Dujiuyu Scenic Area

Dujiuyu Scenic Area

Dujiuyu Scenic Area is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Destination Introduction

Dujiuyu is situated about 4 kilometers northwest of the Ming Tombs in Changping District. It is a granite formation created by strong tectonic movements in the ancient Yan-Yong region over 100 million years ago and has naturally evolved into a scenic wonder over millions of years. Within its rugged, winding 3-kilometer valley, the area is covered with rare flowers, exotic plants, steep peaks, and strange rocks, radiating a strong wild beauty. The steep cliffs rise on both sides of Dujiuyu, with a stream flowing through the middle, earning it the nickname “Little Three Gorges of Northern Beijing.”

The Dujiuyu Valley stretches 3 kilometers and is famed for its peculiar peaks, unusual rocks, and ever-flowing clear waters. The scenic area features jagged cliffs and oddly shaped rocks. Climb up to the “Listening to the Zither Platform,” where water strikes stone and plunges into a clear pool—sometimes in majestic torrents, other times like “large and small pearls dropping onto a jade plate,” creating an unbroken melody reminiscent of celestial music, as if “such tunes are meant only for heaven.”

Springs abound throughout Dujiuyu, with clear pools and waterfalls connected by meandering streams that weave through rocks and ravines. This is one of the few places in the suburbs of Beijing where the water never freezes, even in winter. The most spectacular sight is the Golden Gorge, where the narrowest parts of the valley feature towering cliffs resembling fortresses. Highlights of the Golden Gorge include the “Heavenly Cave Gorge,” “Immortal Fishing Gorge,” and “Group of Dragons Drinking Water Gorge,” each a scene within a scene. Though no giant trees tower over the valley, greenery flourishes atop peaks, along ridges, in rock crevices, and beside streams—lush grasses that seem like casual brushstrokes adding splendor to the mountain scenery.

Though no towering trees dominate the valley, greenery thrives atop peaks, along ridges, in rock crevices, and beside streams—lush grasses that seem like casual strokes adding brilliance to the mountain hues. Around May Day each year, wildflowers bloom across the valley, filling the air with fragrance, the mountains turning lush, and the waters lively. In the rainy season of July and August, walking along the water offers a unique delight. Come August and September, the valley is laden with fruit—peaches and plums weighing down the branches—free for visitors to pick at will.

The scenic area is divided into four sections with over 50 viewing spots: “Zither Melody Greets Guests,” “High Gorge and Calm Current,” “Golden Gorge Splendor,” and “Dragon Pool Secluded Valley.” Starting from the southern entrance of the scenic area, a 600-meter-long valley greets you with the crisp sound of flowing water and the rhythmic clatter of water striking stone—like fingers plucking zither strings to welcome visitors, creating an echo that seems to linger in the valley for three days. The High Gorge and Calm Current section captivates with its stunning beauty. The Golden Gorge Splendor area is the most mesmerizing, with the valley alternating between wide and narrow stretches—wide sections dotted with serene pools and gentle flows, narrow parts featuring steep slopes and rapid currents, with cliffs soaring skyward, rivaling the grandeur of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze. Upon reaching the Dragon Pool Secluded Valley, you can sit on the smooth rocks by the pool, surrounded by towering peaks and exotic flowers reflected in the mirror-like waters. As the saying goes: “Sit by the Dragon Pool, face the surrounding peaks; to grasp the charm of this place, look no further than the pool itself.”

Best Travel Time: The optimal period to visit is from April to October.

Address: Changling Town, Changping District, Beijing

Recommended Visit Duration: About 2 hours

Ticket Information:

Gate Price: 20.0 RMB

Opening Hours

Peak Season: 8:00–17:00

Off-Season: 8:00–17:00

Transportation

Take bus routes 345 Branch, 345, 845, or 919 to Changping, then transfer to Changping Route 5 directly to the scenic area.

By car: Take the Beijing-Changping Expressway, exit at Changping Roundabout, and follow signs toward the Ming Tombs to arrive.