How to Get from Beijing to Longqing Gorge by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take Bus 919 Express from Deshengmen to Yanqing, then transfer to Bus Y43 directly to Longqing Gorge. The journey takes about 2–2.5 hours and costs roughly ¥14–16 each way. The alternative — high-speed train from Beijing North/Qinghe to Yanqing Station (about 30 minutes, ¥20+) plus Bus Y43 or a taxi — is faster but requires a local transfer. Longqing Gorge is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, boat rides through the narrow gorge, and the spectacular winter Ice Lantern Festival.

Longqing Gorge (龙庆峡) is located in Jiuxian Town, Yanqing District, about 85 km northwest of central Beijing. Often called the "Little Li River of the North" (北方小漓江), it features towering karst-like cliffs, a reservoir, and a boat ride that winds through the narrow gorge. In winter, the Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival (龙庆峡冰灯艺术节) transforms the area into a frozen wonderland with massive ice sculptures.

Compare Your Options

Option 1 — Bus 919 Express + Bus Y43 (Recommended)

This is the classic public transport route, used by Beijing residents for decades.

Step-by-step

1. Get to Deshengmen (德胜门). Take Metro Line 2 to Jishuitan Station (积水潭站), Exit B2, then walk north about 5 minutes to the Deshengmen Arrow Tower bus terminal.

2. Take Bus 919 Express (919快) toward Yanqing.

   • The 919快 runs from Deshengmen to Yanqing via the G6 expressway.
   • Fare: Approximately ¥12 (cash); discounted with Yikatong card or Beijing Bus app
   • Journey time: About 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic
   • Frequency: Every 10–20 minutes from early morning
   • Get off at Chuannan Beiqu Nanmen (川北小区南门) or Yanqing Dongguan (延庆东关) — both are in central Yanqing where you transfer to the Y43.

3. Cross the road and take Bus Y43 (Y43路) toward Longqing Gorge.

   • The Y43 runs between Guishui North Street South (妫水北街南) and Yongning Station (永宁车站), passing through Longqing Gorge.
   • Fare: Approximately ¥2–4
   • Journey time: About 30–40 minutes
   • Get off at the Longqing Gorge stop (龙庆峡站), then follow signs to the scenic area entrance (5–10 minutes' walk).

   [!TIP] The Y43 stop is on the opposite side of the road from where Bus 919 drops you off. Use the pedestrian overpass or crosswalk. If you are unsure, ask the bus driver or a local: "龙庆峡怎么坐车?" (How do I get to Longqing Gorge?)

4. Total journey time: About 2–2.5 hours. Total cost: about ¥14–16.

Y43 bus schedule (guide)

[!IMPORTANT] Bus Y43 times may change seasonally, especially during the Ice Lantern Festival (January–February) when special services may be added. Schedules may change — verify locally before travel. Confirm at the Deshengmen bus information booth or check the Beijing Bus app.

Option 2 — High-Speed Train to Yanqing + Bus/Taxi (Fastest)

The Beijing–Zhangjiakou HSR provides a quick link to Yanqing.

1. Take the high-speed train from Beijing North Station (北京北站) or Qinghe Station (清河站) to Yanqing Station (延庆站).

   • Journey time: About 25–35 minutes
   • Fare: Approximately ¥20–30 for a second-class seat
   • Frequency: Several trains daily, but less frequent than to Badaling
   • Book through the 12306 app or at the station

2. From Yanqing Station to Longqing Gorge:

   • By Bus Y15 (Y15路): Departs from Yanqing Railway Station North Square (延庆火车站北广场), passes through Longqing Gorge. Limited departures throughout the day (approximately 06:30, 08:30, 09:30, 12:00, 14:30, 15:30, 17:00). Fare: ¥2–4. Journey time: about 30–40 minutes.
   • By taxi/DiDi: About 10–15 km, 15–20 minutes, approximately ¥30–50. Most convenient if the bus wait is long.

3. Total journey time: About 1.5–2 hours (including transfer). Total cost: about ¥25–80 depending on whether you take the bus or taxi.

[!TIP] The train is the best option if you want to avoid G6 expressway traffic, which can be heavy on weekends and holidays. However, the infrequent Y15 bus means a taxi from Yanqing Station is often the more practical choice.

