Jiulongtan Natural Scenic Area

Jiulongtan Natural Scenic Area

The Jiulongtan Scenic Area is located in the southwestern part of Xinglong County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. National Highway 112 and the Jinwei Road pass by the northern side of the scenic area. It is 13 kilometers from Xinglong County and approximately 150 kilometers from surrounding major cities such as Beijing and Tianjin. This scenic area is a canyon-type natural park, where the majestic and rugged gorges were shaped during the mountain-building tectonic activities 140 million years ago. The area boasts a blend of wonder, beauty, seclusion, and danger, with mysterious and captivating scenery.

The scenic area officially opened to the public in 1997, covering a total area of over 30 square kilometers. It features crisscrossing canyons, high mountains, dense forests, deep pools, and a string of streams and ponds, renowned for its “canyons and deep pools.” Nine deep pools are distributed along the trend of the canyon, hence the name Jiulongtan (Nine Dragons Pool), derived from the legend of the dragon’s nine sons. The scenic area mainly consists of two parts: the Jiulongtan Grand Canyon and the Antelope Canyon, with a total length of about 8 kilometers and a width of 10–30 meters. The sheer cliffs on both sides rise up to over 100 meters high.

The Jiulongtan Natural Scenic Area is rich in flora and fauna. It was once part of the sealed-off mountainous area behind the Eastern Qing Tombs, known as the “Imperial Fengshui Reserve.” The mountain area is covered with semi-primitive secondary forests and is hailed as the “Green Treasure House of Eastern Beijing.” Here, the mountains are high and the forests dense, with uniquely shaped peaks and beautiful rocks, crisscrossing canyons, and interconnected streams and pools. The winding paths lead to serene spots, offering pleasant scenery. In spring, the warm breeze brings vitality as countless trees flourish and mountain flowers bloom, resembling a paradise on earth. In summer, thousands of waterfalls cascade down, green trees provide ample shade, and cool breezes blow, creating a heavenly scene. In autumn, the vibrant colors of red, orange, yellow, and green, along with abundant fruit harvests and refreshing autumn winds, bring joy to the heart. In winter, the mountains dance like silver snakes, draped in a pristine white coat, with glacier-like icefalls and pear blossom-like snow-covered trees, offering a truly delightful sight.

Jiulong Mountain Villa is located at the entrance of the scenic area. It has 40 standard rooms that can accommodate 80 guests and 200 diners at the same time. The villa’s restaurant primarily offers unique farmhouse-style cuisine and can host both tour groups and individual travelers. Entertainment activities such as open-air barbecues, whole lamb roasts, bonfire parties, and fireworks displays are also available. It is an ideal destination for enjoying the canyon scenery.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: Shuanglin Village, Xinglong Town, Xinglong County, Chengde City, Hebei Province

By Bus: Take a minibus from Xinglong County to Qingsongling, then transfer to a smaller bus to reach the scenic area.