Liyutai Scenic Area is located in Xiaying Town, Jizhou District, Tianjin. It is one of the three major scenic areas of the Tianjin Jiulongshan National Forest Park and is a national 4A-level tourist attraction. The scenic area is situated in the eastern section of the Yanshan Mountains and is mainly characterized by quartzite peak forest landforms, primitive forests, and rich hydrological landscapes. It integrates natural elements such as mountains, water, rocks, and forests, and enjoys the reputations of "Tianjin's North Pole" and "Green Treasure House of Eastern Beijing." The scenic area covers a total area of more than 1,000 hectares, with a forest coverage rate of over 90%. It has numerous natural landscapes of various shapes, including peaks, canyons, waterfalls, and streams. The main peak, Liyutai Mountain, is 997 meters above sea level and is the second-highest peak in Tianjin. In addition, some historical relics remain in the scenic area, and natural and cultural landscapes blend with each other, forming unique tourism resources.
Historical Culture
Jizhou District, where Liyutai Scenic Area is located, has a long history. As early as the Neolithic Age, there were traces of human activity. The surrounding area of the scenic spot was an important military fortress in ancient times. Because it is located at the junction of Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei, it was historically a place where multiple ethnic groups blended and a strategic location contested by military strategists.
Traces of ancient ancestors' activities remain on some rock bodies in the scenic area. Although no large-scale ancient building complexes have been found, the folk culture of surrounding villages and the natural environment of the scenic area have influenced each other, forming a unique regional culture. Many folk legends related to mountains and rivers circulate locally. These legends add a mysterious historical color to the scenic area and also reflect local people's reverence for and use of nature.
Main Attractions
Yixiantian
Yixiantian is a famous canyon landscape in Liyutai Scenic Area. The canyon is about 100 meters long, and the narrowest point only allows one person to pass sideways. The rock walls on both sides are steep as if cut, rising dozens of meters high. Looking up, the sky appears only as a thin line, hence the name "Yixiantian" (One-Line Sky). The rocks here are quartzite, and this unique landform was formed through long geological processes. Walking through it, visitors can feel the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Dengtianfeng
Dengtianfeng is a vertical rock crevice, about 60 meters high and only 0.6 meters wide. Visitors can climb along stone steps within the crevice. The rock walls on both sides of the crevice are smooth and steep. Looking upward, it seems to lead to the sky, making it highly challenging and ornamental. During the climb, visitors can experience thrill and excitement while also observing the texture and structure of quartzite up close.
Wuzhi Mountain
Wuzhi Mountain is named because its peaks resemble human fingers. It is about 700 meters above sea level. The peaks are composed of quartzite and, through weathering, erosion, and other processes, have formed five realistic "fingers" of varying heights. Viewed from the observation deck, Wuzhi Mountain appears indistinctly in the mist and clouds, which is very spectacular. It is one of the landmark landscapes in the scenic area.
Liyutai Waterfall
Liyutai Waterfall is located deep in the scenic area, with a drop of about 30 meters. The water pours down from the top of the cliff, forming a beautiful scene like "the stream flies down three thousand feet." The waterfall is surrounded by green trees, and the air is fresh with a high negative oxygen ion content. In summer, when the water volume is abundant, the waterfall is loud and splashes everywhere; in winter, it may form an ice waterfall, offering a different charm.
Primitive Forest
The primitive forest in the scenic area covers an area of about 500 hectares and is one of the relatively well-preserved primitive secondary forests in North China. Various trees such as pine, cypress, oak, and birch grow in the forest, as well as national second-class protected plants such as Phellodendron amurense and Tilia amurensis. Wild animals such as leopards, roe deer, and pheasants inhabit the forest, making it an ideal place for ecological tourism and science education.
Food
Jizhou Stewed Dishes
Jizhou stewed dishes are a traditional local food, made by stewing multiple ingredients together. Common ingredients include pork belly, Chinese cabbage, tofu, and vermicelli. Fresh local ingredients are selected and simmered over low heat, allowing the flavors of the various ingredients to blend together. The broth is rich and the taste is layered. In farmhouses around Liyutai Scenic Area, this dish can be found almost everywhere. It is a great choice for warming up in winter.
Scrambled Free-Range Eggs
Scrambled free-range eggs are made with eggs laid by free-range chickens raised by local farmers. The yolks are darker in color and rich in nutrients. When preparing, they are usually simply stir-fried with chopped scallions. The taste is tender, and the egg aroma is rich. This dish is simple to make but can highlight the original flavor of the ingredients. It is a common dish in farmhouse meals around the scenic area.
