Longqing Gorge

Longqing Gorge

Longqing Gorge is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Lesser Three Gorges surpass the real Three Gorges in beauty, with mountains even more precipitous.

The Lesser Li River outshines the real Li River, with water even clearer.

This couplet was composed by visitors to Longqing Gorge, perhaps capturing the essence of these stunning landscapes; or perhaps the deeper feelings and insights are too profound for just a couplet to express. But Longqing Gorge is simply Longqing Gorge, it possesses the grace and elegance of southern landscapes, while retaining the boldness and rugged masculinity of the north. It is a masterpiece that blends the best of both, emerging as a radiant jewel beyond the Great Wall...

Taking a boat ride through Longqing Gorge is like slowly unfurling a long scroll painting of mountains and waters.

The charm of the Li River greets you at once, and you find yourself immersed in the scenery everywhere. The mountains stand in layered ridges, undulating and majestic, their shapes evoking meaning and their forms inspiring names. Nature’s grand craftsmanship has created over 30 scenic spots such as the Mountain-Bounding Buddha, Bell Mountain, Phoenix Crown Island, East Big Stockade, and Moon Bay. Infused with human emotion, the landscape takes on character and spirit. The water is a clear, emerald flow, winding gracefully, vibrant with hues and soft with tenderness, framing the mountain reflections and bird shadows, embracing the sky and clouds. The mountains curve with the water, the water flows through the mountains—truly, “where cliffs rise, paths seem lost; when clouds part, new skies appear.”

In summer, Longqing Gorge enjoys cool weather and fresh air, with temperatures 6°C lower than downtown Beijing, and even 0.8°C cooler than Chengde’s Mountain Resort. In deep winter, the long freezing period brings exceptional cold, giving birth to the marvel of ice lantern art. The canyon becomes a world of ice sculptures, a paradise of northern ice and snow.

The footprints of history, ancient temples and monasteries nestled among the mountains, add an antique bronze hue to this bright dreamscape of landscapes, enhancing its sense of timelessness and depth. The Temple of Immortals stands atop a solitary peak, encircled by mountains. In 1998, it was restored to its Ming Dynasty splendor. Amidst the misty clouds and lush trees, tiered platforms climb the mountainside, with halls and pavilions arranged in orderly rows, green tiles and red walls gleaming with gold and blue... The Jade Emperor Summit offers a view from above all other peaks, its main hall majestic with double eaves and nine ridges. A Qing Dynasty visitor once wrote, “A thousand peaks rise before my eyes, a myriad valleys sink behind me.” Leaning on the railing, you gaze down at the perilous bends of the canyon, then look out to see waves of peaks like flowing ink, the Guichuan Valley shrouded in mist, evoking the feeling of riding the wind and ascending to immortality. Deep in the gorge lies the Vajra Temple, hidden between North and South Diamond Mountains, serene and secluded, with soaring upturned eaves, carved roof tiles, towering halls, and painted pillars. An ancient temple lies hidden in the deep mountains, its bell echoing through the valley...

Longqing Gorge holds a legend at every turn, a tale with every step, enriching the imagination with wonder and leaving mysteries lingering in suspense.

Longqing Gorge offers recreational facilities that harmonize with its landscape themes. At the mouth of the gorge, a 258-meter-long golden dragon hangs upside down from the cliffs, its scales glinting and claws outstretched—this is the Asian No. 1 Dragon Elevator. Riders ascend almost unnoticed, arriving at the boat dock. There’s also the thrilling zip line soaring overhead, and the heart-pounding cliff bungee jumping—exciting to try, hard to resist.

Take the cable car, and you may dream of immortals, instantly arriving at the Jade Emperor Summit. Walk through the 300-meter-long Hundred Flowers Fairy Cave, and you traverse the landscapes of China’s south and north, experiencing all four seasons. The China Mountaineering Association has established and named Longqing Gorge as its official rock climbing and ice climbing training base, successfully hosting the “Longqing Gorge Cup” 7th National Rock Climbing Championship, where many Chinese athletes pushed the limits of life. Finally, ride the Foster Twin-Track Slide spanning the valley mouth, like gliding on a beautiful rainbow, carried by the wind, through illusions, and with just the right thrill, returning from the fairyland of Longqing Gorge to reality.

Longqing Gorge offers top-tier service facilities, including accommodation, dining, conference hosting, and entertainment—all fully equipped and with excellent service.

Since opening to tourism in 1984, Longqing Gorge has welcomed tens of millions of domestic and international visitors, including Chinese party and state leaders such as [names omitted], and foreign guests like the President of Seychelles, among others who have left inscriptions in commemoration.

In 1998, Longqing Gorge joined Beijing Holdings Company. As one of the “Sixteen Scenic Spots of Beijing,” it entered a new era...

Scenic Area Rating: 4A

Scenic Area Category: Natural

Opening Hours: Mid-April to mid-November; Ice Lanterns: January 1 to end of February

Address: North of Gucheng Village, Jiuxian Town, Yanqing County

Phone: 69191034

Website: http://www.bjlongqingxia.com.cn/

Prices

First-entry Ticket: 40 RMB/person

Transportation

By Car: Take the Beijing–Lhasa Expressway to Yanqing County, then follow National Highway 110 and signs to Longqing Gorge

By Bus: Take Bus 919 (suburban line) from Deshengmen Archway (departing every 5 minutes), get off in Yanqing County, then transfer to Bus 920 Loop Line to Longqing Gorge

Nearby Attractions

Nearby Scenic Areas: Pingbei Anti-Japanese War Memorial, Yudu Mountain, Ancient Cliff Dwellings, Shanrong Exhibition Hall

Gucheng Village: Gucheng Folk Culture Village is located in Jiuxian Town, Yanqing District, boasting a long history with settlement dating back to the Western Han Dynasty. Two of Yanqing’s ancient Eight Scenic Spots—“Mist-Shrouded Trees of the Ancient Town” and “Emerald Peaks in Array”—are situated within the village area. Here, strange peaks rise densely, and winding waters flow through secluded depths. Leveraging the natural landscape of the “Little Li River Beyond the Great Wall”—Longqing Gorge—and its uniquely advantageous location, the village has seen vigorous development in its distinctive folk tourism industry. In 1999, it was listed among the city-level specialized folk tourism villages. The village currently has over 100 folk tourism households, capable of accommodating 1,500 visitors for food and lodging simultaneously. Visitors here can go fruit picking, fishing, horse riding, as well as try their hand at operating a millstone or a well pulley… More details about Gucheng Village ++