Discover Jingdong Grand Canyon: History & Adventure in Beijing
Introduction
If you search for Beijing highlights, you’d usually think of the Forbidden City or the Great Wall. But about 80 km northeast lies a whole different world — Jingdong Grand Canyon. In this canyon hide steep cliffs, emerald pools, rustic farms, and red history. Here, both nature and culture shine. You’ll see waterfalls, old war relics, and local village life in one journey.
1. History and Heritage in Jingdong Canyon
Jingdong Grand Canyon is more than just a scenic park — it’s a living history book. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, this area was part of the resistance zone in eastern Hebei. In 1938, the Eighth Route Army set up a local anti-Japanese government in Yuzi Village. The Red Memory Museum at the entrance displays over 200 historic photos and 100 relics from 1938 to 1945. This memorial is now a patriotic education base, letting you reflect on history while touring the canyon.
2. Nature’s Integrity & Scenic Scale
The Jingdong scenic area spans dozens of distinct spots. Broadly it divides into forest ecology area and deep mountain canyon. The full layout is often described as “one main stream, two scenic zones, three phoenix platforms, four viewing decks, five deep pools, six recreation zones.”
Despite war and years passing, the ecosystem remains intact. The plank roads, the five deep ponds, the cliff walls — almost no over-commercial development is visible. Even the relics of the old arms factory stand quietly, silent witnesses to history.
3. Culture, Village Life & Revolution Spirit
Yuzi Village is a classic revolutionary old region. Yet now it also preserves a genuine countryside flavor. Villagers still live off the land, but many now offer rural home stays, local meals, farming experiences, and foraging trips. This cultural blend of red history and earthy village life gives Jingdong Canyon a unique spirit you won’t find in ordinary scenic zones.
4. The “Five Wonders” of Jingdong Canyon
Jingdong Grand Canyon is famous for its five wonders. Each one amazes in its own way:
- Falling Water: A waterfall over 30 meters high plummets into the canyon.
- Sheer Cliffs: Walls soar like vertical blades, daring your gaze.
- Blanket-like Pools: Five natural ponds — some transparent, some deep, some calm, some rushing.
- Plank Road Suspended: Walk on trails hanging mid-air, with dizzying drops below.
- Mirror Lake: Longmen Lake (about 40,000 m²) reflects the peaks like a mirror.
5. Four Seasons to Visit & Best Time
One great thing: Jingdong canyon works in all four seasons.
- Spring: blooms and birds.
- Summer: breeze and shade.
- Autumn: red and golden leaves.
- Winter: ice waterfalls and snow scenes.
Still, the best months are August and September, when weather is mild and colorful.
6. Diverse Activities from Leisure to Adventure
This Beijing canyon offers something for every traveler:
- Aerial cableway: 1,000 m ropeway with 420 m drop connects canyon and Jingtai Mountain.
- Glass plank trails: Over 500 m of trail, 200 m glass portion — thrilling views below.
- Water sports: Longmen Lake’s 7 ha water surface offers boating, speedboats, etc.
- Pine forest rest: Hammocks, tents, gazebos inside quiet pine groves.
- High-wire walking: Challenge your courage safely, originally performed by daredevils.
7. Eco Paradise: The “Green Oxygen Bar”
Jingdong Grand Canyon is often called a “green oxygen bar” near Beijing. Its forest coverage exceeds 90%, with clean air and rich biodiversity. The five pools draw life — fish, birds, insects — making the canyon feel alive. Escaping city smog, you breathe fresh, pure air here.
8. Location & How to Get There
Jingdong Grand Canyon lies in Yuzi Village, Shandongzhuang Town, Pinggu District, about 80–87 km from central Beijing.
By car: Take Jingping Expressway, exit at Xiagezhuang, proceed north via Xiayu Road. Total time ~1.5 hours.
By bus: From Dongzhimen, take Bus 918 to Pinggu main terminal, then transfer to local bus 12 to reach the canyon. Total ~2 hours.
9. Visiting Tips & Route Suggestion
- Recommended time: 3–4 hours minimum; full day if you want to try all.
- Suggested route:
1. Enter via Red Memory Museum →
2. Walk plank trails and visit five pools in order →
3. Explore Tongtian Gorge →
4. Spend time by Longmen Lake →
5. Take cableway to Jingtai Mountain →
6. Try glass plank path →
7. Rest in pine forest on return - Peak crowd times: Weekends & holidays. For a more peaceful visit, go on a weekday.
10. Tickets & Pricing
- Entrance: ¥78 per person (children under 1.2 m, seniors, etc. may have discounts)
- Ropeway (round trip): ~¥80 or package combos available.
- Parking: small vehicles ~¥5, large ~¥10.
- Open hours: 07:30 to 17:00 (peak season)
11. Food & Village Dining
Within the canyon there are simple food stalls, but for true local flavor, try the farmhouses in Yuzi Village. You can enjoy home-cooked meals, sleep on traditional heated kang beds, or pick seasonal fruits (peaches, apples, pears) in autumn.
12. Final Thoughts
Morning sunlight glints off Longmen Lake, birds sing over the five pools, and from a glass plank you peer straight down into the canyon’s depths. Every corner here tells a story.
Whether you love nature, history, or adventure, Jingdong Grand Canyon enriches your Beijing trip in a way few places do. Don’t miss this hidden gem on your China journey.
