Taoyuan Xiangu Natural Scenic Area

The Taoyuan Xiangu Natural Scenic Area, nestled in a valley surrounded by lush forests, clear rivers, pools, and waterfalls, presents […]

The Taoyuan Xiangu Natural Scenic Area, nestled in a valley surrounded by lush forests, clear rivers, pools, and waterfalls, presents a picturesque landscape. The valley’s top offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the nearby Miyun Reservoir.

Summer is the optimal time to visit Taoyuan Xiangu, as the valley’s climate is delightful, making it an ideal spot for mountain climbing and a retreat from the heat. However, each season offers a unique experience: in spring, the valley bursts into bloom with flowers; in autumn, visitors can collect sour jujubes, chestnuts, apples, and other fruits; and in winter, the valley transforms into a wonderland of spectacular ice waterfalls, drawing ice climbing enthusiasts who use it as a winter climbing base.

To explore Taoyuan Xiangu, start from the east side of the valley at the scenic area gate and follow the valley path to climb the mountain. The journey leads to a summit observation platform at an altitude of over 800 meters deep within the scenic area. The round trip to the summit observation platform is quite extensive, spanning about ten kilometers, and it typically takes 4-5 hours to walk up and explore the area.

You have the flexibility to return at any point via the same path or to explore the entire scenic area, which can take anywhere from half a day to a full day. The route includes several forks, allowing you to choose different paths for ascending and descending, adding variety to your exploration.

This natural scenic area is a haven for nature lovers, offering a diverse range of experiences and activities throughout the year.
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The main attractions of the valley are concentrated along the central route, which serves as an ideal entry point for exploration and play. You have the option to take this route to enter and then choose a different path for your return journey. Among the valley’s renowned features are the ‘Heavenly Ladder’ and its many waterfalls.

The Heavenly Ladder, situated close to the valley’s entrance, is an exhilarating experience. It’s constructed along a steep, vertical rock face, providing a thrilling walk. The valley is also home to a multitude of waterfalls, each with a distinct form, yet all equally breathtaking. In the winter months, these waterfalls transform into stunning ice formations, attracting photographers and ice climbers alike.

At the valley’s entrance, there’s a lake that offers boating and various water-based recreational activities during the summer season. As you ascend through the valley, you’ll reach the scenic area’s highest point, the summit observation platform. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view that includes the picturesque Miyun Reservoir, presenting a truly beautiful landscape.

After visiting the summit observation platform, there’s no need to retrace your steps to return to the scenic area gate. You can opt for either the north or south mountain road, depending on your interests. The north mountain road features a wild fruit picking area where, in autumn, you can gather sour jujubes, chestnuts, apples, peaches, and more. The south road, on the other hand, provides views of the ancient Great Wall ruins, offering spectacular opportunities to capture sunrises and sunsets against this historic backdrop.

**Accommodation and Dining:** Given the extensive nature of Taoyuan Xiangu’s attractions, it is advisable to stay near the scenic area the night before your visit to ensure you have ample time to explore.

—There are several farmhouses at the entrance of the scenic area with good conditions. Dining is mostly at the farmhouses where you stay. For lunch during the tour, it is recommended to bring your own food. While there are farmhouses within the scenic area where you can dine and purchase snacks, the prices are relatively high. It is advisable to prepare your own dry food and drinking water before visiting.

The scenic area is open all year round from 08:30 to 17:00. Supplementary information on preferential policies: 1. Children under 1.2 meters in height enter for free, and students can purchase student tickets with a valid student ID. (During winter, ice waterfalls can be viewed). 2. The information above is for reference only, and the specifics are subject to the day’s disclosure by the Taoyuan Xiangu Scenic Area.

Essential tips: 1. The walking route within Taoyuan Xiangu is quite long and requires a certain level of physical endurance. Additionally, shopping within the valley is expensive, so it is recommended to prepare dry food and drinking water before visiting. 2. Taoyuan Xiangu’s monthly event schedule: Ice and snow activities are held in January and February; Peach and apricot blossom viewing activities are held in March and April; Water conservation activities are held in June, July, and August; Golden autumn fruit picking activities are held in September and October; Red leaf viewing activities are held in November and December. 3. Every winter from January to February, ice climbing activities are held within the valley.
However, the height of the ice waterfalls is quite significant. This makes it suitable only for professional teams to participate in ice climbing. Ordinary tourists are advised not to take any risks to avoid danger.