Longquanyu

Chinese: 龙泉峪
Pinyin: Lóng quán yù
English: Dragon spring valley
Coordinates: 40°24'41"N 116°16'12"E

The wall west of Xishuiyu crosses over the Huairou/Yanqing border and reaches Longquanyu to the south of Longquanyu village. Just to the north of and approximately parallel to the wall is a scenic valley with a sizeable stream and a good walking trail. This trail creates the possibility of a nice round trip walk, taking the trail through the valley in one direction and following the Great Wall in the other direction. The trail through the valley offers excellent views of the Great Wall in a few places as well as spectacular scenery of its own. The trail crosses over the stream in several places and you will need to skip from one stone to another to cross.

The Great Wall between Xishuiyu and Longquanyu is in good condition. There are some steep and difficult areas, though. This span of the wall offers wonderful views of the surrounding area. The path of the Great Wall from Xishuiyu to Longquanyu is about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles), and nearly half of this distance is the restored section at Xishuiyu.

Walking the Great Wall between Xishuiyu and Longquanyu takes about three hours, and the trail through the valley takes about two hours, so it's a very possible day hike to take the round trip.

Looking towards Xishuiyu from Longquanyu
Photo by Timothee Colmet Daage

About half a kilometer (0.3 miles) east of Longquanyu village, there is a gap in the wall of about 100 meters (about 330 feet) in length. There is a good trail that's easy to follow to bridge this gap. This gap is located at the top of the highest peak on the route between Xishuiyu and Longquanyu.

Longquanyu village is a picturesque place with at least one guest house plus restaurants and stores.

Location summary: Longquanyu is about 56 kilometers (35 miles) north of downtown Beijing. It is about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) west of Xishuiyu and about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles) northeast of Songshugoucun. The path of the Great Wall from Xishuiyu to Longquanyu is about 3.8 kilometers (2.4 miles). The path of the Great Wall from Longquanyu to Songshugoucun is about 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles).

Driving directions: From Deshengmen City Gate near the Jishuitan subway station on the north side of Beijing, drive north and northwest on the G110 Badaling Expressway for 33 kilometers (20.5 miles). Exit onto G110 and drive north for 2.2 kilometers (1.4 miles). Turn slight right onto Changchi Road and continue for 7.3 kilometers (4.5 miles). You will reach Changlingzhen. Turn left to stay on Changchi Road and drive for about one kilometer (0.6 miles). Turn right to stay on Changchi Road and continue for 18.6 kilometers (11.5 miles). Turn right and drive for 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) to Longquanyucun.