From Dongzhimen transportation hub in Beijing take 918(2 hr) or 852(1 hr 20 min) to Pinggu. This 9rmb w/ card, 15 rmb w/o card. Public toilet just down past the bus stop in Pinggu.
Change to local bus 25, runs every 30 min on weekdays to both the gorge and the cave, this is 2rmb w/o card, if using card need to swipe when get on and off to get reduced price. About 40 min to gorge. Most of the bus stops were not designated on the road, the destinations did have a metal sign with the #25 on a pole to serve as a bus stop.
I recommend taking the destination written in English, pinyin and hanzu(kanji) to ensure you get to the right spot. Bus stops are not posted inside the bus. Ask either driver or ticket person when your stop is. Local buses did not stop at every stop, especially if no one was waiting. Sometimes they would ask if anyone was getting off.
There are some restaurants outside the scenic area between the bus stop and entrance. Also outside are some water rides. The Gorge costs 78 rmb entrance. We did not take the either of the 2 cable cars. The path is all paved, carved stone or metal steps, varying height and width. We walked briskly the entire time and saw most of it in 2.5 hr. I was told there are no official taxi's in Pinggu, they are all black taxis, even though they have a sign saying taxi on it.
Very beautiful. I gave it a 4 I was surprised the entire trail was man made.