Baodu Village is the only village on the border between Henan Province and Shanxi that has no road access. It is situated high in the mountains, remote and serene, with an old-world charm. Nearby, there are the Seven Star Pools and the One-Line Sky, making it a true paradise on earth.
Itinerary:
2-day loop
D1: Huixian – Songshuping Village Parking Lot – Jiulianshan Scenic Area – West Ridge Ladder Entrance – West Ridge – A 20-kilometer trek to reach Baodu Village for camping (lunch packed)
D2: Morning at the Seven Star Pools and One-Line Sky. Afternoon along Red Stone River – Phoenix Canyon – Baligou Scenic Area
2. Shuangling Traverse:
Cross Ridge – Wangmang Ridge
Want to experience the feeling of “looking down upon all the mountains”? Want to see a magnificent sunrise and vast sea of clouds? The Shuangling Traverse is perfect. Cross Ridge, the highest peak in the Xinxiang area (elevation 1732 meters), offers clear skies with excellent visibility, showcasing stunning landscapes—perfect for great photos. Especially at Cross Ridge’s Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), you’ll feel on top of the world. In the appropriate season, there are water refill points on the mountain, so no need to carry water up. A fossil area has recently been discovered here too—treasure hunting awaits. The route to Wangmang Ridge (elevation 1666 meters) is even more scenic and is a famous photography spot for sunrises and sea of clouds. The entire journey takes 17 hours over two days.
D1: Climbing Cross Ridge involves steady ascent and is quite challenging, estimated at 8 hours. (Full gear required)
D2: Walking on relatively flat mountain paths, but still strenuous. With stops along the way, reaching Hankou may take about 9 hours.
3. Shuanggou Traverse:
Tianzhugou – Qiugou (2 days)
The beautiful Tianzhugou features a suspension bridge, majestic red Taihang rock pillars, simple local villagers, a emerald-like Shiyuan Reservoir, and winding forest trails, plus the scenic Qiugou area—making it a great destination for leisurely walks.
D1: A one-hour hike along the “Sky-Reach Road” leads into Tianzhugou and Shiyuan Reservoir, where you can enjoy the unique Taihang rocks, swim in the crystal-clear waters, join a farmhouse feast, and take part in a bonfire party. The nights here are peaceful and quiet; when the moon is full, it shines as bright as streetlights, and when it’s waning, the stars seem within reach. A mix of activity and tranquility.
D2: After a four-hour trek through the forest, you’ll arrive at the mountain-surrounded Qiugou Scenic Area, known for its year-round mild climate, ice cave wonders, the Red Sisters Reservoir, the beautiful Red Stone Canyon, and the warm hospitality of its quirky locals—making it a place you won’t want to leave.
4. Shuangshan Traverse:
Luojiezhai – Ant Hill
Luojiezhai was once a hideout for bandits along an ancient Shanxi merchant route, with many legends about hidden treasures—some people still search for them today. Ant Hill is known for its huge, fierce, carnivorous red ants that scare the locals. Here, you’ll find real-life versions of characters like Shuanbao and Yinhuan, as well as various plants and wildlife. This area remains largely undeveloped and retains its wild, untamed beauty, making it a classic route in Wild Taihang.
5. Wangmang Ridge and Guoliang (Wanxianshan Scenic Area) Grand Traverse
Wangmang Ridge – Nanping – Guoliang
The sunrise and sea of clouds at Wangmang Ridge, the waterfalls and jade-green pools at Nanping, plus the rugged beauty of Guoliang’s Taihang Mountains, essentially condense the essence of the Wanxianshan Scenic Area’s stunning landscapes into a short two-day hiking route. Along the way, you’ll pass through the desolate Kunshan Tunnel and the world-famous Cliffside Corridor and Cliffside Villages, highlighting the struggle and coexistence between humans and nature. That’s what makes this route special.
D1: Hankou – Dishuizhai – Camp at Wangmang Ridge. The whole day is an ascent, with sunrise and sea of clouds views, and sights like Lema Cliff and Qintai. Enjoy a relaxing evening.
D2: Nanma’an – Nanping – Jianfeng – Danfen Gully – Kunshan Tunnel – Cliffside Villages – Guoliang – Cliffside Corridor. A 15-kilometer trek through breathtaking scenery, as if traveling through a painting.
