Jiaozuo 5-Day Tour: Wanxianshan & Guoliang Village

Set off from the hotel early in the morning straight to Wanxian Mountain. First, listen to the tour guide explain the background and highlights, then take a leisurely stroll at your own pace and take additional photos according to your interests. After lunch, take a short break, 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 Wanxian Mountain. The Wanxian Mountain scenic area is located deep in the Taihang Mountains of Huixian. The Guoliang Hanging Highway and Nanping Danfen Gorge are all within this area. The red cliffs and cascading waterfalls interweave, making it one of the most representative mountain and water galleries in the Taihang Mountains. It is famous for being the shooting location of multiple films and TV shows. Attractions such as Guoliang Village, Tianchi, and the watchtowers form a breathtaking Taihang hiking route. The average temperature in summer is pleasant, making it a place to experience the Taihang mountains and waters not far from Zhengzhou and Luoyang. In my understanding, the hike involves a large amount of walking and many steps, so non-slip shoes are a must; be cautious of passing vehicles on the hanging highway section. The red cliffs look best for photos in the morning and evening light.

Friendly Tips: There are many steps and steep slopes on the mountain trails, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with limited mobility are advised to use the cable car. Tourists generally feedback that the hanging highway (Guoliang Tunnel) is the most impressive and photogenic, and the mountain roads often cause motion sickness; be sure to bring motion sickness medicine and take your time at the viewing platforms. Based on actual conditions, don’t focus solely on taking photos; pay attention to your footing and surroundings, and make sure to hold on and stand firmly at the edges of viewing platforms and walkways.

Today's Taihang Trip focuses on the cliff-hanging road and the film and television village, with a view of the canyon villages; retakes in the afternoon, rest at night.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight arranged in the itinerary is Guoliang Village, Guoliang Village 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 path to the outside world and without any large machinery, spent more than five years chiseling a tunnel about 1,300 meters long into the cliff face, which is considered a 'modern-day Foolish Old Man' miracle. Today, this cliff-hanging road is the hardest-core check-in spot in the Taihang Mountains, where walking along it allows you to overlook the abyss and canyon villages. Guoliang Village is also known as the 'Chinese Film and Television Village' for being the filming location of many movies and TV dramas. My understanding is to allow enough time when walking the cliff-hanging road, watching and taking photos, paying attention to your footing and oncoming vehicles; the best light is in the early morning or evening, while at noon the light is rather flat. Wear anti-slip shoes and do not get too close to the cliff.

Tips: The streets and alleys of the ancient town are crisscrossed and easy to get lost in, so remember the meeting time and clear landmarks. Tourists generally report that the stone village on the cliff connects to the cliff-hanging road and the filming locations have a built-in sense of story; be reminded that accommodations and food in the village are simple, so lower expectations to enjoy more. Depending on the situation, for photography it is best to go early or late—few people and soft light in the morning, golden light at dusk offers the best photos, while noon's overhead light is crowded and flat, better to rest then.

Gather in the morning and set off for Taihang Grand Canyon. Follow the guide along the main route, visiting each key spot, allowing plenty of time for photos and rest. At noon, enjoy a local specialty meal, then continue exploring in the afternoon. In the evening, check into the hotel to rest and recharge for the next day’s itinerary.

Scenic Spot Introduction: One highlight of the trip is Taihang Grand Canyon. Taihang Grand Canyon spans the junction of Shanxi, Hebei, and Henan, with Red Flag Canal cutting through the mountains. Peach Blossom Valley, Wangxiang Cliff, and Taihang Sky Road connect grandeur with beauty, showcasing the landscapes of the Taihang Mountains. Peach Blossom Valley is known for its waterfalls and streams, Wangxiang Cliff is famous for its cliffside paths, and Taihang Sky Road offers scenic buses for a panoramic view of the canyon. In spring, the mountains bloom with flowers; in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color. Each season has its own highlights. In my understanding, the scenic area is large and spots are scattered, so it’s essential to plan your route and prioritize key attractions. Hold onto the railings in dangerous cliff areas, and those with a fear of heights should proceed with caution.

Friendly Tips: Signal may be poor within the canyon, so arrange meeting points with the guide in advance and avoid going alone. Tourists generally give feedback that Peach Blossom Valley’s waters are serene and Taihang Sky Road is exhilarating, with scenic views at every step; it’s recommended to take the scenic buses, as weather greatly affects the experience. Based on practical experience, on long trips dehydration is the biggest concern, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently. On the first night in high-altitude or mountainous areas, avoid washing your hair or taking long baths, giving your body some time to adjust.

Early in the morning, head to Red Flag Canal, first visit the memorial hall to learn about the history of the canal construction, then hike along the canal to Youth Cave, experiencing the resilient spirit of Linzhou; afternoon free activities, return in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: One highlight of the itinerary is Red Flag Canal. Red Flag Canal is an 'artificial river in the sky' carved by the people of Linzhou on the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains in the 1960s. It spans over 1,500 kilometers in total, with 1,250 mountain peaks leveled, more than 150 aqueducts built, and over 200 tunnels excavated, taking nearly ten years to complete. It stands as a monument to the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation. Youth Cave is the most dangerous part of the entire route, dug out by 300 youth volunteers along the cliff; the Watersplitting Garden and the Red Flag Canal memorial hall completely recount the arduous process of canal construction. This place combines red tourism education with the magnificent scenery of the Taihang Mountains, and today it is also an awe-inspiring cultural attraction. My understanding is that visiting the memorial hall first to understand the background of the canal, then going through Youth Cave, can truly grasp the significance of this canal; when hiking along the canal, proceed according to your ability, wear anti-slip shoes, and watch your step.

Tips: The mountain trail has many steps and a steep slope, so be sure to wear anti-slip sports shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally feel that the 'artificial river in the sky' is a strong spiritual landmark, resonating more with middle-aged travelers; the museum explanations are worth listening to to understand that period of history. Considering the practical situation, be punctual: arrive at the assembly point five to ten minutes early. It is better for people to wait for the vehicle than for the vehicle to wait for a person; do not make everyone wait for you alone.

Transfer to the departure terminal per your booked train or flight; keep travel documents and tickets in your carry-on.