Jiudaowan Canyon, the longest canyon in MiyunCounty, is located to the west of BeishichengVillage, Shicheng Township, about 88 km from Beijing. With an area of 1,800 hectares, the scenic area offers 78 attractions, including a graceful lake, five grand waterfalls, 18 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" because it is as beautiful as the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall of GuizhouProvince. The canyon is stunning, with countless steep peaks and strange rocks that greet visitors with their infinite variety of forms. Some look like sleeping dragons, and some resemble intimate couples.
The canyon zigzags through the mountains, forming nine gulfs that each offer exotic views. In the third gulf lies an enormous stone resembling an energetic frog; seen from another direction, the stone looks like a toddling turtle. Near the eighth gulf, a strange footprint about four to five meters long is clearly engraved in the straight rock wall. Its formation remains an interesting mystery.
In the ninth gulf, a winding path in the woods leads to the extremely cool cave. This mysterious cave, noted as a "natural air conditioner," is a great attraction in North China. In midsummer, the intense heat can be unbearable; however, one can feel chilled to the bone inside the cave. What's amazing is how dramatically the temperature changes after taking but a few steps into the cave.
Eighteen deep pools are scattered 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 try to catch some small fish swimming around in the clear water.
Most of the area is covered by forests. Green mountains, clear waters, blue sky, and white clouds complement each other. In the spring, exotic flowers and rare plants come into full blossom. In the summer, boating, swimming, fishing, and enjoying the bewitchingly beautiful scenes can be truly exciting. Tourists coming here in September and October will have the chance to pick wild fruits, including Chinese gooseberries, wild grapes, Chinese dates, hazels, and walnuts.
Location: BeishichengVillage, ShichengTownship, MiyunCounty, Beijing
Admission: 35 yuan
Open Hours: 07:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m.
Transportation: take Bus 980, 987, or 970 at Dongzhimen to MiyunCounty and change to a minibus for ShichengTownship
Telephone: +86-10-61025204
Star Rating: AA