In the depths of winter, as the biting north wind howls and water turns to ice, several water-themed attractions in Beijing's suburbs transform into enchanting "snow and ice kingdoms." These spectacular sights amaze throughout the season, offering a breathtaking display of natural beauty. Recently, numerous stunning ice waterfalls have become must-see attractions. Let's explore this winter-exclusive visual feast together!

PART 01 Yunpugou Scenic Area

Located in Sanlizhuang Village, Jiuxian Town, Yunpugou Scenic Area gets its name from the numerous streams and waterfalls within the valley. In winter, ice waterfalls cascade down the mountains in various shapes and forms—some smooth, others sharp—becoming unadorned works of art. Under the clear blue sky, the scenery takes on a dreamlike quality.

In addition to the popular photo spots like the iron art corridor and glass walkway from previous years, the scenic area has introduced new attractions such as a petting zoo, a trampoline zone, and a multi-person swing. As you hike along the winding mountain paths, you'll breathe in fresh, invigorating air. Visitors can marvel at the ice waterfall wonders while enjoying dozens of interactive activities, fully immersing themselves in the area's charm.

Address: East of Longqing Gorge Scenic Area, Xianglong Lu (Rd), Jiuxian Town, Yanqing, Beijing

PART 02 Shenquan Gorge Scenic Area

Shenquan Gorge Scenic Area is home to spectacular winter-only ice waterfalls, formed by the natural flow of spring water freezing along the towering terrain. Each winter, the springs create kilometer-long ice cascades, with three major ice waterfalls in the area, each over 100 meters long and dropping more than 30 meters.

During the day, the ice waterfalls sparkle under the sunlight, presenting a stunning and crystal-clear spectacle. The formations vary in shape—ice flowers, icicles, and ice towers resemble swords or crystal curtains draped across the mountains. Clustered and layered, they are dazzling and breathtaking.

Nighttime ice waterfall viewing is a unique feature of Shenquan Gorge. According to staff, the night scenes begin on Chinese New Year's Eve and are open from 6 PM to 9 PM until the Lantern Festival. As darkness falls, the ice waterfalls, illuminated by colorful lights, take on an entirely different appearance, glowing in vibrant hues and creating a mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere.

Address: Tanchang Village, Miaofengshan Town, Mentougou, Beijing

PART 03 Guacaodi Scenic Area

Recently, the Guacaodi Ice and Snow Park officially opened, bringing its seasonal ice waterfalls to life. Upon entering the scenic area, the first sight is Longtan, where gentle streams flow downward, gradually freezing along the sides to create a unique icy spectacle.

Ice columns, icicles, and frost flowers of various shapes form naturally along the terrain, layered and shimmering like crystal crowns. The breathtaking formations are perfect for capturing stunning photos with every snap.

In addition to the ice waterfalls, the park offers a variety of ice and snow activities, including snow tube slides, snow tanks, snow cars, snow Thomas rides, snowmobiles, and ice cars. On the snow tube slide, you can race from the top of the slope, feeling the thrill of speed and excitement. Take a spin in the snow, embrace the icy wonderland, and capture the joy and beauty of winter.

Address: No. C141, Wangping Town, Mentougou, Beijing

PART 04 Heilong Pond Natural Scenic Area

The 11th Ice and Snow Wind Chime Festival has arrived at Heilong Pond Natural Scenic Area. Massive ice sculptures have begun to take shape, transforming into a dazzling "dream castle." The crystal-clear ice blocks reflect magical glimmers with every angle. Rows of wind chimes are in place, ready to play a crisp and soothing winter melody as the breeze passes through.

Though nature tucks away its vibrant colors in winter, it creates a magical icy wonderland in Heilong Pond. With the charm of the northern landscape—serpentine mountains draped in silver and ice peaks hanging majestically—the scene is a stunning display of winter's purity. As the year comes to an end, visit Heilong Pond's ice waterfalls and make heartfelt wishes for the new year to the sound of tinkling wind chimes.

