Duijou Yu Natural Scenic Area, nestled about 4 kilometers northwest of the Ming Tombs, offers a captivating experience. This rugged and winding 3-kilometer gully is adorned with strange flowers and grasses, lofty peaks, and grotesque rocks, radiating a strong wild charm. The scenic area, often referred to as the “Little Three Gorges in Northern Beijing,” is flanked by towering mountain rocks that stand like walls, with a river meandering through the middle. The best time to visit is from April to October.
The area is divided into four distinct parts, each with its own unique appeal: “Qin Melody Welcoming Guests,” “Calm Flow in High Gorges,” “Golden Gorge Wonderland,” and “Dragon Pool Valley.” These sections contain more than 50 viewing points, each offering a different perspective on the natural beauty of the region.
Starting from the south gate, one enters a 3,000-meter-long valley where the sound of flowing water is clear and pleasant, creating a wonderful effect known as “echoes lingering in the valley for three days.” The calm flow in high gorges is particularly fascinating, and the landscapes in the Golden Gorge Wonderland area are even more captivating. The canyon varies in width, with wide areas featuring clear pools and slow-moving water, while narrow areas have steep slopes, rapid currents, and cliffs that soar into the sky, reminiscent of the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.
Lastly, when visiting Dragon Pool Valley, one can sit on the smooth rocks by the pool and take in the reflection of the towering peaks and strange flowers and grasses in the mirror-like clear waters. It is said that “Sitting by the Dragon Pool, facing the numerous peaks” offers a serene and unparalleled experience.“To understand the interest here, it’s all in the Dragon Pool.”
Opening hours: Open all year round from 8:00 to 19:00.
