Beijiushui Scenic Area (北九水风景区) is located in the upper reaches of Baisha River within the Laoshan Mountain region. Known for its stunning natural beauty, this area lies to the north of Jufeng Peak, making it cooler in temperature and ideal for the growth of cold-climate plants. Due to its cool climate and resemblance to Northeast China, it is often referred to as “Little Guandong.” This scenic area is a perfect spot for both tourism and vacation.
Visitors to Beijiushui will be amazed by the numerous natural stone formations that resemble various shapes and figures. These lifelike stones are scattered throughout the area, giving the impression of walking through a natural sculpture park, where the artistry of nature is on full display.
Travel Information about Beijiushui Scenic Area
Tickets and Opening Hours
Tickets: Peak season ¥65, off-season ¥40.
Opening hours: Peak season 06:00-18:00, off-season 07:00-17:00.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are ideal for enjoying the scenic beauty, while summer offers a refreshing escape from the heat. The best time to visit Beijiushui is during the rainy season, when the true charm of the mountain and water comes alive.
How to Get There
Location: North of Laoshan’s main peak, in the middle and upper reaches of Baisha River.
Transportation: Take buses 112, 619, or 639 to Wolong Village, and transfer to a sightseeing bus to enter the scenic area. Alternatively, take Metro Line 11 to Beijiushui Station, and transfer to a sightseeing bus at the Laoshan (Jiushui) Tourist Center.
Scenic Area Rating
- Beauty ★★★★★
- Leisure ★★★★
- Romance ★★★★
- Culture ★★★
- Unique Features ★★
- Adventure ★★
Highlights of Beijiushui Scenic Area
Sanshui Water Curtain
Beijiushui is divided into Outer and Inner Nine Waters, with the Sanshui Reservoir located at Outer Sanshui. When water levels are high, the reservoir’s water overflows the dam, cascading down like a pearl curtain, creating a magnificent sight known as the “Sanshui Water Curtain.” The view is especially spectacular after rain. To the east of the reservoir stands a mountain resembling a meditating monk, aptly named “Ding Seng Peak” (Meditating Monk Peak).
General Peak
Upon entering Inner Ershui, you’ll spot the striking silhouette of “General Peak” to the south of the deep valley. The peak resembles a majestic ancient general wearing a golden helmet and armor, standing proudly and commanding attention. The mountain below the general is commonly referred to by locals as the “Grand Master’s Chair.” From the southeast, the peak resembles a large chair placed atop the mountain. However, most visitors enter the Inner Nine Waters Gorge from the west, where they see the bronze-colored mountain in all its grandeur.
Phoenix Peak
Phoenix Peak is part of a group of scenic, naturally shaped stone formations. To the left stands “Cloud-Slicing Peak,” also known as “Immortal Blade Slicing the Clouds.” The stone peak resembles a sharp blade thrust into the sky, where it has seemingly sliced through countless clouds over millennia. In the summer of 1980, a lightning strike hit this peak during a storm, causing the upper part to collapse, creating its current appearance.
Next to Cloud-Slicing Peak lies “Phoenix Gorge,” with the distant peak named “Phoenix Peak.” Although the resemblance is not very clear from this spot, it looks lifelike when viewed from Weizhu Monastery. Turning around, you can see the “Golden Tortoise Gazing at the Moon,” which quickly transforms into a “Golden Rooster Announcing the Dawn” with a shift in perspective. The wonders of nature provide endless imaginative delights, where the scenery changes with each step.
Weizhu Monastery
Weizhu Monastery was originally built in 1589 during the Ming Dynasty (Wanli reign, 17th year). It was founded by a Taoist priest from the Huashan sect, Song Chongru, who discovered the area to be an ideal place for Taoist cultivation. Surrounded by verdant mountains and the soothing sound of flowing streams, the serene and secluded environment was perfect for spiritual practice. Despite the hardships, Song Chongru established the monastery here.
The current structure of Weizhu Monastery has been rebuilt to match the original design. The courtyard is adorned with rare and elegant plants, such as white lilacs, red pines, and camellias, enhancing the monastery’s refined and tranquil atmosphere.
Jinfan Ridge
Jinfan Ridge is a towering cliff named for its resemblance to a billowing sail, as shallow waters below reflect the image of boats raising their sails. The ridge is also known as “Jinfan Overflowing Colors” due to its striking appearance. Just a bit further ahead, a large protruding rock stands out for its unique horizontal layers, unlike the vertical striations of the surrounding stones. This formation, known as “Thousand Layer Rock,” was once part of an ancient seabed, later transformed into a majestic mountain through intense geological shifts.
Lengcui Gorge
Lengcui Gorge, also known as “Cool Emerald Gorge,” lies beyond the “First Dragon Gate” and “Second Dragon Gate,” which are rock formations that create natural stone gateways. The gorge extends far to the south, offering breathtaking scenery. During the rainy season, water flows out from the gorge, and as the wind passes through this narrow area, it turns the flowing water into mist. This effect, known as “Gentle Breeze Sprinkling Emerald,” adds a magical touch to the landscape, with mist swirling through the gorge and creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Jiushui Eighteen Pools
Jiushui, known as the “Nine Waters Gallery,” is formed by mountain springs flowing from the thousand-meter peaks of Laoshan. Along the scenic route in Inner Jiushui, eighteen pools of varying sizes, depths, and styles are integrated harmoniously with the natural landscape. These pools, collectively known as the “Jiushui Eighteen Pools,” reflect the Daoist philosophy of “harmony with nature.” Each pool has its unique charm and profound meaning, blending the beauty of the water with the surrounding mountains, creating a stunning cultural and natural attraction for visitors.
No matter which ticket point you enter from, the starting point for visiting Beijiushui is around the Guanlao Parking Lot. The main tour route begins at “General’s Peak” and ends at “Chaoyin Waterfall.” Most of the key attractions, including the “Jiushui Eighteen Pools” and various shaped stones, are located along this route, which takes about an hour and a half for a round trip. For those with more energy, the circular route is an option, taking about two and a half hours to complete. There is also a sightseeing bus available inside the scenic area, with a ticket price of 30 yuan.
Chaoyin Waterfall
Chaoyin Waterfall cascades down dramatically, making three distinct turns. The sound of the rushing water resembles the roaring tide, which is why it is referred to as “Rock Water Tides.” During the dry season, the waterfall appears gentle and graceful, while in the peak water season, it rushes fiercely with a majestic force, resembling a roaring torrent. The waterfall’s source is Tianyi Spring, located on the northern side of Jufeng (Giant Peak).
Beneath the waterfall lies a crystal-clear pool, known as “Dian Gang Bay,” which shimmers in shades of deep blue. The second drop of the waterfall plunges into a cave before swirling back out to flow into Dian Gang Bay. A quaint viewing pavilion, called the “Waterfall Pavilion,” is perched above the stone wall, offering a perfect spot to enjoy the stunning views of the waterfall.