West Taihang Hiking
❤ Recommended reasons:
The West Taihang Scenic Area spans Changzhi and Jincheng in Shanxi, and Xinxiang in Henan. Known for its steep canyons, cliff-hanging roads, and original villages, it’s a paradise for hiking, photography, and self-driving tours.
🌟 Highlights:
[One] Changzhi Huguan Section
Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon
[○] Baquan Gorge (5A): Take a boat through the "Northern Three Gorges," then transfer to a cable car and sightseeing elevator to reach the "Sky City," overlooking the Taihang peaks. Round-trip boat ticket is 60 CNY, elevator one-way 30 CNY; a recommended 180 CNY combo ticket includes electric car, boat, cable car, and elevator.
[○] Hongdou Gorge: Famous for its canyon, waterfall, and rare Chinese yew trees. The hiking loop takes about 4 hrs, perfect for summer cooling.
[○] Qinglong Gorge: A rock climbing hotspot with a high-altitude zipline experience (80 CNY). In autumn, the hills are covered in red leaves.
Ewu Village Secret Realm
[○] Tiansheng Bridge: The largest natural stone arch bridge in northern China, spanning 50 meters. Standing on the bridge offers a breathtaking view of the deep valley below.
[○] Yinggu Gorge: An undeveloped karst landscape with towering peaks like the "Northern Zhangjiajie." The hiking route is about 6 km and takes 3–4 hrs.
[○] Cat Road: Ancient plank road ruins, narrow and steep. Legend says Yang Liulang escaped along this path. Ideal for adventure lovers.
[Two] Jincheng Lingchuan Section
[○] Wangmangling
Sea of Clouds Spectacle: Climb to the summit early morning to watch the sea of clouds. At sunrise, the cliff walls glow red. Best viewing spots are "Unforgettable Love" and "Taihang Corridor."
Xiyagou Cliff-Hanging Road: Drive through man-made cliff tunnels, a "miracle of new China." The interplay of light and shadow inside the tunnels is perfect for creative photos.
Hiking route: Wangmangling North Gate → Xiyagou (approx. 10 km, 5 hrs), with views of the Red Rock Grand Canyon along the way.
[○] Huangweishan
Lingqiu Cave: Stalactites of various shapes inside the cave, enhanced by a light show that creates a fairyland atmosphere. Ticket 50 CNY.
Taihang No.1 Road: Starting from Zheshuicun, drive through the "Taihang Sky Road," and check in at the "0 km Mark Station" and "Qizishan Viewing Platform."
🗓 In-depth travel itinerary
3-day highlights tour
Day 1: Huguan Taihang Grand Canyon
Morning: Baquan Gorge (boat + cable car + elevator, 4 hrs)
Afternoon: Hongdou Gorge (hiking + waterfall, 3 hrs)
Overnight: Qinglong Gorge guesthouse (recommended "Taihang Family," approx. 150 CNY/night including breakfast)
Day 2: Wangmangling + Xiyagou
Morning: Watch sea of clouds at Wangmangling, hike Taihang Corridor
Afternoon: Drive Xiyagou cliff-hanging road, visit Xiyagou Village History Museum
Overnight: Xiyagou "Xishanju Boutique Inn" (panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, approx. 300 CNY/night)
Day 3: Ewu Village Secret Realm
Morning: Tiansheng Bridge → Wanfo Temple (cliffside small temple)
Afternoon: Yinggu Gorge hike → Cat Road adventure
Return: Evening private car from Ewu to Changzhi (approx. 2 hrs)
📝 Tips to note:
[One] Preparation before travel
Hiking gear: Non-slip hiking shoes, knee pads, trekking poles (Cat Road and Yinggu Gorge sections are steep)
Photography gear: Wide-angle lens for canyons, telephoto for cliff-hanging road details
Documents: Student and senior IDs offer ticket discounts; Huguan residents are exempt from the first entrance fee
[Two] Pitfalls to avoid
Wangmangling scenic area charges a mandatory sightseeing bus fee (50 CNY/person); self-driving cars must park outside the scenic area
Baquan Gorge cable car may be closed for maintenance (e.g., March 27, 2025); check the official website in advance
Some sections of Xiyagou cliff-hanging road are narrow; be cautious when passing other vehicles
[Three] Recommended combined tours
Henan section: Guoliang Village (cliff-hanging road), Bali Valley (waterfall clusters), ideal for cross-province Shanxi-Henan trips
Shanxi section: Pingyao Ancient City (high-speed rail to Taigu West then transfer, approx. 3 hrs), Huangcheng Xiangfu (2 hrs by car)