Shidu is a river valley formed by the Juma River, a tributary of the Daqing River, cutting through the northern end of the Taihang Mountains. The valley stretches approximately 20 kilometers and is named “Shidu” (Ten Crossings) due to the ten historic ferry crossings along the Juma River. The highest point in the scenic area is Dawa Peak, at about 1210.8 meters, and the lowest point is Zhangfang, at approximately 84.2 meters. It features the largest karst landform in northern China.
The area is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, clear waters, and lush mountain scenery. The southwestern valleys boast well-preserved secondary forests, along with precious wild kiwifruit and wild grapes. Main Attractions at Each Crossing:
- First Crossing: Features wide waters and distant mountains; known as the “Source of the Crossing.”
- Second Crossing: High mountains and clear waters, home to the underground sanctuary of Xianqi Cave.
- Third Crossing: Ancient village basking in sunlight, a southern grand canyon known as Muke Village.
- Fourth Crossing: Sandy beach with water fun and the “Thousand-Foot Window.”
- Fifth Crossing: Competing mountain peaks, known for the Xianfeng Valley.
- Sixth Crossing: Waterside farmhouses and the Bibo Garden Resort.
- Seventh Crossing: Features the reflection of Gushan and Gushan Village.
- Eighth Crossing: Adventure in swift currents, including the “First Drift of Shidu” at Qilin Mountain.
- Ninth Crossing: Known for the enchanting Wanjing Peak and Wanjing Fairy Gorge.
- Tenth Crossing: Experience the scenic Buddhist light at Longshan.
Travel Information about Shidu Scenic Area
Ticket Prices and Opening Hours
Tickets: Free entry. Specific attractions include:
- Gushan Village Scenic Area: 75 RMB
- Donghu Port Scenic Area: 65 RMB
- Longhu Bay Rafting: 140 RMB
- Juma River Rafting: 80 RMB
Opening Hours: Open all day. Internal attractions and entertainment activities are available from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
Summer and Autumn: The ideal seasons for visiting. Shidu has a warm temperate semi-humid continental climate with mild winters and cool summers. The summer and autumn seasons offer ample water and are perfect for outdoor activities.
Getting to the Scenic Area
Location: Southwestern Fangshan District along the Juma River.
Public Transport: Take Bus 917 or 917 Express from the South Plaza of Beijing West Station or Liuliqiao East, then transfer to Bus F19, F19 Express, or F16 at Yunju Temple Intersection to reach Shidu.
Train: Take train 6437 (also available from Fengtai Station) or train K5295 from Beijing West Station. For specific times, check 12306.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural: ★★
- Scenic Beauty: ★★★
- Features: ★★★
- Romantic: ★★
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Excitement: ★★★★
Highlights of Shidu Scenic Area
Jumahu Park Resort
Jumahu Park Resort spans over 20 square kilometers, stretching from the Fifth to the Tenth Crossing. The area is characterized by wide, clear rivers, steep mountain terrains, and picturesque scenery throughout the year. It is renowned for its unique and enchanting landscapes, described as “secluded, ancient, elegant, mysterious, thrilling, perilous, extraordinary, and special.”
Jumahu Park was the first in China to introduce bungee jumping, blending this thrilling and adventurous activity seamlessly with the mountainous scenery of Shidu. This has sparked nationwide enthusiasm for bungee jumping, earning the title of “China’s Number One Bungee Jumping Spot.” Notably, the park features a double-platform bungee jump, which is the first of its kind in the world. The park also offers a range of exciting attractions, including a sightseeing cable car, canyon flying man, gliding wings, rock climbing, and rafting.
Nearby, the Bi Ying Water Park provides entertainment with a Jiangnan-style bamboo raft experience, allowing visitors in the North to enjoy the charm of the water towns of Jiangnan. In addition to bamboo rafts, Bi Ying Water Park features various water activities such as jet skis, kayaking, duck boats, and airplane boats. Visitors can speed across the water on jet skis, creating splashes and experiencing the thrill of water sports.
Jumahu River Rafting & Southern Grand Canyon
Jumahu River is the only clear-water river in the Beijing suburbs. The river winds along its course, with several narrow and turbulent sections between the Eighteenth and Third Crossings, where multiple rafting points have been established. Rafting down Jumahu River, you can enjoy splashing water and the refreshing coolness while taking in the beautiful scenery of Shidu. It’s undoubtedly one of the best summer activities.
After crossing the Third Crossing Bridge, you’ll encounter the Southern Grand Canyon. This gorge features ancient, elegant towers and uniquely shaped peaks, presenting a scenic view reminiscent of the Jiangnan region, hence it is also known as the Jiangnan Grand Canyon. This stunning location has been used as a filming site for many movies, including The Legend of Qianlong, Wu Zetian, and Kou Lao Xier.
Related Details:
- Beyond the Second Crossing Bridge, you can see Wuzhishan at Ganhekou, named for its resemblance to the five fingers of the Buddha.
