Bingyu Valley Scenic Area (冰峪沟景区), located in Dalian, Liaoning Province, is renowned for its rare karst landscape, a geological feature uncommon in northern China. Known as the “Guilin of the North,” the valley is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, including clear streams, lush mountains, and winding paths.
Discovered in the early 1980s, Bingyu Valley was once home to only eighteen isolated households, resembling a hidden paradise. In the late 1980s, the local government began developing the area for tourism, transforming it into a scenic area that now spans over 100 square kilometers.
Bingyu Valley offers breathtaking beauty throughout the year. In the summer, the valley is lush and cool, making it an ideal retreat from the heat. The autumn season brings vibrant, colorful foliage, with red and orange leaves covering the hillsides. Winter is the most dramatic season in Bingyu Valley, as the snow-covered rock formations and frozen waterfalls create a dazzling, icy wonderland.
Table of Contents
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 days |
| Ticket Price | 120 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0411-89227212 |
Location and Transportation
Bingyu Valley Scenic Area is located near Xianrendong Town, about 40 kilometers north of Zhuanghe City in Dalian, Liaoning Province. It is approximately 220 kilometers from Dalian city center and 130 kilometers from Yingkou city center. To get there, you can choose one of the following ways:
By Bus or Train to Zhuanghe: You can take a bus from Beigangqiao in Dalian or a train to Zhuanghe. Once you arrive at Zhuanghe, transfer to a regular minibus service that operates between Zhuanghe and Bingyu Valley. Minibuses run daily from 6:40 AM to 4:40 PM, with departures every half hour. The ticket price for this leg of the journey is approximately 7.5 RMB.
By Direct Sightseeing Bus: Another convenient option is to take a direct sightseeing bus from Dalian Railway Station, which will get you to Bingyu Valley in about 2 hours.
Highlights of Bingyu Valley
Yunshui Crossing
Yunshui Crossing is a picturesque lake formed by the gentle flow of the Yingna River. Located in the southeastern part of Bingyu Valley, this area frequently experiences mist rolling in from the nearby sea, creating a mystical atmosphere shrouded in clouds. The lake represents the harmony of clouds and water, with stunning cliffs and unique rock formations lining both shores. A notable feature is a towering stone pillar known as the “Middle Stream Pillar,” which stands at 40 meters tall. The adjacent water area is called “Dragon Gate Pool,” named for the numerous carp that inhabit it, symbolizing the phrase “carp leaping over the dragon gate.”
Northern Valley and Yingna River
The Northern Valley refers to the gorge through which the Yingna River flows, while the Southern Valley is associated with the Xiao Yu River. The main attractions of Bingyu Valley are intertwined with these two rivers. The Yingna River, whose name is derived from the Manchu language meaning “beautiful place,” stretches for 94.9 kilometers, making it the longest river in Zhuanghe. This river is a crucial freshwater source, with the highest quality freshwater resources in the Dalian area coming from Zhuanghe City, where the Yingna River holds the top position.
Southern Valley
Just south of “Shuanglonghui” lies the Southern Valley of Bingyu, where the Xiao Yu River serves as the main water system. This area is renowned for its stunning scenery, featuring geological wonders such as “Lonely Sail Rock,” “Sword Eye,” “Little Bear Waiting for Mother,” “Beauty Peak,” and “Sheep Back Rock.” Beyond the “Great Gate,” visitors enter a national-level nature reserve, where the forests become increasingly dense. Dominated by oak and red pine, the mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests create a lush, green canopy that often obscures the sun. Whether atop majestic mountain peaks, within tranquil valleys, or nestled among cliffside crevices, the area is dotted with towering rock formations. An alternative exit from the Bingyu scenic area is through a tunnel completed in 1998, measuring 258 meters in length, making it the longest tunnel in Zhuanghe. This tunnel provides an easy way to leave the mountains without the need for a strenuous hike.
Immortal Cave
Located beneath the cliffs of Tian Tai Peak on Longhua Mountain in the southern part of the Bingyu area, the Immortal Cave stands at an elevation of 561.2 meters and covers an area of 385 square meters. The cave’s temple, initially built in 1398, is a sacred site that combines both Buddhist and Taoist elements. Inside the temple, deities such as Shakyamuni Buddha, King of the Precious Banner Buddha, and Maitreya Buddha are worshipped, flanked by 18 Arhats. Ascending the steps on the right leads to a two-story wooden structure known as “Jade Emperor Pavilion” and “Three Officials Hall,” dedicated to Taoist immortals. Each year, on the 18th day of the fourth lunar month, a temple fair is held at Immortal Cave, attracting numerous pilgrims who come to pay their respects.
