Plan at a glance
Which section suits a complete walk?
Qinglong Gorge is in Qiaoshang Township, one of the three scenic areas within Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon. Its main features are streams, red cliffs, shaded trails, and waterfalls. The full route takes about 2–3 hours and is mainly on foot; the steps become steeper near Qinglongtan Waterfall. For a shorter outing, stop by the shallows and return from there.
Tickets and opening periods
Qinglong Gorge currently uses the RMB 100 joint ticket for Baquan Gorge, Hongdou Gorge, and Qinglong Gorge, valid for three days; confirm at purchase whether a Qinglong Gorge-only ticket is available. From 1 April to 31 October, the usual hours are 07:00–18:00; from 1 November to 31 March, they are usually 08:00–17:30. Confirm the ticket, reservation, and hours for the day of your visit.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Streams, red cliffs, and Qinglongtan Waterfall
The shaded gorge alternates between red cliffs, emerald-green water, and small waterfalls, ending at Qinglongtan Waterfall. Water flow and spray are more pronounced during the high-water season. The Water Curtain Cave, shallows, and small bridges along the way are the main places to stop.
Who it suits
Qinglong Gorge works well as a shorter second-day plan using the joint ticket, for families seeking a cool place by the water, or for visitors who do not want a long sequence of high-altitude rides. Older visitors and children can turn back at the shallows. Reaching the waterfall requires about 2 km of walking and steeper steps near the end; stay within the open shallows and the safety lines on site.
Playing by the water and photography
The shallows, Water Curtain Cave, and waterfall spray offer close-up water views, but rocks beside the stream may be slippery. For photos, follow the curve of the stream from the trail, and stay in the open, safe viewing area at the Water Curtain Cave. Keep away from deep water and the area below the waterfall, and do not cross barriers for a better angle.
For a separate free village-and-waterfall stop nearby, see Hongni Village.
Build your day
Full route: walk to the waterfall, then ride down
Enter through the Qinglong Gorge Visitor Centre and walk about 2 km along the shaded trail, passing streams and small waterfalls on the way to Qinglongtan Waterfall. After visiting the waterfall, take the sightseeing vehicle down according to the day’s arrangement, then return to the entrance. Allow about 2–3 hours; the route is mainly one-way, so ask before setting out where to board and when the last vehicle leaves.
Short route: turn back after the shallows
Walk from the entrance to the shallows in the middle section and allow about 1.5–2 hours. Spend time by the water, then return the way you came, avoiding the steps to the waterfall and the pressure of arranging the ride back. This option suits older visitors, children, or anyone who mainly wants a cool walk in the gorge; it does not include the waterfall viewpoint at the end.
Practical return arrangements
A sightseeing vehicle may be available for about RMB 10 per person. If someone offers a private-car ride on the way back, do not take a vehicle whose source and service arrangements are unclear. Confirm the return option when entering, especially in the low season, when the weather changes, or near the last-entry period.
Get there
Drive to the separate visitor centre
Navigate to “太行山大峡谷青龙峡景区” (Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Qinglong Gorge Scenic Area). Do not use Baquan Gorge East Gate as the destination or rely only on the general name of the larger scenic area. There is a car park at the entrance, with parking around RMB 10 per visit; during holidays, confirm the parking and shuttle arrangements on site.
From Changzhi East Railway Station
From Changzhi East Railway Station, you can carpool or take a direct tourist shuttle; the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Although Qinglong Gorge and Baquan Gorge are part of the same joint-ticket system, Qinglong Gorge has its own visitor centre and trail entrance. Public-transport schedules should be checked for your travel date.
Know before you go
The joint ticket does not make the routes interchangeable
Qinglong Gorge uses the three-area joint ticket, but the price, three-day validity, reservation requirements, and available booking slots can change. Baquan Gorge’s RMB 180 transport pass and its cableway and elevator arrangements do not apply here. The Dahu River rafting / Qinglong Gorge rafting activity on the opposite side is a separate project; check its opening status and ticketing separately.
Shoes, weather, and children by the water
The trail follows the stream, so wear shoes with good grip that you do not mind getting wet. Steps and stone surfaces become more slippery after rain, while water flow and crossing points may change. Children should stay only in open, shallow areas with adult supervision; keep away from deep water and the impact zone below the waterfall. Supplies in the valley are limited, so bring drinking water and simple food.
Farm food and a nearby combination
Farmhouse restaurants near the scenic area serve local food such as Taihang-style stews. There are noodle options in the direction of Hongni Village, which has its own free entrance, parking, and walking loop. If you visit both on the same day, arrange separate parking and separate return plans.