Qingshangou

Overview

About

Qingshangou lies in northern Kuandian County, 174 km north-east of Dandong, Liaoning, about 127 km² with 36 waterfalls in three parts: Qingshan Lake, the Waterfall Gully and Tiger Pond Gully.

The Waterfall Gully has the Qingshan waterfall and the Fairy Pool; Tiger Pond Gully is a secluded valley of streams. Wildlife includes the black bear, sable, turtles, Pleurotus mushrooms and ginseng.

It is in the fourth batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 2002.

Travel tips

Getting there: go first to Dandong, then take a long-distance bus to Kuandian County and a further bus to Qingshangou, about 160 km in all. Dandong has a railway station and Langtou Airport, and a high-speed train from Shenyang.

Areas: the park has Qingshan Lake, the Waterfall Gorge and Hutanggou, plus the Manchu folk park. The Waterfall Gorge has the Qingshan Waterfall and the Fairy Pool; Hutanggou is a deep, narrow valley.

Getting around: park buses link the areas, while the valleys themselves are explored on foot, with many walkways and steps along the streams.

Time: one day covers one or two areas; seeing all three takes two days.

Season: waterfalls are fullest after summer and autumn rain, and autumn has good colour; winter is cold, the falls freeze and some paths may be closed.

Where to stay: there is lodging in and near the park, on a small scale; you can also stay in Kuandian town or in Dandong.

Nearby: in Dandong you can see the Yalu River and the Broken Bridge; Phoenix Mountain lies to the east, and the Goguryeo sites can be added.

Caution: valleys are slippery, so wear shoes with grip; after summer rain streams rise, so keep off the stream beds.