How to Get from Beijing to Shilinxia (Stone Forest Gorge) by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take Bus 852 from Dongzhimen to Pinggu, then transfer to local bus Ping 25 (平25路) or take a short taxi to Shilinxia Scenic Area. The whole journey takes about 2.5–3 hours and costs roughly ¥14–30 each way. The UFO-shaped glass viewing platform — one of the largest in the world — is the main attraction, suspended over the gorge at an altitude of over 800 meters.

Shilinxia (石林峡), officially the Shilinxia Scenic Area (石林峡风景区), is located in Huangsongyu Township, Pinggu District, about 90–100 km northeast of central Beijing. It is known for its dramatic stone pillars, forested hiking trails, streams and waterfalls, and the UFO glass viewing platform (UFO玻璃观景台) — a cantilevered glass platform that juts out 32.8 meters over the valley at a height of 800+ meters, offering vertigo-inducing views.

Compare Your Options

Option 1 — Bus 852 + Ping 25 Local Bus (Recommended, Cheapest)

This is the standard public transport route used by local visitors.

Step-by-step

1. Get to Dongzhimen Hub (东直门枢纽站). Take Metro Line 2 or 13 to Dongzhimen Station. Follow signs for the bus hub (公交枢纽), Exit B or C.

2. Take Bus 852 (852路) toward Pinggu.

   • The 852 is an express bus that runs from Dongzhimen to Pinggu District via the Jingping Expressway.
   • Fare: Approximately ¥10–15 (cash or Yikatong card / Beijing Bus app)
   • Journey time: About 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic
   • Frequency: Buses run frequently from early morning until evening, typically every 10–20 minutes
   • Get off at Pinggu Bus Station (平谷汽车站) or a central stop in Pinggu such as Pinggu Shimin Square (平谷世纪广场)

3. Transfer to Ping 25 bus (平25路).

   • The Ping 25 runs from Pinggu town toward Huangsongyu/Shilinxia direction.
   • Fare: Approximately ¥2–4
   • Journey time: About 40–60 minutes
   • Get off at the Shilinxia stop (石林峡站) or Diaowo Village (雕窝村), then follow signs to the scenic area entrance (about 5–10 minutes' walk).

   [!TIP] Local bus schedules in Pinggu are less frequent than city buses. If the Ping 25 wait is long, you can also take Ping 38 (平38路), which also passes through the Shilinxia area. Ask the driver "石林峡到吗?" (Does this go to Shilinxia?) before boarding.

4. Total journey time: About 2.5–3 hours. Total cost: about ¥14.

[!NOTE] Local bus schedules in Pinggu District change seasonally and may have reduced service on weekdays. Schedules may change — verify locally before travel. Ask at the Dongzhimen bus information booth or check the Beijing Bus app for the latest Ping 25/Ping 38 times.

Option 2 — Bus 852 + Taxi (Easiest by Public Transport)

If you want to avoid the uncertainty of local bus connections, take Bus 852 to Pinggu and then a taxi or DiDi to Shilinxia.

1. Follow Steps 1–2 above to reach Pinggu Bus Station or central Pinggu.

2. Take a taxi or DiDi from Pinggu to Shilinxia. The distance is about 20–25 km.

   • Journey time: About 30 minutes
   • Cost: Approximately ¥50–70 by taxi; DiDi may be slightly cheaper
   • The taxi can drop you directly at the scenic area parking lot and entrance

3. Total journey time: About 2–2.5 hours. Total cost: about ¥60–85.

[!TIP] If you are traveling in a group of 2–4 people, the taxi option is excellent value — only slightly more than the bus per person, but much faster and more reliable. Arrange a pickup time with your driver for the return, or use DiDi (though ride availability in Pinggu can be limited in the evening).

How to Get Back

• By local bus: Ping 25 and Ping 38 buses return to Pinggu town from the Shilinxia area. The last buses typically run in the late afternoon (around 17:00–18:00, but this varies seasonally — verify at the scenic area entrance when you arrive). From Pinggu, Bus 852 returns to Dongzhimen until approximately 20:00–21:00.
• By taxi: If you pre-arranged a taxi, have the driver pick you up at a set time. Otherwise, ask the scenic area staff to help call a taxi. The ride back to Pinggu takes about 30 minutes.
• If you miss all buses: A taxi or DiDi all the way back to central Beijing costs approximately ¥300–500 depending on your destination and traffic. Budget guesthouses are available in Diaowo Village near the scenic area if you need to stay overnight.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally before travel. Local bus times in Pinggu are not as predictable as city buses. Confirm the last return bus time at the Shilinxia ticket office when you arrive, and plan to be at the bus stop at least 15 minutes early.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Taking the wrong bus from Dongzhimen. Several buses leave from Dongzhimen for the northeastern suburbs. Make sure you board Bus 852 (not 850, 915, 980, etc.). Check the electronic display and ask the driver if unsure.

2. Missing the last local bus back. Pinggu local buses stop running earlier than Beijing city buses. If you are hiking on the trails, keep an eye on the time. The glass platform and upper trails take 2–4 hours to explore.

3. Not checking which Pinggu stop to get off at. Bus 852 makes several stops in Pinggu. For the Ping 25 transfer, get off at Pinggu Bus Station (平谷汽车站). If taking a taxi, any central Pinggu stop works.

4. Assuming DiDi is readily available in Pinggu. Ride-hailing coverage is thinner in the outer suburbs, especially in the evening and on weekdays. Have a backup plan (taxi phone number, or the local bus).

5. Underestimating the hike. Shilinxia involves significant uphill walking and stairs. Wear proper hiking shoes, bring water, and allow 3–4 hours to explore the full loop including the glass platform. The cable car can save you the steepest climb.

Before You Go

• Shilinxia entrance ticket: ¥68 per adult
• UFO glass viewing platform: ¥40 (separate ticket, purchased inside the scenic area)
• Cable car: ¥50–65 one way / ¥120 round trip (prices may vary by season)
• Opening hours: Approximately 07:30–17:00 (seasonal; may close earlier in winter)
• Address: No. 73 Diaowo Village, Huangsongyu Township, Pinggu District, Beijing (北京市平谷区黄松峪乡雕窝村73号)
• Phone: 010-60987678
• Best visited in spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) when the weather is cool and the foliage is at its best. Summer can be hot but the gorge is shaded; winter is cold and some trails may be icy.

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Our local team can help with transport directions, scenic area tickets, or arranging a private car for your Shilinxia day trip. 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 GoChinaCompass Shilinxia transport guide, Moovit Pinggu bus route data, Trip.com traveler reports, and Beijing Public Transport Group schedules (checked August 2026). Local bus times may change seasonally — verify at Dongzhimen Hub or via the Beijing Bus app before travel.

Last verified: August 2026