Tang County Tanpu Gorge Scenic Area

Tang County Tanpu Gorge Scenic Area

The Tang County Tanpu Gorge Scenic Area is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Tanpu Gorge Scenic Area was formerly known as the Dashiyu Scenic Area. The area features abundant hot springs, pools and waterfalls, unique rock formations, and forest resources. Peaks, rocks, water, passes, and fortresses form a distinctive cultural and natural landscape. Steep cliffs, stone fortresses, waterfalls, hot springs, streams, and lakes are artfully distributed throughout. With large granite bodies in striking shapes, the area offers strong visual appeal. The park is covered with lush pine forests, blanketed in snow in winter and enveloped in misty hues in summer, earning it the title of Tang County’s best ecological valley. It is also home to ancient sections of the Great Wall — the Damaiguan Pass guarded by the loyal Yang family generals during the Song Dynasty, and the Fanjia Fortress once manned by the legendary Tang Dynasty heroine General Fan Lihua. Rich in historical and cultural heritage, it has been praised by tourism experts as the “Waterfall and Rock Leisure Paradise in Southwestern Beijing.”

Tanpu Gorge (formerly Dashiyu) is now a national AAA-level scenic spot and a national forest park. The southwestern part of the scenic area is a nature reserve, with pine forests planted through aerial seeding in the 1970s. There are also vast stretches of wild shrubs such as mountain peach, mountain apricot, azalea, spirea, and wild chrysanthemum, which bloom in vibrant colors all year round.

At the entrance of Duanjiazhuang Village in the central part of Tanpu Valley, there is a maple tree over 1,500 years old, which was named the “King of Maple Trees” by the Tang County People's Government in 2000.

The scenic area features undulating mountains and deep valleys, with geological structures predominantly composed of granite and gneiss. The land surface enjoys good water and soil conservation, resulting in a landscape rich with pools and waterfalls. The water in the area is clear and sweet, and tests have shown it meets national first-class water standards. Additionally, geological surveys have revealed abundant geothermal resources here.

Due to the prevalence of granite and the impact of landslides, massive rocks and pebbles are scattered throughout the area, creating numerous geomorphological landscapes. Attractions such as Shimen Stone, Duiyu Stone, Dianjiangtai (General’s Platform), Immortal Stone, and Lovers’ Valley add endless charm to the scenic area.

The Damaiguan Pass here has a long history. Known for its “majesty, danger, and beauty,” it was called the Damaiguan (Falling Horse Pass). Originally named Hongshang Pass during the Warring States Period, it was called Changshan Pass in the Han Dynasty and Iron Pass in the Northern Wei Dynasty. After the Ming Dynasty, it became commonly known as Damaiguan and, along with Juyongguan and Zijingguan, is referred to as one of the “Inner Three Passes.” It is a key cultural relic protection unit of Hebei Province. In addition, at the highest point on the northern side of the scenic area lies the Fanjia Fortress, said to be where the Tang Dynasty heroine General Fan Lihua once held court as a mountain queen. Numerous legends about General Fan Lihua are still passed down among the local villagers.

Upon entering the scenic area, the first thing that catches your eye is water — whether in pools or cascading streams, the emerald green water is everywhere. After crossing the wooden bridge into the scenic area, the first pool you encounter is Crocodile Pool, where a rugged boulder lies across the water like a crocodile swimming. Across from Crocodile Pool stands a cluster of pavilion-style wooden houses, which blend the charm of southern garden gazebos with the rustic feel of northern mountain village huts, serving as a welcoming rest stop for visitors. Wisps of cooking smoke rise from their pointed roofs. Here, visitors can dine while enjoying the water, with the sound of flowing water mingling with laughter, offering an authentic rural mountain life experience.

Viewing waterfalls is a must-do in Tanpu Gorge. The Longtang Waterfall, Motianya Waterfall, and Feilong Waterfall compose the most majestic and magnificent movements of Tanpu Gorge. They skillfully combine the gentle murmuring flow of heavenly river water with the exuberant rush of cascading falls. During the peak water season in July and August, water from the vast upstream catchment area converges here before suddenly plummeting down, resembling a herd of galloping white horses — a truly spectacular sight.

The beauty of Tanpu Gorge lies in its valleys filled with water; the beauty of its water lies in the pools scattered throughout. Along the way, you’ll find streams, pools, and waterfalls at every turn. Crocodile Pool, Whale Bay, Gourd Pool, Golden Rooster Pool, Jade Dragon Pool, and Seven-Star Pool — each pool is a scenic wonder. Here, crystal-clear waters stretch as far as the eye can see, surrounded by massive rocks everywhere. It’s a world where water and rocks coexist, and every pool or waterfall is intricately connected with the rocks around it.