Sanmenxia Sojourn: A 2-Day Cultural and Natural Escape

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by Thomas

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Sanmenxia 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a captivating 2-day journey through Sanmenxia, where history and nature intertwine to offer an unforgettable travel experience. Begin your adventure at the Shanzhou Cave Dwellings, an ancient town carved into the cliffs, where you'll spend 3 hours exploring the depths of history. Next, immerse yourself in a full day of cultural enrichment at the Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone, a site brimming with stories from China's storied past. On your second day, awaken your senses at the Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park, a 3-hour retreat into the city's serene natural habitat. Continue your exploration at the Guo State Museum for a 2-hour dive into the rich tapestry of local heritage. Conclude your Sanmenxia sojourn with a visit to the impressive Three Gorges Dam, a 2-hour exploration of one of the world's largest water conservancy projects. This carefully curated itinerary promises a blend of historical discovery and natural beauty, ensuring your time in Sanmenxia is both enriching and memorable.

Top 6 Hotels in Sanmenxia
TOP 1
Swan Lake International Hotel
Swan Lake International Hotel
hotelStar
5/5
803 reviews
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TOP 2
Lushi International Hotel
Lushi International Hotel
hotelStar
3/5
165 reviews
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TOP 3
Junyi Hotel (Sanmenxia Shaanzhou Shenquan Road)
Junyi Hotel (Sanmenxia Shaanzhou Shenquan Road)
hotelStar
2/5
115 reviews
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Lu's landscape hidden Guesthouse(Tanghe Store)
Lu's landscape hidden Guesthouse(Tanghe Store)
hotelStar
4/5
29 reviews
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Vienna Hotel (Xiaoshan Road Office, Sanmen Gorge)
Vienna Hotel (Xiaoshan Road Office, Sanmen Gorge)
hotelStar
3/5
1587 reviews
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Lanting Baiyue Hotel (Sanmenxia municipal government store)
Lanting Baiyue Hotel (Sanmenxia municipal government store)
hotelStar
2/5
670 reviews
View Hotel Info

Day 1: Unearthing the Secrets of Sanmenxia

1

Shanzhou Cave Dwellings

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Kickstart your Sanmenxia adventure by stepping back in time at the Shanzhou Cave Dwellings. Nestled in the ancient town of Shanzhou, these dwellings are a testament to human ingenuity and adaptation. Carved into the loess plateau, they offer a unique glimpse into the past. Spend about 3 hours exploring the labyrinth of caves, each telling its own story of a bygone era. The earthy architecture and historical significance make this attraction a must-visit for any history buff or cultural enthusiast.

Attraction Info

  • Shanzhou, Sanmenxia, China
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
  • Open from 09/29-10/06,8:30am-8:00pm;Open from 10/07-12/31,8:30am-6:00pm;Open from 03/12-09/28,8:30am-6:00pm

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Yinxiangshanzhoudekengyuan Farm Family Resort
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2

Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone

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Continue your journey through time at the Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone. This legendary pass served as a strategic military point and a cultural melting pot for centuries. Dedicate your day to uncovering the tales of ancient battles and the exchange of ideas that shaped this region. The Hangu Pass is not just a site; it's a sprawling canvas of China's rich history, inviting you to lose yourself in its vastness and depth. From the remnants of old fortifications to the immersive cultural exhibits, there's enough to fill your entire day with wonder.

Attraction Info

  • Lingbao, Sanmenxia, Henan, China
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open from 8:30am-5:30pm

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Where to Stay Tonight

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Day 2: Embracing Nature and History in Sanmenxia

1

Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park

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Begin your second day with a serene morning at Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park, a haven for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. Nestled along the 209 National Road in Hubin District, this sprawling wetland is a sanctuary for swans and a myriad of other bird species. Spend about three hours wandering through the lush greenery, enjoying the tranquil waters, and observing the graceful swans glide across the lake. The park's natural beauty provides a perfect, peaceful start to your day, setting a relaxed pace as you prepare to delve into the rich cultural tapestry of Sanmenxia.

Attraction Info

  • 209 National Rd, Hubin Qu, Sanmenxia Shi, Henan Sheng, China
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-4 hour
  • Open 24 hours

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2

Guo State Museum

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After immersing yourself in the natural splendor of Swan Lake, shift gears to explore the ancient wonders at the Guo State Museum. Located on Liufeng North Road, this museum is a treasure trove of history, showcasing relics and artifacts from the bygone era of the Guo State. Allocate two hours to wander through the exhibits, where you'll be transported back in time to discover the legacy of one of China's earliest civilizations. The museum's collection offers a profound insight into the cultural and historical significance of the region, making it an essential stop for history buffs and curious minds.

