In August of this year, the Nanshiyang Grand Canyon reopened, offering access to various attractions such as the fanchen Valley, Chenxi Valley, Evergreen Valley, canyon sightseeing, high-altitude climbing, and hiking. It's the perfect spot for outdoor relaxation and unwinding on weekends. You can also experience the Via Ferrata, the longest sky ladder in the country, and take on the challenge of the brave, climbing along the cliffs and capturing unique "life photos."
The Nanshiyang Grand Canyon is composed of a complex landscape of mountains, canyons, peculiar peaks, and cliffs, showcasing the geological history of the Earth over millions of years. It is known as the "Geological Textbook of Western Beijing," the "Chinese Version of the Colorado," and the "Great Rift Valley of Beijing."
The scenic area has "One Canyon, Nine Valleys, Eighteen Bends, and Seventy-Two Nodes." From bottom to top, they are: fanchen Valley, Evergreen Valley, Carefree Valley, Goose Valley, Hundred Forests Valley, Leisure Valley, Qingyuan Valley, Qixia Valley, and Chenxi Valley.
The canyon stretches over 20 kilometers, with the main valley measuring 9 kilometers in length. It features geological wonders such as the "Skyline" and "Ladder Root," along with natural landscapes of canyons, peculiar peaks, and cliffs, creating a unique atmosphere of majesty, strangeness, danger, and seclusion. The canyon also preserves valuable historical relics from the Liao and Jin dynasties.
PART 01 Main Valley Hiking
The hike through the main valley passes by attractions such as the Via Ferrata, suspension ladders, and camping sites. It is recommended to take the sightseeing shuttle bus for an easy traverse of the Nanshiyang Grand Canyon's main valley route, although you can also opt for a selective hiking experience.
Route: The total round-trip distance is 18.8 kilometers, passing through 9 shuttle bus stations. Most of the sections are flat and suitable for people of all ages.
PART 02 fanchen Valley Hiking
The hike from fanchen Valley to the Heilongtan Scenic Area mainly consists of relatively gentle steps. As you stroll along the trail, every turn offers a delightful surprise. The valley features attractions such as the "Skyline," the courtyard, and Heilongtan.
Route: Walk or take the sightseeing shuttle bus to the entrance of Wancheng Valley → Tianguan → Courtyard → Skyline → Qianyeshu → Heilongtan. This route is suitable for people of all ages.
PART 03 Ming Great Wall Climbing
Starting from danshan Gate, climb along the Great Wall Valley (Chenxi Valley) to Yuanchengzi (Ming Great Wall). Enjoy the breathtaking mountain gorge scenery along the way. At the viewpoint, you can take in the panoramic view of the canyon, and on foggy days, you can capture the spectacular sea of clouds.
Route: Walk or take the sightseeing shuttle bus to danshan Gate → Wanping Anti-Japanese Former Site → Xiuzhen Cave → Yuanchengzi. This route is suitable for experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
PART 01 Via Ferrata Climbing, Sky Ladder, and Rappelling
Via Ferrata, meaning "iron path," is an adventurous climbing activity that involves fixed steel cables and iron ladders attached to cliffs. It combines elements of hiking and rock climbing, making it an excellent way to experience high-altitude adventures. Here, the Fourfold Sky—an interconnected sky ladder—is the longest sky ladder route in China, spanning 328 meters between two mountains. The highest point reaches a height of 158 meters above the ground. Route map↓↓↓
Completing the challenge grants you a Certificate Of Brave!
Warm Reminders:
1. As the weather gets colder, remember to bring gloves for the Via Ferrata.
2. The experience duration for the Via Ferrata project is approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on individual fitness levels, so plan your time accordingly.
3. It is advisable to experience the Via Ferrata in the morning (especially on holidays or weekends) before visiting other routes in the scenic area.
PART 02 ATV Off-Roading
Off-Road Route: Hundred Forests Valley
Driving along the rugged mountain roads, feel the roar of the engine as if you’re in an adventure movie—free, unrestrained, and passionate.
Make “tent” friends at the camping site, where you can camp on the vast lawn under the sky, enjoying a sense of freedom and relaxation.
At the Art Square in fanchen Valley, with music, paintings, and photos... everyone can leave their own mark.
Come to the open-air sunken theater, which periodically hosts large-scale live-action RPG performances that weave in the mythology of the canyon, perfect for immersive experiences with family.
Note: Performance previews will be posted on the "Nanshiyang Grand Canyon" WeChat account and Xiaohongshu platform, so be sure to follow for the latest updates.
At the Blessing Square, you can engage in traditional cultural blessing activities.
Geological Science Education
The canyon boasts abundant geological resources, providing not only field education in geology but also a valuable natural laboratory for the development of geological sciences in China.
Take a photo at the "China National Geography" photo frame and leave a mark of your visit at this stop.
The canyon features towering cliffs that serve as perfect photo backdrops, allowing you to effortlessly capture a variety of styles, including milad, wasteland, and western blockbuster themes!
The "Blessing of the Mountain God" creative store offers a range of items from vintage to trendy, and from artistic to fashionable. Find a meaningful souvenir to take home the "Blessing of the Mountain God."
Enjoy the company of distinguished guests at your dining table.
Authentic Xiangxi flavors await at Huayuan Rice Noodles, offering a variety of styles; the rice flower fish is delicious and tender; the rib hot pot is soft and flavorful; and the spicy and sour chicken offal is perfectly balanced. The restaurant also offers snacks like rice bubble treats and potato wedges—delicious and affordable.
“Suishi” Cave Coffee
Enjoy a cup of coffee in a natural cave, and experience a new photo opportunity in the cave setting.
“Youdiancha”Gully Teahouse
Relax and enjoy tea amidst the mountains and waters, savoring the gentle breeze of the valley and the warmth of the autumn sun.
Surrounding Accommodation
There are guesthouses in nearby villages such as Matiao Village, Lijiazhuang, and Qingbaikou. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance online.
Scenic Area Information
Address: 200 meters west of Matiao Village, Yanshi Town, Mentougou District
Opening Hours: From October 16 to March 20, the operating hours are adjusted to 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Ticket Prices: Adult ticket 💰 40, Ticket + Round-trip Shuttle Bus 💰 90
Consultation Phone: 010-61858868
Transportation: Driving Route: Please consider taking the Jingwei Expressway from the Sixth Ring Road, then directly reach the Nanshiyang Grand Canyon scenic area via Zhuangdalu.
Translator: BAI Jing
Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan