Yasanpo National Park (野三坡), located at the convergence of two major mountain ranges in northern China – the Taihang Mountains and the Yan Mountains, covers a total area of 498.5 square kilometers. This park is a testament to the powerful geological forces and volcanic activities that have shaped its diverse and unique geological features. Often referred to as a living geological textbook and a natural geological museum, Yasanpo offers a captivating insight into Earth’s history.
Yasanpo is renowned for its “wild” character, nurturing a rich ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna. It boasts an impressive array of biodiversity, including 713 species of seed plants from 92 families, 65 species of ferns from 15 families, and over 200 medicinal plant species. The park is also home to 184 species of wild vertebrates, including 15 nationally protected species.
Visiting Yasanpo National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore a remarkable geological wonderland and experience the beauty of untouched nature.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Map of Yesanpo National Park
- Highlights of Yesanpo National Park
- Video about Yesanpo National Park
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Baoding
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.hbysp.cn/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 days |
| Ticket Price | Hundred-Mile Valley: – Admission: 100 RMB – Electric Scooter: 10 RMB for single way and 20 RMB for return – Cable Car: 50 RMB for single Way and 90 RMB for return Yugu Cave and Spring: – Admission: 65 RMB – Sight-seeing Train: 10 RMB – Grass Skiing: 10 RMB Baicaopan: – Admission: 60 RMB – Cable Car: 25 – 100 RMB depending on the destinations Longmen Heaven Pass: – Admission: 50 RMB Qingquan Mountain: – Admission: 45 RMB |
| Opening Hours | Hundred-Mile Valley: 8.00 – 18.00 Yugu Cave and Spring: 7.30 – 18.00 Baicaopan: 7.30 – 16.30 Longmen Heaven Pass: 7.00 – 17.00 Qingquan Mountain: 7.00 – 18.00 |
| Reputation | AAAAA Tourist Attraction Listed as World Geology Park Listed as National Well-Known Scenery Listed as National Forest Park Listed as an Ecologocial Tourism Model |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0312-4568945 0086-0312-4563966 |
Location and Transportation
Yasanpo is located in the western part of Beijing, the northwestern region of Hebei Province, and within the territory of Laishui County, Baoding City. It is situated at the convergence point of two major northern Chinese mountain ranges, the Taihang Mountains and the Yan Mountains. The Taihang Mountains extend southward for hundreds of miles along the borders of Hebei, Shanxi, and Henan, while the towering Yan Mountains head eastward, passing through Beijing, Tianjin, and Hebei Province. Yasanpo’s strategic location at the meeting point of these two prominent mountain ranges makes it a geographically significant and visually stunning area.
Getting to Yasanpo is relatively convenient, especially from Beijing, due to its proximity to the capital. The primary transportation options are trains and buses. Here are some ways to get to Yasanpo:
By Train: The most common way to reach Yasanpo from Beijing is by train. Trains to Yasanpo depart from Beijing West Railway Station. Two of the train options are:
- Train Y595 (Beijing West to Baijian): Departs at 8:20 and arrives at Yasanpo at 11:05, with a stop at Bailingxia Station at 11:20.
- Train 6437 (Beijing West to Dajian): Departs at 17:33 and arrives at Yasanpo at 20:29, with a stop at Bailingxia Station at 20:44.
By Bus: There are also bus routes to consider:
- 917 Shidu Special Line: This line goes directly to Shidu, starting from Tianqiao Bus Station, passing through Guang’anmen and Liuliqiao, and taking the Jingshi Expressway to Shidu Scenic Area. The buses are air-conditioned and operate from 7:00 to 17:00. The journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, and the ticket price is 14 yuan. From Shidu, you can transfer to a Hebei small public bus to get to Yasanpo or take a taxi.
- 917 Zhangfang Line: This line follows the same route as the Shidu Special Line but runs more frequently, with buses departing every 10 minutes. After reaching Zhangfang, you can take a taxi or the Hebei small public bus to Yasanpo or Shidu.
