Shuiquan Gou Village sits in Yanqing District, Beijing, nestled in the southeastern part of Dazhaokuo Township. It’s divided into four tiny villages—Shuiquan Gou, Yangmadi (including Hekou), Dongshaliang, and Yangshugou. The village lies near the upper reaches of the Black Dragon Grand Canyon, with the Changchi Road and Bailongtan Stream (a branch of the Dazhaokuo River) flowing right through it. To get here, drive along Changchi Road from Beijing downtown; it’s about a 2-hour trip. You can also combine it with a visit to the nearby Longmen Mountain or Gubei Water Town for a full-day adventure.

Natural Scenery: A Mountain Lover’s Paradise

Shuiquan Gou Village is all about fresh air and lush greenery. Over 85% of the area is covered in trees and plants, making it feel like a giant oxygen bar. The Black Dragon Grand Canyon nearby is the highlight—imagine towering stone walls, a gurgling river at the bottom, and quirky rock formations that look like animals or mythical creatures. There are nearly 30 mini-landmarks here, like “Turtle Rock” or “Lover’s Stone,” perfect for photo hunts. In spring, wildflowers blanket the valley, while autumn paints the mountains in red and gold.

The village itself is picture-perfect: fruit orchards (403 mu!) line the hills, growing chestnuts, walnuts, apricots, and pears. Locals often invite visitors to pick fruits straight from the trees—talk about farm-to-table!

Human Touch: Village Life & Culture

Shuiquan Gou isn’t just about nature. The four villages here still feel old-school Beijing, with stone houses, narrow lanes, and a slow-paced vibe. The 20 family-run inns (called minsu hu) offer cozy stays with both beds and traditional heated brick beds (kang). These homestays are super local—think home-cooked meals with mountain veggies, dumplings, and grilled river fish. The village even won a prize for being a “Professional Tourism Village” in Beijing, so you know they’re good at hosting guests.

Fun fact: The name “Yangmadi” (part of the village) literally means “Horse-Raising Land.” Legend says it was used to train horses way back when. Now, it’s more about raising goats and chickens—you’ll see them roaming around!

What to Do: More Than Just Hiking

For nature lovers: Hike the Black Dragon Canyon trails (easy to moderate) or bike along the Bailongtan Stream. Bring a picnic; there are plenty of shady spots. For photographers: Sunrise over the mist-covered valley or sunset on the red cliffs—arrive early or stay late! For families: Pick apples in the fall, try your hand at grinding fresh nut butter, or let kids feed the goats. For chillers: Just sit on a porch swing, sip tea, and watch the light dance on the river.

Tips & Tricks

  • Best time to visit: Late April–October (spring and fall are magical; summer is cool but crowded).
  • Stay overnight: Book a room at a local inn ahead of time, especially during holidays.
  • Eat like a local: Ask for jianbing (savory crepes) or shaorou jiamo (pancakes with meat) for breakfast.
  • Pack smart: Wear comfy shoes for walking, bring bug spray (it’s green, but bugs exist!), and don’t forget a camera.

Shuiquan Gou Village is one of Beijing’s hidden gems—a place where you can escape the city buzz, breathe clean air, and feel what rural China really looks like. Whether you’re hiking, snapping photos, or just relaxing with a cup of local tea, this corner of Yanqing will leave you refreshed.