Shidu Scenic Area: Discover Beijing’s Karst Caves, Juma River Rafting, and Gushan Village Adventures

1. Why Choose Shidu Scenic Area? — A Collision of Geological Wonders and Revolutionary History

• Rich Historical Value: The area has two core historical sites: first, the Pingxi Anti-Japanese Memorial Hall(built in 1985 on original wartime sites, with authentic artifacts and photos), which was the command center of the Pingxi Anti-Japanese Base in 1938, witnessing the collaboration between the Eighth Route Army and local residents during the war; second, over 10 ancient Ming and Qing bridges along the Juma River (such as Taipingzhuang Ancient Stone Bridge and Shidu Old Bridge), some dating back to the mid-Ming Dynasty. These were vital transport routes connecting southwest Beijing to Hebei.
• Large Scale and Well-Preserved: Shidu stretches about 20 km, covering 18 river crossings (the term “Shidu” literally means “Ten Crossings,” but includes 18 in total) with a total area of 301 sq km. The core scenic spots include Gushan Village, Legu Silver Beach, and Donghu Port, among 12 unique areas. Historically, the Juma River made this a key commercial route during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with ancient ports bustling with merchant ships, serving as the “southwest Beijing logistics hub.”

2. Suggested Itinerary — 3 Days 2 Nights to Explore Shidu

• Location and Transportation: Located in the southwest of Fangshan District, Beijing, about 2 hours by car from downtown. Self-driving is convenient via the Jingkun Expressway (G5), followed by gentle mountain roads with clear signage. Public transport: take Metro Line 9 to Liuliqiao Station, then transfer to Bus 917(direct to Shidu Scenic Area, ~2.5 hours). Inside the scenic area, no mandatory shuttle is needed; you can drive, take a taxi (starting at 10 RMB), or ride the sightseeing bus (20 RMB per person per trip).
• Recommended Routes:
  • One-Day Tour (6–7 hours): Arrive at Gushan Village at 9:00 AM (hike through One-Line Sky and the Ancient Riverbed, ~2 hours), have lunch at a local farmhouse; 1:30 PM enjoy Juma River Rafting (1.5 hours), 3:30 PM visit Legu Silver Beach for the Glass Skywalk (1 hour), return at 5:00 PM.
  • Two-Day Tour: Day 1: Gushan Village + Rafting + Glass Skywalk, overnight at a Shidu town guesthouse; Day 2: Morning climb Donghu Port (take the cable car to see waterfalls, 2 hours), afternoon Pingxi Anti-Japanese Memorial Hall (1 hour), return by evening.
• Family-Friendly Design: Perfect for children and elderly! Gentle trails at Gushan Village and Donghu Portallow breaks; Donghu Port has a cable car (single trip 50 RMB, 10 minutes) to avoid tiring hikes; Juma Riveroffers “family rafting” with slow speeds and safety guides; resting benches and accessible paths are everywhere.

3. Practical Information — Must-Know Before Departure

• Tickets and Prices: Individual tickets: Gushan Village 40 RMB, Legu Silver Beach 60 RMB (including Glass Skywalk), Donghu Port 50 RMB; rafting 120–150 RMB per person depending on river sections. Recommended: “Ticket + Rafting” combo ~180 RMB (saves ~30 RMB). Tickets can be purchased online via Meituan or Dianping (no ticket exchange, scan QR to enter), or at on-site counters.
• Opening Hours & Reservations: Peak season (Apr–Oct) 8:00–18:00, off-season (Nov–Mar) 9:00–17:00. Peak season (especially Jul–Aug summer vacation, May Day / National Day) requires 1-day advance online booking. Daily visitor limit: 20,000.
• Guides and Interpretation: Core attractions (Gushan Village, Pingxi Anti-Japanese Memorial Hall) have bilingual signs and descriptions; audio guides available in English (30 RMB per device, deposit 200 RMB). English guided tours at the memorial hall at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily (book via the official WeChat account).
• Dining Options: On-site restaurants (Gushan Village, Legu Silver Beach entrance) feature Shidu Farmhouse Cuisine, including grilled rainbow trout, flatbread with stewed chicken, and fried Sichuan pepper sprouts, all with English menus. In Shidu town, over 20 restaurants serve dishes from 50 RMB per person (home-style) to 100 RMB (specialty dishes). Some guesthouses offer farmhouse BBQ parties (reservation required).

4. Travel Tips — Enhance Your Experience

• All-Season Scenic Beauty: Best times: Apr–May (blooming flowers, 15–25°C, ideal for hiking and birdwatching) and Sep–Oct (clear autumn skies, golden peaks, rafting without sunburn). Summer (Jun–Aug) for rafting and camping (bring sun hat and sunglasses). Winter (Dec–Feb) is quiet, with frozen waterfalls ideal for atmospheric photos.
• Weather Surprises: Sunny days are perfect for Glass Skywalk reflections (best at 10 AM). 1–2 hours after rain, especially in summer, rainbows appear over Juma River (>70% probability). Morning (6:30–7:30) atop Donghu Port sometimes offers canyon sea of clouds, more frequent in autumn and winter.

5. Why Foreign Travelers Will Love It — Hits Western Preferences

• Outdoor Adventure: Rock climbing, rafting, hiking, and camping are highly appealing for Western visitors. “Rafting through karst canyons” and “climbing sheer cliffs” offer experiences far beyond ordinary city parks, perfect for shareable photos.
• Unique Geology: Shidu’s karst peaks are distinct from typical Western landscapes like plains or forests. Fossils in the rock layers and the One-Line Sky formations are both educational and photogenic, great for family trips.
• Historical Depth: Pingxi Anti-Japanese Memorial Hall offers English tours and authentic artifacts, letting visitors understand modern Chinese history. The mix of red culture + natural scenery tells a richer story than monuments alone.
• No Language Barriers: Bilingual signage, audio guides, English menus, and staff with basic English ensure smooth communication. Even guesthouse hosts can recommend English-friendly routes.

6. Conclusion — Unlock the “Hidden Canyon of North China”!

Escape the city noise while experiencing China’s geological wonders and revolutionary history. At Shidu, ride the rapids on Juma River, hike among karst peaks, and touch history on ancient stone bridges — Beijing’s own “canyon romance.” Pack your hiking shoes and camera, and make your China trip unforgettable with a Shidu canyon adventure!