Escape the Heat at Jiulongtan: A Hidden Valley for Hiking and Nine Pools in a Row

🌟 Why Visit 1. Beijing's "Little Jiuzhai": A shaded canyon paradise🌳 with 90% tree coverage, featuring Tiffany-blue jelly-like waters and an average summer temperature of just 25°C—8-10°C cooler than the city. 2. Wild Nature Experience: Wade along streams, splash in water, catch fish💦, and spot squirrels or macaques in this semi-pristine forest oxygen bar. 3. Beginner-Friendly: Gentle trails with 10km of shaded paths + off-the-beaten routes, 90% sun-free—perfect for families and newbies. 📍 Location Shuanglin Village, Xinglong Town, Xinglong County, Chengde, Hebei (navigate to "Jiulongtan Scenic Area"). - From Tangshan: ~2.5-hour drive (150km) - From Beijing/Tianjin: ~2-hour drive (130km) 🚗 Travel Tips - **By Car**: Take Jingcheng Expressway to Jinwei Line; free parking at the entrance. - **No Car?**: Join outdoor groups from Tangshan/Beijing (includes round-trip bus + insurance), with pickup points like Department Store or Ocean Plaza. ⛰️ Must-See Spots 1. **Nine Dragon Pools**: - *Baxia Pool*: Emerald centerpiece, dazzling in sunlight; - *Qiuniu Pool*: First crystal-clear "glass water" pool; - *Chiweng Pool*: Hidden gem! Climb boulders to find a secret waterfall. 2. **Tongtianhe Waterfall**: 100m cascade with mist—a fantasy film backdrop. 3. **General Peak & Immortal Spring**: Bizarre rocks + sweet mountain water; legend says a sip grants eternal youth. 🎫 Tickets - **Admission**: - Adults ¥50 (~¥35 online if booked 2hrs ahead); - Students/seniors (60-70) half-price; free for kids under 1.2m & seniors 70+. - **Other Fees**: Parking ¥10/day. No food inside—bring snacks. 💡 Pro Tips 1. **Footwear**: Non-slip sandals + water shoes (some rocks are slippery!). 2. **Packing List**: - Essentials: 1.5L water, lunch, sun hat, power bank; - Extras: Water gun/fish net, trekking pole (for wild routes). 3. **Hidden Fun**: - Explore natural caves near Baxia Pool; - Pair with Qingsongling Water Town + Wuling Mountain for a 2-day trip. 4. **Warning**: Rainy season boosts scenery but check weather—trips may cancel in storms. 📣 Hiker's Mantra: *"Start early, walk slow, splash often!"* Beat crowds by 7:30am, photograph Baxia’s blue waters at noon, and relax to waterfalls and monkeys🐒—the ultimate summer therapy~