Address: No. 8, Shuiku Xilu (Rd), Miyun, Beijing

PART 05 Taoyuan Xiangu (peach-garden paradise) Scenic Area

The cold winter weather has created breathtaking ice waterfalls in Taoyuan Xiangu (peach-garden paradise) Scenic Area. Two large icefalls cascade down the mountains, forming a truly magnificent sight. At the base of the first icefall, there is an ice cave to explore. The second icefall is even larger, covering an entire hillside. To its right, a path leads up the mountain. While this route is steep and may challenge those with a fear of heights, an alternative, gentler trail nearby also allows visitors to reach the summit.

One of the most enchanting winter highlights of the area is the "bubble ice." The frozen lake, shaded by the surrounding mountains, glimmers with a deep azure hue. Suspended within the ice, strings of bubble formations resemble pearls frozen in time, evoking the beauty of "large and small pearls falling onto a jade plate." This stunning scene is not to be missed.

Address: Miguan Lu (Rd), Shicheng Village, Shicheng Town, Miyun, Beijing

PART 06 Tiger Valley Natural Scenic Area

Stepping into Tiger Valley feels like entering a crystalline wonderland. Along the winding mountain paths, visitors can marvel at eight distinct icefall sites, spanning over 20,000 square meters in total. Each icefall offers a unique spectacle, with massive cascades plunging from the mountains like a grand three-dimensional painting. Layered ice pillars, varying in size, gleam in shades of blue and white under the sunlight, resembling meticulously sculpted natural crystals.

On clear afternoons, the setting sun casts golden hues over the icefalls, creating a breathtaking display known as "Tiger Valley in Golden Glow," one of the famed "Eight Scenic Wonders of Beijing."

Beyond admiring the icy landscapes, the area offers a range of exciting winter activities. Visitors can gear up with ice climbing equipment and, under expert guidance, try their hand at ice climbing. The scenic area also features an ice rink with activities such as ice carts, tricycles, and snow tubes. This year, Tiger Valley is introducing a nearly 10,000-square-meter skating rink and an ice slide, providing even more opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the joy of winter.

Address: North of Huyu Village, Nankou Town, Changping, Beijing

PART 07 Jingdong Grand Canyon

If you haven't visited the Jingdong Grand Canyon in winter, you must experience its unique winter beauty. Icefalls, glaciers, ice columns, and ice stalactites... all stand out vividly beneath the clear blue sky. Clusters of sparkling ice formations, some stretching over ten meters long, hang from the cliffs of Longmen Lake, resembling a carefully crafted ice and snow fairy tale world—absolutely breathtaking.

As you stroll through the canyon, you'll find layers of ice, scattered like jade sculptures throughout the area. The grandeur and stillness of the scene evoke awe, making it impossible not to marvel at the stunning winter beauty.

Address: No.36, Yuzishan Village, Shandongzhuang Town, Pinggu, Beijing

Safety Tips:

1. Check the weather forecast before your trip to understand the weather conditions and the opening status of the scenic area.

2. Wear warm clothing (waterproof and windproof jackets, thick sweaters, etc.) and choose waterproof, non-slip shoes.

3. Always follow safety instructions, stay within safe activity zones, and avoid playing near unsupervised water areas.

4. Keep a safe distance when viewing icefalls and other ice landscapes. Avoid cracks and uneven ice surfaces. Move slowly when walking or sliding. Change clothes as soon as you come into contact with ice water.

5. After your visit, check for signs of frostbite and ensure you stay warm or seek medical attention if necessary.

6. Stick to official ice rinks—never skate on natural ice!

As one of the most dazzling winter spectacles, icefalls are the perfect material for "social media photo ops." Which icefall in the outskirts of Beijing is your favorite?

Image Sources: WeChat Official Accounts of Youth Pinggu (PGQQNH), Beijing Shenquan Gorge Scenic Area, hemeinankou, Men Tou Gou, Heilong Pond Natural Scenic Area, Xiaohongshu @疯平不加班, @Shuxiangyinglu, @17💭💨, @鱼子山村

Translator: BAI Jing

Reviewer: FENG Haoxuan