Qinglongxia Tourist Resort

1. The Perfect Blend of History and Natural Wonders

• Rich Historical Value: The core of the resort, the Dashuiyu Pass section of the Great Wall, was built during the Ming Dynasty under Emperor Yongle (1403–1424). It served as a critical military stronghold defending against northern nomadic tribes and remains largely original, with bricks and stones showing six centuries of weathering.
• Large Scale and Well Preserved: Covering 15 square kilometers, the resort includes the canyon, reservoir, and Great Wall areas. The Ming-era Great Wall section stretches about 2 km, featuring 3 watchtowers and a gate ruin, with walls reaching up to 8 meters. The Qinglongxia Reservoir, completed in 1976 with a capacity of 14.8 million cubic meters, complements the natural canyon scenery, demonstrating the harmony of ancient water engineering and landscapes.
• Cultural Significance: A local legend tells of a blue dragon appearing during drought to bring water to the fields, giving the canyon its name, “Qinglongxia” (Blue Dragon Canyon). The Great Wall exhibits remarkable architectural wisdom: watchtowers serve as lookouts, storage, and defense posts, while the walls follow the terrain and integrate natural rock. Locals also maintain the “Mountain God Worship” ritual each spring at the base of the wall.

2. Suggested Itineraries

• Location and Transportation: Located in Huairou District, Beijing, about 1.5 hours from downtown. Driving via Jingcheng Expressway is straightforward, with ample parking. Public transport: take Subway Line 13 to Dongzhimen, transfer to Bus 916 to Huairou Bus Station, then Bus H25 directly to the entrance. Shuttle buses within the resort are optional.
• Recommended Routes:
  • One-Day Trip (6–8 hours): Arrive at 8:30 AM, take the sightseeing bus to the Great Wall entrance, hike the Wall (2 hours, or use cable car to save energy). Lunch at the resort’s farmhouse restaurant. Afternoon: cruise the reservoir (1 hour), then enjoy rafting or rock climbing (2 hours). Return by 5:00 PM.
  • Two-Day Trip: Day 1 – hike the Wall and cruise the reservoir, overnight at a nearby farmhouse. Day 2 – hike the canyon and birdwatch in the morning, try water biking or bungee jumping in the afternoon, return in the evening.
• Family-Friendly Design: Gentle trails and a cable car on the Wall (15 minutes one-way) accommodate elderly and children. Canyon paths are mostly paved, with no steep sections. Children can use dedicated “family rafting boats,” and resting benches are available throughout.

3. Practical Information

• Tickets and Prices: Entry: 54 RMB (peak season Apr–Oct), 40 RMB (off-season Nov–Mar). Cable car: 80 RMB one-way, 150 RMB round-trip. Reservoir cruise: 60 RMB/person; rafting: 150 RMB/person. Recommended: “Entry + Cable Car + Cruise” combo ticket (260 RMB) for better value. Purchase online via Ctrip, Dianping, or at the ticket counter.
• Opening Hours & Booking: Peak season 8:00–17:30, off-season 8:30–17:00. Advance online booking recommended during holidays, as daily visitor limit is 15,000.
• Guides & Interpretation: All signage is bilingual (Chinese-English). English audio guides available at the entrance (30 RMB, deposit 200 RMB). Free English-speaking guides available at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM (reserve via WeChat).

4. Travel Tips

• Best Seasons: April–May for blooming flowers (15–25°C), ideal for hiking and birdwatching. September–October for autumn colors and stunning reservoir sunsets. Summer (Jun–Aug) for rafting and camping—sun protection required. Winter (Dec–Feb) offers snow-covered Great Wall scenes, perfect for photography.
• Weather Surprises: Sunny mornings are ideal for Great Wall sunrises (6:30–7:00 AM). After rain, early mornings often reveal clouds in the canyon, creating a fairy-tale landscape. Summer thunderstorms may bring rainbows over the reservoir.

5. Why Foreign Tourists Will Love It

• Outdoor Activities: Hiking, climbing, camping, rafting—perfect for visitors seeking “nature adventure.” Hiking the Wall here is unique and memorable.
• Historical Depth: The Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Qinglongxia offers a “less crowded” experience compared to Badaling, letting visitors touch authentic Ming-era bricks and learn military history with English commentary.
• Distinct Natural Scenery: High mountain canyon + reservoir + Wall differs from typical forests or lakes abroad, offering impressive photo opportunities.
• Language-Friendly Services: Bilingual signs, English guides, and menus make the visit smooth. Staff can assist with tickets and directions in basic English.

6. Unlock the Charm of “Mountain & Water Great Wall”

For travelers seeking both China’s historical depth and natural beauty, Qinglongxia is the perfect destination. Overlook the blue reservoir from the Ming Great Wall, feel the refreshing canyon rafting, and camp under the stars. Pack your hiking shoes and camera to create your own “China travel memory” in Beijing’s unique landscape.