Huilong Scenic Area

Huilong Scenic Area

Huilong Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Huilong Scenic Area is located in the deep Taihang Mountains, 25 kilometers northwest of Shangbali in Huixian City, at an altitude of 800 to 1,725 meters, covering a touring area of over 26 square kilometers. The five major scenic zones encompass over a hundred red-themed sites, natural landscapes, and cultural attractions.

Speaking of Huilong, one is sure to recall the stirring Huilong Spirit. In 2002, Zhang Rongsuo, a national People’s Congress delegate and one of CCTV’s Top Ten Most Touching People in China, was hailed as the “Modern Day Foolish Old Man.” He led by example, mobilizing Party members, militia, and villagers to build a mountain highway and open cliffside tunnels, creating a miracle in road construction history. The winding mountain road soars like a dragon, stretching eight kilometers to reach Sky-Scraping Cliff; the S-shaped tunnels alternate between light and dark, twisting and turning, soaring straight up to Qingfeng Pass. They are not only essential routes to the mountaintop but also have become an uplifting red-themed landscape.

When it comes to Huilong Scenic Area, we also think of its rich and unique Taoist culture. Laoye Ding, standing at an altitude of 1,570 meters, gets its name from the ancestral temple that has stood atop the mountain since ancient times. It is also famed for its unparalleled iron artifacts—iron bells, iron cauldrons, and iron tiles adorning the temple—which have earned it the title “The World’s Number One Iron Summit” from archaeologists, and is recognized as one of the birthplaces of Taoism. There is a saying: “The Southern Golden Summit, the Northern Iron Summit; the Southern Peak lies at Wudang, the Northern at the Taihang.”

Additionally, from the foot of the mountain to the summit, the spiritual charm of the First Heavenly Gate, Second Heavenly Gate, and Third Heavenly Gate remains intact. Dozens of Ming and Qing architectural structures, each with unique styles, are intriguing and thought-provoking. On September 25, 2000, it was designated as a provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit.

Huilong also boasts beautiful natural landscapes. The Huilong Grand Canyon is shaped like a giant basin and resembles a coiling dragon. The plunging ravine, dropping over a thousand meters, spans a majestic hundred miles; the sheer cliffs of red rock, stretching endlessly, are a marvel of nature. The Cross Ridge scenic spot of Huilong is filled with primal beauty. Named for its cross-shaped landform, Cross Ridge stands at an altitude of 1,725 meters, making it the highest peak in the southern Taihang Mountains. From a distance, the purple-hued ridges rise in layers; up close, the emerald cliffs plunge sharply toward the horizon. The murmuring streams, birdsong, and floral fragrance suddenly transport you to ancient times. Especially thrilling are the stairways spiraling along the cliffs—each step brings a new challenge, highlighting the awe-inspiring craftsmanship of nature and heightening the explorer’s sense of wonder. Reaching the summit of Cross Ridge feels like entering a naturally formed park, where the vast flatlands evoke the feeling of “the sky is high for birds to fly, the sea wide for fish to leap.” The spread of natural lawns exudes the charm of northern grasslands, while the bizarrely shaped rocks stand tall, echoing the poetic grace of southern stone forests. The towering mountains rival the grandeur of Mount Tai, and the perilous peaks rival the splendor of Mount Hua. Truly, every step presents a unique view, each with its own distinct charm. Cross Ridge’s breathtaking scenery is a highlight of the Taihang Mountains—its height brings unpredictable weather, its beauty shines in natural harmony, making it a perfect destination for adventure tourism, leisure retreats, photography, and sketching.

Zhanggou Waterfall combines the essence of springs, streams, rivers, pools, and cascades. Verdant mountains, clear waters, white clouds, blue skies, alongside ancient trees, shaded groves, mountain breezes, and local homes create a uniquely captivating scene in the Taihang range.

Longkou Amusement Park fully preserves the pristine charm of nature with its waterfalls and streams, peculiar peaks and rocks, famous trees and blooming flowers, as well as rare birds and animals. Visitors will surely feel a sense of returning to simplicity and discover the wonders crafted by nature.

Huilong Scenic Area: a red pathway of arduous struggle that moves heaven and earth; a green hiking trail for sightseeing, leisure, and summer retreat; a mysterious brown [religious] alley evoking a dreamlike paradise.

Scenic Spot Transportation

Xinxiang – Huixian – Shangbali – Huilong