Yuntai Mountain nanny-level travel guide, taking you to explore the essence of northern mountain and water scenery!

Yuntai Mountain is located in Jiaozuo, Henan, and belongs to the Taihang Mountain range. The scenery is truly amazing, combining the grandeur of northern landscapes with a delicate charm. Here, I’ll provide you with a super detailed and down-to-earth guide, so you’ll have a clear plan after reading. First, how to get there? If you’re not too far away, driving is actually the most convenient. Just navigate to "Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area," which has a large parking lot. If you’re taking public transport, you can first get to Jiaozuo or Xiuwu County, where there are many direct tourist shuttle buses to the entrance of Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area, so no worries about frequency. What to do once you arrive? This is the key! The Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area is quite large, with attractions spread out in several places. The ticket is an all-access pass, including sightseeing buses inside the park, which you can use for several days. This design is very user-friendly. Don’t try to see everything in one day—that would be exhausting. It’s recommended to plan at least two days. Must-visit No.1: Hongshi Gorge This is definitely the star attraction of Yuntai Mountain! After entering the scenic area, the first stop by sightseeing bus is here. Why is it called Hongshi Gorge? Because the entire canyon’s rocks are bright red, which is very striking. Walk slowly along the plank road carved on the cliff; below is a deep emerald pool, and above is a narrow strip of sky, creating a very magical feeling. Along the way, you’ll see various waterfalls, deep pools, and strange rocks, guaranteed to keep your phone and camera busy. The whole walk takes about 2-3 hours, the path is easy, but when it’s crowded the plank road can be narrow, so be careful. Must-visit No.2: Zhuyu Peak Yes, this is the place mentioned in Wang Wei’s poem “Planting Zhuyu everywhere but missing one person.” This is the main peak of Yuntai Mountain, a must-visit for those who want to climb high and enjoy the view. You can take the sightseeing bus passing Diecai Cave (the driver’s skill on this mountain road is amazing, like a roller coaster), then go directly to the cable car station halfway up the mountain, and take the cable car up, which saves a lot of effort. Of course, if you’re physically fit, you can climb by yourself, but it’s tough on the knees. Once on the summit, the view is very expansive, truly giving the feeling of “all other mountains look small.” If you catch the sea of clouds, you’ll be secretly delighted. Must-visit No.3: Tanpu Gorge (Xiaozhai Valley) This place has a different style from Hongshi Gorge, with more water scenery and a more delicate charm. Walk along the stream, with pools every few steps and waterfalls every few steps, the water is very clear. The most famous are the “Yazi Waterfall” and the “Immortal Spring.” It’s especially cool here in summer, with moist and comfortable air. The path here is relatively flat, suitable for leisurely walks and playing in the water (be careful). How to arrange a reasonable two-day trip? Day 1: Arrive early, drop your luggage at the guesthouse (recommended to stay at the riverside service area for convenient dining and transportation). Spend the morning exploring Hongshi Gorge carefully. In the afternoon, visit Tanpu Gorge and Quanpu Gorge (at the end of Quanpu Gorge is Yuntai Tian Waterfall, the largest single-drop waterfall in Asia, but it’s seasonal and spectacular only during high water periods). These two gorges are adjacent and can be visited together. Day 2: Head straight to Zhuyu Peak. Spend the morning climbing, watching the sea of clouds, and experiencing the culture. If you have time in the afternoon, you can visit Wanshan Temple or just stroll around the scenic area to enjoy the relaxed mountain atmosphere, then prepare to return. A few super practical tips: 1. Wear the right shoes! This is the most important. Be sure to wear the most comfortable, non-slip sports shoes or hiking boots. There are many steps on mountain paths, and good shoes can save your life. 2. Travel light, but bring enough snacks and water. Hiking takes energy. There are places selling food in the park, but it might be expensive. Bring some bread, chocolate, sausages, etc., to replenish energy anytime. 3. Check the weather! Mountain weather changes quickly, so check before you go. Rainy days have a misty charm, but the paths get slippery and some sections may close. Safety first. 4. Don’t skip sun protection—hat, sunglasses, sunscreen—especially on sunny days, as the UV rays are strong at high altitudes. 5. Protect the environment. Take your trash down with you. Such beautiful scenery needs everyone’s care. Yuntai Mountain is truly a mountain worth spending time to slowly appreciate. Its beauty is not only in the sights you see but also in the climbing process and the relaxation of body and mind. Wish you a happy trip, full of beautiful scenery and good mood!