Taihang Grand Canyon (Linzhou Grand Canyon)

　　Taihang Grand Canyon is situated in the northwestern part of Henan Province, on the southeastern foothills of the southern Taihang Mountains, west of Linzhou City. It extends 100 li from north to south and 2.5 li from east to west, with elevations ranging from 800 to 1,739 meters and a relative height difference of over 1,000 meters. The area features towering cliffs, rugged peaks, a majestic landscape, interlocking terraces and cliffs, rushing streams, and waterfalls cascading in various directions. With its diverse and striking landforms—including peaks, ridges, terraces, cliffs, gorges, waterfalls, rock walls, and springs—it is a prime example of "majestic northern scenery" and is known as the "Taihang Grand Canyon."

　　Here, lush mountains embrace crystal-clear springs and pools, embodying abundant natural resources and a spirit of cultural richness.

　　The descendants of the Yan and Huang emperors, nurtured by the majestic Taihang Mountains, are especially simple, honest, and kind-hearted. Local homes are built using materials from the surrounding area. Stone streets, courtyards, walls, pillars, stairs, and buildings blend seamlessly with nature, offering an antique charm that invites deep appreciation. The scenic area spans a total of 120 square kilometers, with a vegetation coverage rate of 90%, a forest coverage rate of 80%—of which about 60% is primary vegetation—and around 30% consists of reclaimed farmland now afforested through human effort. The forests are dense, the natural ecology well-preserved, and the vegetation lush, making it rich in tourism resources and earning it the reputation of a "natural oxygen bar."

　　Within the area are three major wonders: Peach Blossom Valley, where peach blossoms bloom even in the bitter cold of winter; Taiji Ice Mountain, where water freezes in the intense heat of summer; and the mysterious Pig-Calling Rock. There are also eight major attractions: the Soul of the Taihang Mountains—Wangxiang Rock; the serene and deep Jinxi Valley; the small paradise of Jinping Long Cave; the primitive forest of Taiji Mountain; the surreal Xiantai Mountain; the marvelously crafted Luban Gate; the unparalleled Peach Blossom Waterfall of China; and the Nangugou (Liu Xiu Lake) of Taihang Pinghu. Mr. Zhu Changzhong, an expert from the National Key Scenic Spots Evaluation Committee, highly praised Taihang Grand Canyon as a place where "every step brings a new view, like a hundred-li painting scroll—a heavenly paradise on earth."

　　Additionally, there is the Nangiao Field in Luban Village, home to Asia’s largest and world-class international paragliding base. Historical records describe it as: "Emerald cliffs like flecks of ink, red cliffs resembling morning glow, trees shading patterned birds, and pools of clear green water—scenery so exquisite it is celebrated throughout the world." In spring, mild breezes and sunny days bring thriving woods, birdsong, and floral fragrance; in summer, verdant mountains and waters are shaded by thick, lush leaves; autumn paints the hills with fiery red leaves, fragrant crops, and bountiful mountain fruits that captivate the senses; and in winter, the mountains are draped in white, covered in thick snow and towering icicles.

　　Taihang Grand Canyon is 72 km east of the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway and the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway. A dedicated tourist cement road leads directly to the scenic spots within the area, with standardized stairways for mountain climbing winding throughout. Star-rated hotels are scattered across the site, and mobile phone and telephone communications are readily available—making it an ideal destination for health retreats, paragliding and rock climbing, summer vacations, painting and sketching, historical exploration, and sightseeing.

　　Taihang Grand Canyon is a National Key Scenic Area, a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction, and one of Henan Province’s Top Ten Scenic Spots. It is the birthplace of the “Carrying Pole Spirit” of the Shibanyan Supply and Marketing Cooperative—one of the nation’s leading examples in rural commerce. It is also the hometown of Comrade Gu Wenchang, the “Son of the Taihang Mountains,” and serves as a creative training base for the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles’ Painting and Calligraphy Center. Deputy Director Sun Gang of the National Tourism Administration, during his visit to Taihang Grand Canyon, praised its majestic presence and visual splendor as world-class among great canyons, stating that it has the potential to become a top tourist hotspot in Henan and even across China. He urged local leaders to focus on key development efforts, enhance comprehensive reception capacity, protect the ecology, strengthen safety facilities, and strive to make this grand canyon a first-class, green ecological corridor for people to return to nature and enjoy leisure holidays.

　　Website: http://www.thdxg.com/

　　Address: Shibanyan Town, Linzhou City, Anyang, Henan Province

　　Type: National Park, Canyon, Forest, Geological Landform, Mountain, Waterfall, River

　　Recommended Visiting Time: 1–2 days

　　Phone: 0372-6082888

　　Official Website: http://www.thdxg.net/

　　Opening Hours:

　　7:00–18:00