From Nearby Cities: If you are traveling from Tianjin, Baoding, or Shijiazhuang, you can take a bus to Laishui County and then transfer to a local bus heading to Yasanpo. At Laishui County Bus Station, you can find small buses that carry around 20 passengers and cost approximately 20 yuan. These buses leave when full, and the last one typically departs at around 16:30.
Map of Yesanpo National Park
Highlights of Yesanpo National Park
Qingquan Mountain
Qingquan Mountain, nestled within Yesanpo National Park, is a natural oasis of tranquility and beauty. This pristine mountain is renowned for its lush greenery, abundant waterfalls, and refreshing springs that give it its name, “Clear Spring Mountain.” Often hailed as the coolest destination in North China, Qingquan Mountain boasts a captivating landscape featuring stone forests, the enchanting Water Dragon Cave, the serene White Cloud Temple, the mystical Goddess Peak, the azure Qinglong Pool, and numerous mesmerizing canyon waterfalls. Visitors can explore these wonders easily with the convenience of a sightseeing elevator and a variety of entertainment facilities, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Yugu Cave and Spring
Yugu Cave and Spring, located in the heart of Yesanpo National Park, is a fascinating natural wonder. The cave stretches for 2,000 meters with an average width of 10 meters and heights ranging from 0.5 to 20 meters. It gained its name due to the spectacle that occurs during the “Grain Rain” season, where fish pour out of the spring’s mouth. After nightfall, schools of fish swarm out, attracting local fishermen who use bamboo baskets to catch them at this unique spot. This phenomenon has earned it the name “Yugu Cave and Spring,” making it a captivating attraction for nature enthusiasts and curious visitors.
Hundred-Mile Valley
Hundred-Mile Valley is an extraordinary gem within Yesanpo National Park. This unique area captivates visitors with its enchanting beauty. As you wander through this valley, meandering trails follow the contours of the rugged mountains, while crystal-clear streams flow alongside. Lush vegetation flourishes, creating a serene and pristine environment with invigorating, pure air. Here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering cliffs that seem to reach for the endless blue skies. The Hundred-Mile Valley offers a mesmerizing escape, where nature’s grandeur unfolds at every turn, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking awe-inspiring landscapes and a sense of tranquility.
Juma River
Juma River, the only perennial river within Hebei Province, flows through the scenic wonderland of Yesanpo National Park. This region boasts breathtaking natural beauty, a temperate climate, and a rich tapestry of historical and cultural treasures. In addition to the stunning landscapes, the Juma River area is dotted with numerous hotels and restaurants, making it a hub for both sightseers and leisure seekers. This idyllic destination has become a popular retreat, offering a harmonious blend of nature and comfort, inviting visitors to explore its serene waters, lush surroundings, and the historic legacy that graces its banks.
Baicaopan
Baicaopan, located within Yesanpo National Park, boasts a majestic main peak soaring to 1,983 meters above sea level. The terrain here is remarkably diverse, offering a tapestry of natural wonders. Its pristine ecological environment includes towering forests that seem to touch the sky and intricate limestone formations. Below 1,000 meters, vibrant pine forests thrive, maintaining their lush greenery year-round, while above 1,000 meters, dense birch forests create a captivating landscape. The climate is refreshingly cool, with significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations. Even in the height of summer, the highest temperature rarely exceeds 22°C.
Huoqiu Theater
Huoqiu Theater, set against the majestic backdrop of the Taihang Mountains within Yesanpo National Park, is a captivating performance venue that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Taihang culture and the spirit of Yan Zhao. Through a mesmerizing blend of film, music, 3D special effects, dance, and martial arts, this theater delves deep into the origins of the Yan Zhao region, human evolution, the rise of civilization, and the era of revolutionary history. All of this is presented with a stunning real-world backdrop, creating an immersive and profound interpretation of the land’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Longmen Heavenly Pass
Longmen Heavenly Pass, within the breathtaking landscape of Yesanpo National Park, boasts awe-inspiring terrain characterized by rugged cliffs and formidable defenses. Its principal peak, Tianzhu Peak, rises to an elevation of 1,099 meters, exuding grandeur and majesty. Adorned with cliffside stone carvings, it is home to the largest collection of such carvings in North China. The Longmen Heavenly Pass is not only a natural wonder but also an archaeological treasure trove, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich history and the impressive artistry that adorns these ancient stone surfaces.
