Xiyagou Travel Guide is Here!

### Xiyagou Travel Guide Located in Lingchuan County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province, Xiyagou is nestled deep in the Taihang Mountains and renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and the legendary Cliffside Highway. It's a perfect summer retreat, with an average temperature of around 20°C, high forest coverage, and fresh air. Here’s a detailed travel guide: **1. Main Attractions** - **Cliffside Highway**: The most famous landmark of Xiyagou, stretching 7.5 kilometers and hand-carved by villagers over 30 years, hailed as a "miracle of mankind." Visitors can drive or hike to experience the awe-inspiring cliff tunnels and skylight views. - **Chiyan Grand Canyon**: A majestic red sandstone canyon with cascading waterfalls and misty clouds, creating a picturesque scene. - **Longtan Waterfall**: A powerful waterfall with a dramatic drop, ideal for photography enthusiasts. - **Stele Garden & Pine Shade**: A collection of stone tablets documenting the history of Xiyagou’s road construction, shaded by lush pines, offering a reflective experience. - **Red Slate Village**: Traditional local dwellings showcasing the rustic lifestyle of the Taihang Mountains. **2. Transportation** - **Public Transport**: - Take an Iveco bus from Jincheng to Lingchuan (fare: ¥8), then transfer to a rural bus to Wangmangling Scenic Area (fare: ¥12), and finally take a shuttle into Xiyagou. - For self-driving, navigate to "Taihang Xiyagou Tourist Resort" and enjoy the scenic route. - **Within the Scenic Area**: The Cliffside Highway is accessible only by shuttle vehicles. **3. Tickets & Opening Hours** - Xiyagou is part of the Wangmangling Scenic Area, with a combined ticket priced at ¥60 (half-price for students). - Opening hours: Summer 08:00–17:30, Winter 08:00–17:30. **4. Accommodation Recommendations** - **Budget**: Homestays in Xiyagou Village (e.g., Mingquan Mountain Lodge), including meals at ~¥50/person. - **Mid-range to Luxury**: - Fengcheng International Hotel (Wolong Mountain Branch), Yunding Jiuyuan Hotel (700+ rooms with full amenities). - Xishanju Boutique Inn, offering beautiful surroundings near the Cliffside Highway. **5. Food & Local Specialties** - **Local Cuisine**: Shanxi hand-pulled noodles, helao noodles, stir-fried cold rice jelly, Taihang braised free-range chicken soup. - **Specialties**: Wild lingzhi mushrooms, fleeceflower root, persimmon tea, walnuts, chestnuts, and other mountain products. **6. Best Travel Seasons** - **Summer (June–August)**: Cool temperatures, perfect for hiking and photography. - **Autumn (September–October)**: Vibrant foliage and stunning landscapes for autumn sightseeing. **7. Tips** - Some sections of the Cliffside Highway are steep—stay safe and avoid edges near skylights. - Mountain weather is unpredictable; bring windproof jackets and rain gear. - Wear anti-slip shoes for hiking certain trails. Xiyagou is not just a natural wonder but also a testament to the perseverance of its villagers, making it ideal for adventurers, photographers, and culture enthusiasts. If time allows, combine your visit with nearby attractions like Wangmangling and Guoliang Village.