Shanxi Treasure Spots Grand Tour Guide

Shanxi and Henan are adorned with beautiful mountains and rivers, and dotted with ancient sites. This guide provides detailed information covering Baquan Gorge, Hukou Waterfall, and many other attractions, allowing you to experience the charm of Shanxi and Henan! I. Itinerary Day 1: Baquan Gorge • Morning: Arrive at Baquan Gorge Scenic Area, the core area of the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon. First, take a sightseeing bus deep into the scenic area, enjoying the canyon scenery along the way. Then, transfer to a boat and experience the beauty of the emerald green lake water against the backdrop of the strange peaks. The cliffs on both sides vary in shape, resembling a scroll of landscape painting. • Afternoon: Hike along the plank road to experience the depth of the canyon up close. Afterwards, take the cable car and overlook the magnificent scenery of Baquan Gorge from the air. The rolling mountains and deep canyons offer a feast for the eyes, allowing you to experience the wonder of being "in a painting." Day 2: Hukou Waterfall - Yuntai Mountain • Morning: Head to Hukou Waterfall, the second largest waterfall in China and the largest yellow waterfall in the world. Standing next to the waterfall, you can feel the majestic momentum of the Yellow River plunging down. The splashing water and thunderous roar are exhilarating. • Afternoon: Drive to Yuntai Mountain. Upon arrival, visit Tanpu Gorge, where springs, waterfalls, and pools complement each other, resembling the beauty of a water town in southern China. Stroll along the gorge and feel the vitality and coolness of the water. Day 3: Yuntai Mountain - Jingdi Nine-Hole Waterfall • Morning: Visit Red Stone Gorge, with its unique Danxia landform, red cliffs, and gurgling green water. The narrow passage of "A Thread of Sky" is a testament to the wonders of nature. • Afternoon: Head to Jingdi Nine-Hole Waterfall, enjoying the unique scenery of the hanging road along the way. Upon arrival, watch the waterfall cascade from nine holes, forming a unique waterscape. Feel the cool mist under the waterfall and take photos. Day 4: Huangyadong - Mount Tai Scenic Area • Morning: Arrive at Huangyadong, the site of an important military factory during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Visit the factory ruins and exhibition hall to learn about the history of that turbulent period. Stroll along the mountain road and admire the unique karst landscape. • Afternoon: Head to Mount Tai Scenic Area, where the vegetation is lush and the air is fresh. Ascend the mountain path, accompanied by clear springs and ancient trees. At the summit, overlook the city of Taiyuan and visit the Tai Shan Longquan Temple, experiencing the tranquility and solemnity of the ancient temple. Day 5: Salt Lake - Guan Di Temple • Morning: Visit the Salt Lake, known as the "Dead Sea of China." Experience floating in the salt lake, feel the magical buoyancy of the saltwater, and admire the unique scenery of the salt lake. Take photos to commemorate your visit. • Afternoon: Visit the Guan Di Temple, a temple dedicated to Guan Yu. The ancient buildings inside are solemn and elegant, with exquisite wood, stone, and brick carvings. Learn about Guan Yu's story of loyalty and righteousness, and experience the profound Guan Gong culture. Day 6: Yungang Grottoes - Small Western Paradise • Morning: Visit the Yungang Grottoes, one of the largest ancient grottoes in China. Admire the exquisite Buddha statues, from the magnificent open-air Buddha to the detailed murals in the niches, and experience the splendor of Buddhist art during the Northern Wei Dynasty. • Afternoon: Head to the Small Western Paradise, a Ming Dynasty Buddhist temple famous for its exquisite hanging sculptures. The colorful hanging sculptures covering the walls depict lifelike figures with superb craftsmanship, creating an immersive Buddhist world. Day 7: Yanmen Pass - Lingqiu Longquan Temple • Morning: Arrive at Yanmen Pass, an important pass on the Great Wall, known as the "First of the Nine Passes Under Heaven." Ascend the gate tower, overlook the mountains, imagine the ancient war scenes, and feel the vicissitudes of history. • Afternoon: Visit Lingqiu Longquan Temple, located in a beautiful and tranquil environment. The temple features gurgling springs and simple and elegant