6. Conquer the Summit of Taihang
Huangshui – Jiufeng Mountain – Cross Ridge – Qingfeng Temple – HuiLong
Cross Ridge is the highest peak in Southern Taihang, with an elevation of 1780 meters. It is located in Huixian, Xinxiang, Henan, near Lingchuan, Shanxi. It remains an undeveloped, pristine mountain. Viewed from Wangmang Ridge in Shanxi, its summit appears relatively flat, with ridges extending roughly 4–5 kilometers north to south. However, the mountain is surrounded by 200-meter-high vertical cliffs. Though herbalists and shepherds can climb it, outsiders will find it very difficult to reach without a guide.
As a sub-route of the Shuangling Traverse, it offers moderate intensity and difficulty, ensuring great views while being manageable for most hikers. In winter and spring snow seasons, it provides a unique alpine outdoor experience. The HuiLong Scenic Area features the nationally renowned Zhang Rongsuo and Central Plains’ No.1 Iron Summit – Laoye Ding, as well as Qingfeng Temple, offering significant cultural value.
7. Dual-Scenery Adventure
Baliugou Scenic Area ― Guanshan Scenic Area
"The virtuous love mountains, the wise love water." The water of Baliugou and the mountains of Guanshan are two major highlights of the southern Taihang Mountains, and also the AAAA gems of tourism in the Xinxiang area. Baliugou boasts a majestic waterfall with a drop of over 100 meters and numerous clear pools and streams, while Guanshan features an elevated viewing platform, the naturally sculpted Red Stone Gorge, and lively, friendly wild Taihang macaques that aren’t afraid of people. To traverse both areas, you need to hike along the cliffs by the Hundred-Zhang Cliff, perfectly satisfying the adventurous spirit of hikers.
8. Waterfall Cluster Adventure
Yuntai Ancient Path ― Snake Valley ― Xigou
Traveling from Yidoushui on the Yuntai Ancient Path, through Snake Valley to Xigou, is a classic summer trekking route. With beautiful mountain scenery, cascading waterfalls, and a refreshing climate, you can opt for the thrill of the famous 175 (a challenging section), or simply enjoy the stunning scenery of Xigou—home to clusters of waterfalls, caves to explore, water to play in, and spots to relax. It’s the perfect place to walk to your heart's content and have a blast. When hungry, you can also sample the fragrant salted rice of Pingdian and visit ancient post stations and money shops—for free.
9. Visiting Baiyun Temple
Baiyun Temple Scenic Area is located at the foot of the Taihang Mountains, 30 kilometers west of the city center. Established in the Tang Dynasty and flourishing in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it became widely known when Emperor Qianlong inscribed a plaque reading “Baiyun Zizai” (Free as the White Clouds) during his southern inspection tour. The classic old-style mountain gate, Middle Buddha Hall, and Mahavira Hall are all architectural relics from the Ming and Qing periods.
The temple houses a five-bay single-eave hanging mountain-style hall, along with over 50 other structures including the Middle Hall, Mountain Gate, East and West Side Halls, and open-sided pavilions. Behind the temple stand two exquisitely carved Yuan Dynasty stone pagodas. To the east of the temple lies a Song Dynasty stele commemorating the Five Hundred Arhats, which offers detailed historical records. To the west are the Golden Sand and Silver Sand springs, beside which stands the unique Dizang Hall (Kṣitigarbha Hall). To the south of the temple is a cliff with a cave known as Black Dragon Cave, mysterious and deep. In front of the temple grow ancient trees that block out the summer sun, making it a great summer retreat.
In front of Baiyun Temple stand five ginkgo trees, commonly known as white fruit trees or grandfather-grandson trees. There is also one behind the Middle Buddha Hall inside the temple, totaling six trees. Despite enduring wars and disasters over centuries, they still stand firmly, forming a major attraction of the temple.
Detailed Route: Xinxiang ― Bopi ― Yuanbolin ― Shangbaiyun ― Baiyun Temple
10. Pristine Wilderness Route ― Qinqiamo Mega Adventure
Detailed Route: Xinxiang ― Yakou ― Zixiaguan ― Magedang ― Qinqiamo ― Mawuzhai ― Baodu ― Baliugou