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Visitors can explore the scenic beauty of Phoenix Ridge by hiking along its well-marked trails. Take a cable car ride to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The ridge also offers opportunities for photography, particularly at sunrise and sunset. Don't miss the ancient temples and pavilions scattered along the paths, which are great for cultural insights.
Phoenix Ridge, formerly known as Ancient Maple Ridge, is located southeast of Zhuyu Peak. Along the way, visitors will pass by attractions such as Wangxiang Terrace, Xianque, Xianwu Peak, Wangqin Terrace, Yuntaiguan, Chongyang Pavilion, the Phoenix Tree, Zhenwu Ascension Site, and Wangxian Garden. The glass plank road in Phoenix is considered one of the ten most thrilling plank roads in China, suspended from a cliff face over 1,000 meters above sea level.
Two thousand-year-old maple trees stand on the ridge, one planted on the upper slope and the other on the lower slope, about 30 meters apart, with crowns reaching approximately 17 meters. Strangely, these two trees grow facing each other, male and female, each dependent on the other. They are known as the " King of Maple " and " Queen of Maple . " Legend has it that they were transformed from a pair of phoenixes, hence the name Phoenix Ridge. These two ancient maple trees are of the Acer truncatum variety, lush and green in spring and summer, and their leaves burst into fiery red in autumn.
Atop the cliffs of Phoenix Ridge stands a four-story building called Chongyang Pavilion , with white walls and black eaves. Its majestic presence amidst the towering mountains makes it stand out. The pavilion was built in memory of the great Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei.
The weather is suitable for all seasons. There are two thousand-year-old maple trees on the mountain, about 17 meters high, with red leaves like fire in autumn.
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
Included in the Yuntaishan Scenic Area ticket
6:30-17:30 , off-season time is not determined
Phoenix Ridge is a part of Yuntaishan, a UNESCO Global Geopark, located in the Taihang Mountains. The ridge is known for its steep cliffs, lush greenery, and ancient temples, which have been places of pilgrimage for centuries. The area holds cultural and spiritual significance for local people and visitors alike.
Located in Jiaozuo, Henan Province, Phoenix Ridge is accessible via bus or taxi from Jiaozuo city center. The nearest major city is Zhengzhou, which is approximately 2 hours away by car. Public buses also run from Jiaozuo to the Yuntaishan Scenic Area.
The ridge is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant. Summer can be hot, and winter may be challenging due to snow and ice on the trails.
The entrance fee to the Yuntaishan Scenic Area, which includes Phoenix Ridge, is approximately 150 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through official tourism websites.
While booking in advance is not mandatory, it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (spring and fall). Tickets can be booked 1–2 weeks in advance through the official website or popular travel platforms.
Exploring Phoenix Ridge can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the level of hiking and sightseeing you plan to do. For a more relaxed visit, allow at least half a day to fully enjoy the views and the temples.
The must-see highlights include the cable car ride with stunning views of the valley, the ancient temples along the hiking trails, and the panoramic lookout points at the top of the ridge. The area is also known for its unique rock formations and dense forest.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and English. Audio guides can be rented at the entrance or downloaded through a mobile app for a more personalized experience.
Some of the best viewpoints include the top of the Phoenix Ridge, where you can capture panoramic photos of the surrounding Taihang Mountains. Sunrise and sunset are particularly photogenic times. The cable car ride also offers incredible shots of the landscape below.
A recommended route includes taking the cable car up to the ridge, followed by a hike along the main trail to explore the temples and enjoy the views. Afterward, you can return via the cable car or continue hiking to explore further areas of the park.
Currently, night visits are not allowed. However, the park sometimes organizes special events and cultural performances during national holidays. Check local listings for updates.
The site can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are on weekdays in the early mornings or late afternoons during the off-season, typically in the winter months.
Facilities at the park include toilets, rest areas, and snack shops. There are also several restaurants around the base where you can try local dishes. It's advisable to bring your own water for hiking.
The area is partially accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with cable car services available. However, some trails are steep and might be challenging for those with mobility issues. Children will enjoy the easier, shorter hiking paths.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely used in the area, making it easier to pay without needing cash.
Several restaurants around the entrance to Yuntaishan offer local Henan cuisine, including noodle dishes and grilled meats. You can also find cafes for quick snacks and coffee.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but halal food may be more difficult to find in the area. It's best to check with local restaurants in advance if you have dietary restrictions.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the entrance to Yuntaishan Scenic Area, ranging from budget to mid-range options. For more luxurious stays, you may want to look for hotels in Jiaozuo city center.
Other nearby attractions include the Yuntaishan Geopark, which is part of the same area and known for its rock formations, and the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of Buddhist statues.
Yes, souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, including handmade wooden items, postcards, and small statues related to the area's Buddhist heritage.
After visiting Phoenix Ridge, taxis or local buses can take you to nearby attractions like the Yuntaishan Geopark or the city center of Jiaozuo for further travel.
