The Jiudaowan Canyon, the longest canyon in Miyun County, is located to the west of Beishicheng Village, Shicheng Town, about 88 kilometers (55 miles) from Beijing. With an area of 1,800 hectares (4,448 acres), the scenic area offers seventy-eight attractions, including a graceful lake, five grand waterfalls, eighteen deep pools, and an extremely cool cave. The canyon faces the pleasant Yunmengshan National Forest Park in the west, and the Miyun Reservoir in the east.
The picturesque canyon is known as 'the Huangguoshu Waterfall of North China', for it is as beautiful as the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall in Guizhou Province. The canyon is stunning with countless steep peaks and strange rocks, and they entrance visitors with their infinite variety of forms. Some look like sleeping dragons and some resemble intimate couples. A vast stone stands firmly in the water, while two towering peaks are visitors' prompts for happiness.
The fanciful canyon zigzags through the mountains, forming nine gulfs with each gulf offering exotic views. In the third gulf lies a vast stone resembling an energetic frog; seen from another direction, the stone looks like a toddling turtle. How interesting! Near the eighth gulf, a strange footprint of 4 to 5 meters (13 to 16 feet) long is clearly engraved in the straight rock wall. Was it made by dripping water or by some ancient people? It remains a strange mystery.
In the ninth gulf, a winding path in the woods leads to the extremely cool cave. This mysterious cave, noted for 'a natural air conditioner', is a great attraction in North China. In midsummer, the intense heat can be unbearable; however, one can feel a chill to the bone inside the cave. How greatly the temperature changes just a few steps away!
Eighteen deep pools are scatter through the magnificent canyon, resembling shining pearls in an enchanting painting. The shining water waves are reflected on vast rock walls by the brilliant sunlight, presenting a dazzling sight. You could have a try to catch some small fish swimming around in the clear water. It is wondrous that underneath a deep pool lie several unfathomable caves!
Most of the area is covered by forests, green mountains, clear waters, blue sky, and the white clouds complement each other. In spring, marvelous flowers and rare plants come into your view in overwhelming succession. In summer, boating, swimming, or fishing in the water, and enjoying the bewitchingly beautiful scene, are really wonderful. If you come here in September and October, you will have the chance to pick many fruits, including Chinese gooseberries, wild grapes, Chinese date, hazel, and walnut.
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Admission Fee:
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CNY 35
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Bus Route:
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987 from Dongzhimenwai to Miyun Shuiku (Miyun Reservoir) then take a taxi to the Jiudaowan Canyon.
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980, 970 from Dongzhimenwai to Miyun Bus Station, then transfer to a small bus to the Jiudaowan Canyon.
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Beijing Valleys and Gullies, Caves:
