North China's No.1 Waterfall + Taihang Macaque Interaction, This Pitfall Avoidance Guide Lets You Experience a "Fairyland Feeling"!

"Is this waterfall falling from the sky?!" "The macaques stole my chips!" "The negative oxygen ions are so high, it's intoxicating!" When I posted this set of photos from Baligou in my Moments, the comment section instantly exploded—some asked, "Is this a branch of Jiuzhaigou?", others shouted, "Please share the detailed route!", and some even messaged me directly: "I'm taking my kids next week, quickly share the hidden activities!" That's right, Baligou is such a place: it has a wilder waterfall group than Huangguoshu, a primeval forest that even Jiuzhaigou envies, and a macaque kingdom that makes the Qinling Mountains feel inferior, yet it remains as low-key as a "hermit." But today, I’m going to tear off its "invisibility cloak" and unlock the "best viewing spots" of Tianhe Waterfall, the "geological secrets" of Hongyan Canyon, the "safety guide" for macaque interaction, and even tell you where to find the most authentic Huixian hawthorn cake—this guide might be the most "informative" Baligou guide you’ve ever seen! ------ 1. Why Has Baligou Become a "5A Top Attraction"? These Facts Tell You the Answer 1. Location and Transportation: The "Mountain and Water Hub" in Central Plains Baligou is located in Shangbali Town and Si’an Village, Huixian City, Xinxiang, Henan Province, at the southern foot of the Taihang Mountains, on the border between Henan and Shanxi. The forest coverage here exceeds 90%, and the concentration of negative oxygen ions in the air is over 30,000 per cubic centimeter, making it a "natural oxygen bar." • Major Transportation: • Self-driving: Depart from Zhengzhou via Zhenghui Expressway, navigate to "Baligou Scenic Area," about 2 hours direct; • High-speed rail: Zhengzhou East Station → Xinxiang East Station, then taxi about 1 hour to the scenic area; • Bus: Xinxiang Bus Station has direct tourist lines to Baligou. • In-park Transportation: • Sightseeing Bus: 40 RMB/person (round trip), covering from the park entrance to the core area of Tianhe Waterfall; • Hiking Route: Recommended "Tianhe Waterfall → Hongyan Canyon → Peach Blossom Bay" loop, about 8 km, takes 4-5 hours to explore leisurely. 2. Park Structure: 3 Core Areas + 1 Ecological Trail, Fully Explore in 1.5 Days Baligou is divided into three core areas: Tianhe Waterfall Area, Hongyan Canyon Area, Peach Blossom Bay Area, plus the macaque nature reserve ecological trail. • Must-play 1.5-day itinerary: • Day 1 Morning: Tianhe Waterfall (watch sunrise + main waterfall) → Water Curtain Cave (explore); • Day 1 Afternoon: Hongyan Canyon (geological hiking) → Macaque Viewing Area (interactive feeding); • Day 2 Morning: Peach Blossom Bay (stream play) → Laozi’s Preaching (cultural check-in); • Day 2 Afternoon: Before returning, visit the "Mountain Goods Market" (buy hawthorn cake, wild honey). 2. Tianhe Waterfall: The "Divine Perspective" and Hidden Activities of North China's No.1 Waterfall 1. Waterfall Facts: 157-meter Drop, Wilder than Huangguoshu Tianhe Waterfall is known as "North China's No.1 Waterfall," with a 157-meter drop (30 meters higher than Huangguoshu Waterfall). In summer, when water volume is abundant, the waterfall pours like a Milky Way, with thunderous water sounds; in winter, it forms an ice waterfall wonder, crystal clear like a fairy tale world. • Photo Spots: • Viewing Platform: The park’s main viewing platform facing the waterfall, perfect for capturing the full "rushing water" panorama (wide-angle lens recommended); • Water Curtain Cave: A natural cave behind the waterfall, walking through it lets you feel the mist on your face (bring raincoat or waterproof phone case); • Side Peak Walkway: From the "Laozi’s Preaching" spot, a 10-minute walk along the plank road offers shots of the waterfall framed with mountain peaks for stunning "landscape masterpieces." 2. Pitfall Avoidance Tips: These Details Can Save You 2 Hours of Detours • Tour Order: Take the sightseeing bus from the "park entrance" directly to "Tianhe Waterfall Station," visit the main waterfall area first, then hike downstream to other spots (avoid climbing uphill against the flow); • Time Arrangement: Arrive before 8 AM to avoid peak crowds (11 AM to 2 PM photos are prone to backlight). 3. Hongyan Canyon: Geological Wonder and the Perfect Blend of "Little Jiuzhaigou" 1. Color Code: Danxia Landform and Clear Stream’s "Divine Color Match" Hongyan Canyon is Baligou’s "geology textbook." The rocks here are purplish-red, formed 1.4 billion years ago from iron-rich layers deposited under the sea, uplifted by tectonic movements and weathered. The canyon’s streams flow crystal clear, earning it the nickname "Northern Little Jiuzhaigou." • Hidden Activities: • Find the "Red Cliff Danxia": The narrowest part of the canyon is only 3 meters wide, with rock walls as straight as knife cuts; shooting the "One Line Sky" silhouette here is breathtaking; • Geological Education: Signboards along the way explain rock formation, perfect for families with kids to learn while playing. 2. Hiking Tips: Easily Explore the 8-km Canyon • Route Options: • Easy Version: Walk from "Tianhe Waterfall" to "Hongyan Canyon Entrance" (about 2 km), then take the sightseeing bus back; • Challenge Version: Full hike "Tianhe Waterfall → Hongyan Canyon → Peach Blossom Bay" (about 8 km), takes 4-5 hours; • Supply Points: No shops inside the canyon, bring your own water and snacks (there is a supermarket at the park entrance). 4. Macaque Kingdom: The "Safe Interaction Guide" with Taihang Spirits 1. Macaque Facts: The "Social Rules" of 300+ Wild Macaques Baligou is a natural reserve for Taihang macaques, home to over 300 wild macaques divided into 3 groups, mainly distributed in the "Macaque Viewing Area" and along Hongyan Canyon. They are lively and cute but have territorial instincts, so safety is important during interaction. • Interaction Tips: • Feeding Rules: The park allows feeding healthy foods like apples and peanuts (no snacks or plastic bags); • Safety Distance: Keep at least 2 meters away, do not touch macaques with your hands (risk of scratches); • Photo Advice: Use telephoto lenses to avoid disturbing them (macaques may snatch phones or cameras). 2. Hidden Activities: Follow the Macaques to Find the "Secret Realm" • Macaque Drinking Spot: Between 6-7 AM, macaques come to drink at the stream in "Peach Blossom Bay," the best time for close observation; • Macaque Habitat: On the walk from "Hongyan Canyon" to "Laozi’s Preaching," there is a forest where macaques often rest, and you can hear their calls. 5. Peach Blossom Bay: Stream, Strange Rocks, and Taoist Culture’s "Slow Life" 1. Activity Facts: A Wilder Stream Secret than Jiuzhaigou Peach Blossom Bay is Baligou’s "slow life zone," with winding streams, strange peaks, and rocks. Along the way are spots like "Laozi’s Preaching," "Immortal Bridge," and "Calm Heart Pool," ideal for leisure trips with elders and children. • Hidden Activities: • Taoist Culture Check-in: The "Laozi’s Preaching" spot features a statue of Laozi and stone carvings of the Tao Te Ching, great for photos to share on social media; • Picnic Experience: Lay a picnic mat on the lawn beside "Calm Heart Pool" and enjoy the mountain breeze. 6. Practical Information 📍 Address: Shangbali Town and Si’an Village, Huixian City, Xinxiang, Henan Province 🎫 Tickets: • Free Admission: Children under 1.4 meters, seniors over 60, and active military personnel with ID are free. 💡 Tips: • Prices inside the park are relatively high; it’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks; • Do not wear bright clothes when interacting with macaques (they attract attention); When the sunset dyes the rock walls of Hongyan Canyon golden, when the mist of Tianhe Waterfall glows faintly in the dusk, when the macaque troop jumps and plays in the treetops—I suddenly understand: Baligou’s charm lies not only in its mountains and waters but in how it lets everyone who comes here find their own "fairyland." Perhaps this is the most beautiful aspect of travel: no need to chase faraway places, just step into a mountain and you can meet the whole world. Take this guide and visit Baligou—after all, some sights can only be truly understood by seeing them yourself.