Yuntai Mountain | A Landscape Painting Deep in the Taihang Mountains (Basic Guide)

📍Location: Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province 📅Best Time to Visit: May to October (Summer brings abundant waterfall flow, autumn colors the red stones and leaves, spring decorates the canyon with wildflowers) 🌟 Why You Must Visit? - The Geological Wonder of the Red Stone Canyon: Known as China’s number one wonder canyon, the entire Red Stone Canyon is made of red quartz sandstone. Over billions of years, water has carved layered rock walls. The fiery red stones under sunlight look like burning flames, contrasting sharply with the emerald pools, creating breathtaking scenes of “half flame, half jade” in every photo. - Springs Every Three Steps, Waterfalls Every Five Steps: The waterfalls here are not isolated sights—the Yuntai Tian Waterfall, with a drop of 314 meters, is the tallest single-drop waterfall in Asia. During the rainy season, water cascades like a silver river, roaring loudly. In Tanpu Gorge, there are “springs every three steps, waterfalls every five steps, and pools every ten steps.” Xiaolong Pool, Lover’s Waterfall, and Yazi Waterfall form a chain. Walking on the plank road, you can often be splashed by misty water. - Serenity Deep in the Taihang Mountains: Compared to other famous mountains and rivers, Yuntai Mountain offers a quietness like a “hidden gem.” Early morning at Zhuyu Peak, mist wraps around the Taoist temple, and ancient cypresses stretch along the cliffs. In the evening at Monkey Valley, you can see wild macaques swinging on trees, their calls blending with the sound of streams, like a natural song. 🚶‍♀️ Recommended Routes - One-Day Highlights (Core Must-See): Red Stone Canyon (best morning light for shooting red stones and green water) → Tanpu Gorge (see “Yuntai Heavenly Pool” and cascading waterfalls, great for kids to play in water) → Monkey Valley (watch macaque performances in the afternoon, be careful not to have your food snatched) → Diecai Cave (drive through 14 spiral tunnels, every window shot shows the steep “Taihang cliff walls”). - Two-Day Immersive Experience: Day 1: Red Stone Canyon → Zifang Lake (take a boat to see reflections of green mountains on both sides) → Tanpu Gorge → Stay at a local guesthouse in the scenic area (stroll the snack street at the service area in the evening and listen to Taihang Mountain legends from the owners). Day 2: Early hike to Zhuyu Peak (where Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei wrote “Planting Zhuyu everywhere but one person is missing,” watch sunrise and sea of clouds from the summit) → Phoenix Ridge (walk the glass plank road, with a sheer drop beneath your feet, not for the faint-hearted) → Before leaving, buy a pack of “Yuntai Ice Chrysanthemum” as a souvenir. 📸 Photo Tips - Wear white, light blue, or other refreshing colors. Standing on the Red Stone Canyon plank road, you’ll create a striking contrast with the fiery red rock walls. Capture the moment when the wind lifts your skirt for a lively shot. - For Yuntai Tian Waterfall, visit during the rainy season (July-August). Stand on the viewing platform and use a wide-angle lens to shoot upward, letting the waterfall fill the upper half of the frame, with a person placed in the lower left corner to highlight the waterfall’s grandeur. - Early morning at Zhuyu Peak often has light mist. Wear traditional Hanfu and stand in front of the Taoist temple. Have the photographer shoot from a low angle to frame the mist, ancient temple, and person together, maximizing the ancient atmosphere. 🍜 Must-Try Local Flavors - Nao Tang Donkey Meat: A Jiaozuo specialty, thinly sliced donkey meat dipped in “Nao Tang” made from donkey bone broth, fresh without gaminess. At the service area, be sure to try “Donkey Meat Huoshao” with crispy, flaky crust. - Mountain Chive Stir-Fried with Eggs: Wild mountain chives have a natural fragrance. Stir-fried with local eggs and chili, served with millet porridge, it’s the guesthouse owner’s signature breakfast. - Niuxi Stewed Chicken: Local chicken stewed with Niuxi, one of Jiaozuo’s “Four Great Medicinal Herbs.” The soup is rich and the meat tender, warming you up after a tiring hike. 💡 Tips - The Red Stone Canyon plank road is narrow. During peak season (weekends and holidays), enter before 8 AM to avoid crowds. Wear non-slip shoes as some sections are damp and slippery. - Zhuyu Peak is 1,308 meters high, about a 1.5-hour hike. If you don’t want to tire yourself, take the cable car (one way 70 RMB), but hiking lets you see more wild chrysanthemums and hawthorn trees along the cliffs. - Monkeys in Monkey Valley will snatch plastic bags and food. Avoid wearing bright colors and keep your backpack zipped. If your food is taken, don’t chase them; staff will assist you.