Yesanpo Scenic Area is located in Laishui County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, at the junction of the Taihang Mountains and the Yanshan Mountains. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a Global Geopark. With a total area of 498.5 square kilometers, it is composed of several scenic areas, including Bailixia, Yugu Cave, Baicaopan, Longmen Tianguan, and Juma River. It is a natural ecological scenic area that combines the grandeur of northern landscapes with the elegance of southern landscapes.
The scenic area is known for its natural landscapes featuring "grandeur, steepness, wonder, and seclusion" as well as its ancient historical relics. It has various landforms such as gorges, peak forests, waterfalls, karst caves, and primeval forests. The forest coverage rate is over 90%, and the negative oxygen ion content is extremely high, making it a natural forest oxygen bar. The scenery here varies across the four seasons: mountain flowers bloom in spring, it is cool and ideal for summer retreats in summer, red leaves cover the mountains in autumn, and there are冰雪 wonders in winter. It is a popular leisure and vacation destination in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
Historical Culture
Yesanpo has a long history and profound cultural heritage. According to research, humans lived and multiplied here as early as 7,000 years ago. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it belonged to the territory of the State of Yan. During the Ming Dynasty, it was a frontier military stronghold. During the Qing Dynasty, due to its strategic terrain, it became a "hidden paradise," and the local people lived in isolation from the outside world for a long time, forming a unique folk culture.
The scenic area preserves a large number of historical relics, such as the cliff inscriptions at Longmen Tianguan, which bear poems and inscriptions from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among them, inscriptions such as "Wanren Tianguan" and "Qianfeng Gongli" have vigorous and powerful calligraphy and are important materials for studying ancient calligraphy and military history. In addition, Yesanpo is also an old revolutionary base area. During the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Eighth Route Army once established an anti-Japanese base here, and many heroic deeds emerged.
The unique geographical environment and historical background have nurtured Yesanpo's rich folk culture. For example, the "Yesanpo Traditional Wedding Custom" has been included in the Hebei Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and traditional folk art performances such as "Chaozihui" and "dragon and lion dances" are still preserved to this day.
Main Attractions
Bailixia Scenic Area
Bailixia is the core scenic area of Yesanpo. It is named because the total length of the gorge is about 105 li, and it is a rare zhanggu landform scenic area in northern China. There are three deep and secluded gorges in the scenic area: Haitang Valley, Shixuan Gorge, and Xiezi Gully. In the gorges, strange rocks stand tall, cliffs rise ten thousand ren, and vegetation grows densely, forming a hundred-li painting gallery of "grandeur, steepness, wonder, and seclusion."
The main attractions include "Yixiantian," "Guanyin Stone," "Laohuzui," and "Huishou Guanyin." Among them, "Yixiantian" is only 0.83 meters wide at its narrowest point, and when you look up, you can only see a strip of blue sky; "Huquan" is a natural mountain spring in the gorge, with clear and sweet water. The negative oxygen ion content in the scenic area is as high as 90,000 per cubic centimeter, making it a natural oxygen bar. The average summer temperature is 22°C, making it an excellent place for summer vacation and cooling off.
Yugu Cave Scenic Area
Yugu Cave Scenic Area is characterized by strange springs and grotesque caves. Yugu Cave is a large limestone karst cave with a total length of about 1,800 meters and five levels. The temperature inside the cave is constant at 13°C, warm in winter and cool in summer. The stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, and other landscapes in the cave are uniquely shaped, with natural wonders such as "stone curtains," "stone flowers," and "stone waterfalls." In particular, the "goose tubes" are as thin as bamboo tubes, hollow and transparent, and are treasures among karst cave landscapes.
The Yugu Spring in the scenic area is one of the world's strange springs. Every year around Grain Rain, fish are ejected from the spring mouth. This wonder has a history of more than a thousand years, and science has not yet fully explained its cause. A "Fish Viewing Platform" has been built beside the spring, where tourists can observe this peculiar phenomenon.
Baicaopan Scenic Area
Baicaopan is the highest point of Yesanpo, with an altitude of 1,983 meters, and is one of the four major peaks west of Beijing. The scenic area has dense vegetation and possesses the largest area of primitive secondary forest in North China. There are more than 1,200 species of plants, including rare plants such as ginkgo and metasequoia, and wild animals such as hares, squirrels, and pheasants live here.
