
The Yellow River Three Gorges Scenic Area in Jiyuan, Henan is a World Geopark, a National Water Conservancy Scenic Area, one of the most attractive places in China, one of the top ten scenic spots in Henan, and the highlight of Xiaolangdi Scenic Area.
The scenic area is located 20 kilometers upstream from Xiaolangdi Dam and covers a total area of ββ80 square kilometers.
It is located at the water and land junction of the northern mountain tourism belt and the southern Yellow River tourism belt (three points and one line), and is the hub of the national scenic area Wangwu Mountain, Xiaogou background area and Xiaolangdi tourist line.
The Three Gorges of the Yellow River are a place where peaks compete for beauty and mountains and waters blend together, and each of the three gorges has its own merits.
Gushan Gorge is a wonder of nature, with numerous peaks competing for beauty; Longfeng Gorge is full of twists and turns, with deep valleys; Bali Gorge has steep cliffs and is majestic and spectacular, and is known as the "No. 1 Gorge of the Yellow River."
Not only are the mountains, water, cliffs and caves harmoniously integrated, and the natural resources are abundant, but there are also natural and cultural landscapes such as Gunshan Yufu, Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon, Mengliang Living Land, Jingniang Transformed into a Phoenix, Stone Man Ding Stone Mountain, and Zhang Gong Carrying Zhang Po, with more than 80 scenic spots, which are the essence of Xiaolangdi's tourism resources.
Climate: Warm temperate continental monsoon climate
Best travel time: April to October
Solitary Mountain Gorge
The canyon is about 6 kilometers long and generally runs from north to south. It bends left and right, with steep cliffs. The altitude is between 600 and 800 meters above sea level, and the valley width is between 200 and 300 meters.
At the northern end of the canyon is the 10-square-kilometer Fengshi Lake, where the Fengshi River converges.
There are dozens of strange peaks in the gorge, and the cliffs and rocks are shaped like people. The natural and cultural landscapes complement each other. It is a typical Feng Shui treasure land. There are the Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon where Zhao Kuangyin's Stone Bull originated, Flagpole Mountain, Double Sedan Peak, Jade Seal Stone, and stone lions guarding the gate. There are also many attractions such as the Yellow River Giant Buddha, Mengliangzhai, Jiaozanping, Fairy Cave, Bajiao Mountain, Laoyuwa, Qinghedu, Cuiping Peak, Xuantian Cave, Confucius Hall, Zushi Temple, Laojun Cave, and Niangniang Cave. There is a scene every three steps and a view every five steps. It is a boutique canyon of Xiaolangdi.
Longfeng Gorge
Located at Xiaolangdi Gorge of the Yellow River, the gorge is 7.5 kilometers long and generally runs from north to south. It is winding and was called "Nine Dragon Bay" in ancient times. It is opposite to the Phoenix Terrace in the gorge, hence the name Longfeng Gorge.
The widest part is 30 meters, and the narrowest part is 2 meters; the valley is between 300 and 600 meters deep; the valley bottom has a large drop, with countless waterfalls, pools and rocks; the vegetation in the gorge is good, and from the gorge mouth are Crown Island, Lovers Island, Acacia Waterfall, Dragon and Phoenix Pond, Autumn Rain Pool, Peach Blossom Cave, Shuanglong Waterfall, Tongxin Tree, Phoenix Terrace, Wujiazhai, Lujiazhai, Brothers Hill, Sister Peak and other attractions. Many of the attractions are paired and complement each other, and it is also known as the "Love Valley".
This gorge features romantic leisure tourism for couples and is a unique tourist attraction in the Xiaolangdi Reservoir area.
Balixia
Also known as Bali Hutong, it is often referred to as "Baliping, Balichuan, Bali Hutong, and Bali Mountain." It is the most spectacular section of the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, as well as its narrowest point. It is also known as the "First Gorge of the Ten Thousand Mile Yellow River" and is the earliest site of the Xiaolangdi Dam.
In Balixia, there are traces of Gun and his son Yu's relay flood control efforts, such as the Nine-Step Lotus Turn, Dayu Valley, Gun Mountain, Zhang Gong carrying Zhang Po on his back, Stone Man on the Top of the Stone Mountain, Fairy Cave, Tianmen, Wen Tower, and Wu Tower.
Wild Boar Forest Rafting
Located within the Yellow River Three Gorges Scenic Area, this 6-kilometer-long rafting course boasts a dramatic 158-meter drop. The thrilling and captivating rafting through the forest canyon, past mountain after mountain, offers breathtaking views and a dance with the waves, a truly unforgettable experience.
Recommended play time: 1-2 days
Adult ticket: 50 yuan
Children under 1.2 meters (not included) are free of charge
Active military personnel with officer ID cards are exempt from admission fees
Seniors aged 70 and above (excluding) are free of charge with a certificate
(Specific ticket prices are subject to the regulations of the scenic spot)
08:00-18:00
(The specific time is subject to the regulations of the scenic spot)
The Jiyuan Yellow River Three Gorges is an important natural landmark, known for its stunning views of the Yellow River as it winds through the mountain ranges. The area has cultural significance as it has been a key region for the development of Chinese civilization and is often referred to as the "Mother River" of China.
The Jiyuan Yellow River Three Gorges is located in Jiyuan, Henan Province. You can get there by taxi from the Jiyuan city center or take a bus to the nearby designated stops. The site is accessible by private transport or tour buses, but public transit options may be limited.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the landscape is most vibrant.
The entrance fee is approximately 50 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local travel agencies. Online booking is also possible during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary but recommended during busy periods, such as national holidays. Tickets can be booked online or purchased on-site.
A visit typically takes 3-4 hours, depending on how much time you spend on the boat tour and exploring the hiking trails.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides in Chinese may be available, but non-Mandarin options are limited. English-speaking guides may be available on request, but it is advisable to book in advance.
The boat ride through the Three Gorges offers some of the best views for photography, particularly near the cliffside areas where the river winds through the mountains. Sunrise and sunset offer ideal lighting for capturing stunning photos.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at this site, as the focus is on natural landscapes and cultural history. Daytime visits are recommended for the best experience.
The site can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. Weekdays, especially in the morning, tend to be less crowded.
There are public toilets available near the entrance and at key spots. Small food stalls and shops sell snacks and drinks. Rest areas are also available along the hiking trails for relaxation.
The site is partially accessible for elderly visitors, though some of the hiking trails may be challenging. The boat tours are generally accessible for all visitors, including those with limited mobility.
Both cash and mobile payments (like Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted throughout the site, including for tickets and purchases at the shops.
There are a few local restaurants near the entrance that serve traditional Chinese meals. For a wider selection, Jiyuan city center offers a variety of dining options.
Vegetarian options are available at some of the local restaurants. Halal food options may be limited, but Jiyuan city center has a few halal eateries.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the entrance, offering local handicrafts, Yellow River-themed items, and regional teas.
After visiting, you can take a taxi or public bus to continue your trip to nearby attractions in Jiyuan city or further locations like Yuntai Mountain.