Longqing Gorge

Longqing Gorge is a reservoir in a canyon northwest of Gucheng Village with steep mountains on both sides. Rock formations rise from the water, and the landscape creates scenes that resemble painted landscapes.

The Yanqing area has been inhabited since the Neolithic Age, and Gucheng Village served as an important military border point. The dam was constructed in recent decades, transforming the gorge into a visitor destination starting in the 1980s.

The nearby village of Gucheng preserves ancient houses and customs that remain visible today. Local legends about the Dragon King and the distinctive rock formations shape how people understand and experience this place.

Buses from Beijing take about two and a half hours, or you can drive via the Beijing-Tibet Expressway to reach the site. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, and dress appropriately for the season, as winters are very cold and summers are very hot.

A large yellow escalator about 258 meters long carries visitors easily up the Longqing Dam to overlook the reservoir from above. During winter, the Ice Lantern Festival, held since 1987, fills the gorge with thousands of glowing ice sculptures and colored lights.