Longqing Gorge is a harmonious blend of the charm of southern landscapes and the grandeur of northern landscapes. The gorge winds through with emerald green waters, flanked by steep cliffs on both sides, and adorned with caves, stalagmites, and stone pillars, earning it the nickname ‘Little Li River’ of Beijing. In spring and summer, visitors come to splash in the water and enjoy the fresh greenery; in winter, it transforms into a sea of ice lanterns.
During the summer, Longqing Gorge serves as an ideal retreat from the heat, with a large concrete dam at the entrance of the gorge forming a massive reservoir. When the water level is high, it spills over the side channels, cascading down to form a spectacular waterfall. The gorge’s scenery is picturesque, with cliffs adorned with uniquely shaped limestone formations, named after their shapes such as the ‘Mountain-Holding Buddha’, ‘Stone Bear Jumping Rock’, ‘Nine-Linked Caves’, ‘Cock’s Comb Mountain’, ‘Vajra Mountain’, ‘Horse Hoof Pond’, and ‘General’s Rock’, all vividly depicted. Taking a sightseeing boat through the gorge allows one to experience the wonders of nature’s craftsmanship. In the height of summer, Longqing Gorge boasts fresh air and a cool climate, with temperatures about 6 degrees lower than in downtown Beijing, making it an excellent destination for vacationing and escaping the heat. The Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Art Festival takes advantage of the cold winter climate and long freezing period, and has been held annually since 1987, becoming a traditional part of Beijing’s winter tourism. The ice lantern exhibition is located under the Longqing Gorge Dam, with the naturally cascading giant ice waterfall serving as a classic backdrop. During the festival, the valley is ablaze with lights, and the diverse ice and snow sculptures are resplendent, creating a magnificent spectacle. Longqing Gorge offers not only beautiful natural scenery but also a variety of thrilling amusement facilities. At the entrance of the gorge, a 258-meter-long dragon-shaped elevator, claimed to be the first of its kind in Asia, hangs from the towering cliffs, with its claws and whiskers fluttering. The elevator provides direct access to the nearby boat dock near the Hundred Flowers Cave. The scenic area also features thrilling attractions such as the Winged Slip Road, which allows for a high-speed slide from the entrance of the Hundred Flowers Cave to the emerald island in the middle of the lake. Near the Hundred Flowers Cave, a cable car can take you directly to the mid-mountain Fairy Courtyard. Additionally, the scenic area offers rock climbing, ice climbing, bungee jumping, and flying descent for adventure seekers to find their joy. There is no need to worry if you tire from playing, as the scenic area provides a full range of dining, accommodation, and entertainment. After a day of play, you can sit in the local farmhouses within the scenic area and taste local specialties such as roasted whole lamb and rainbow trout. If one day is not enough, you can stay overnight and continue your joyful journey the next day. Open hours: April 1st to June 30th, Monday to Friday 08:30-17:00; Saturday-Sunday 08:30-17:30; July 1st to August 31st, Monday to Friday 08:00-17:30; Saturday-Sunday 08:00-18:00; September 1st to November 15th, Monday to Friday 08:30-17:00; Saturday-Sunday 08:30-17:30. Holidays such as Qingming Festival, Labor Day, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, and National Day are open from 08:30-17:30. Preferential policy for children: 1.Children under 2 meters (inclusive) or 6 years old (inclusive) enter for free. Minors aged between 6 years old (exclusive) and 18 years old (inclusive) enjoy half-price admission. Seniors: Elderly individuals aged 60 years or above (with valid identification) are eligible for half-price admission. Students: Full-time undergraduate students and below (with valid identification) are entitled to half-price admission (excluding adult education). Disabled individuals: Admission is free with valid identification. Military personnel: Active-duty military personnel (with valid identification) enter for free in summer and enjoy half-price admission in winter. Retired cadres: Enjoy free admission with valid identification. Additional information: The above policies apply only to the main entrance ticket. For other consumption items, please pay according to the regulations. The information provided is for reference only; specific details should be confirmed with the scenic area on the day of visit.
