Anyang 6-Day Tour: Baiyun Mountain & Longtan Grand Canyon

Early in the morning, climb Yu Huang Ding first to watch the sunrise over the sea of clouds, then visit the Jiulong Waterfall; in the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the forest trail, enjoy the cool in summer and the red leaves in autumn, and return in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is at Baiyun Mountain, located in the heart of the Funiu Mountains in Song County. From Yu Huang Ding, you can view the sunrise over the sea of clouds. The area has a high forest coverage and abundant negative oxygen ions, making it a natural large oxygen bar. Within the scenic area, the Jiulong Waterfall and the highland peony garden each have their unique charm. It's a rare mountain resort-type attraction in Henan, ideal for cooling off in summer and enjoying red leaves in autumn. You can connect the sites by cable car or scenic shuttle bus. The mountaintop offers wide views, shrouded in mist, like a fairyland. In my understanding, summer is the best time to come for cooling off, as the mountain's coolness contrasts sharply with the city's heat; getting up early to climb Yu Huang Ding for the sunrise over the sea of clouds requires some luck, but even if you miss the sunrise, the mountains in the morning mist are beautiful enough.

Tips: The hiking sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. For those with mobility issues, it is recommended to take the cable car up and down. Visitors generally report that most think Baiyun Mountain is worth a special trip; it is advised to slow down, follow a guide for explanations, and reserve time for the details that touch you the most and the best photo spots. According to the actual situation, keep documents and wallets separately, take photos of important documents as backups on your phone, so that in case of loss, quick replacements can be made without delaying your trip.

Today's hydrophilic trip focuses on Liubu Pool and Yixian Tian, experiencing the 'canyon gem' red rock landscape; rest in the afternoon and check in at night.

Scenic Spot Introduction: This stop is at Longtan Grand Canyon, located in Xin'an. It is a canyon famous for its red rock ridges and valleys, as well as the phenomenon of water flowing uphill, earning the reputation of 'canyon gem' and 'natural museum of ancient ocean.' Trails like Liubu Pool and Yixian Tian offer strong water interaction fun, with red cliffs and clear pools complementing each other. It is especially cool in summer and is a family-friendly water destination not far from Luoyang city. The canyon is several kilometers long, with waterfalls, deep pools, and unique rocks along the way, revealing a scenic view at every step. In my understanding, wearing non-slip water trekking shoes or sports shoes is most suitable, and waterproof protection for valuables like mobile phones is recommended. Families with children should slow down their pace, choose the gentle boardwalk sections, and not rush to complete the entire route.

Warm Tips: The canyon trails are near water and cliffs, so do not climb over fences or play in dangerous areas, and keep an eye on children. Visitors generally feedback that most think Longtan Grand Canyon is worth a dedicated visit. It is suggested to slow down, follow the guide, listen to the explanation, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photography spots. According to your situation, carry some small change and snacks with you, which are useful if signals are poor or for temporary refreshment; don’t wait until you’re hungry to look for food.

Morning tour: starting from the Mountain Gate and the Hall of Heavenly Kings to the Great Buddha Hall along the central axis for a detailed look, then to the Qiyun Pagoda Courtyard; at noon, try local dishes. In the afternoon, visit the Burmese and Indian-style Buddhist halls to experience the exotic charm of this thousand-year-old temple.

Attraction Introduction: One of the highlights of the itinerary is White Horse Temple, located in the eastern part of Luoyang city. It was originally built during the Yongping period of the Eastern Han Dynasty to commemorate the white horse that carried the Buddhist scriptures and the initial spread of Buddhism in the Central Plains. It is revered as the 'first ancient temple in China' and is the first government-sponsored temple built after Buddhism was introduced to China. Within the temple, the Qiyun Pagoda Courtyard, the Great Buddha Hall, and the Hall of Heavenly Kings are arranged along the central axis, with continuous incense offerings amidst red walls and green cypresses for over two thousand years. It is worth noting that there are also Buddhist halls built in foreign styles by donations from Myanmar, Thailand, India, and other countries, presenting a unique scene of the spread and return of Buddhist culture. My understanding is to first visit the main halls along the central axis, then go around to the Qiyun Pagoda Courtyard, and finally visit the side halls in foreign styles to experience cultural integration; visiting in the early morning when there are fewer people, with sunlight shining on the red walls and ancient cypresses, creates the most artistic atmosphere and also avoids peak crowds from tour groups.

Tips: There are many incense stalls around the temple, so purchase incense as needed and spend rationally. Tourists generally report that the foreign-style Buddhist halls (Thai/Burmese/Indian courtyards) are highly photogenic and feel more spacious than expected; note that walking in the international temple area requires some stamina. Considering practical circumstances, mountain weather can change suddenly, so a windproof jacket is more reliable than anything else; shoes must be slip-resistant and comfortable. It’s better to miss a few photos than to twist an ankle.

Early in the morning, enter Shaolin Temple to first listen to an explanation of the history of the Zen monastery, then watch a martial arts performance and visit the pagoda forest; in the afternoon, enjoy free activities, such as climbing Mount Song Shaoshi Mountain or taking additional photos at the permanent temple, then return in the evening.

Friendly reminder: On free activity days, taking a taxi or walking is convenient. Check your destination route in advance and mark the shops and attractions you want to visit on the map. Visitors generally report that most tourists use the free activity day to sleep in, then go sightseeing, eating, or taking extra photos, enjoying a very relaxed day. Depending on actual conditions, capture photos early or late—the few people and soft light in the early morning and the golden glow at dusk are best for taking pictures, while the strong midday light is harsh and crowded, so it may be more worthwhile to rest then.