Longqing Gorge Ice and Snow Festival
- Celebrated: Jan. 10, 2013 to Feb. 28, 2013
- Location: Beijing
Longqing Gorge, located about 80 km (50 mi) northwest of Beijing, and sometimes referred to as the "Little Three Gorges" (as in the three gorges of the Three Gorges Dam project), is named after Emperor Longqing of the Ming (1368-1644) Dynasty, during whose reign (1567-1572), the Great Wall had been penetrated by a Mongol force under the command of the Altan Khan, reaching Beijing itself, though the emperor managed to repulse the khan's army. Later, the emperor, seeking to neutralize the Mongol threat by peaceful means, signed what one might today call a trade and security pact with Altan Khan whereby the khan purchased silk from China in exchange for horses. Peace ensued.
Today, Longqing Gorge, confidently shaded between two tall mountain peaks, is known mainly as the venue for the annual Beijing Longqing Gorge Ice & Snow Festival where, among other things related to snow and ice, massive blocks of ice are sculpted into all manner of interesting, beautiful and sometimes spectacular shapes, including representations of animals (including mythical ones such as dragons), human figures and lanterns. Among the ice-art works are a number of fixtures such as the Peacock Welcoming Springtime (Kongqueyingchun), the Soaring Dragon (Longteng), the Smiling Face (Xinchunxiaokaiyan) and Nature's Annual Revival (Wangxianggengxin). Besides the ice sculptures that can be admired here, there are fireworks ceremonies, folk dancing, and pageants. In addition, there are other nearby ice sports activities separate from the sculptural exhibits, such as ice fishing.
The Beijing Longqing Gorge Ice & Snow Festival, which, at night, is illuminated by a flood of colorful lights, is held each year from the 15th of January through the 29th of February. During the rest of the winter season, the area is closed to tourists, but opens for the summer-autumn season (April 10th to November 15th), where the gorge is known for, among other things, its bungee jumps.
If you are at Longqing Gorge during the summer-autumn season, don't forget to have a look at the nearby Kangxi Grasslands, named after the Qing (1644-1911) Dynasty emperor, Emperor Kangxi, who reigned from 1661-1722. And of course, regardless of when you visit Longqing Gorge, you absolutely must visit the Great Wall at Badaling.
86-773-2831999 (Int'l)
Hi Stacey, there are hotels in Longqing Gorge Scenic area. Badaling is about 30km to the Longqing Gorge. You can take Fangshan Bus No.33 at Fangshan Passenger Terminal房山客运站 in Badaling, then change Bus No.920 at Yanqing Bus Station延庆汽车站, get off at Longqing Gorge entrance.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2013-02-15Hi Rachel, it is celebrated from Jan. 10, 2013 to Feb. 28, 2013. Sure you will be able to visit it.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-27
