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Enjoy hiking through the lush landscapes, explore the scenic valley, and visit the waterfall. It's also a great place for photography and enjoying nature. The tranquil atmosphere is perfect for relaxation and nature walks.
The Jinlong Valley Cultural Tourism Scenic Area (formerly Jinlong Temple) is nestled against Mang Mountain to the north and borders the White Horse Temple and the ruins of the Qiang Humen Gate to the south. Developed on the site of the "Xuanxu Palace" of the Han and Wei dynasties, the scenic area boasts over 20 restored Buddhist and Taoist cultural sites, integrating the rich heritage of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Nestled among verdant pines and cypresses, the scenic area boasts layered cave dwellings typical of western Henan, and boasts over 5,000 lifelike Buddhist and Taoist statues, making it a popular destination for sightseeing and summer escape.
The Golden Dragon Valley is located within the ancient Jinyong City and the ruins of the Northern Wei Dynasty Chanxu Temple. The village's Dragon King Temple has been relocated there. The Longevity Bridge, with its clear pool 50 meters wide from east to west and 30 meters from north to south, features a stone toad at each corner. They raise their heads and spray water, creating a truly captivating sight. Crossing this bridge promises longevity and a long life.
The Dragon King Hall is a replica of the Ming Dynasty Jincun Dragon King Temple. Legend has it that the glass beasts on the hall were used in the Jinluan Palace in the ancient Han and Wei dynasties. Legend also circulates that the statues of the Four Dragon Gods enshrined in the hall were stolen from Shanxi. Because the Four Dragon Gods of Shanxi are more powerful, as the saying goes, stealing a god is not considered stealing. For generations, people have worshipped the Dragon King, praying for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and peace and prosperity. The Four Dragon Gods are enshrined in the center of the hall, flanked by the Four Princes to the east and west, representing wind, thunder, rain, and lightning.
The scenic area has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate and is full of verdant pines and cypresses. It is a great place for leisure, sightseeing and summer vacation, and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Outside the gate of Jinlong Valley, you can see the ruins of the Han and Wei Dynasty city (a key cultural relic protection site at the national level), a stone stele archway, the Four Dragon Archway, and the Jincun Martyrs Cemetery. The main attractions within the temple include the Longevity Bridge, the Dragon King Hall, the Stone Buddha Pavilion, the Thousand Buddha Archway, the Guanyin Hall, the Buddha Hall, the Yuntai Pavilion, the Three Churches, and the Golden Buddha Hall.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
30 yuan/person
08:00-17:30
Golden Dragon Valley is a natural attraction in Luoyang, Henan, renowned for its striking natural beauty and serene environment. It holds cultural significance as a symbol of the harmony between nature and traditional Chinese philosophies.
Golden Dragon Valley is located in the outskirts of Luoyang, Henan. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car. Public buses are available but may require transfers. Walking is not recommended due to the distance.
The valley is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon, especially in spring and autumn when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.
The entrance fee is approximately 60-100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online in advance during peak tourist seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during the high season (spring and autumn), ideally 1-2 days ahead. During off-peak times, tickets can usually be bought on the day of the visit.
It takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore Golden Dragon Valley, depending on your pace and the time spent at each scenic spot.
The key highlights include the Golden Dragon Waterfall, the valley’s lush greenery, and the observation points offering panoramic views of the valley. The tranquility of the area and the unique rock formations are also noteworthy.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. English-speaking guides might be available during peak seasons but should be requested in advance. Audio guides are typically not available in English.
The best photography spots include the waterfall area, the observation deck, and along the main hiking paths where you can capture the lush landscape and rock formations.
Start at the entrance, follow the marked trails to the waterfall, then hike towards the main observation deck for panoramic views. Finish your visit with a relaxing stroll through the scenic spots along the way.
There are no night visits or light shows available. The best experience is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the valley.
It can get crowded during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are on weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
The site has basic facilities, including toilets, water fountains, and rest areas. There are small shops selling souvenirs and snacks. However, there are no large restaurants inside the valley.
The trails can be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors, especially those with mobility issues. However, children and able-bodied visitors will find the site accessible, with easy-to-navigate paths around most attractions.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are the most common methods of payment at the entrance and smaller shops.
There are no restaurants inside the valley. However, nearby towns and the city of Luoyang offer a variety of dining options, including local Chinese cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants near the valley. Vegan and halal food options may be harder to find but are available in some restaurants in Luoyang.
There are several hotels in Luoyang city center, which is about a 30-minute drive away. Mid-range and budget accommodations are available in the city.
Nearby attractions include the Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang Museum, and White Horse Temple. These can be easily combined in a day trip from Golden Dragon Valley.
Souvenir shops are located near the entrance of the valley. Popular souvenirs include local handicrafts, small sculptures, postcards, and traditional Chinese art.
After visiting, taxis and public buses are available to continue your trip. Luoyang’s public transport network connects easily to the nearby attractions.