The main landscapes include "Sky Garden," "Wuzhi Peak," "Mayi Ridge," and "Wind-Moving Stone." The "Sky Garden" is an alpine meadow at an altitude of 1,800 meters. In late spring and early summer each year, various wild flowers bloom competitively, forming a sea of flowers; "Wuzhi Peak" is composed of five peaks, shaped like five fingers, lifelike. In autumn, Baicaopan is covered with red leaves, with layered forests dyed in color, making it a good place to enjoy autumn.
Longmen Tianguan Scenic Area
Longmen Tianguan is a place contested by strategists in past dynasties. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was an important pass for defending against invasions by foreign peoples. The mountains in the scenic area are steep and easy to defend but difficult to attack, and it is known as the "throat of the territory." There are existing military relics such as the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, beacon towers, and forts, as well as a large number of cliff inscriptions from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
The cliff inscription group is distributed on the cliffs in the scenic area, with more than 30 existing inscriptions. Among them, inscriptions such as "Wanren Tianguan," "Qianfeng Gongli," and "Longmen Shengjing" have strong and vigorous calligraphy and magnificent momentum, and are important physical materials for studying ancient calligraphy and military history. In addition, there are also attractions such as "Dalongmen Castle" and "Caishu'an Great Wall" in the scenic area, allowing tourists to experience the charm of ancient military culture.
Juma River Scenic Area
The Juma River is the only unpolluted river in North China. It is named after the legend of "King Zhao of Yan building a platform to resist horses." The river in the scenic area is crystal clear, with rapid currents. The peaks and ridges on both banks are layered, and the scenery is beautiful, making it a good place for leisure and entertainment.
The main entertainment projects include rafting, bamboo rafts, and kayaking. Among them, the Juma River rafting is about 3.5 kilometers long, with a drop of more than 10 meters. There are many rapids and rushing currents along the way, making it thrilling and exciting; bamboo raft drifting is relatively gentle, and tourists can enjoy the natural scenery on both banks on the bamboo raft, feeling the comfort of "a small bamboo raft traveling in the river." In addition, there is a "beach bathing area" along the Juma River, which is a good place for swimming and sunbathing in summer.
Tour Routes：
One-Day Tour Route
In the morning, visit Bailixia Scenic Area to enjoy the zhanggu landform and gorge wonders. It is recommended to enter from Haitang Valley, pass through attractions such as "Yixiantian" and "Guanyin Stone," and exit from Shixuan Gorge. The whole journey takes about 3-4 hours. In the afternoon, go to Juma River Scenic Area to experience water entertainment projects such as rafting and bamboo rafts, and feel the coolness and excitement of the Juma River. The tour time is about 2-3 hours.
Two-Day Tour Route
Day 1: In the morning, visit Bailixia Scenic Area. In the afternoon, go to Yugu Cave Scenic Area to visit the karst cave landscape and the wonder of Yugu Spring. In the evening, stay in a farmhouse in the scenic area and taste specialty foods such as roasted whole lamb.
Day 2: In the morning, visit Baicaopan Scenic Area and climb the main peak at an altitude of 1,983 meters to enjoy the primeval forest and alpine meadow landscapes. In the afternoon, go to Longmen Tianguan Scenic Area to visit cliff inscriptions and ancient military relics and feel the charm of historical culture.
Three-Day Tour Route
Day 1: In-depth tour of Bailixia Scenic Area, carefully appreciate every landscape in the gorge, and experience the comfort of the "natural oxygen bar."
Day 2: Yugu Cave Longmen Tianguan Scenic Areas. In the morning, explore the mysterious karst cave. In the afternoon, experience ancient military culture and the charm of cliff inscriptions.
Day 3: Baicaopan Juma River Scenic Areas. In the morning, climb high and look far to enjoy the natural scenery. In the afternoon, enjoy water entertainment at the Juma River and relax.
Travel Suggestions：
Season Selection: April-May is suitable for spring outings and flower viewing when mountain flowers are in full bloom; June-August has a cool climate and is the best period for summer retreats, and water entertainment projects can be experienced; September-October has clear autumn air, and Baicaopan is covered with red leaves, making it a good season to enjoy autumn.
Itinerary Arrangement: The scenic area is large, and the attractions are relatively scattered. It is recommended to arrange 2-3 days to fully appreciate the characteristics of each scenic area and avoid an overly tight schedule.
