Xinglong Mountain Scenic Area is located in Mizidi Village, Dashuiquan Town, Xinglong County, Chengde City, Hebei Province. It is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area has a planned area of about 38 square kilometers, with a core area of 14.7 square kilometers. Its features lie in its peculiar topography and landforms and rich mountain and water resources. It is known for “strange peaks, bizarre rocks, beautiful waters, and secluded valleys” and has the reputation of “Little Zhangjiajie.” It was once a royal forbidden area of the Manchu Qing dynasty and remained closed for 254 years. Its ecological environment is excellent, with a high forest coverage rate. It is a large green area in eastern Beijing and a well-known “natural oxygen bar” in northern Tianjin. The annual average temperature is 6.5°C–10.3°C, and the summer average temperature is about 21°C, making it an ideal place for summer retreat. The scenic area contains several distinctive structures, including the Longmen Cableway with an inclined length of 1,000 meters and a vertical drop of 180 meters; the 98-meter-high Tenglong Sightseeing Elevator; and the 226-meter-long Glass Bridge suspended at an altitude of 650 meters.
History and Culture
In 1661, Xinglong Mountain Scenic Area was designated as a forbidden zone of “Rear Dragon Feng Shui.” To protect the feng shui here, the Qing government relocated local residents, banned all logging and farming activities, and established the Malan Town garrison commander, stationing soldiers there for long-term guarding. Over the following 254 years, the area remained closed, and its original natural ecosystem was relatively well preserved.
In 1915, with the issuance of an order lifting the ban, this forbidden area, once the “Rear Dragon Feng Shui” zone of the imperial tombs, gradually came into public view. Xinglong Mountain was originally called “Gushan” (Lonely Mountain). In 1755, the Qing government established a stationed chief patrol here, and it was later renamed Xinglong Mountain. Because of its special connection with the Eastern Qing Tombs, it has been given dragon-vein cultural labels such as “Imperial Back Garden” and “Rear Dragon Secret Realm.”
Major Attractions
Haohan Slope
Haohan Slope, or Hero Slope, is one of the walking hiking routes in the scenic area. It has a total of 2,080 steps and is suitable for hiking enthusiasts with good stamina. There are several viewing platforms along the climb, where visitors can stop to admire the strange peaks, bizarre rocks, green plants, and other natural scenery along the way, and experience the joy and challenge of hiking.
Longmen Cableway
Longmen Cableway has an inclined length of 1,000 meters and a vertical drop of 180 meters. It uses enclosed transparent glass gondolas. While riding, visitors can enjoy panoramic views outside the window, including cliffs, canyon waterfalls, Sky Eye, Small Stone Forest, and other landscapes. It is a relaxed way to go up the mountain with a broad field of view, taking about 10 minutes.
Cliffside Walking Trail
The Cliffside Walking Trail hangs on the cliffs. The total length of walking trails in the mountain is 6.5 kilometers. Its design follows the mountain terrain and remains unobtrusive. Although winding, the path is smooth and comfortable, suitable for visitors of different ages to stroll. Walking along it, visitors can closely experience the steepness of the mountain walls and the tranquility of the mountains, with scenery changing with every step.
Tenglong Sightseeing Elevator
Tenglong Sightseeing Elevator is built against the cliff and attached to a vertical cliff over 100 meters high. It is 98 meters high, equivalent to a 30-story building. The ride takes only 45 seconds to reach the summit, saving energy and allowing visitors to experience the change in view from the foot to the top in a short time. During the ride, steep cliffs and distant scenery can be enjoyed.
Glass Bridge
The Glass Bridge is 226 meters long and 2 meters wide, suspended at an altitude of 650 meters. The deck is paved with three layers of laminated tempered glass and has strong load-bearing capacity. Walking on it, with the transparent deck underfoot, visitors can clearly see the canyon and vegetation below, as if in the air. It is visually striking and thrilling, while offering 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains.
Great Rivers and Mountains Waterfall
Great Rivers and Mountains Waterfall is located above Xiaolong Lake at the entrance gate of the scenic area. The waterfall has a drop of more than 200 meters. Viewed from afar, it looks like a silver ribbon rushing down the cliff with magnificent momentum. In the rainy season, abundant water makes it even more spectacular, and the splashing water may form a brilliant rainbow in sunlight. Four large Chinese characters, “Da Hao Shan He” (Great Rivers and Mountains), are carved on the cliff, from which the waterfall gets its name.
Echo Wall
Echo Wall is a naturally formed curved cliff, named for its obvious sound-reflection effect. When visitors shout loudly here, they can clearly hear echoes that last for a relatively long time. The cliff is surrounded by dense vegetation and a quiet environment, making it a scenic spot that combines fun and natural features.