Attraction Info

  • Liufeng N Rd, Hubin Qu, Sanmenxia Shi, Henan Sheng, China
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 8:30am-6:00pm during Mid-Autumn Festival,China's national day

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3

Three Gorges Dam

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Conclude your Sanmenxia adventure with a visit to the monumental Three Gorges Dam, situated on Wangda Road in the Hubin District. As a testament to modern engineering, this water conservancy project is not only a vital source of hydroelectric power but also a striking example of human ingenuity. Spend the final two hours of your day marveling at the sheer scale of the dam and learning about its impact on the Yangtze River and the surrounding environment. The Three Gorges Dam offers a unique perspective on China's commitment to sustainable development and is a fitting finale to your two-day journey through Sanmenxia.

Attraction Info

  • Wangda Road, Hubin District, Sanmenxia City
  • Suggested tour duration: 2 hour
  • Open from 8:30am-6:30pm

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Top Things to Do in Sanmenxia-2024

TOP 1
Shanzhou Cave Dwellings
Shanzhou Cave Dwellings
4.4/5 · 1,954 review
Highlights:
The Shanzhou Cave Dwellings are located in the south of Shan County in Sanmenxia. The site is easily accessed by road or rail. The cave dwellings kept residents cool in summer and warm in winter, and provided excellent shelter from wind and earthquakes. In addition to spending the night in renovated dwellings, visitors can relax in the hot springs, taste local cuisine, and watch traditional cultural performances.
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TOP 2
Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone
Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone
4.3/5 · 512 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 4 review
Highlights:
Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone is a national AAAA tourism zone. It is one of the earliest forts in China. Located in the valley, visiting it is like a cave adventure. The main tourist spots include Taichu Palace, Daosheng Palace and the Taoist health preservation parks. It was a historic battlefield where war horses galloped and the place where Laozi, a thinker and philosopher in ancient China, composed Tao Te Ching. For thousands of years, Taoists from home and abroad have come here to pay tribute to Taoism and honor the forefathers of Taoism.
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TOP 3
Three Gorges Dam
Three Gorges Dam
4.5/5 · 265 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 5 review
Highlights:
The Yellow River has a total length of 120 kilometers in Sanmenxia City, forming a magnificent scene of vast water, among which the Yellow River Dam is the most spectacular. The main dam of the dam is a concrete gravity dam with a length of 713.2 meters and a height of 106 meters; the auxiliary dam is a reinforced concrete core wall with a length of 144 meters and a height of 24 meters. The powerhouse of the power station is of the type behind the dam, with a total length of 223.88 meters. The ancient plank road of the Yellow River: It is located on the steep cliff on the north bank of the lower reaches of the Sanmenxia Dam, close to the Yellow River. There are two. One is higher from the river level and the other is lower from the river level. It can be seen from the relics that the ancient plank road of the Yellow River is a narrow stone road cut out at the impact of the river water on both sides of the Yellow River close to the Sanmen Canyon, and then at the road break. A row of deep square holes was chiseled, and then wooden stakes were plugged to form a trail for boatmen to pull fibers up. It is still clearly visible today. There are about 800 or 900 of these square holes scattered on the stone walls of the entire plank road. In ancient times, people drove wooden stakes into the cave to climb to the rock wall. The bull nose allows the tracker to tie a rope to climb, and when encountering wind and waves, the boat can be tied nearby. Mainstay: Located in the rapids below the Sanmenxia Dam. The scorpion on the Yellow River also called it "come to me". When the water is shallow in winter, it is about 7 meters above the water surface; in the flood season, it only shows a spire, and it looks as if it will be engulfed by the flood immediately, which is extremely dangerous. For thousands of years, regardless of the invasion of heavy rain or the scouring of stormy waves, it has been turning the tide and standing majestically in the Yellow River. It has been hailed as a symbol of the spirit of the Chinese nation since ancient times. When Emperor Taizong Li Shimin came here, he also wrote the poem "Looking up on the main pillar, looking at the Dragon Gate in the north, the vast Yuji, and the vast Changchun". In addition, there are Zhanggong Island, Dresser, Dayu Park, Yingbin Pavilion, Yellow River Sanmenxia Exhibition Hall, China-Japan Friendship Orchard and other attractions.
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TOP 4
Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park
Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park
4.5/5 · 521 review
Highlights:
Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park starts from Jinchang Overpass in the east and ends at the intersection of Shanzhou Avenue and Yanguan Road in the west. To the south, it connects to Shaanxi Avenue and it expands to the Yellow River Wetlands in the north. The scenic spot consists of three parts, including the Shuanglong Lake White Swan Watching Area, the Shaanzhou Old City and the Yellow River Ecological Forest Belt. Swan Lake is also known as Qinglong Lake. Every October, there are tens of thousands of white swans, which will remain for the winter. Canglong Lake has many aquatic plants, including reeds, cattails and lotuses. On Zhaogong Island is a colorful peony garden and various peony varietals are planted here. Yingxiang Pavilion is an imitation Tang Dynasty building erected to commemorate Heshanggong, the river god. Standing on the Yingxiang Pavilion, visitors can behold the beautiful panoramic view.
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TOP 5
Sanmenxia Swan Lake Resort
Sanmenxia Swan Lake Resort
5/5 · 116 review

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Sanmenxia 2 Days Itinerary