Complete Guide to Yuntai Mountain｜Step into a Wonderland of Mountain and Water Paintings

Hey guys! Just got back from Yuntai Mountain, and it’s so beautiful I’m at a loss for words😭 This hidden "Little Guilin of the North" in Henan has waterfalls, canyons, and sea of clouds all to check off your list, with unbeatable value! 📍Address: Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area, Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province 🚗 Transportation Guide: ✔️ Self-drive: About 2 hours from Zhengzhou/Luoyang, navigate to "Yuntai Mountain Anshang Service Area" ✔️ High-speed rail: To "Xiuwu West Station" → transfer to scenic area shuttle bus (30 minutes direct) ✔️ Internal transport: Must buy sightseeing bus ticket! Super convenient shuttle between attractions 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations: → Highly recommend the "Anshang Service Area" guesthouse cluster (5-minute walk to boarding point) → Experience mountain view rooms 🌄 with a window view of Zhuyu Peak → Book in advance! Prices double during peak season 🍜 Food List: ▫️ Xiuwu Black Goat Soup (20 RMB/bowl, broth so rich you’ll stomp your feet!) ▫️ Hunjiang Cold Noodles (5 RMB/serving, garlicky, sour, and spicy, super appetizing) ▫️ Henan Braised Noodles (perfect with freshly baked sesame flatbread) ▫️ Huai Yam Pork Ribs (a must for health-conscious girls 💪) 🌈 Must-Visit Attractions: 1️⃣ Hongshi Gorge ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 1.2 billion-year-old red rock canyon! The turquoise water and Danxia landform feel like traveling to another planet🌋 The plank road is built suspended in the air, with waterfalls flying overhead—super stunning (best to visit in the morning for the best light) 2️⃣ Tanpu Gorge ⭐⭐⭐⭐ “A natural water park”💦 Y-shaped waterfall / Immortal Spring / Emerald Pool… Cool and shady all along, easy to walk with kids 3️⃣ Zhuyu Peak ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Climb to the top to see the sea of clouds swirling☁️ The Xuandi Palace incense is very popular! Recommend taking the cable car up to save energy for photos (best light after 4 PM) 4️⃣ Yuntai Heavenly Waterfall ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The waterfall with the largest drop in Asia! During the rainy season it looks like a white dragon entering the valley💧 Remember to wear non-slip shoes, the mist will get you wet 📌 Notes: ⚠️ Ticket includes sightseeing bus, 120 RMB/person (valid for 3 consecutive days) ⚠️ Must bring ID! Entry with ID is super convenient ⚠️ Enter early to avoid tour groups; Hongshi Gorge gets crowded after 10 AM ⚠️ Mountain weather changes often, bring a thin jacket + raincoat ⚠️ Wear non-slip sports shoes! The stone paths are very slippery when wet 🎒 Travel Essentials: Sun hat🧢 + power bank + bottled water (there are supply points on the mountain but expensive) Recommend reverse route: Hongshi Gorge → Tanpu Gorge → Zhuyu Peak → Waterfall