Xiyang Longyan Grand Canyon

Xiyang Longyan Grand Canyon

The Longyan Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located in Xiyang County, Shanxi Province, on the main ridge of the Taihang Mountains. It lies 146 kilometers west of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, and 99 kilometers east of Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei Province. It borders the national key scenic spot Zhangshiyan across a single mountain range and faces the Tiger Head Mountain of Dazhai from afar. The area is within the golden tourism circle of Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, and Hebei. The scenic area is accessible by national secondary highways from both the east and west, offering convenient transportation and a unique location.

Longyan Grand Canyon is situated in one of the most geologically diverse and scenically varied sections of the Taihang Mountains. Formed through the Himalayan and Yanshan orogenic movements as well as millions of years of weathering and erosion, the canyon features crisscrossing gullies, nested valleys, interconnected pathways, spectacular peaks, and breathtaking waters. With its grand, rugged, perilous, subtle, and majestic presence, it embodies the vast charm of the Taihang Mountains and the quintessential “majestic northern” style. The planned total area of the scenic zone is 150 square kilometers, with 52 square kilometers designated for key development. The main canyon runs from north to south, flanked by sheer cliffs stretching continuously for 25 kilometers, varying from hundreds of meters to just over ten meters at its narrowest point. Standing within the canyon, visitors are struck by the overwhelming sense of towering heights and awe-inspiring grandeur.

The grand canyon contains smaller canyons within, with winding paths leading to secluded spots. Along its sides are 12 secondary canyons arranged in sequence, including 12 smaller scenic areas such as Tongtian Canyon, Ten-Mile Horse Racing Plain, Black Dragon Canyon, Tiger’s Nest, and Dripping Rock. Each area features its own highlights—whether it be cascading waterfalls, unique stone forests and peaks, forested meadows, or thousand-year-old cypresses clinging to cliffs. These areas are distinct yet interconnected. From a distance, they present a layered, undulating expanse that is vast and majestic. Up close, one sees towering red cliffs, peculiar rocks, and resilient ancient cypresses—vivid and unyielding. Venturing inside, visitors are greeted by a spectacle of grandeur, peril, wonder, and beauty, leaving them enchanted, reluctant to leave, and filled with awe at the incredible craftsmanship of nature.

The average elevation of Longyan Grand Canyon is 1,200 meters, with the highest peak reaching 1,770 meters. The area enjoys a unique climate, with the hottest month averaging only 21.5°C, making it a cool retreat in both summer and winter—an ideal summer resort. Annual rainfall reaches 750 mm, ensuring abundant water throughout the year, with mountain springs and waterfalls flowing perennially.　

The deep and serene canyon feels like a hidden paradise. The local people live a quiet, self-sufficient life in stone houses and cave dwellings, with stone mills and earthen kang beds. The community is known for its simple and hospitable folkways. The entire scenic area boasts well-preserved vegetation, with a forest coverage rate of 92% and approximately 110 plant families encompassing nearly 700 species. Vast stretches of primeval forest thrive here, and the area is rich in wildlife, including Mongolian gazelles, deer, leopards, wild boars, and various species of mountain birds. The Longyan Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located in Xiyang County, Shanxi Province, on the main ridge of the Taihang Mountains. It lies 146 kilometers west of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province, and 99 kilometers east of Shijiazhuang, the capital of Hebei Province. It borders the national key scenic spot Zhangshiyan across a single mountain range and faces the Tiger Head Mountain of Dazhai from afar. The area is within the golden tourism circle of Beijing, Tianjin, Shanxi, and Hebei. The scenic area is accessible by national secondary highways from both the east and west, offering convenient transportation and a unique location.

The average elevation of Longyan Grand Canyon is 1,200 meters, with the highest peak reaching 1,770 meters. The area enjoys a unique climate, with the hottest month averaging only 21.5°C, making it a cool retreat in both summer and winter—an ideal summer resort. Annual rainfall reaches 750 mm, ensuring abundant water throughout the year, with mountain springs and waterfalls flowing perennially.　

The deep and serene canyon feels like a hidden paradise. The local people live a quiet, self-sufficient life in stone houses and cave dwellings, with stone mills and earthen kang beds. The community is known for its simple and hospitable folkways. The entire scenic area boasts well-preserved vegetation, with a forest coverage rate of 92% and approximately 110 plant families encompassing nearly 700 species. Vast stretches of primeval forest thrive here, and the area is rich in wildlife, including Mongolian gazelles, deer, leopards, wild boars, and various species of mountain birds.

Phone: 0354-4121570

Fax: 0354-4121570

Address: Shimacun Village, Xiyang County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province

Shimacun Village: Located 15 kilometers southwest of Xiyang County, Shimacun Village has a total of 134 households, a population of 291, and 20 Party members. The village covers an area of 5,838 mu, with 387 mu of arable land. In 2014, the per capita income was 7,290 yuan. The village’s economy is primarily agricultural, with corn as the main grain crop.

Shimacun Village is home to the thousand-year-old Shima Temple. In 2010, it actively applied to be included in the second batch of Shanxi Province’s Famous Tourism Villages. In recent years, with support from the village committee, a project to develop a 1,000-mu ecological forest has been implemented, significantly improving the local ecological environment. 201… Shimacun Village detailed information++