- Bamboo Rafting is the most popular water activity in Shidu. These rafts are made from thick bamboo and provide a unique experience of Southern water life on Northern rivers.
- It’s advisable to bring extra clothes for rafting, as getting wet is inevitable. It can be uncomfortable without a change of dry clothes after rafting.
- Avoid wearing leather shoes for rafting; flat slippers, plastic sandals, or beach shoes are preferable. Also, steer clear of expensive clothing to avoid distress if they get wet.
Muke Fort & Gushan Fort
Muke Fort is located in a canyon on the southern bank of the Juma River in the western part of the Southern Grand Canyon. This area was once an ancient battlefield during the Liao and Song Dynasties. Entering through the layers of fort gates along the mountain path, visitors can fully appreciate the grandeur of the past. The fort includes three gates, a Gathering Hall, a Martial Arts Field, a General’s Platform, an Archery Range, a Maze Formation, and a Heaven Gate Formation.
Gushan Fort is situated in a scenic gorge south of Seventh Crossing Village, named for its three isolated mountain peaks. It is the most famous grand canyon in the scenic area. As you walk into the gorge, towering peaks and rugged rocks line both sides. The further you go, the more treacherous the terrain becomes, with the gorge narrowing to only 5 meters at its tightest point. The “One-Line Sky” in the gorge stretches 300 meters long and rises 100 meters high, making it the largest “One-Line Sky” landscape discovered in the Beijing region to date.
Related Details:
- Gushan Fort features four major attractions: the longest iron chain suspension bridge in the Beijing suburbs, the ancient riverbed, the “One-Line Sky,” and the largest waterfall cluster unique to the Beijing suburbs—Yeren Valley.
- Seventh Crossing also includes the Fengdongshi Scenic Area, which has a thrilling zip-lining attraction for an exhilarating experience.
Donghu Port
Donghu Port, located at Shidu’s Fifteenth Crossing and adjacent to Yeshanpo, is a premier destination for green tourism and vacationing. Renowned for its “steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls, and the sandalwood forest oxygen bar,” Donghu Port boasts rich natural resources, diverse flora and fauna, and vibrant scenery. The area features lush sandalwood forests, winding ancient vines, and several key attractions including the Three-Tier Waterfall, the First Cliff Walk in North China, the Soaring Eagle, Lover’s Valley, the Beautiful Peak, and Donghu Summit.
Related Details:
- After enjoying the natural wonders of Donghu Port, you can take a bamboo raft or kayak on the picturesque Juma River, playing in the water and savoring the coolness during the hot summer days.
- The Seventeenth Crossing Grand Canyon offers a real-life CS battlefield experience with an entrance fee of 80 RMB per person per hour, including costume, weapon use, and instructor fees.
- The Eighteenth Crossing Wolf Tooth River offers rafting at the border of Shidu and Yeshanpo, spanning 3.5 kilometers. The ticket price is 80 RMB per person, and the full rafting experience takes approximately 2 hours.
Visitor Guide for Shidu Scenic Area
Itinerary Recommendations
One-Day Tour:
- Morning: Depart from Beijing and arrive in Shidu. Explore Donghu Port, admire the Three-Tier Waterfall, walk the First Cliff Walk in North China, and climb Fenghuang Ridge and Donghu Peak. The full tour takes approximately 3 hours.
- Lunch: Enjoy a break and lunch.
- Afternoon: Head to Xihu Port to view the stunning Qitan Gorge scenery. Experience bamboo rafting and enjoy the water activities, including a water fight.
- Evening: Return to the city around 16:30.
Two-Day Tour:
- Day 1:
- Morning: Depart in the morning and arrive at the scenic area by noon. Check into an eco-friendly guesthouse and have lunch.
- Afternoon: Go rafting at the Eighteenth Crossing on the Juma River.
- Evening: After dinner, enjoy a bonfire party and release wish lanterns.
- Day 2:
- Morning: If the group is large, organize a real-life CS battlefield experience in the Grand Canyon after breakfast, or visit attractions such as Gushan Village or Donghu Port.
- Lunch: Have lunch before heading to Juma Paradise for a bungee jumping experience.
- Afternoon: Depart for Beijing
Food and Dining
Shidu Scenic Area boasts a thriving dining scene with over 300 family-run restaurants. Each of these restaurants offers authentic home-cooked meals and local specialties, with regional barbecue being particularly popular among visitors.
These family restaurants are distributed throughout the natural villages along the Juma River within the scenic area, providing beautiful surroundings, delicious food, and economical prices. Notably, the Shili Piaoxiang Restaurant under the Shanjiayuan brand can accommodate up to 300 people at a time, making it the largest family-run restaurant in the Shidu area.
Accommodation
During a visit to Shidu, there are many family-run guesthouses available along the route. Larger guesthouses can be booked in advance online. It is important to note that Shidu attracts many visitors on weekends and holidays, so it is advisable to make reservations ahead of time to secure your accommodation.