Nanshiyang Grand Canyon Travel Guide: A Hiking Guide to the Geological Wonder in Western Beijing

Deep canyon, towering peaks, a hidden hiking paradise in Beijing’s Western Hills waiting for you to explore As a little-known natural secret in western Beijing, Nanshiyang Grand Canyon has become an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and weekend visitors with its spectacular canyon landforms, rich historical culture, and multi-level hiking routes. Known as the "Immortal Grand Canyon," this scenic area is located in Yanchi Town, Mentougou District, covering an area of about 40 square kilometers. It is a comprehensive tourist attraction combining geological wonders, outdoor challenges, and cultural exploration. --- ✨ Highlights of the Scenic Area · Cambrian Geological Wonders: The canyon’s rock layers record the earth’s historical changes, with knife-cut steep cliffs and winding, deep canyon landscapes that are breathtaking. · One Canyon, Nine Valleys Layout: The scenic area is divided into "one canyon, nine valleys, eighteen bends, seventy-two nodes," each with unique landscapes and legends. · Diverse Experiences: From easy leisure to professional hiking, from historical and cultural exploration to thrilling outdoor sports, suitable for all kinds of visitors. 📌 Basic Information Location: 200 meters northwest of Matao Village, Yanchi Town, Mentougou District, Beijing Opening Hours: · Peak Season (Summer): 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM) · Off-Season: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last ticket check at 3:30 PM) Ticket Prices: · Admission: 40 RMB per person · Students/Seniors: Half price · Children under 1.2 meters: Free · Sightseeing Bus: One-way 30-60 RMB (recommended to save energy) 🗺️ Detailed Itinerary One-Day Highlight Route Morning: It is recommended to arrive before 10:30 AM to avoid peak crowds. Take the sightseeing bus from the entrance directly to Fancheng Valley to start your hike. Fancheng Valley extends southwest, with karst stone pillars (Sky Coffin) on the peak south of the valley entrance, karst fissures (One Line Sky), sinkholes (Sky Wells), and scenic spots like Qianye Book and Black Dragon Pool. Noon: Have lunch inside the scenic area. There is a Shanxi knife-cut noodle restaurant offering knife-cut noodles, or you can bring your own meal and rest in designated areas. Afternoon: Continue hiking past Black Dragon Pool, One Line Sky, Tianmen Cave, and Shiyang Waterfall. If time and energy permit, explore Chenxi Valley or Changchun Valley. Chenxi Valley is the only valley extending northeast, leading to the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, with a total length of 2800 meters; Changchun Valley is 3030 meters long, with a gorge landscape resembling a fairyland. Evening: Rest at Suishi Coffee or take the sightseeing bus back to the entrance to end the day. Core Scenic Spots Introduction 1. Fancheng Valley: Extends southwest, leading to the ancient temple of the dressing table at Luzishui, where the legendary Empress Xiao and Yelü Yanshou’s daughter once lived. The valley features karst fissures (One Line Sky), sinkholes (Sky Wells), Qianye Book, Black Dragon Pool, and preserves the "Chang, Wan, Huai United Anti-Japanese Government Site." 2. Chenxi Valley: The only valley extending northeast, leading to the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, 2800 meters long. The valley entrance is at 1160 meters elevation, with smooth karst cliff tops resembling a red sun at dawn, called Red Sun Peak. The watershed’s Yunu Peak is 1600 meters high, the highest peak in the scenic area, offering distant views of the Great Wall. 3. Changchun Valley: 3030 meters long, reaching Luzishui—Dressing Table scenic area. The valley’s gorge landscape is like a fairyland, with small ladder lakes, large areas of wild kiwi and wild grapes, and abundant precious Chinese medicinal herbs, rich in biodiversity. 4. One Line Sky: The narrowest part of the canyon is only 1 meter wide, with only a sliver of sky visible when looking up. Using a wide-angle lens for upward shots creates a stunning effect. 5. Black Dragon Pool: On sunny days before 10:00 AM, you can capture the Tyndall effect. The pool water is emerald green like jade, with a group of waterfalls providing a cool retreat. 