Taihang Pearl Yuntai Mountain

**Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area Travel Guide (2024 Latest Edition)** **1. Introduction to Yuntai Mountain** Located in Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province, Yuntai Mountain is a UNESCO Global Geopark and a National 5A-level Scenic Area, renowned for its "Northern Karst Landform" and "canyon waterfalls," earning it the title "Pearl of Taihang." Key attractions include: - **Red Stone Gorge (Core Attraction)**: Danxia landform with emerald waters and crimson cliffs, offering breathtaking views. - **Tanpu Gorge (Xiaozhai Valley)**: A water-rich area with springs and waterfalls at every turn, perfect for water-themed activities. - **Quanpu Gorge (Laotan Valley)**: Home to the Yuntai Sky Waterfall (314-meter drop, one of Asia’s tallest). - **Zhuyu Peak**: The highest peak of Yuntai Mountain (1,297.6 meters), offering panoramic views of the Taihang Mountains. - **Macaque Valley**: A wild macaque observation zone, ideal for family trips. - **Wanshan Temple**: A Ming Dynasty ancient temple with vibrant incense culture. --- **2. Best Time to Visit** - **Spring-Summer (April-October)**: Abundant water flow, spectacular waterfalls, great for summer retreats. - **Autumn (October-November)**: Vibrant red foliage blankets the mountains. - **Winter (December-March)**: Some waterfalls freeze, fewer crowds, perfect for serene snowscapes. **Recommended Duration**: 2 days & 1 night (in-depth tour) or 1 day (highlights tour). --- **3. Transportation** 1. **Getting to Yuntai Mountain** - **From Zhengzhou**: - **Bus**: Zhengzhou Central Station/North Bus Station → Xiuwu County/Yuntai Mountain (~2 hours, ¥35-50). - **High-Speed Rail**: Zhengzhou East Station → Jiaozuo Station (30 mins, ¥28), then transfer to a scenic area shuttle (~1 hour). - **Self-Drive**: Zhengzhou → Zhengyun Expressway → Yuntai Mountain exit (~1.5 hours). 2. **In-Scenic Area Transport** - **Scenic Bus**: ¥60/person (mandatory, covers inter-attraction transfers). - **Cable Cars (Optional)**: - Zhuyu Peak Cable Car (one-way ¥65, round-trip ¥120). - Fenghuang Ridge Cable Car (entrance to the glass walkway). --- **4. Recommended Itineraries** **1. One-Day Highlights Tour (Time-Constrained Travelers)** - **Morning**: Red Stone Gorge → Zifang Lake (optional water activities). - **Afternoon**: Tanpu Gorge → Quanpu Gorge (Yuntai Sky Waterfall). **2. Two-Day In-Depth Tour (Recommended)** - **Day 1**: Red Stone Gorge → Zifang Lake → Tanpu Gorge → Overnight at Anshang Service Area. - **Day 2**: Zhuyu Peak (hike or cable car) → Fenghuang Ridge Glass Walkway → Wanshan Temple. **3. Family-Friendly Leisure Tour** - Macaque Valley → Tanpu Gorge → Scenic mini-train ride. --- **5. Tickets & Fees (2024)** - **Entrance Fee**: ¥120 (peak season: March-November), ¥60 (off-season: December-February). - **Scenic Bus**: ¥60 (mandatory, valid for 3 days). - **Cable Cars**: Zhuyu Peak one-way ¥65, round-trip ¥120; Fenghuang Ridge one-way ¥65. - **Glass Walkway**: ¥20/person (at Fenghuang Ridge). - **Zifang Lake Boat Ride**: ¥50/person (optional). --- **6. Accommodation Recommendations** 1. **In-Scenic Area (Convenient for Sightseeing)** - **Anshang Service Area**: Concentrated with B&Bs and hotels, e.g., "Yunshang de Yuanzi," "Puju Lakeside." - **Heishiling Service Area**: Quiet, suitable for families. 2. **Xiuwu County**: Budget hotels (¥100-200/night), ideal for self-drive travelers. --- **7. Tips & Notes** 1. **Safety**: - Red Stone Gorge paths are narrow and slippery when wet—walk carefully. - Macaques in Macaque Valley may snatch food—avoid feeding them. 2. **Gear Suggestions**: - Non-slip sports shoes, sun hat, lightweight backpack (extensive walking required). 3. **Other Advice**: - Dining in the scenic area is pricey—pack snacks. - Arrive before 8 AM during peak seasons (May Day, National Day) to avoid crowds. --- **8. Nearby Attractions** - **Jiaozuo Film City**: Ancient-style architecture, great for photos (1-hour drive from Yuntai Mountain). - **Qinglong Gorge**: Canyon rafting, a summer retreat. --- **Summary**: Yuntai Mountain, centered around Red Stone Gorge and Tanpu Gorge, is perfect for nature lovers. A two-day tour is more relaxed, while a one-day tour focuses on highlights. Don’t miss Zhuyu Peak’s summit views and the thrilling glass walkway!