Clothing and Equipment: The scenic area is mostly mountainous terrain. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and casual clothing. In summer, take sun protection measures and carry sunscreen, sun hats, etc.; in autumn, the temperature on the mountain is lower, so bring a jacket.
Dining and Accommodation: There are many farmhouses in the scenic area, providing accommodation and dining services at relatively affordable prices. You can experience local specialty food and folk culture. It is recommended to book in advance, especially on holidays and during peak tourist seasons.
Entertainment Projects: Water projects such as rafting and bamboo rafts on the Juma River are deeply loved by tourists. It is recommended to learn about the weather conditions in advance, choose a suitable time to experience them, and pay attention to safety and follow the guidance of staff.
Notes：
Ticket Management: Scenic area tickets are for one-time use. If you need to enter again after leaving the park, you need to buy another ticket. It is recommended to keep the ticket properly.
Safety Tips: Mountain roads in scenic areas such as Bailixia and Baicaopan are relatively steep. Pay attention to the safety of your steps when visiting, especially in rainy days or when the roads are slippery. It is recommended to wear non-slip shoes; water projects such as Juma River rafting are somewhat dangerous, so strictly follow operating procedures and wear life jackets properly.
Environmental Protection: The scenic area is rich in vegetation and is the habitat of many wild animals. Tourists need to protect the environment, not pick flowers and plants at will, and not litter, so as to jointly maintain the ecological balance of the scenic area.
Civilized Visiting: Cliff inscriptions and historical relics in scenic areas such as Longmen Tianguan are precious cultural heritage. Tourists need to visit in a civilized manner and not carve or damage them at will.
Medical Rescue: There is a clinic in the scenic area. In case of sudden illness or injury, you can contact the staff promptly for help; mobile phone signals are good in scenic areas such as Bailixia, but signals may be weak in remote areas such as Baicaopan. It is recommended to travel in groups and avoid acting alone.
Transportation：
Self-Driving: Departing from Beijing, take the Jinggang'ao Expressway to Langzhuo Expressway, then transfer to Zhangzhuo Expressway, and get off at the Yesanpo exit. The total distance is about 150 kilometers, and the drive takes 2.5 hours; departing from Tianjin, take the Jinbao Expressway to Jinggang'ao Expressway, then transfer to Langzhuo Expressway and Zhangzhuo Expressway. The total distance is about 240 kilometers, and the drive takes 3.5 hours; departing from Baoding, take the Jingkun Expressway to Zhangzhuo Expressway. The total distance is about 130 kilometers, and the drive takes 2 hours.
Bus: Beijing Liuliqiao Passenger Transport Station has direct buses to Yesanpo every day. Departure times are 7:40, 9:40, and 11:40, and return times are 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00. The fare is about 60 yuan, and the journey takes 3 hours; Baoding Passenger Transport Center has direct buses to Yesanpo every day. Departure times are 8:00 and 10:00, and return times are 14:00 and 16:00. The fare is about 40 yuan, and the journey takes 2 hours.
Train: Take a train from Beijing West Railway Station to Laishui Station, then transfer to a local bus or taxi to Yesanpo. The train journey takes about 1.5 hours, and the fare is 16.5 yuan. The bus fare from Laishui to Yesanpo is about 20 yuan, and the journey takes 1.5 hours.
Transportation Within the Scenic Area: The scenic areas are far apart. It is recommended to drive by yourself or take the scenic area sightseeing bus. The sightseeing bus fare is about 20-30 yuan per person, and it can be taken at the entrance of each scenic area.
Opening Hours：
The opening hours of Yesanpo Scenic Area are from April 1 to October 31 each year. The specific opening hours of each scenic area are as follows:
Bailixia, Yugu Cave, and Longmen Tianguan: 7:00-18:00; Baicaopan: 8:00-17:00; Juma River Scenic Area: open all day (entertainment projects are open from 8:00-17:00). From November 1 to March 31 of the following year is the off-season, and some scenic areas are closed. For specific opening conditions, please consult the official scenic area.
Tickets：
Tickets are sold separately by scenic area. The specific ticket prices are as follows:
Bailixia Scenic Area: 100 yuan/person; Yugu Cave Scenic Area: 65 yuan/person; Baicaopan Scenic Area: 60 yuan/person; Longmen Tianguan Scenic Area: 50 yuan/person; Juma River Scenic Area: free (entertainment projects are charged separately, such as rafting 80 yuan/person, bamboo raft 40 yuan/person).