🥾 Hiking Route Options Nanshiyang Grand Canyon offers four hiking routes of varying difficulty, suitable for all visitors: 1. Leisure Check-in Route: Suitable for families and casual visitors, including visits to campsites, tea houses, and cafes, with activities like via ferrata and ATV off-road vehicles. 2. Beginner Hiking Route: About 4.3 km, takes about 2 hours. Take the sightseeing bus to Fancheng Valley, visit natural sights like One Line Sky and Sky Wells, then reach Black Dragon Pool, and return the same way. 3. Intermediate Hiking Route: About 7.6 km, takes about 4 hours. Hike to Changchun Valley, reach the endpoint Tianzuo Mountain, then return. If energetic, you can continue to try the Fancheng Valley section. 4. Professional Hiking Route: About 14.2 km, takes about 7 hours. Start from Fancheng Valley, pass through Changchun Valley, Lianshui Cave, Tianwang Tower, reach Tianzuo Mountain, then return, continuing toward the Model Great Wall until Yuanchengzi. 🚗 Transportation Guide Self-Driving Routes · Route 1: From downtown Beijing, drive along Fushi Road to Shuangyu, turn to Binhe Road, then Shidan Road, then take National Highway 109, pass Qinyukou, arrive at Yanchi Town, continue to Fujia Tai, and finally drive toward Pearl Lake Nanshiyang Grand Canyon (turn right at the roundabout, 15 km straight to the scenic area). · Route 2: From downtown Beijing, take the Sixth Ring Road to Jingli Expressway, exit at Nanyan Expressway after 13 km, turn right onto Nanyan Road, then connect to Gaoqin Road, then to Dazhen Road, connect to Matou Road, and drive to Matao Village to reach Nanshiyang Grand Canyon. Parking Information: The parking lot is 500 meters from the entrance, charges 10 RMB/day, with ample spaces (arrive early on peak season weekends). Public Transportation From downtown Beijing, take the subway to Pingguoyuan Station, then transfer to Bus 892 to Pearl Lake Road intersection, then take a taxi to Nanshiyang Grand Canyon. 🍽️ Dining and Accommodation Dining Recommendations Inside the scenic area, there is a Shanxi knife-cut noodle restaurant and Nanyang Restaurant offering farmhouse dishes, with an average cost of 50-80 RMB per person. The canyon also has a cave café "Suishi Coffee" and a tea culture experience space "Youdian Tea," where visitors can enjoy mountain coffee and health teas during breaks. Nearby, you can taste local delicacies like Qing Shui Town roast whole lamb and Yanchi Town fried small river fish. Accommodation Options · Huaijing Stone House: Located in Jieshi Village, Yanchi Town, Mentougou District, an ancient village from the Ming and Qing Dynasties near Nanshiyang Grand Canyon. The guesthouse retains traditional ancient village style while integrating modern architectural elements. · Sanjian Yishe: There are also cost-effective guesthouses in villages near Nanshiyang Grand Canyon, such as Matao Village and nearby Qingbaikou Village, where accommodations can be booked. Practical Tips 1. Best Time to Visit: Autumn is the golden season to visit Nanshiyang Grand Canyon, with red leaves complementing the canyon scenery, showcasing a magnificent autumn atmosphere. 2. Clothing Suggestions: Wear comfortable sports shoes and outdoor-appropriate clothing, and bring sun protection or rain gear according to the season. 3. Equipment Suggestions: · Sufficient drinking water and high-energy snacks · Sunscreen and sun hat · Camera (excellent canyon light and shadow effects) · Rain gear (mountain weather is changeable) 4. Safety Precautions: · Follow park regulations, do not leave designated routes · Pay attention to weather changes, mountain weather is variable · Keep the scenic area clean, do not litter · Assess your physical condition before hiking and choose suitable routes 5. Photography Tips: · Use a wide-angle lens for upward shots at One Line Sky for a stunning effect · Capture the Tyndall effect at Black Dragon Pool before 10:00 AM on sunny days · Fancheng Valley is ideal for boardwalk shots of mossy greenery, looking like a fairyland in morning mist --- 🏞️ Nanshiyang Grand Canyon combines natural wonders, historical culture, and outdoor experiences. Whether you are an adventurous hiker or a city dweller seeking weekend relaxation, this place will meet your needs. Morning sunlight streams through One Line Sky, shining on ancient cliffs; in the afternoon, rest at Suishi Coffee and savor mountain drinks; in the evening, gaze at the Ming Dynasty Great Wall ruins and feel the weight of history—the charm of Nanshiyang Grand Canyon awaits your personal discovery and experience.