Taihang Mountains Late Autumn Hiking Guide

3-Day 2-Night In-Depth Tour of Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon (Budget 5000 RMB) Trip Highlights: ✅ Explore Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon and experience the magnificent scenery of "China's Most Beautiful Canyon" ✅ Hike Baxuan Gorge and Hongdou Gorge to enjoy natural wonders like a landscape painting ✅ Challenge the glass plank road and high-altitude cableway for thrills and stunning views ✅ Taste Shanxi specialty farmhouse dishes and savor wild mountain flavors ✅ Stay overnight in canyon homestays and enjoy the tranquil mountain nights Day 1: Arrive at Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon, initial exploration of Baxuan Gorge 🚗 Transportation: High-speed train/bullet train: Taiyuan/Zhengzhou → Changzhi East Station (about 2 hours), then transfer by bus/chartered car to the Grand Canyon (1.5 hours) Self-driving: Taiyuan → Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon (about 4 hours) 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations: Unique homestays inside the canyon (recommended near Baxuan Gorge, about 300-500 RMB/night) Taihang Mountain Residence Baxuan Gorge Inn 📸 Itinerary: Morning: Arrive at the Grand Canyon, check into homestay Afternoon: Visit Baxuan Gorge Scenic Area (core attraction, ticket 100 RMB/person) Take a boat ride through the canyon, admire the high gorge and flat lake Challenge the high-altitude cableway (overlooking the entire canyon) Evening: Enjoy farmhouse dishes (recommended wild vegetables, free-range chicken, millet porridge) Stargaze on the homestay terrace, enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere Day 2: Hike Hongdou Gorge, explore Qinglong Gorge 📸 Itinerary: Morning: Head to Hongdou Gorge Scenic Area (ticket 80 RMB/person) Hike Lover’s Valley, admire waterfalls and unique rocks Check in at the "Heart-shaped Canyon" (popular photo spot) Afternoon: Visit Qinglong Gorge (ticket 60 RMB/person) Experience the glass plank road (thrilling, overlooking the deep valley) Stroll along the canyon trail, feel the primeval forest atmosphere Evening: Return to homestay, enjoy wild mountain hotpot (recommended local lamb hotpot) Day 3: Explore Heilongtan, return trip 📸 Itinerary: Morning: Go to Heilongtan Scenic Area (ticket 50 RMB/person) Explore underground karst caves, experience karst landforms Hike the boardwalk by the pond, admire clear water and unique stones Afternoon: Buy local specialties (wild walnuts, hawthorn slices, millet) Return trip Project Costs (for 2 people) Transportation 1000 RMB High-speed train/self-driving + local chartered car Accommodation 1000 RMB 2 nights in canyon homestay Meals 800 RMB Farmhouse dishes, wild mountain hotpot Tickets + Experiences 800 RMB Baxuan Gorge + Hongdou Gorge + Qinglong Gorge + cableway/glass plank road Shopping/Others 400 RMB Specialties, souvenirs Total 4000 RMB 2000 RMB per person, remaining budget can upgrade accommodation or experiences ✔ Best Season: May to October (summer for cool weather, autumn for red leaves) ✔ Clothing Suggestions: Hiking shoes + sun protection clothing, large temperature difference in the canyon ✔ Safety Tips: Some plank roads are steep, those afraid of heights should proceed with caution ✔ Photography Tips: Most beautiful when mist lingers in the early morning If time allows, add a day trip to Wangmangling or Huguan Taihang Mountains Camping enthusiasts can choose the canyon campsite (advance reservation required) Wish you a wonderful time at Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon! 🏞️✨