Who says Yichuan only has Hukou? 2-Day In-Depth Tour: Mangtou Mountain Hiking Secret Spot Pitfall Avoidance Guide

Yichuan 2-Day In-Depth Tour: Don’t Just Know Hukou! Listen to me, don’t just rush to Hukou when you go to Yichuan! This place hides old flavors to eat and explore, 2 days is enough to grasp the essence. Day 1: The Shock and Fireworks by the Yellow River 08:00-11:30 In-Depth Experience at Hukou Waterfall Drive 40 minutes from the county town to the scenic area at 8 AM (navigate to “Hukou Waterfall Shaanxi Entrance,” parking fee 10 yuan per visit). Don’t squeeze with tour groups on the main viewing platform! Turn left 500 meters after the main entrance to the “Dragon Cave” — the real highlight — descend 80 stone steps straight to the foot of the waterfall. The Yellow River water, mixed with silt, crashes against the rocks, and the mist can soak your clothes halfway. Standing on the viewing platform, you can feel the splash hitting your face, 10 times more shocking than viewing from above. Around 10 AM when the sunlight slants, rainbows appear in the mist. Take a horizontal photo with your phone to capture the full panorama of the “Yellow River hanging rainbow.” Pitfall reminder: The scenic area sells raincoats for 20 yuan, better bring a thin windbreaker yourself, you can wring it out and wear it again after shooting; if you want photos without people, come early, tour groups start arriving after 9 AM. 12:00-13:30 Eat Authentic Yellow River Flavor Don’t get ripped off at the scenic area restaurant! Drive 15 minutes to “Yellow River Family” farmhouse restaurant. The 58 yuan Yellow River big carp stewed with tofu is a must-order — the fish meat is tender and boneless, tofu soaks up the broth, paired with 18 yuan cold mixed bitter greens to cut the grease, very satisfying for two people. The owner also offers free sour jujube soup, sweet and sour to whet your appetite. 14:00-16:00 Seek Old Traces at the Ancient Ferry Drive 2 kilometers from the farmhouse to the ancient ferry site. The rammed earth city wall has gaps still showing old rope marks where boatmen tied their boats. Standing by the river, you can see the mountains of Shanxi across the river. The wind carries the unique earthy smell of the Yellow River. The broken porcelain pieces on the ground might be centuries-old artifacts. If you come in April, the mountain peach blossoms by the riverbank climb along the city wall, perfect for photos. Day 2: Slow Time in the Ancient Town and Mangtou Mountain Secret Spot 09:00-12:00 Stroll and Eat in Qiulin Ancient Town 9 AM is perfect for visiting Qiulin Ancient Town. The adobe houses on the old street are still inhabited by locals, full of life and atmosphere. Don’t miss “Old Ma’s Yellow Millet Bun” at the corner, 5 yuan each, steamed soft and fluffy, dipped in sugar, sweet to the core. Further inside, the century-old teahouse is a must-visit, 10 yuan for a pot of brick tea paired with 8 yuan fried dough sticks. The tea stains on the wooden old tables have years of history. If you find vendors selling “Yichuan Crisp Pears,” 10 yuan for 3 jin, crisp, sweet, and juicy, fresher than supermarket ones. 13:30-17:00 Deep Exploration of Mangtou Mountain (Key Point!) Drive 1 hour from the ancient town to Mangtou Mountain (all paved roads, some steep curves, drive slowly). This is a 3A-level National Forest Park, home to the largest secondary white pine forest in the country. Choose the route to save energy: For the easy-going: Drive to the mid-mountain viewing platform (free parking available), then walk 10 minutes on a gentle trail to “Wangmang Platform,” overlooking layered terraced fields. In April, mountain peach and lilac bloom white all over the mountain; in October, the sumac turns fiery red. For hikers: Start climbing from Guanzhuang Village at the foot of the mountain, 889 stone steps in total. The first half has a 70-80 degree “Heavenly Ladder,” you’ll need to rest three or four times to make it. After 1 hour to the top, you can see the ruins of the Holy Mother Hall, and the “Heavenly Clear Dragon” stone carving on the cliff is very historic. Cultural tidbit: The bricks and tiles of the mountain temple are said to have been carried up by mountain goats. The village at the foot is called “Yangshitou Village” for this reason. Pitfall reminder: The scenic area is open all day and free! But there’s no water sold on the mountain, bring your own; wear non-slip shoes, the stone steps are very slippery after rain; don’t rush down after dark, many curves and poor visibility. 18:00 Wrap-up Before Returning On the way back to the county town, stop by the “Yichuan Specialty Store.” The 35 yuan per jin dog-head jujubes are a must-buy, thick flesh and small pits, half the price of the scenic area. If you like spicy food, buy a jar of “Yichuan Sichuan Pepper,” adding a bit to stir-fry instantly brings out the aroma. This trip is unhurried and uncrowded, fully experiencing the grandeur of the Yellow River, the slow pace of the ancient town, and the tranquility of Mangtou Mountain — much better than a rushed visit!