Situated in Shicheng Town, Miyun County, the Qingliang Valley is about 110 kilometers (68 miles) from Beijing. Characterized by dense pools and spectacular waterfalls, this area has rich resource of water. The valley lies to the north of the Yunmengshan Natural Forest Park, and such superb geographical advantage makes it an ideal destination as a summer resort. Baihe River runs across this area throughout the year, adding vigor and vitality to the Qingliang Valley.

Here the green mountains, the clear waters and pools, the luxuriant woods, the countless stunning peaks and stones complement each other perfectly. The mountains are covered by vast stretches of Chinese pines. Set off by blue sky and white clouds, this scenic area is an enchanting painting of nature. In spring, the valley is covered by various flowers in full bloom; the icy water melts and dampens the earth. Relaxing in this area in summer is much enjoyable; in addition, you could take pleasure from picking fruits in autumn and climbing the snow-covered mountain in winter.

The astonishing stalactite, which resembles an overhanging sliver fox with a cat's head, is a national treasure in China. The two meters (6.6 feet) long white stalactite, covered by pure fluff, looks like a splendid jade carving. The spotless fluff of 1 to 3 inches long beautifully grows in a compact mass. Such a marvelous and wonderful stalactite is the first that was ever found in the world; hence, the cave got its unique name. However, the origin of the intriguing cave remains a mystery so far!

The Silver Fox Cave, or Yinhu Cave, has a wide reputation for an amazing fox-like stalactite, which is rare worldwide. Situated in Fozi Village, Fangshan District, this mysterious cave is about 60 kilometers (37 miles) from Beijing. Characterized by karst landscape wonders and clear underground rivers, this large solution crevice group in North China is a prodigy of nature.

This multilayer karst cave is luxuriantly a wonderful spectacle. The winding cave is about 5,000 meters (5,470 yards) long, and nearly 3,000 meters (3,280 yards) is open to tourists. More than 90 distinctive sights have a dazzling effect on your eyes. In the cave, there are uncommon various stalactites, white stalagmites, grand stone pillars, asbestos, shining stone waterfalls. In addition, rare crystal stone grapes, brilliant stone pearls and glittering calcites are seen here. A remarkable amount of various stone flowers are scattering in the cave.

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.

Admission Fee:
CNY 43
CNY 15 for the Tiger Valley
CNY 18 for the Baixian Cave
CNY 10 for the Sparrow Ravine Scenic Area
Opening Hours:
08:00-18:00
Bus Route:
914, or 919 Zhi (919支) to Hongnigou (红泥沟), and then take a taxi to the Tiger Valley (虎峪自然风景区).

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.

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.

In this deep valley, the most majestic sight is a steep stairway with some 800 steps at a pitch 45 degrees. In fact, it is so steep and so close to the vertical that it appears to reach the sky. A strange 'echo cave' may be found in the valley. The 'echo cave' itself does not echo, but if one makes sounds in an opposite cave, they are clearly duplicated in the 'echo cave'. How interesting!

Numerous swallows flock together to nest each summer on Yanchi Cliff (Yanchi means 'swallow wings'). On the top of the mountain there is an ancient temple. Here too is a historical spot known as the 'General Cave' where the sick and wounded received effective treatment in wartime.

Admission Fee:
CNY 30
Opening Hours:
08:00-18:30
Bus Route:
918 (Dongzhimen-Pinggu) (东直门外-平谷汽车站), and then take a small bus to the Hu Dong Shui Valley (湖洞水自然风景区).

Proceeding along the riverside path, the visitor will encounter a white decorated archway standing high above the confluence with another river. On the left of the path there is a natural stone which resembles a statue of a Buddhist Arhat. Not far from the stone are towering peaks to either side where the distance between them is reduced to just 12 meters (39 feet). Standing by the clear pool which is enclosed by the cliffs, one can catch a glimpse of the sky.

In this deep valley, the most majestic sight is a steep stairway with some 800 steps at a pitch 45 degrees. In fact, it is so steep and so close to the vertical that it appears to reach the sky. A strange 'echo cave' may be found in the valley. The 'echo cave' itself does not echo, but if one makes sounds in an opposite cave, they are clearly duplicated in the 'echo cave'. How interesting!

In Huangsongyu Village of Pinggu District, visitors will find a picturesque place, the Hu Dong Shui Valley, which is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) away from Beijing. Covering an area of 900 hectares (2,224 acres), the scenic area is located in a long canyon. It is near the majestic Jingdong Grand Canyon, and the charming Jinhai Lake.

Here, many lakes lie in the canyon, where there are caves and eternal springs in the grand mountains. This is how the scenic area got the name Hu Dong Shui (lake-cave-water). The valley is characterized by grotesque peaks, an imposing and serene canyon, graceful waters, mysterious caves, and some historical sites.

Many special activities are available here all the year around. In January and February there are ice-sports programs; From June to October, tourists can pick peaches, grapes, kiwi fruit, and other fruits. While in November and December, the beautiful autumn leaves are much more enjoyable. Well-equipped vacation villages provide good service for both meeting and entertainment, with karaoke free of charge, bonfire party, wonderful fireworks, and roast mutton. People can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature here.

Admission Fee:
CNY 45 + CNY 1 (insurance)
Opening Hours:
08:00-17:00
Bus Route:
980, 987 from Dongzhimen (东直门) to Miyun Bus Station (密云汽车站), and then take a small bus to the Taoyuan Fairy Valley (桃源仙谷).
Take a tourist bus from Tiananmen (天安门) or Xuanwumen (宣武门) to the valley (available on weekends and Chinese legal holidays from April 7 to October 15)