Bailong River Grand Canyon

Bailong River Grand Canyon

The Namco Grand Canyon is located in the area of the Namco Gerd Monastery in the northern part of Zoige County, about 90 kilometers from the county town. Adjacent to Langmu Temple in Sichuan, the Namco Grand Canyon can be easily reached by following a path upstream along the Bailong River. Not far along, you’ll spot it. The entrance of the canyon is adorned with colorful prayer flags. Looking up, there’s a sense of serene seclusion, as if peering at the sky from the bottom of a well, with rugged, jagged paths winding deeper into the canyon, flanked by abrupt rocky outcrops. On the right side of the canyon entrance, beneath a cliff, lies a cave with a flat, low entrance. In front of the cave, believers often burn juniper incense—this is the legendary Fairy Cave. Exiting the Fairy Cave, on the cliff above the entrance, you’ll find stone holes where immortals were said to have tethered deer, three paw prints left by a tiger leaping over the cave, footprints of the Lotus Buddha, a triangular amulet box for dispelling disasters, and stone holes for praying for sons or daughters—stories of myth and legend are carved all over the cliff face. Across from the Fairy Cave is the Coiled Dragon Cave. Though small, the cave features a clearly visible white dragon carved on its stone slab, depicted as coiled, docile, and serene. Descending from the Coiled Dragon Cave and continuing forward, a dam turns the stream into a small lake, with crystal-clear blue waters. A gentle breeze may drift by without rippling the surface. Walking slowly along the lakeshore, the path narrows until, after rounding the canyon, you reach the headwaters of the stream. The spring water gushes from several springs on either side of the cliff. Locals call this water “Nai Xi” (sacred water), and it marks the source of the Bailong River. Looking upward to the left from the gravel bank, high on the steep mountainside, there’s a cave overlooking the springs. Perched high and commanding, like a crouching tiger—it’s the Tiger Cave. Crossing beyond the source and venturing further inward, sheer cliffs and towering peaks rise dramatically toward the sky. The rocky formations take on myriad shapes, including Eagle Cliff and Pigeon Cave. The scenery inside the canyon is stunning, and the hiking difficulty is relatively low, making it suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels for short treks.

Special Notes

The altitude here is over 3,600 meters. You may notice a distinct shortness of breath when going up or down stairs. Most people experience some headache on the first night of sleep, but it usually subsides afterward—meaning altitude sickness is generally not severe. The weather is noticeably cold, with very strong winds on the mountain. If visiting in summer, bring a jacket as it gets chilly in the early morning and evening. For winter visits, ensure proper cold-weather gear, especially a hat and gloves.

Address: Northern Zoige County, Zoige County, Sichuan Province

Type: Canyon, Cave, River, Spring

Recommended Visit Duration: 4–5 hours

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included within the Gerd Monastery scenic area; the general Gerd Monastery ticket applies.