Da Qing Gou is a 24-kilometer-long forested ravine situated in the vast sandy expanse of the western[...]
Da Qing Gou is a 24-kilometer-long forested ravine situated in the vast sandy expanse of the western Horqin Grassland. Transportation to Da Qing Gou Scenic Area is not very convenient. If you are not driving, you need to first take a train to Ganqika Railway Station in Horqin Left Wing Rear Banner, then take a minibus from the nearby bus station; after about 1.5 hours, you will arrive at Da Qing Gou Scenic Area.
Da Qing Gou is a deep, beautiful, and richly endowed ravine. Mongolians call it “Chonghule,” and it is known as the “Green Pearl of the Horqin Sandy Land.” Here the trees are lush and flowers are in full bloom. At the bottom of the ravine, springs converge into a winding and crystal-clear stream. Trees and grasses grow densely on both banks, with evergreen trees and deciduous trees coexisting and tall trees alternating with shrubs, making it a rare tranquil place during the peak domestic tourist season.
The deep valley of Da Qing Gou consists of two ravines: the east one (Xiao Qing Gou) and the west one (Da Qing Gou). The two deep ravines, each more than 10 kilometers long, intersect in a Y shape. The ravine is over 100 meters deep and about 200 to 300 meters wide. The intersection of the two ravines is called Sanchakou. Currently developed scenic areas include three major scenic zones with more than 20 attractions: the Primeval Forest Scenic Area, the Sanchakou Rafting and Adventure Scenic Area, and the Xiaoqing Lake Water Park Scenic Area. Sightseeing buses connect the three major scenic areas.
Visitors can swim, go boating, fish, and ride speedboats in the tourist area, and can also enjoy a full fish banquet. If time permits, visitors can also try rafting adventures, ride Mongolian horses, and join grassland bonfire parties and other activities. Visitors who enjoy outdoor sports can hike through the forest among Da Qing Gou, Sanchakou, and Xiaoqing Lake within the scenic area, a total distance of about 20 kilometers, with very beautiful scenery along the way.
Various entertainment activities within the scenic area require additional payment. In addition, there are family inns and some restaurants in the scenic area that can provide accommodation (reference price for a standard room: 150 yuan per room) and dining services for visitors, but the accommodation conditions are not very good and the restaurants offer relatively poor value for money. If you only spend one day in the ravine, bringing some food yourself is a fairly good choice.
Opening hours: May 1 to October 15, open all day; October 16 to April 30, closed all day.
Preferential policies: Seniors: free for those aged 70 or above with a senior citizen card or ID card; half price for those aged 65 to under 70 with a senior citizen card or ID card. Children: free for those aged 6 or under or height 1.2 meters or under (not including 1.2 meters). Military personnel: free with an officer’s card; active-duty military personnel free with an officer’s card. People with disabilities: free with a disability certificate. Full-time primary and secondary school students and university students: half price with a student card.
Must-see tips: Every October, the red leaves of Da Qing Gou are brilliantly colorful like fire. July to September each year is a suitable time to visit the ravine.