Hui Que Bridge
Hui Que Bridge is about 80 meters above ground, 65 meters long, and 2 meters wide, with a circular disk-shaped middle section 6 meters in diameter. On all four sides are precipitous cliffs and deep valleys. Its colorful railings span the valley in midair, and its overall shape resembles a disk-shaped watch, symbolizing a change of fortune. Walking on it, each step produces a pleasant sound, offering visitors a unique experience.
Suggested Tour Routes：
After entering the scenic area, visitors can choose different routes.
Those with good stamina can start from the Visitor Center, hike up via Haohan Slope, enjoy natural scenery along the way, visit the attractions at the summit, then continue along the Cliffside Walking Trail, experience the Glass Bridge, and finally take the Tenglong Sightseeing Elevator down. The whole trip takes about 5–6 hours.
To save energy, visitors can take the scenic-area shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to the lower station of Longmen Cableway, ride the cableway up, then visit the Cliffside Walking Trail, Glass Bridge, Echo Wall, and other attractions in order, and take the Tenglong Sightseeing Elevator down. The whole trip takes about 3–4 hours. Visitors can adjust the route according to their own condition. It is recommended to enter before 9 a.m. to avoid peak crowds and fully enjoy the visit.
Travel Tips：
The walking trails in the scenic area are long. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes to reduce foot fatigue.
Mountain weather is changeable. Even in summer, bring a light jacket to prevent catching cold due to large temperature differences between morning and evening.
It is recommended to bring enough drinking water and some dry food. Although there are sales points in the scenic area, prices are relatively high.
Summer ultraviolet rays are strong, so take sun protection measures, such as applying sunscreen and wearing a sun hat and sunglasses.
If planning to hike, learn in advance about the number of steps on Haohan Slope and assess your own stamina to avoid overexertion.
When taking the cableway and sightseeing elevator, prepare a camera or mobile phone to record the beautiful scenery along the way.
The ecological environment in the scenic area is beautiful. It is recommended to bring a garbage bag and take your trash away with you to protect the environment.
During peak season, there are many visitors. It is recommended to buy tickets in advance through official channels to reduce queuing time on site.
Precautions：
The Glass Bridge has a limited carrying capacity. Follow staff arrangements, enter in batches and in order, and strictly prohibit chasing, playing, or jumping on the bridge.
Some sections of the Cliffside Walking Trail are close to the cliff edge. Pay attention to safety when walking, do not climb over guardrails, and take care of the elderly and children.
Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area. Flammable, explosive, and other dangerous items are strictly prohibited from being brought in to prevent fires.
When taking the cableway and sightseeing elevator, follow relevant regulations, wait until the equipment stops steadily before getting on or off in order, and do not extend your body out of the window.
Wild animals may appear in the mountains. Do not feed or disturb them, and keep a safe distance.
In thunderstorm weather, stay away from tall trees, utility poles, and cliff edges, and take shelter indoors or in a safe area.
Follow the signs and guidance in the scenic area. Do not enter unopened areas to avoid accidents.
Keep personal belongings safe, especially in crowded places, to prevent loss.
Transportation：
Self-driving: From Beijing, drive along the Beijing-Pinggu Expressway, Tianjin-Jizhou Expressway, and Beijing-Qinhuangdao Expressway. Get off at the Xinglong County exit, then follow the signs to Chengde Xinglong Mountain Scenic Area. The total distance is about 200 kilometers, and the drive takes about 3 hours.
Public bus: At Xinglong County Bus Station, take the bus to Dashuiquan Town. Get off at Mizidi Village and walk to the scenic area. Buses run about once per hour, the ride takes about 40 minutes, and the fare is about 10 yuan.
Tourist shuttle/coach lines: Some travel agencies in Beijing, Tianjin, and other cities operate tourist shuttle or coach lines to Chengde Xinglong Mountain Scenic Area. Visitors can inquire and register in advance. These are usually one-day or two-day tours and include transportation and tickets.
Scenic-area shuttle bus: There is a shuttle bus from the Visitor Center to the entrances of various attractions in the scenic area. The fare is 20 yuan per person, making it convenient for visitors to travel within the scenic area.
Opening Hours：
Opening hours vary by season. Peak season (April 1–October 31): 8:00–18:00, last ticket sale at 15:30. Off-season (November 1–March 31 of the following year): 9:00–17:00, last ticket sale at 14:30. The opening hours of attractions within the scenic area are the same as those of the scenic area. Visitors are advised to plan their time reasonably to avoid missing visiting hours.
Tickets：
As of August 16, 2025, the ticket price is 120 yuan per person.