Daqinggou 大青沟

About Daqinggou

Springs feed streams beneath mature broadleaf trees, creating a striking change between the exposed ground above and the sheltered valley floor. The principal visitor sectors include the original-forest route, the Sanchakou junction and Xiaoqing Lake. A forest-and-lake visit captures the landscape without depending on rafting or other seasonal activities, and keeps the protected reserve distinct from its limited public recreation areas.

Daqinggou, a national nature reserve (国家级自然保护区), is made up of two deep valleys, Daqinggou and Xiaoqinggou (大青沟, 小青沟), each with a river running through the sandy land. Outside the valleys, conditions are harsh, with wide temperature swings and frequent windblown sand, while inside the ravines the climate is mild and the vegetation dense. The reserve was approved for establishment by the State Council (国务院) in 1980; tourist facilities were built in 1982, and it was formally designated a nature reserve in 1988. It holds 106 species of woody plants and 422 species of herbaceous plants.

What to look for

• The spring-fed streams and broadleaf forest within the ravines.
• Xiaoqing Lake and the contrast between water, woodland and surrounding sandy terrain.

Location & getting there

Getting to Daqinggou

Approach the Daqinggou scenic entrance southwest of Ganqika Town in Horqin Left Rear Banner.

• Confirm the internal connection between the original-forest and Xiaoqing Lake sectors at the entrance; rafting has separate operating and participation conditions.