architecture, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Listen to the ancient temple bells. Day 8: Sanggan River - Hanging Temple • Morning: Visit the Sanggan River, stroll along the riverbank, admire the wetland scenery, watch the flowing water, and, if you're lucky, spot migratory birds. Experience the tranquility and vitality of nature. • Afternoon: Visit the Hanging Temple, an ancient temple built on a cliff face, known for its "wonder, danger, and ingenuity." Walk along the narrow wooden plank road through the halls and marvel at the wisdom and courage of the ancients who built this temple on the cliff. II. Food Recommendations Shanxi Cuisine • Knife-Shaved Noodles: Thick in the middle and thin on the edges, shaped like willow leaves, these noodles are smooth on the outside and chewy on the inside, soft but not sticky. Paired with savory toppings, they are a culinary delight. • Pingyao Beef: Tender and flavorful, high in protein and low in fat, this beef is perfect as a side dish or with drinks. • Guoyourou: A traditional Shanxi dish, golden in color, salty and savory, with a hint of vinegar, and tender on the inside and outside. • Kao Lao Lao: Made from oat flour, with a unique shape, served with mutton or mushroom soup, it is nutritious and delicious. Henan Cuisine • Huimian: Wide and chewy noodles in a rich and savory mutton soup, served with kelp, tofu skin, and daylily, a large bowl is very satisfying. • Hulatang: Seasoned with pepper and various spices, this thick soup is spicy and savory, a favorite breakfast for Henan people. • Yellow River Carp: Tender meat, often braised, with a bright red color and rich flavor. III. Transportation Guide Long-distance Transportation • Railway: Major cities in Shanxi and Henan are connected by rail. Book train tickets in advance through the 12306 website or app. For example, from Taiyuan to Datong, or from Zhengzhou to Jiaozuo, train travel is convenient and economical. • Highway: Long-distance buses are also convenient in both provinces. Check schedules and purchase tickets at local bus stations or online platforms. Renting a car is also a good option for freedom and convenience, but plan your route in advance and observe traffic rules. Transportation Between Scenic Areas • Some popular scenic areas have tourist shuttle buses. Consult the local bus station or the scenic area's visitor center. If there are no shuttle buses, you can choose to charter a car or take a taxi. Check online ride-hailing platforms for approximate prices before traveling to avoid being overcharged. IV. Accommodation Recommendations City Accommodation • Taiyuan: As the capital of Shanxi, there are various accommodation options. Star-rated hotels, budget hotels, and homestays are available in the city center, with prices ranging from a hundred to thousands of yuan. Choose hotels near subway stations or train stations for convenient transportation. • Zhengzhou: The capital of Henan, with abundant accommodation resources. Choose hotels near the train station, Erqi Square, or other commercial areas for convenient travel and shopping. Accommodation Near Scenic Areas • Hukou Waterfall, Yuntai Mountain, Hanging Temple, and other popular scenic areas have many homestays and hotels. Staying near Hukou Waterfall is convenient for watching the sunrise and sunset over the waterfall. Many homestays around Yuntai Mountain offer local specialties. Hotels near the Hanging Temple allow you to explore the scenic area at your own pace. Accommodation prices vary depending on the season. Book in advance during peak season. V. Precautions • When visiting religious sites such as Yungang Grottoes, Small Western Paradise, and Lingqiu Longquan Temple, observe the rules, do not make loud noises, and do not touch cultural relics or Buddha statues. • Hukou Waterfall has a large volume of water. Pay attention to safety while viewing, and protect your belongings from the water mist. • The climate in Shanxi and Henan is relatively dry. Take moisturizing measures and bring sunscreen to prevent sunburn. • Some scenic areas, such as the Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes, have many tourists during peak season. Plan your visit in advance to avoid long queues. Pack your bags and follow this guide to embark on a wonderful journey through Shanxi and Henan, experiencing the beauty of the mountains and rivers, the depth of history, and the charm of culture!