Jiaozuo 4-Day Tour: Wanxianshan & Guoliang Village

Set off early from the hotel straight to Wanxian Mountain, first listen to the tour guide explain the background and key sights, then enjoy a leisurely free walk and take extra photos of spots of interest; after lunch, take a short rest, return to the hotel by evening to accumulate energy for the next day.

Attraction Introduction: One highlight arranged in the itinerary is Wanxian Mountain. The Wanxian Mountain scenic area is located deep in the Taihang Mountains in Huixian, encompassing the Guoliang Cliff Road and Nanping Danfeng Valley. The intertwining of red cliffs and clear waterfall pools makes it one of the most representative landscape galleries of the Taihang Mountains. This place is famous for being a filming location for multiple movies and TV series. Attractions such as Guoliang Village, Tianchi, and the watchtower form a breathtaking Taihang hiking route. With a pleasant summer average temperature, it is a place close to the Taihang Mountains and waters, not far from Zhengzhou and Luoyang. In my understanding, the hiking involves a lot of walking and many steps; it is essential to wear non-slip shoes. Pay attention to passing vehicles on the cliff road section, and the morning and evening light is best for photographing the red cliffs.

Tips: There is a large temperature difference in the mountains between morning and evening, and it is windy at the mountaintop. A windproof jacket and warm inner layers are necessary. Tourists generally report that the cliff road (Guoliang Tunnel) is the most spectacular for photography, but mountain roads often cause motion sickness. It is advisable to bring motion sickness medicine and walk slowly while viewing. Based on the actual situation, when taking photos, do not focus only on capturing good shots; pay attention to your feet and surrounding environment. Make sure to stand firmly on observation platforms and along trail edges.

Today's Taihang journey focuses on the cliff-hanging road and the film village, with a distant view of the canyon village; in the afternoon, additional shooting, and in the evening, rest.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is Guoliang Village. Guoliang Village is hidden on the sheer cliffs deep in the Taihang Mountains and is famous for its 'cliff-hanging road.' In the 1970s, villagers, in order to open a passage to the outside world and without any large machinery, spent more than five years chiseling and hammering a tunnel about 1,300 meters long into the cliff, which is considered a 'modern-day Yu Gong' miracle. This cliff-hanging road is now the most hardcore check-in spot in the Taihang Mountains, where walking along it allows you to overlook the deep abyss and canyon villages. Guoliang Village is also called the 'Chinese Film Village' because several films and TV dramas have been shot here. My understanding is that when walking on the cliff-hanging road, allow enough time to watch and take photos, pay attention to your steps and passing vehicles; early morning or late afternoon has the best light, while noon is rather flat. Wear anti-slip shoes and do not get too close to the cliff edge.

Tips: The ancient town boasts a dazzling array of specialties—taste before buying, compare prices, and consume rationally. Tourists generally report that the stone villages on the cliff connect with the cliff-hanging road, and the film shooting locations come with a built-in sense of story; note that accommodations and meals in the village are simple, lower expectations to enjoy more. Depending on the situation, shoot early or late—early morning has few people and soft light, and dusk has golden light for the best shots; noon lighting is harsh and crowded, so it is better to rest at that time.

Morning tour: walk through Youth Cave, visit the Watershed Garden, and experience the 'Artificial Heavenly River' on the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains; have a nearby lunch at noon, and in the afternoon you can visit Shunyou or Wangxiang Rock, returning in the evening.

Attraction introduction: One of the highlights arranged in the itinerary is the Artificial Heavenly River. The Artificial Heavenly River was carved by the people of Linzhou on the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains in the 1960s. It stretches over 1,500 kilometers, levels 1,250 mountaintops, builds more than 150 aqueducts, and carves more than 200 tunnels. It took nearly ten years to complete and stands as a monument to the self-improvement spirit of the Chinese nation. Youth Cave is the most dangerous section of the whole route, carved by 300 youth team members on the cliff; the Watershed Garden and the Artificial Heavenly River Memorial Hall fully illustrate the arduous process of building the canal. This is a combination of red education and the magnificent Taihang scenery, and today it is also a breathtaking cultural site. My understanding is that visiting the memorial hall first to learn about the canal background, and then walking through Youth Cave, is the only way to truly grasp the significance of this canal; hike along the canal according to your capability, wear non-slip shoes, and watch your step.

Tips: The mountain sections have many steps and steep slopes, so make sure to wear non-slip sports shoes; those with mobility issues are advised to use the cableway. Visitors generally feedback that the 'Artificial Heavenly River' is a strong spiritual landmark, resonating more with middle-aged tourists; the exhibition narration is worth listening to for understanding that period of history. In practical terms, dehydration is the biggest concern on long hikes, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently; on the first night at high altitudes or mountainous areas, don’t wash your hair or bathe for too long, giving your body some time to adapt.

Transfer to the station/airport per your departure, ending a pleasant journey.

Friendly tips: Pack the night before and keep ID, power bank and souvenirs together; allow extra time for the station/airport; bring your ID and stay with your guide, noting the meeting time and place. Traveler feedback — Return-day travelers remind: pack ID and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time. Practical note — Return-day tip: pack ID, power bank and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time—mountain roads are unpredictable.