Danxia Landform - The Masterpiece of Nature: Maoxiang Grand Canyon

Basic Information • Location: Located southeast of Zhidan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province, about 2 kilometers from Zhidan County. • Opening Hours: 8:00-16:30 (some periods adjusted to 9:00-18:00, it is recommended to confirm in advance). • Ticket Prices: Online purchase approximately 59.9-76 RMB (includes scenic shuttle + rain boots), on-site purchase starts from 79 RMB, student/child discounts available. Transportation Guide • Self-driving: About 1-1.5 hours drive from Yan'an. From Xi'an, take a 2.5-hour high-speed train to Yan'an, then charter a car or drive for 2 hours to reach the destination. Note that the last 5 kilometers are gravel roads, an SUV is recommended. • Public Transportation: Yan'an Bus Station → Zhidan Bus Station (2-hour bus), then a 10-minute taxi ride to the scenic area. There is a free scenic shuttle bus from Zhidan County to the entrance. Must-Visit Attractions and Routes • Core Attractions: • Qiankun Valley: Sunlight penetrates through the "First Line Sky" to form Tai Chi light and shadow. Best photo time is 10 AM or 3 PM. • Lovers' Valley (Jueqing Valley): Heart-shaped sky and winding canyon, suitable for couples. • Palace Corridor: Tall rock walls resembling palace passages, suitable for wide-angle photography. • Time-Flowing Wall: Rock textures like traces of time, clearer on rainy days. • Body-Shaping Alley: The narrowest point allows only one person to pass sideways, testing your physique and courage. • Earth's Core Tunnel: A 30-meter dark rock cave, suddenly opens up at the end. • Recommended Route: Scenic shuttle to the entrance → visit Qiankun Valley → Lovers' Valley → Palace Corridor → Time-Flowing Wall → Body-Shaping Alley → Earth's Core Tunnel in sequence → return by scenic shuttle (approx. 3 km, 2-3 hours total). Photography and Outfit Suggestions • Best Photo Time: 10:00-13:00 when direct sunlight hits the canyon, providing the best light and shadow effects. • Outfit: Bright-colored windbreaker, work pants, or white/black/red dresses to create contrast with the red sandstone background. • Equipment: Wide-angle lens for panoramic shots, telephoto lens for details. Icefalls can be photographed on rainy days (April exclusive). Notes • Safety: Some sections are slippery, wear non-slip shoes, and proceed with caution on rainy days. There are no restrooms inside the canyon, it is recommended to use facilities beforehand. • Essentials: Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no commercial facilities in the scenic area. Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat (strong UV rays in summer). • Signal: Only China Mobile network is available, inform family and friends of your itinerary in advance. Nearby Food and Accommodation • Food: In Zhidan County, recommended dishes include Old Xing's Lamb, Lamb Noodles, Black Gan Mian Pi, and Spicy Liver Wantuo. • Accommodation: Hotels in the county include Jubao Holiday Hotel and Zhidan Hotel (200-500 RMB/night). Scenic area guesthouses offer cave-style accommodations for a unique Northern Shaanxi experience (advance booking required). Season and Weather Suggestions • Best Season: April-October (April for icefalls, autumn for red leaves). • Rainy Days: The park may close, it is recommended to check the weather forecast. Wear waterproof clothing on rainy days.