia Lake cruise → Dam spillway viewing.
Highlight: Relaxing water activities and scenic lake views. - Full-Day Adventure Tour (6–7 hours):
Entrance → Bungee jumping/rock climbing → Mount Qinglong cable car → Great Wall exploration → Longxia Lake sunset cruise.
Add-on: Dinner at the on-site Longxia Restaurant (local fish specialties). - Cultural & Nature Tour (Full Day):
Morning: Ming Dynasty Great Wall hike.
Afternoon: Longxia Lake tour + spillway photography.
Evening: Return to Beijing via bus.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via Ctrip or the official WeChat mini-program.
- On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance; limited availability during peak seasons.
- Prices:
- Peak Season (April–October): ¥54 (adults), ¥27 (students/seniors).
- Off-Season (November–March): ¥40 (adults), ¥20 (students/seniors).
- Free: Children under 1.2m.
Transportation
- By Bus: From Dongzhimen Hub Station, take Bus 866/916 to Miaocheng Dong, then transfer to Bus H58 to Qinglongxia. Special tourist buses depart at 8:30 AM (¥30 one-way).
- By Car: 1.5-hour drive from Beijing via G6 Beijing-Tibet Expressway → S11 Qinghai-Xinjiang Expressway.
- Guided Tours: Day trips from Beijing (¥200–300/person, includes transport and entry).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Season: April–October (ideal for water sports and foliage).
- Avoid Crowds: Weekdays; arrive early (8:30 AM opening).
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes for hiking and water shoes for rafting.
- Bring sunscreen, hats, and extra clothing (temperatures drop near water).
- Respect wildlife: No feeding animals or littering.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
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May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
