In Beijing's far northwestern district of Changping lies the Tiger Valley Natural Scenic Area, about 40 kilometers (24.9 miles) from downtown Beijing. Its highest peak is 1,060 meters (3,480 feet), and the valley floor has an elevation of 850 meters (2,790 feet). Majestic mountains, mysterious caves, and unspoiled natural scenery including thick forests, deep valleys, steep escarpments, clear streams and fragrant wild flowers abound in this fascinating scenic area.
The scenic area got its name for the rocks on both sides of the valley that resemble a tiger's stripes. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the valley is 12.5 kilometers (7.8 miles) long and 5 kilometers (3 miles) wide. There are numerous strange and life-like rocks and peaks, and various pools with vivid names. The Tiger Valley Reservoir looks like a shining sapphire set in the mouth of the valley. Boating and fishing here in summer are delightful and exhilarating. After a heavy rain, a magnificent waterfall rushes down into a deep pool from high cliffs, with the sound echoing throughout the valley. A winding path zigzags through the gorgeous valley leading to a primal forest with wild plants as tall as human beings.
Here also sits the mysterious Baixian Cave (Hundred God Cave) always wreathed in mist. The cave, 1,200 meters (3,940 yards) long, is cool in summer and warm in winter. This marvelous cave consists of an area recreating the age of dinosaurs, complete with a primary forest area, a python area, and an area depicting the life of primitive man. Tourists can feast their eyes on models of extinct animals in the dinosaur area; dinosaurs looking for food, fighting or flying are vividly represented here. The primal forest area shows towering ancient trees and fierce animals from ancient times. The python area is an exciting exhibit of live snakes, while the primitive man area displays the everyday existence of our primitive ancestors and demonstrates the evolutionary process.
The Ma Hongyuan Root Carving Art Gallery, the only root carving art gallery in Beijing, is located within the scenic area. The simple but graceful gallery has more than 300 exquisite and vivid masterpieces of root carving. The Hou Kangyi Stone Gallery, established by the scenic area and Mr. Hou, is a splendid array of strange-looking stones kept by Hou Kangyi, a famous collector and identifier of stones.
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Admission Fee:
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CNY 43
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CNY 15 for the Tiger Valley
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CNY 18 for the Baixian Cave
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CNY 10 for the Sparrow Ravine Scenic Area
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Opening Hours:
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08:00-18:00
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Bus Route:
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914, or 919 Zhi to Hongnigou, and then take a taxi to the Tiger Valley.
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Beijing Valleys and Gullies, Caves:
