A trip to Huangniuzhai in Gongyi, Zhengzhou, measured by footsteps and felt with the heart’s beauty

Gongyi Huangniuzhai Travel Guide (1-2 Day Exploration Version) Geographical Tags: Off-the-beaten-path near Zhengzhou | Song Dynasty Ancient Village Ruins | Red Leaf Viewing Spot Budget Reference: 100-300 RMB per person (super cost-effective experience) Itinerary Overview Recommended Routes: 1-Day Highlights Tour: Zhengzhou → Huangniuzhai Mountain Climbing → Ancient Village Wall Exploration → Canyon Hiking → Return 2-Day In-Depth Tour: Day 1 Mountain Climbing + Camping | Day 2 Canyon Stream Trekking + Visiting Farmhouse Budget Breakdown 1️⃣ Transportation Costs (30-100 RMB) Departure from Zhengzhou: Self-driving 1.5 hours (fuel about 80 RMB/car, navigate to "Gongyi Huangniuzhai Scenic Area") Bus to Gongyi Bus Station (20 RMB) + Taxi to Scenic Area (40 RMB/car) Scenic Area Transport: No sightseeing buses, pure hiking (free) 2️⃣ Entrance Fee (0 RMB) Current Status: Undeveloped scenic area, free admission (tested in 2023) Note: Some wild paths require a local guide (voluntary hire 50 RMB/person) 3️⃣ Accommodation Costs (0-150 RMB) Camping: Bring your own tent (free camping on the ancient village platform) Homestay: Farmhouse at the foot of the mountain (80-150 RMB/room, breakfast included) 4️⃣ Food Costs (30-80 RMB) Bring your own snacks: Recommended to bring simple meals + 2L water for climbing Farmhouse Food: Earth Pot Chicken (60 RMB/small portion) + Handmade Steamed Buns (2 RMB each) Must-Experience TOP 3 Touch the Millennium Village Wall: Military site built with Song Dynasty granite (remaining height 6 meters) Wild Canyon Hiking: Stream trekking possible in rainy season (bring anti-slip shoes!) Cliffside Viewing Platform: Overlooking the entire Butterfly Valley (best red leaves in October-November) Pitfall Avoidance Guide Navigation Trap: Use Baidu Maps to select "Huangniuzhai Village," Gaode Maps select "Huangniuzhai Scenic Area" Safety Tips: Some sections have no guardrails, hiking poles recommended for stability Sanitation Issue: No trash bins, please bring your own trash bags Photography Tips Best Spots: West Gate Ancient Village Wall Remains (wide-angle for a sense of history) Village Gate Silhouette at Sunrise (need to reach the top before 5 AM) Hidden Activities Night Star Gazing: Low light pollution, Milky Way visible to the naked eye (exclusive for campers) Treasure Hunt: Look for Song Dynasty arrow holes and carvings on the village walls "Wilder than paid scenic spots, more authentic than internet-famous attractions"