Option 3 — Suburban Rail S2 + Bus Y43 (Scenic Budget Ride)

The S2 suburban line also serves Yanqing, though service has been reduced since late 2025 due to construction.

1. Take the S2 train from Huangtudian Station (黄土店站) (near Huoying Metro Station, Lines 8/13, Exit G4) to Yanqing Station (延庆站).

   • Fare: ¥6–7
   • Journey time: About 80 minutes
   • Note: S2 schedules have been reduced due to construction. Check the "北京市郊铁路" WeChat account or 12306 for current times.

2. From Yanqing Station, take Bus Y15 or a taxi to Longqing Gorge as described in Option 2.

3. Total journey time: About 2–2.5 hours. Total cost: about ¥8–10 (by bus) or ¥40–60 (by taxi).

How to Get Back

• By Bus Y43: The last Y43 from Longqing Gorge back toward Yanqing town departs around 19:40. From Yanqing, Bus 919快 returns to Deshengmen until approximately 20:00–21:00. Arrive at the bus stop early, especially on weekends.
• By train: Trains from Yanqing Station back to Beijing North/Qinghe run into the evening. Check 12306 for exact times on your travel date.
• By taxi: If you miss the buses, a taxi from Longqing Gorge to Yanqing Station costs about ¥30–50. A DiDi or taxi all the way back to central Beijing costs ¥250–400.
• During the Ice Lantern Festival: Special return buses may be arranged after the evening illumination. Ask at the scenic area or check the official Longqing Gorge website for festival transport details.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally before travel. This is especially important during the Ice Lantern Festival (typically mid-January to late February), when hours and transport arrangements may differ significantly from the summer season.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Taking the regular 919 instead of 919快. The regular 919 makes many more stops and takes significantly longer. Look for the 快 (express) character on the bus sign.

2. Getting off at the wrong Yanqing stop for the Y43 transfer. The most convenient stops are Chuannan Beiqu Nanmen (川北小区南门) or Yanqing Dongguan (延庆东关). If you stay on the 919快 all the way to the terminal, you may overshoot the Y43 connection.

3. Missing the last Y43 back. The Y43 stops running earlier than the 919快. If you are at the gorge in the late afternoon, keep track of time. The boat ride and gorge walk take 2–3 hours.

4. Confusing Yanqing HSR Station with the S2 station. The high-speed train and the S2 both use Yanqing Station (延庆站), which is the same station — but be sure to check which service you are taking, as the schedules and platforms differ.

5. Visiting in winter without checking festival arrangements. The Ice Lantern Festival has special opening hours (often including evening sessions) and transport may be arranged differently. Check the official website before your visit.

Before You Go

• Summer combined ticket (April 1 – November 15): Approximately ¥140 (includes entrance + boat ride through the gorge). Separate tickets may be available for entrance only.
• Winter Ice Lantern Festival (January–February): Tickets approximately ¥100–140 depending on the date and inclusions.
• Opening hours (summer): Approximately 08:00–17:30 (last entry ~16:30)
• Opening hours (winter/Ice Festival): Typically 09:00–22:00 with evening illuminations; verify dates and hours annually
• Address: Gucheng Village, Jiuxian Town, Yanqing District, Beijing (北京市延庆区旧县镇古城村)
• Phone: 010-69191020
• The boat ride through the gorge is the highlight — it takes about 20–30 minutes and passes between towering cliffs. There is also a cable car to a viewpoint and a small amusement area.
• Bring a jacket even in summer — the gorge is noticeably cooler than Beijing city. In winter, dress very warmly (temperatures can drop to -15°C or lower).

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Our local team can help with transport directions, Longqing Gorge tickets, Ice Lantern Festival information, or arranging a private transfer. Get in touch or message us on WhatsApp.

Related Guides

• Beijing Travel Guide — full city guide with itineraries and practical tips
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book train tickets in China
• How to Use DiDi in China — for taxi or ride-hailing options

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Transport information is based on Beijing Public Transport Group schedules (Bus 919/Y43/Y15), Beijing Deep Tour and Bendibao Longqing Gorge transport guides, 12306 train listings, and traveler reports (checked August 2026). Bus times may change seasonally — verify at Deshengmen or via the Beijing Bus app before travel.

Last verified: August 2026