Qingshan Valley (青山沟) is a stunning natural area that encompasses various scenic spots, including Qingshan Lake, Feipu Gorge, Hutang Gorge, and Xianren Valley. This picturesque region is home to 36 waterfalls of varying sizes, with the Little Heaven Pool situated atop the majestic Baimian Mountain. The emerald Hujiang River winds its way around unique peaks and rocky formations before gently flowing into the Yalu River, creating breathtaking landscapes.
Recognized by United Nations experts as one of the six unpolluted natural areas in the world, Qingshan Valley has earned the reputation of being a “place where immortals once lived,” as described by Singaporean media. It is often compared to Jiuzhaigou in the west, with the saying, “In the west, there’s Jiuzhaigou; in the east, there’s Qingshan Valley.”
Qingshan Valley is home to an array of plant life, featuring 98 families and approximately 1,900 species, including over 200 species of woody plants and eight rare plant species. This ecological richness, combined with its stunning natural beauty, makes Qingshan Valley a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Qingshan Valley
- Vlog about Qingshan Valley
- Other Attractions in Dandong Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | Feipu Gorge Scenic Area: 40 RMB Hutang Gorge Scenic Area: 40 RMB Qingshan Lake Scenic Area: 40 RMB Manjia Valley: 30 RMB Combined Ticket: 120 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0415-5850025 |
Location and Transportation
Qingshan Valley is located in Qingshangu Town, Kuandian Manchu Autonomous County, Dandong City, Liaoning Province. To get there from Dandong City, you can take a direct bus service. The bus ride is straightforward and convenient, taking you straight to the valley. The fare is approximately 30 RMB, making it an affordable and easy option for travelers.
Highlights of Qingshan Valley
Hutang Gorge Scenic Area
Hutang Gorge is a mesmerizing part of Qingshan Valley, where ancient, sturdy trees stand sentinel over the babbling brooks that carve their way over uneven stones. The water splashes against the rocks, creating sparkling droplets that glisten in the sunlight, resembling a shower of pearls. One of the main attractions in this area is a massive rock that towers over 50 meters high. From any angle, this rock strikingly resembles a large black bear curiously peering into the gorge, as if entranced by the various floral honeys that it has sampled. Legend has it that this honey-loving bear, after indulging in the different types of honey found in Hutang Gorge, remains captivated by the sweetness of the experience.
Adding to the area’s allure is the Fairy Waterfall, which plunges over 80 meters down a steep cliff. The water cascades powerfully, creating a misty spray that dances in the air like ethereal flowers, especially when sunlight filters through, producing vibrant rainbows that arch across the sky. This enchanting environment makes Hutang Gorge a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Qingshan Lake Scenic Area
The Qingshan Lake area offers an expansive and breathtaking vista, with the lake stretching up to 1,500 meters in width and over a hundred kilometers in length. The depths of the lake range between 30 to 70 meters, created by the damming of the Hujiang River at the downstream Taiping Shout Hydropower Station. The water is remarkably clear, with a vivid green hue, while steep mountains rise along the shores, creating a stunning backdrop of nature’s splendor.
In the early morning, the surface of Qingshan Lake mirrors the clouds above, creating a tranquil, dreamlike atmosphere. As the sun sets, the lake becomes a canvas of fiery hues, with the sky ablaze in shades of orange and pink as flocks of birds return to their nests. Occasionally, one might hear the distant sound of fishermen singing as they cast their nets into the shimmering water. By nightfall, the lake transforms once more, reflecting the bright moon and countless stars, creating a scene filled with enchanting charm. Even during the hottest summer days, the area retains a coolness, with ice formations as large as goose eggs sometimes appearing in the crevices of rocks. At dawn, vapor rises from the so-called “Summer Ice,” creating a mist that flows across the lake towards the great canyon, resembling a “White Dragon Crossing the River.”
Feipu Gorge Scenic Area
Feipu Gorge features the renowned Qingshan Waterfall, celebrated as the largest waterfall in Liaoning Province. This majestic waterfall plunges down a 32-meter-high cliff with a thunderous roar, cascading like a jade ribbon across the landscape. The sheer power and beauty of the waterfall are breathtaking, making it an unforgettable sight for visitors.
Additionally, the Chinese Manchu Ethnic Style Park is located in this scenic area, covering 36,000 square meters. This park showcases the rich cultural heritage and customs of the Manchu people. The architecture within the park reflects both the grandeur of the Qing Dynasty palaces and the charm of folk traditions. Visitors can explore a variety of attractions, including the Manchu Theatre, the Hundred Houses of the Manchu, a sports playground, and extensive exhibits in the folklore museum. The park’s design invites visitors to step back in time, immersing them in the ancient tribal culture of the Manchu people.
