Beijiushui Scenic Area, located in Laoshan Mountain, is an enchanting destination that offers a tranquil experience with its lush greenery, crystal-clear streams, and serene waterfalls. For those who do not drive, the journey to Beijiushui can be straightforward if you plan ahead. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to enjoy the scenic area without a car, including ticketing, transportation, and key attractions. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful escape, this guide has got you covered.
1. Ticket Reservation and Transportation
For a smooth visit to Beijiushui Scenic Area, it’s highly recommended to buy your tickets in advance through the “Laoshan Scenic Area” official WeChat account. For those without a car, purchasing a combined ticket for both the scenic area entry and the sightseeing bus is the best option. This ticket package is particularly useful because, otherwise, you will need to take a 20-minute bus ride from the ticket office to the actual scenic area. Public transportation is available, but waiting times can vary, and if you’re unlucky with the timing, it might result in a long wait.
The entrance ticket to Beijiushui Scenic Area costs 60 RMB, and the sightseeing bus ticket is 30 RMB. The sightseeing buses are large, comfortable coaches, and the 30 RMB ticket covers a round-trip fare. The last bus departs the scenic area at 6:30 PM, with clearly marked boarding points for both entering and exiting the area.
2. Getting There by Subway
Take the Subway Line 11, now known as the “Blue Valley Express Line” (蓝谷快线), and travel to the “Beijiushui” station. Exit at Exit B, take the elevator down, and you’ll arrive directly at the ticket hall. If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, you can do so here. If you’ve already bought your tickets, you can head directly to the inspection area, where you can scan your QR code or show your ID to enter. Buses depart every 20 minutes or whenever they fill up. On our visit, the number of visitors was just right, and the buses weren’t too crowded, though there was a short wait before they filled up.
3. The Sightseeing Bus Ride
The bus ride to Beijiushui Scenic Area takes approximately 20 minutes. The bus will drop you off at the parking lot, and once you exit, you may feel a bit confused about where to go. Simply head toward a stone bridge, and you’ll officially begin the first waterfall of the Nine Waters! This is where your journey through Beijiushui truly begins.
4. Navigating the Scenic Area
The scenic area is well-marked with clear signs, so you can easily follow the path and complete the tour. However, a minor issue is that none of the maps inside the park show your current location, which can make it a bit tricky to figure out exactly where you are at times.
5. Entering the Main Scenic Area
After visiting the first three waterfalls, you’ll finally reach the main entrance where your tickets will be checked again. This is where the main scenic area begins.
6. Friendly Cats Everywhere
A fun surprise at Beijiushui is the large number of friendly cats that roam around the area. For those who love animals, be sure to bring some snacks to share with the cats along the way!
7. Main Attractions: Chaoyin Waterfall
As you follow the signs throughout the park, you’ll find that your destination is the Chaoyin Waterfall (潮音瀑), the largest and most popular attraction in the area. Many visitors spend a considerable amount of time here, enjoying the stunning waterfall. There is a branch path that continues uphill, which loops around and brings you back down the mountain. Although we were a bit tired, and decided not to continue the hike, it’s a shame we missed out on the full loop. If you’re up for it, this extra hike is highly recommended!
8. Exploring Nearby Villages
At the ticket check-in area, you will also find a sign directing you to a nearby village. This is a great opportunity to explore the village and enjoy some local meals. There are several family-owned restaurants that serve delicious food, and the area surrounding the restaurants offers picturesque views of the mountains and water. You can even dip your feet into the water here—just buy a pair of flip-flops and enjoy the refreshing experience!
9. Returning to the Bus Stop
When you’re ready to head back, retrace your steps along the scenic route to reach the bus stop where you were dropped off. The buses will be waiting to take you back to the “Beijiushui” subway station. Don’t worry about missing the last bus, as there are designated inspection points, and you’ll be directed on how to board the bus. The last bus departs at 6:30 PM, so be sure to keep track of time.
10. Enjoying the Surroundings Before Departure
Before boarding the bus, feel free to take a stroll around the bus stop area. Just a short 100-200 meters away, you’ll find a wooden boardwalk where you can take a peaceful walk. Remember to pay attention to the route back to the bus station to avoid getting lost!