Daqinggou in Tongliao

Daqinggou in Tongliao

Daqinggou is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

In the western desert of the vast Horqin Grassland lies a massive 24-kilometer-long desert canyon. The upper and lower parts of the canyon are lush with trees and blooming flowers; at the bottom, thousands of gurgling springs form a long, clear stream. The canyon banks are overgrown with trees and grasses, where evergreen and deciduous trees coexist, tall trees mix with shrubs, and flowers are interspersed with greenery. The stream runs alongside pristine sand dunes. This is the desert wonder known as the "Green Pearl of the Horqin Sandy Land"—the Daqinggou National Nature Reserve.

It is located within Horqin Left Rear Banner, 200 kilometers from Shenyang, 80 kilometers from downtown Tongliao, and covers a total area of 125,000 mu.

The reserve is the only well-preserved original forest in the Horqin Sandy Land at the same latitude. The area features vegetation from three floristic regions: Mongolian, North China, and Changbai Mountain. With complex terrain, dense forests, diverse tree species, and abundant water resources, it preserves a rich variety of wildlife. The reserve boasts 673 species of vascular plants across 105 families and 348 genera, including 17 species of ferns (10 families, 11 genera), 6 species of gymnosperms (2 families, 4 genera), and 650 species of angiosperms (93 families, 333 genera). Nationally protected second-class plants include Manchurian ash, walnut, Amur cork tree, purple linden, and eleuthero. The area is home to many bird species beneficial to agriculture, forestry, and animal husbandry, including 38 species of insect-eating birds such as woodpeckers, black-naped orioles, cuckoos, swallows, owls, shrikes, skylarks, willow warblers, reed warblers, steppe eagles, vultures, and falcons. Predators of harmful rodents like foxes, sand foxes, weasels, raccoon dogs, and steppe polecats also inhabit the region. Other wild animals include wolves, badgers, raccoon dogs, mountain hares, sand partridges, pheasants, grey cranes, and hedgehogs. The area also has abundant water resources, with fish species such as carp, crucian carp, silver carp, catfish, grass carp, and snakehead found in streams and ponds.

The park features two main canyons, Daqinggou and Xiaoqinggou, running north-south in a "Y" shape. The canyons stretch 24 kilometers, are about 100 meters deep, and 200–300 meters wide. Over 700 plant species and 170 animal species have been identified here, making it a natural treasure trove of flora and fauna. With its deep canyons and dense forests, the area boasts unique scenery and is known as the "Oasis in the Desert." The landscape of Daqinggou is bizarre and spectacular. The primeval forests at the bottom of the canyon are filled with exotic flowers and trees, a true natural wonder in the desert. May brings apricot blossoms, June mulberries, and August hawthorns—life’s vitality shines everywhere. Spring sees blooming flowers, summer offers shaded greenery, autumn paints the maples fiery red, and winter fills the air with mist. Visiting here gives you a feeling of returning to nature. The climate in Daqinggou is very pleasant, making it an ideal destination for tourism, summer retreats, leisure, and vacation. In the peak of summer, when the surrounding 800-li (400 km) desert is scorching hot, stepping into Daqinggou—especially the canyon bottom—brings instant relief from the heat and a refreshing sense of well-being. In winter, while the north is frozen under snow, the canyon bottom remains spring-like, with bubbling springs and even hints of green life. At the Sanchakou junction, a magnificent scene unfolds before you. From a high vantage point, the Daqinggou and Xiaoqinggou canyons resemble two giant pythons converging in a "V" shape, with vast forests creating a grand and imposing atmosphere. Looking down into the canyon, patches of tender green rice fields stand out against the dark green woods, offering a taste of Jiangnan (southern China) charm in the north.

Daqinggou offers unique tourism experiences that develop without damaging the ecological environment or original landscape. Current attractions include drifting adventures, desert exploration, grassland horse racing, and cultural experiences. The area is divided into three scenic zones: the Daqinggou Panoramic View Zone, Sanchakou Drifting Adventure Zone, and Xiaoqing Lake Resort Zone. A full tour takes two days. For a one-day trip, highlights include panoramic views of Daqinggou, Buddha’s light spectacle, horseback riding on green fields, Mongolian-style hunting, exploring the primeval forest, and relaxing on natural sandy beaches. For a two-day trip, activities include drifting adventures, grassland ballads, desert exploration, fishing at Xiaoqing Lake, and grassland bonfires.

Located in the Horqin Sandy Land of the southern West Liao River Basin, the canyon preserves precious mixed broadleaf forests. The upper part consists of sandy grasslands and sparse woods, forming a striking contrast with the vast, endless sandy dunes around. The area has a complex floristic composition, with 767 species of higher plants, including nationally protected species such as Manchurian ash, walnut, and gastrodia. The reserve’s unique geographical location and dense forests have earned it the title of “The Oasis in the 800-li Arid Land.”

Towering ancient trees densely cover the canyon, while the forest floor is dotted with exotic flowers and grasses. Rare birds and animals inhabit the woods, and springs gurgle year-round at the valley bottom. The streams formed by these springs remain unfrozen throughout the year, often shrouded in mist. Though “small,” Xiaoqinggou showcases another stunning scene with its lake and mountain views. At the confluence of the Daqinggou and Xiaoqinggou canyons, where three streams merge, the emerald waters meet the sky, and the serene valley is breathtakingly beautiful. The reserve is surrounded by rolling sandy grasslands, making its pleasant scenery, unique landforms, diverse species, and rustic grassland landscapes unforgettable for visitors seeking summer retreats, vacations, or scientific exploration. After more than a decade of large-scale development, the reserve now has comprehensive facilities for sightseeing, transportation, communication, accommodation, dining, shopping, and entertainment, capable of hosting large numbers of domestic and international tourists. In recent years, visitor numbers have grown by about 20% annually. The ancient and magical Daqinggou, with its pristine natural landscapes and cultural attractions, welcomes every nature lover into its dreamlike embrace.

Address: 25 km southwest of Ganqika Town, Horqin Left Rear Banner, Tongliao City

Type: Forest, lakes, outdoor sports, rafting

Rating: AAAA

Recommended visiting time: 1 day

Ticket information:

Gate price: 50.0 RMB

Ganqika Town: 150522100001 121 Minzu Community First Neighborhood Committee

150522100002 121 Minzu Community Second Neighborhood Committee

150522100003 121 Tiedong Community First Neighborhood Committee

150522100004 121 Tiedong Community Second Neighborhood Committee

150522100005 121 Tixi Community Neighborhood Committee

150522100006 121 Tuanyi Road Community Neighborhood Committee

150522100…… Ganqika Town detailed information++