Guyaju Travel Notes

Number of days: 1 day
Time: May
Average cost: 140 yuan
With whom：parents and children
The author went to these places: Yanqing
Updated: 2022.07.28

Travelogue of Guyaju

I love traveling, being close to nature, and savoring cultural heritage sites. I prefer lesser-known, lesser-known attractions I haven't visited. The Guyaju Scenic Area immediately caught my eye. First, it's a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Second, it's a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Guyaju is located in a canyon north of Dongmenying Village, Zhangshanying Township, Yanqing District, Beijing. It's a 3A-rated scenic spot. The entire area isn't very large and can be explored in about two hours. For a more detailed tour, you can spend more than three hours exploring the entire area. Reservations are required in advance (free for those over 60 years old). However, as the epidemic situation improves, registering at the entrance to the scenic area will also serve as a reservation.

Driving is the preferred option to reach Guyaju Scenic Area. Public transportation is also convenient. Take the No. 919 express bus from Deshengmen Bus Terminal to the Yanqing District Bus Terminal. From there, take the Y40 bus to Guyaju Station. I chose a combination of high-speed rail and public transportation; it saves time, is convenient, and doesn't feel tiring.

High-speed Rail Schedule

From Beijing North Railway Station (exit Xizhimen Station for buses and subway), take train G8883, departing at 08:51 and arriving at Yanqing North Station at 09:37, a 48-minute journey. From the North Square of Yanqing Railway Station, take bus No. Y40, departing at 10:00 AM, and get off at Guyaju Station, which is right at the scenic spot. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Return trip: At 2:20 PM, take bus Y40 to Yanqing Railway Station, then take train G8888 at 5:18 PM, arriving at Beijing North Railway Station at 6:09 PM.

I booked a window seat ticket in advance on the 12306 website. Being a maverick, I began my journey to Guyaju.

Depart from Beijing North Railway Station

The carriage is fresh, clean and tidy, with WIFI, charging and hot water available. The second-class seat is very comfortable (35 yuan)

Arrived at Yanqing Railway Station at 9:37

Take the Y40 bus which departs at 10:00

Y40 bus departure timetable

Railway station---Dongmenying Village 6:00. 8:00. 10:00. 13:00. 15:00. 18:00.

Dongmenying Village---Railway station 7:20. 9:20. 11:20. 14:20. 16:20. 19:20.

11:20 Arrived at the entrance of Guyaju Scenic Area

The main gate of Guyaju Scenic Area

A shared guide map for both the World Park and Guyaju.

A guide map for Guyaju.

Upon entering the scenic area, both sides of the mountain road are dotted with caves of varying sizes. The larger ones are used as teahouses or for Buddhist rituals. The rock mass here is relatively loose, making it easier to excavate. The rock's texture is unique, allowing you to easily scrape off small pieces of stone.

A place for worshiping Buddha.

Introducing the geological weathering phenomenon of the rocks in Chaoyang Cave.

A teahouse for enjoying tea and relaxing. There are also stone nests for candlesticks on the wall of the cave.

There are also stone nests for candlesticks on the wall of the cave.

Guyaju is divided into the front mountain scenic area and the back mountain scenic area.

The Back Mountain Scenic Area offers one of the best spots to admire the panoramic view of the ancient cliff dwellings. Five stories of "cave buildings" are densely packed into the spherical granite cliff face, creating a truly stunning sight. There are one-bedroom suites and three-bedroom apartments. The caves are not very deep, only about 2-4 meters, and the doors are only about 1.6 meters high, suggesting that ancient people were relatively short. Each cave is relatively independent, with no ladders connecting them. It's unclear how the ancients managed to climb up and down the rock face. This area has also served as a filming location for many television dramas, including "The Secret History of Taizu," "The Invincible Hero," and "Iron Pear Flower." Steps lead up the cliff face to the caves above. Due to severe weathering, climbing is now prohibited to protect the cultural relics.

Originally, there were stairs leading up to the back mountain. For safety reasons, they are now sealed off with a "No Climbing" sign. For safety reasons, many caves have been reinforced with supports.

This is a multi-room cave with a horse trough.

Overview of Qianshan Scenic Area

The kang and stove in Prince Xi's Mansion

Primary joints of granite

The explanatory sign introduces geological characteristics such as wind erosion niches, weathering, and biological weathering in an easy-to-understand manner, as if you are witnessing the geological changes that occurred billions of years ago, which is very beneficial.

The mountain road leading into the scenic area has been renovated. The slope is gentle and wide, and the steps are of moderate height. You won’t feel tired when walking on it. The railings and handrails are also standard, and the difficulty level is low, making it very suitable for the elderly and family travel. This is the old road.