Anyang 5-Day Tour: Scenic Area & Millennium City Park

Today, we will focus on Mount Song as the main theme, avoiding peak crowds by entering the park during off-peak hours and following the recommended route for an in-depth tour. For lunch, we will enjoy local specialties nearby, and in the afternoon, you can either explore freely or join the guide for additional sightseeing. In the evening, we will return to the hotel to rest.

Scenic Spot Introduction: A highlight arranged in the itinerary is Mount Song. Mount Song is the central peak among the Five Great Mountains, mainly located in Dengfeng City, and is divided into the Taishi and Shaoshi Mountains, with the main peak Junji Peak reaching about 1492 meters. Its uniqueness lies in the coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism on the same mountain for a thousand years: Songyang Academy was a significant center of Neo-Confucianism during the Song dynasty, and the famous story of 'Standing in the Snow at Cheng's Gate' is said to have happened here; the Zhongyue Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved temple complexes among the Five Great Mountains; the Guoxing Platform in Gaocheng Town, built under the supervision of Guo Shoujing during the Yuan dynasty, is one of the oldest existing astronomical observation structures. In 2010, the historical building complex representing the 'Center of the World' — including Songyang Academy, Zhongyue Temple, Songyue Temple Pagoda, Shaolin Temple Permanent Monastery, Pagoda Forest, Chuzu Hermitage, and Guoxing Platform — was inscribed on the World Heritage List. In my understanding, there’s no need to rush on the first day — first visit the academy and Zhongyue Temple to understand the ceremonial system of the 'Center of the World,' and save your energy for the mountain climb later. If there is extra time, going to the plank road at Sanhuang Fort on Shaoshi Mountain at sunset provides the most photogenic moments of the entire trip.

Tips: Many mountain paths are slippery, especially when going downhill. Pay attention to shifting your center of gravity backward, slow down your pace, and consider bringing knee protection. Most visitors feel that Mount Song is worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide’s interpretation, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Respect local customs in accordance with the actual situation; dress appropriately in religious sites, avoid pointing randomly, and a friendly greeting can often be met with goodwill.

Arrive in the morning, walk through the streets restored according to 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival,' watch folk performances and situational shows; try Bianliang snacks at noon, and in the afternoon continue to visit the park or take a night tour of the Song Capital Imperial River to experience the prosperity of Northern Song Bianjing.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is located at Kaifeng and is a Song culture-themed park built based on Zhang Zeduan's 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' from the Northern Song Dynasty. The park reproduces the Rainbow Bridge, Bian River, streets, and taverns from the painting, recreating the bustling urban life of Tokyo Bianliang. The park offers live performances and folk parades throughout the day. The most famous is the nighttime water performance 'The Grand Song: Dream of Tokyo,' which uses light and shadow to recreate the splendor of the Northern Song capital. During the day, visitors can watch immersive folk performances such as the opening ceremony, Bao Gong welcoming guests, and Wang Yuanwai's marriage proposals. This place is also a paradise for Hanfu enthusiasts; changing into Song-style Hanfu and walking between the Rainbow Bridge and Bian River, any casual photo will look like a classical-style masterpiece. My understanding is that upon entering, first get the performance schedule, plan the must-see performances and evening show times, then freely stroll and eat; daytime visits to the market have the most immersive experience, while the evening performance is an audio-visual feast, worth seeing if the budget allows.

Tips: Popular park attractions have long queues; upon entering, get a map and performance schedule to prioritize must-play attractions. Visitors generally feel that daytime visits to the market are the most immersive, while the evening show 'The Grand Song: Dream of Tokyo' receives mixed reviews; note that performance tickets are relatively expensive, so plan according to your budget. Depending on the actual situation, joining a tour is best done carefully; guided explanations are the essence. The cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than photographs. Ask the tour guide immediately if you don’t understand something.

Set off early from the hotel directly to Taihang Grand Canyon, first listen to the guide's explanation of the background and highlights, then explore freely at a leisurely pace and take extra photos according to your interests; after lunch, take a short rest, and return to the hotel in the evening to conserve energy for the next day.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is Taihang Grand Canyon. Taihang Grand Canyon stretches across the junction of Shanxi, Hebei, and Henan provinces, Red Flag Canal passes through the mountains, connecting Taohuagu, Wang Xiangyan, and Taihang Sky Road, showcasing both grandeur and beauty—it is a concentrated display of Taihang scenery. Taohuagu is famous for its cascading waterfalls and flowing springs, Wang Xiangyan is known for its cliffside walkways, and Taihang Sky Road allows visitors to take a scenic bus tour to view the entire canyon. In spring, the mountains are covered with blooming flowers; in autumn, the forests are rich with colors, offering unique sights in each season. My understanding is that the scenic area is large and the attractions are spread out, so it is essential to plan your route well and prioritize the core spots; hold onto the railings at steep walkways, and those afraid of heights should proceed according to their own limits.

Tips: The canyon trails are close to water and cliffs, do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and watch children carefully. Visitors generally feedback that Taohuagu's water scenery is tranquil and Taihang Sky Road is steep, with beautiful views at every step; remember to take the scenic bus, as the experience is highly affected by weather. According to actual conditions, if you want to eat authentic local food, go deeper into the alleys—the lines at the main entrance are long and the taste is average. For specialties, ask for the price and compare first; local supermarkets often provide more genuine products.