Video about Yesanpo National Park
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Accommodation Recommendations: For accommodation, it is suggested to stay near Bailixia, particularly in the Seven-Colored Art Town located opposite the Bailixia scenic spot. The town is vibrant at night with plenty of entertainment options, including various restaurants and supermarkets.
Dining Options: In the Seven-Colored Art Town within Bailixia, there are numerous restaurants, often located on the ground floor of accommodations. Local delicacies in Yesanpo include charcoal-grilled rainbow trout, deep-fried small river fish, roasted rabbit, and riverside barbecue with a bonfire accompanied by karaoke.
Recommended Attractions:
- Bailixia (Hundred-Mile Valley): Considered the favorite spot in Yesanpo, offering a cool escape during the summer months.
- Liu Jiahe Water Park: Features high-altitude drifting.
- Qingquan Mountain: Provides thrilling entertainment with activities such as a space elevator and UFO disc.
- Yunxi Valley Triple Drift: Combines high-altitude landscapes, caves, and river drifting for a comprehensive adventure experience.
The tourist spot is quite desolate now. By the time we walked down, it was already two in the afternoon, and there was only one small restaurant, Chef Su’s (苏大厨), still open.
As the weather turns cooler, the canyon seems to enter the off-peak tourist season. However, the autumn scenery offers a unique charm. With the addition of foggy weather, the sense of mystery is amplified. The cliffs on both sides are sheer, covered with lush moss. Walking through the canyon, one can’t help but marvel at the incredible artistry of nature. The circular route of the scenic area allows for a full day of exploration, with breathtaking views at every step… Read more »
In the mountains during this season, the temperature is lower than in the city. If the room doesn’t face the sun, it can feel a bit chilly, but turning on the air conditioning helps a bit. For hiking, you can wear a short-sleeve shirt with a jacket, but in the evening, it’s better to dress more warmly for a stroll.
Baili Gorge is a place I’ve visited four times, and calling it “Little Guilin” is not an exaggeration at all. Due to the pandemic and floods, I hadn’t been there for over two years, but this time I took the opportunity to visit again, and my feelings about Baili Gorge have completely changed. The mountains are still as graceful as ever, but the water has turned muddy and no longer features the clear blue hills and green waters. The once-bustling… Read more »
Today is Sunday, and I’m spending time with my classmates at Yesanpo to enjoy the water. The air is wonderful, the sky is blue with white clouds—it’s so healing…
After last year’s heavy rain, many places were washed away. They are still undergoing reconstruction.
Yesanpo (Wild Three Slopes) has always been on my mind for travel. It took a four-hour drive from Hebei to get there. Upon arrival, it was desolate, with excavators working on post-disaster reconstruction everywhere. The roads in the village were not easy to navigate, and the places to visit were far from satisfying.
Currently, most of the Yesanpo are still under construction, so there isn’t much to see or do there. Today, I visited Qingquan Mountain, where I found a small river near the hotel. It was very refreshing to dip my feet in its water. I enjoyed the clouds today.
Arcadia is more suitable for taking young children. The road to the hotel has been repaired and is now an asphalt road. Just follow the navigation and take the national highway after getting off the expressway. Some attractions have already opened, although I heard that the road is not easy to travel. We didn’t visit the attractions, instead, we played around near the hotel, relaxed, and had a pleasant time. At the hotel, you can play kayaking in the swimming… Read more »
I went to Yebaipo, stayed at Arcadia, and tried high mountain drifting. Yebaipo was seriously affected by disasters last year. The famous Bailixia was in a mess due to the flooding. If you want to visit that area, you can stay at Arcadia or the Fairy Tale Hotel if you prefer fewer people. For larger groups, you can consider staying at a high-class homestay.