Kaifeng 7-Day Tour: Longtan Grand Canyon & Erlitou Site

Gather in the morning and set off for Longtan Grand Canyon. Follow the guide to tour the main attractions, leaving ample time for photos and rest; enjoy a local specialty meal at noon, then check into the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Longtan Grand Canyon. Located in Xin’an, Longtan Grand Canyon is a canyon famous for its red rock cliffs and water flowing upward phenomena, earning it the titles "Canyon Gem" and "Natural Museum of Ancient Ocean." Trails like Liubu Pond and One Line Sky are water-friendly and fun, with red rock cliffs reflecting in clear blue pools. It is especially cool in summer and is a family-friendly destination not far from Luoyang city center. The canyon stretches for several kilometers, with waterfalls, deep pools, and unique rocks along the way, offering a scenic view at every step. In my opinion, non-slip creek shoes or sneakers are most suitable, and valuables like your phone should be waterproofed. Families with children should slow their pace, choose flatter boardwalk sections, and not rush to finish the entire route.

Tips: Signal may be weak inside the canyon, so agree on a meeting point with the guide in advance and do not wander alone. Tourists generally report that most believe Longtan Grand Canyon is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and for the best photo spots. Depending on actual situations, keep identification and wallet separate; take photos of important documents for mobile backup so that in case of loss, they can be quickly replaced without delaying your trip.

Gather in the morning and set off for Erlitou, follow the guide to visit the main attractions, leaving ample time for photos and rest; have a local specialty meal at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: One highlight arranged in the itinerary is Erlitou. The Erlitou ruins are located in Yanshi, Luoyang, and are praised by scholars as 'the earliest China.' It is a large urban site from the middle and late Xia Dynasty, where significant artifacts such as turquoise dragon-shaped ornaments, bronze jia, and bronze ding have been unearthed, revealing the appearance of the first capital of the Huaxia. The turquoise dragon-shaped ornament is inlaid with over 2,000 pieces of turquoise and is known as 'the first dragon of Huaxia,' serving as an important evidence of Chinese dragon worship. The Erlitou Ruins Museum presents the archaeological site in a realistic way and is an essential stop for studying the origins of Chinese civilization. My understanding is that visiting is more meaningful if you first learn about the academic controversies surrounding the 'capital of Xia' and then view the exhibits; the museum's displays are very carefully arranged and worth viewing slowly.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility difficulties are advised to use the cableway. Visitors generally feedback that most people consider Erlitou worth a dedicated trip; it is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide's explanations, and leave time for the details that touch you most and the best photo spots. Depending on your situation, bring some small change and packaged snacks, which may be useful when the signal is poor or for temporary supplies—don't wait until you're hungry to look for them.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Chongdugou, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing ample time for taking photos and resting; enjoy a local specialty lunch at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Chongdugou attractions. Chongdugou is located in Luanchuan and is renowned for its vast bamboo forests, cascading waterfalls, and streams, as well as its western Henan farming scenery. It is one of the few “Jiangnan water town”-style summer retreat and leisure destinations in the region. The scenic area is divided into the Jinji River and Dicui River sections. Jinji River is famous for its waterfalls, with splashing water providing a refreshing atmosphere; Dicui River features contiguous bamboo forests, offering lush greenery at every turn. Here, visitors can stay in farmhouse accommodations, taste wild mountain vegetables, and experience authentic western Henan village life. The pace is relaxed, making it especially suitable for family leisure tours and summer vacations. My understanding is to slow down the pace and not rush through the attractions—walking through the bamboo forest and sitting by the creek is the proper way to enjoy Chongdugou; visiting in summer is most comfortable, providing coolness so pleasant that you won’t want to leave.

Tips: The canyon trails are adjacent to the water and cliffs. Do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and watch your children carefully. Visitors generally report that most people consider Chongdugou worth a special trip. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the spots with the best photo opportunities. Considering the actual situation, mountain weather can change abruptly, so a windproof jacket is more practical than anything else; shoes must be slip-resistant and comfortable to avoid slipping, even if it means taking fewer photos.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Guoliang Village, follow the guide to visit the main attractions, leaving plenty of time for taking photos and resting; have a local specialty lunch at noon, and in the evening check into the hotel to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction introduction: Today's itinerary includes the Guoliang Village attraction, Guoliang Village, which is hidden on the sheer cliffs deep in the Taihang Mountains and is famous for the "Cliff-Hanging Road". In the 1970s, villagers, in order to open a passage to the outside world, spent more than five years chiseling a tunnel about 1,300 meters long into the cliff without any large machinery, a miracle known as the "modern-day Yu Gong". Today, this cliff-hanging road is the most hardcore check-in spot in the Taihang Mountains, offering views of the abyss and canyon villages along the way. Guoliang Village is also called the "Chinese Film Village" because multiple films and TV series have been shot here. My understanding is to leave enough time when walking on the cliff-hanging road, watch and take photos carefully, be mindful of your footing and oncoming vehicles; early morning or late afternoon has the best lighting, while noon is rather flat; wear non-slip shoes and don’t get too close to the cliff.

Kind tips: The ancient town has a dazzling array of specialty products. Try before you buy, compare prices at three shops, and spend rationally. Tourists generally feedback that the stone village on the cliff is connected to the cliff-hanging road, and the filming locations come with a story; note that the village’s food and accommodation are simple, so lower your expectations for a more enjoyable experience. Based on the actual situation, don’t shop impulsively; if you see a "limited-time offer," wait calmly for three minutes; if you really want to take home a gift, make sure to choose a reputable store and keep the receipt for peace of mind.

Gather in the morning and depart for Yin Ruins, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing ample time for taking photos and resting; at noon, enjoy local specialty meals, and in the evening, check into the hotel to rest and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Yin Ruins. Yin Ruins is the site of the late Shang Dynasty capital, located in Anyang. It is the birthplace of oracle bone script and the discovery site of the Houmuwu Ding (formerly known as Simuwu Ding). In 2006, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. It once served as the Shang Dynasty capital after King Pan Geng moved to Yin, lasting over 270 years. The remains of palaces and temples, royal tombs, and chariot and horse pits are clearly visible. Oracle bones were first discovered here, raising the starting point of Chinese historical records to the Shang Dynasty. The new museum of Yin Ruins systematically displays bronzes, jade, and oracle bones, providing the most direct way to understand Shang civilization. My understanding is to first look at the palace and temple ruins and the chariot and horse pits to establish a spatial concept, then go into the museum to examine the artifacts closely; connecting these two lines completes the experience. The oracle bones and large bronzes are highlights, and following the guide is far more enriching than just browsing.

Tips: The mountain climbing sections have many steps and steep slopes, so wearing slip-resistant sports shoes is essential; those with mobility difficulties are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally report that the oracle bones and the Simuwu Ding bring history to life, and they say the new museum is more valuable than the open-air ruins; it is recommended to follow the guide to understand it properly. Based on practical considerations, keep identification documents and wallets separate, take photos of important documents for backup on your phone, and in case of loss, you can quickly reissue them without delaying your trip.