Shidu, Karst landscape formation in Fangshan District, Beijing, China.

Shidu is a roughly 20-kilometre river valley in Fangshan District, Beijing, where the Juma River, a tributary of the Daqing River, cuts through the northern end of the Taihang Mountains. Its limestone walls, shaped by water and carbon dioxide dissolving the rock at differing rates, form the only large-scale karst landscape in northern China. In 2003 a large underground gorge was found in the mountains near Liudu.

Shidu takes its name from ten fords that once crossed the Juma River along this 20 km valley. The river, a tributary of the Daqing River, cut through the northern Taihang Mountains to form the gorge. Roads were later built into the valley and the fords were replaced by low-water bridges, but the name Shidu remains in use.

The name Shidu means ten crossings, referring to the historic river passages through the gorge that shaped local travel routes. Visitors can still sense this connection today as the waterway cuts through the landscape and influences how people move through the area.

The site is best reached by public transportation or organized tours from central Beijing, with several bus routes serving the area. Plan a full day for your visit to explore the various formations and viewpoints, and wear sturdy footwear since many paths involve climbing and uneven terrain.

The Juma River's water stays unfrozen in many stretches in winter, and the valley's cliffs block cold winds and reflect sunlight. This lets birds such as the white-capped redstart and the rare black stork winter or breed here, making Shidu a winter birdwatching site since the 2000s.