Daqinggou Ditch National Nature Reserve in Tongliao

Located in Ganjia Town, Horqin Left Rear Banner, Tongliao, the Daqinggou Ditch National Nature Reserve is a rare canyon rainforest hidden within the Horqin Sandy Land, often described as the “Emerald of the Desert” and the “Little Rainforest of Northern China.” Two deep gullies converge in a Y-shaped formation, with clear springs flowing through dense ancient woodland. Just beyond the gullies lies the vast sandy landscape, creating a striking contrast between desert and forest. The area is also a national 4A-rated nature reserve.

Address: 25 km southwest of Ganjia Town, Horqin Left Rear Banner, Tongliao; navigate to Daqinggou South Gate (大青沟南门)

Basic Information

• Opening hours: April 25–October 25, 08:30–17:00; closed to visitors during winter.
• Recommended visit duration: 4–5 hours for a one-day visit; for a more leisurely experience, consider staying overnight.
• Best time to visit: July–August in summer is ideal for enjoying the cool canyon climate, while the Sancha Intersection rafting season is at its best. September to early October in autumn brings brilliant foliage throughout the forest and some of the reserve’s most beautiful scenery. For photography, early morning is best for forest mist, while sunset at Xiaoqing Lake offers the most atmospheric views.

Transportation

Self-driving is the preferred option. From downtown Tongliao, the drive takes about 1.5 hours. Navigate to Daqinggou South Gate, where there is a parking area at the visitor center; small vehicles are charged for parking, and ordinary passenger cars can access the area without difficulty.

For public transportation, take a high-speed train to Ganjia Railway Station (甘旗卡站) and then use a shared car or chartered vehicle to reach the reserve. Alternatively, take a coach from Tongliao Passenger Transport Station to Ganjia and transfer there. Bus services are limited and infrequent, so public transportation alone is not recommended if you want a flexible itinerary.

Tickets and Additional Costs

The entrance ticket is RMB 50 for adults. Students and visitors aged 60–69 receive half-price admission, while visitors aged 70 and above and children under 1.2 meters are exempt from the entrance fee.

The scenic-area sightseeing shuttle costs RMB 30 per person and connects the three main areas. It is strongly recommended, as the attractions are quite far apart. Optional activities include Sancha Intersection rafting at around RMB 80, as well as horseback riding, grass sliding, and boat rides. These optional entertainment activities are charged separately and do not qualify for admission discounts.

Main Attractions

Primitive Forest Area — The Core Attraction

A gentle wooden boardwalk runs for approximately 3 km through the canyon, passing century-old trees and natural highlights such as the Millennium Elm, Couple Tree, and Pearl Spring. Clear spring water flows through the canyon, the air is rich in negative ions, and squirrels and birds are often visible among the trees. Outside the canyon is the vast Horqin Sandy Land, creating an extraordinary landscape contrast between dense forest and open desert just a short distance apart.

Sancha Intersection

This is where Daqinggou and Xiaoqinggou converge. The Sancha Intersection Rafting route covers approximately 2.5 km, with relatively gentle and safe water flow suitable for visitors of different ages. Dense forest shades both sides of the waterway, making rafting one of the most popular ways to escape the summer heat.

Xiaoqing Lake

Located inside the canyon, this highland lake has an expansive surface surrounded by reeds. Visitors can stroll along the lakeshore and photograph reflections of the surrounding forest, with sunset offering the best scenery. Boat rides, speedboats, and other optional water activities are also available.

Observation Tower

From the top of the observation tower, visitors can see both the dense forest inside the canyon and the immense Horqin Sandy Land beyond it. The viewpoint creates an impressive frame of forest and desert together and is particularly suitable for aerial photography.

Daqinggou Museum

The museum is free to visit and introduces the reserve’s plants and wildlife, Mongolian folk traditions, and the history of the Horqin region. It is a useful stop for visitors interested in nature education and cultural learning.

Recommended Itineraries

Classic One-Day Route

Enter through the South Gate → take the sightseeing shuttle → walk the primitive forest boardwalk → Sancha Intersection, with optional rafting → Xiaoqing Lake for sunset → Observation Tower → return to the visitor center and leave the reserve.

Two-Day Immersive Experience

Day 1: Explore the primitive forest on foot, enjoy rafting at Sancha Intersection, and watch the sunset at Xiaoqing Lake. Stay overnight at a guesthouse or Mongolian yurt near the entrance, with some accommodations offering evening bonfire activities.

Day 2: Experience the forest mist in the early morning, then try horseback riding or grass sliding on the sandy land, followed by panoramic views from the Observation Tower before returning.

Accommodation and Local Food

Accommodation

Guesthouses near the entrance offer good value, convenient dining, and easy access to the reserve. Mongolian yurts around the scenic area provide a more traditional experience, although mosquitoes can be numerous during summer. Accommodation becomes limited during the summer holiday and autumn peak season, so advance booking is strongly recommended. Dining options are available around the entrance and nearby villages. For convenience, bring drinking water and snacks when entering the reserve.

Local specialties include hand-held mutton, Mongolian milk tea with fried millet, wild mountain vegetables, and Horqin beef and mutton.

Practical Tips

1. The canyon floor is typically 4–6°C cooler than the surrounding area, so even in summer, bring a light jacket. Mosquitoes are especially common around the forest and lake, so strong insect repellent is essential.
2. The wooden boardwalk can become damp and slippery, so wear shoes with good traction. This is a nature reserve: stay on designated paths and never pick wild plants.
3. Rafting will get your clothes wet, so bring a change of clothes.
4. Mobile phone reception is weak in some areas. Download offline maps before entering.
5. When horseback riding, always follow staff instructions and prioritize safety.

Nearby Attractions and Suggested Extensions

Daqinggou → Jixiang Micheng Dalelin Temple (吉祥密乘大乐林寺) → Xilamulun Park (西拉木伦公园) → Tongliao Museum (通辽博物馆), making a convenient one- or two-day cultural and nature itinerary around Tongliao.