Roasted Whole Lamb
Some restaurants around the scenic area offer roasted whole lamb. Local goats are selected, marinated, and then roasted over charcoal. The roasted whole lamb has a crispy skin and tender meat. After sprinkling cumin, chili, and other seasonings, the flavor becomes even richer. It is usually suitable for group gatherings and is a signature dish at local banquets.
Wild Vegetables
Various wild vegetables grow around Liyutai Scenic Area, such as shepherd's purse, purslane, and bitter lettuce. These wild vegetables mostly grow in mountain forests, are natural and pollution-free, and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Common preparation methods include cold dressing and stir-frying. They taste refreshing and have a unique wild flavor, making them a good choice for tourists seeking healthy food.
Tickets：
Tickets are 70 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "Liyutai" to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours：
Opening hours are adjusted according to the season. In peak season (April 1-October 31), opening hours are 8:00-17:30; in off-season (November 1-March 31 of the following year), opening hours are 8:30-16:30. Tourists are advised to check the official information of the scenic area before traveling to avoid affecting their plans due to time adjustments.
Tour Route：
A recommended classic one-day tour route: after entering from the scenic area entrance, first visit Yixiantian to experience the steepness of the canyon; then go to Dengtianfeng to experience the fun of climbing; afterward go to Wuzhi Mountain to enjoy the peculiar mountain landscape; at noon, you can dine at a rest area along the way or return to a farmhouse near the scenic area entrance; in the afternoon, go to Liyutai Waterfall to enjoy the waterfall scenery, and then stroll through the primitive forest to enjoy the tranquility of nature. This route is about 8 kilometers in total, with a hiking time of about 5-6 hours, and allows you to appreciate the main landscapes of the scenic area relatively comprehensively.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Starting from downtown Tianjin, drive along the Jinji Expressway to the Jizhou Station exit, then drive north along the Jinwei Highway. After passing Xiaying Town, follow the road signs to reach Liyutai Scenic Area. The total distance is about 130 kilometers, and the drive takes about 2.5 hours.
Bus: Take a bus from the Jizhou District Passenger Transport Station to Xiaying Town. After arriving in Xiaying Town, transfer to a local minibus or taxi to the scenic area. The bus journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Tourist Line: During peak tourist season, Tianjin opens tourist lines to Liyutai Scenic Area. Tourists can board at designated locations. Specific schedules and times can be found in the official information of the scenic area or on tourism platforms.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Yixiantian: About 100 meters long, with the narrowest point only allowing one person to pass. The rock walls on both sides are steep and it is a very distinctive canyon landscape in the scenic area, allowing people to feel the wonder of nature.
Dengtianfeng: About 60 meters high and 0.6 meters wide. The vertical rock crevice is highly challenging. The climbing process is thrilling and exciting, making it a must-visit project for tourists who like adventure.
Liyutai Waterfall: With a drop of about 30 meters, the water pours down, creating a spectacular scene. It is especially shocking in summer when the water volume is large, and it is the landmark water landscape of the scenic area.
Primitive Forest: Covering about 500 hectares, it preserves rich animal and plant resources. Strolling through it allows visitors to feel the charm of the primitive ecology. It is suitable for leisure relaxation and science experiences.
Travel Suggestions：
It is recommended to spend 1-2 days. If time permits, you can stay overnight in a farmhouse around the scenic area and experience rural life.
The scenic area is mostly mountain roads. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes for walking and climbing.
When visiting in summer, take sun protection measures and carry a sun hat, sunscreen, etc.; in autumn, pay attention to keeping warm and carry a jacket.
It is recommended to carry sufficient drinking water and some snacks to replenish energy during the trip.
You can bring a camera or mobile phone to record the beautiful scenery of the scenic area, especially landmark landscapes such as Wuzhi Mountain and the waterfall.
Precautions：
The mountain roads in the scenic area are steep, and some sections are relatively slippery. Pay attention to safety when visiting, abide by the safety regulations of the scenic area, and do not deviate from the tour route without authorization.
Protect the environment of the scenic area, do not litter, do not pick plants, do not harm wild animals, and protect ecological balance.
Mobile phone signal is weak in some areas of the scenic area. It is recommended to keep in contact with companions to avoid getting lost.
During thunderstorms, avoid staying on mountain tops or in open areas to prevent lightning strikes. You can take shelter in nearby rain shelters.
Abide by the opening hours of the scenic area, arrange your itinerary reasonably, and avoid staying in the scenic area after closing.