[Photo from chinadaily.com.cn]

The scenic spot Longqingxia Gorge is a mountain and river complex located in Beijing's Yanqing County. The scenery is so beautiful that people often compare it with the famous Yangtze River's Three Gorges and Lijiang River. To cruise the gorge along the stream is just like wandering in a natural art gallery, seeing endless enchanting mountains passing by as they cast their shadows on the river's mirror-like surface.

Autumn has been described as the most beautiful season in Beijing. The hues, deriving from the city's unique plant life and climate, are undoubtedly lovely to behold. There are some popular spots in the capital to visit during the colorful season such as Fragrant Hills Park - which boasts the best red maples in Beijing, Badaling and Mutianyu Great Wall. As winter approaches, for those who would like to catch the last colors of nature, do so before the leaves wither in a week or two. One place to visit is Longqing Gorge, located to the north of the Badaling Great Wall.Michael Franklin takes you on a visual tour.

Address:

Longqingxia, Yanqing County

Tel: +86 10 6919 1020

Open:

8 am-5 pm (Summer)

8:30 am-10 pm (Winter)

Admission: 40 yuan

Traffic:

Take bus 919 to Longqingxia then change to bus 920, or drive via Badaling Highway to the site.