The only bankrupt 5A scenic spot in China... — Longtan Grand Canyon
Who understands this, family! Found a “miraculous 5A scenic spot that lost itself to bankruptcy”! Mineral water for 1 yuan, grilled sausage for 2 yuan, prices comparable to a school gate convenience store, yet the scenery is unbelievably beautiful. This Luoyang surrounding trip is a total win 📸
📍Address
Longtangou Village, Shijing Town, Xin’an County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, a geological wonder hidden deep in the western mountains of Henan, a secret red rock canyon carved by 1.2 billion years of flowing water.
🚗Transportation
1. Public Transport: Take the bus from Luoyang Bus Station to Shijing Town, Xin’an (2 hours), then walk 10 minutes to reach the spot. Budget travelers friendly but be sure to catch the last bus on time!
2. Self-driving: 1.5 hours from Luoyang, navigate to “Longtan Grand Canyon Visitor Center,” parking costs 10 yuan/day. It’s recommended to buy a sightseeing bus ticket inside the park (20 yuan one way), a leg-saving must!
🎫Tickets
Adult ticket 80 yuan, half price for students, teachers, and military personnel with ID, free for seniors over 60 and children under 1.2 meters. The key point is the 2025 new policy: after real-name ticket purchase, unlimited entries within one year! No wonder the previous company lost so much money.
🕙Opening Hours
- Summer: 07:30-17:30 (last entry at 16:00)
- Other seasons: 08:00-17:00, don’t rush, it takes at least 3 hours to tour the canyon!
🌟Tourist Attractions
- Longtan Waterfall: Over 30 meters high waterfall plunging into a turquoise pool, a rainbow always appears when the sun shines at 10 am, the mist will soak you like a “drenched chicken” but the photos are magical.
- Water Flows Upwards: A magical geological wonder! Tested with a mineral water bottle, the water really “flows backward,” a perfect trick to impress your friends.
- Tianbei (Heavenly Stele): A giant collapsed rock like a stone tablet stuck in the canyon, aerial photography recommended for maximum visual impact.
- One Line Sky: The narrowest spot only fits one person sideways, the rock walls are cool and refreshing, walking here in summer is better than air conditioning.
- High-altitude Zipline & Cliff Sliding: For the brave! 80 yuan to zipline over a 200-meter deep valley, 900 meters of cliff sliding close to the edge, screams guaranteed all the way.
🍴Food Recommendations
Prices inside the park are touching, but the farmhouse restaurants outside are even more authentic:
- Crispy Braised Native Chicken Pot: Local free-range chicken stew, the broth is so good you can eat three bowls of rice with it.
- Xin’an Boiled Dough Dumplings: Thin skin, big filling, the classic mushroom and minced meat filling is amazing, especially with garlic water.
- Yellow River Big Carp: Pan-fried then braised, crispy outside and tender inside, few bones and fresh meat.
- Corn Cake with Cured Meat: 10 yuan fills you up, strong rustic mountain flavor.
🏨Accommodation Recommendations
- Top choice inside the park: Runlai Hotel, just 300 meters inside the ticket gate, standard three-star, step outside and you can explore the canyon.
- Best value: Zhicheng Hotel, eat and stay for about 80 yuan per person.
- Experience seekers: Riverside Glass Homestay, 270° starry sky view, bonfire party and whole roasted lamb on Fridays.
💡Tips to Note
1. Wear non-slip sports shoes! The canyon’s stone paths are wet and slippery all year round, many wearing white shoes have fallen here.
2. Bring a change of clothes in summer, 90% chance you’ll get wet from sliding and water activities.
3. Buying combined tickets for entrance, bus, and boat is more cost-effective, online booking is 10 yuan cheaper than on-site.
4. Don’t bring too much stuff, lots of stairs in the canyon, heavy backpacks will tire you out.
5. No gouging in the park! Mineral water 1 yuan, instant noodles 3 yuan, buy with confidence.
Who says bankrupt scenic spots aren’t fun? This red rock and clear water with honest prices is truly a “fresh breeze” in the tourism world! Grab your buddies and go for it~