Longqing Gorge (龙庆峡), located in Yanqing District near Beijing, offers stunning natural beauty, but there are some important things to consider before planning your visit. If you’re not keen on paying extra fees or dealing with inconvenient logistics, this scenic area may not be the best choice for you. In this guide, we’ll break down the experience, including parking fees, transportation, and the overall visitor experience, so you can make an informed decision.
1️⃣ Parking Fees: The parking fee for self-driving visitors is 25 RMB per car, and it is collected as soon as you enter the parking lot.
2️⃣ Long Walk to the Entrance: The parking lot is intentionally placed quite far from the ticket entrance. You’ll need to walk 10 to 20 minutes to reach the ticket office. If you don’t want to walk, there’s a shuttle bus available, but it costs an additional 10 RMB per person for a one-way trip.
3️⃣ Ticket and Entrance Process: After taking the shuttle, you will need to walk another 5 minutes to reach the ticket office. The entrance ticket costs 40 RMB. Once you enter, you will face a long walk to the Dragon Head area, where you will then take an elevator. The total walking and elevator time to reach the next stage takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
4️⃣ Climbing the Mountain: The first section of the mountain is accessed via an elevator, which takes about 20 minutes. Once you arrive at a small platform, you’ll have two options: the official recommendation is to take the boat ride, but you can also continue climbing for an additional 40 minutes if you’re up for it.
5️⃣ Boat Ride: The boat ride is mandatory to see the scenic views in Longqing Gorge. The cost is 100 RMB, and without it, you won’t be able to experience any of the attractions. The boat ride lasts no more than 15 minutes, but it is packed with people, and you’ll be listening to a loud speaker rather than a guide. Many visitors have commented that it’s overhyped, especially since the views are mainly just mountains and water. The boat brings you back to shore, and you’ll need to walk to the Moon Bay dock, but there are no benches or resting areas to relax.
6️⃣ Cable Car: After finishing the boat ride, if you want to continue hiking to the Fairy Palace (神仙院), you’ll need to take a cable car, which costs 60 RMB. Without the cable car, you won’t be able to reach the upper parts of the mountain.
7️⃣ Climbing to the Top: After visiting the Fairy Palace, you’ll need to climb another 30 minutes of stairs to reach the top platform. Unfortunately, there are no safety railings along the stairway, making it quite dangerous. It’s easy to slip, and the area has no safety measures in place. Visitors are advised to be cautious and prioritize safety.
8️⃣ Returning to the Parking Lot: After your visit, you’ll need to take the shuttle back to the parking lot for 10 RMB. Unlike the initial shuttle ride, this return trip requires a separate payment. Be cautious of private drivers near the entrance offering rides for a much higher price; they are not recommended.