Shenlingzhai

Shenlingzhai

Shenlingzhai is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Origin of the Name Shenlingzhai

The name Shenlingzhai comes from the mysterious phrase in “Records of the Grand Historian: The Fengshan Sacrifices,” which speaks of “the blessings of the divine spirits, bringing fortune and peace.” The Shenling Mountain Temple atop Shenlingzhai was originally an observatory, and only after Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang, conducted a Fengshan ceremony there did it become known as a temple. Shenlingzhai is revered for its divine aura. It gathers the spiritual essence of heaven and earth, inspiring human wisdom. The ancient temple still stands, with incense burning continuously, and has long been a sacred site for Taoist worship.

Scenic Features

Shenlingzhai Scenic Area is located within the San Guanmiao Forest Farm on the northern slope of Xiongping Mountain in Luoning County, 90 kilometers southwest of Luoyang and 17 kilometers southeast of the county town. Covering a total area of 53 square kilometers, the area hosts over 3,000 plant species, more than 300 animal species, and 160-plus scenic spots, mainly concentrated along the ten-kilometer-long Shenling Gorge, where granite forms the riverbed. Since 2002, the area has been designated successively as a “National Forest Park,” “National Geological Park,” “Sketch Base of the China Artists Association,” and “Forestry Scientific Research Base of China.” Here, ancient vines and towering trees thrive in vast abundance; crystal-clear streams connect pools and waterfalls; peculiar peaks and grotesque rocks stand alongside ancient temples and famed mountains. It is not only a sacred Taoist site but also an ancient battlefield. With both uniquely spectacular natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage, the area is especially known for China’s largest cluster of stone waterfalls—absolutely distinctive. These stone waterfalls pour down like rivers and seas in spate, as if the Milky Way has overturned, presenting a grand and magnificent spectacle. The scenic area is divided into four touring zones: Shenling Garden, Shenling Beautiful Waters, Shenling Famous Mountains, and Shenling Ancient Temples. Throughout the journey, you’ll cross small bridges accompanied by breezes, walk along plank roads while reflecting on the past, tread stone steps where incense connects to the divine, and climb cloud ladders to gaze at the horizon. The experience is filled with endless charm and delight. The area features steep mountains, peculiar peaks, strange rocks, beautiful waters, clear springs, majestic waterfalls, lush forests, elegant bamboo, and serene gorges. The scenery varies beautifully across all four seasons. In spring, Shenling is an ocean of flowers, exuding unique romance; in summer, it is a world of greenery, tranquil and refreshing; in autumn, the forests are painted in layers, with red leaves poetic and vivid; in winter, it is adorned with jade-like trees and silver flowers, draped in pristine white. The scenic area integrates geological wonders with cultural landscapes, combining the grandeur of northern landscapes with the delicate beauty of southern ones, making it one of Henan Province’s top ten eco-tourism bases. Bai Juyi and Wang Duo once left behind timeless verses here: “Wild peaches and village apricots bloom like snow—why wouldn’t travelers get drunk?” and “Having seen through life’s fleeting clouds, I watch flowers bloom and fade by the old stream,” both offering true reflections of Shenlingzhai as a paradise on earth. Literature gains fame through scenery, and scenery gains elegance through literature. Shenlingzhai is like a frozen symphony, spreading beautiful stories between the notes of nature.

Shenlingzhai is not only a sacred Taoist site but also a battleground contested by armies throughout history. The altars, the Shenling Mountain Temple, the Flagpole Ridge, the Ringing Bell Slope, and the Thousand-Year Kiln all tell tales of human vicissitudes, chronicle historical changes, and showcase a profound cultural and historical legacy.

Shenlingzhai boasts not only beautiful natural scenery but also abundant geological heritage resources. Over hundreds of millions of years of geological activity, it has formed the region’s unique granite peak cluster landforms, rare stone waterfalls, alpine wetlands, and various uniquely shaped rock formations, creating a natural geological museum.

Address: Taoyu Village, Jian Shen Road, Jiankou Township, Luoning County, Luoyang City

Type: Forest, Geological Landform, Mountain, Taoist Temple

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visiting Time: 3–5 hours

Phone: 0379-66139888; 0379-66139887

Official Website: http://www.lyshenlingzhai.com/

Opening Hours:

9:00-17:00

Ticket

Adult Price: 50 RMB/person

Transportation

By Car:

① Zhengzhou — Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway — Luoyang (High-Tech Zone Exit) — Luoning — Scenic Area

② Taiyuan — Datong–Yuncheng Expressway — Yuncheng–Sanmenxia Expressway — Sanmenxia — Luoning — Scenic Area

③ Xi’an — Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway — Sanmenxia — Luoning — Scenic Area

Information Source: Luoning County Tourism Bureau