
The Youth Cave of the Red Flag Canal is 616 meters long, 5 meters high and 6.2 meters wide. It is located at the junction of Henan, Hebei and Shanxi provinces, below the Niuling Village, which is known for its "one crowing of a rooster can be heard in three provinces", and is built on the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains.
It is the section of the Red Flag Canal where hydraulic engineering, architecture, and natural landscapes are most exquisitely integrated, and it was also the most challenging section in the construction of the Red Flag Canal. The Red Flag Canal Youth Cave is the core attraction of the Red Flag Canal and one of the key projects of the Red Flag Canal main canal.
If these earth and rocks were piled into a wall 2 meters high and 3 meters wide, it could run from north to south across China, connecting Guangzhou and Harbin. Because the team that dug the hole consisted of 300 outstanding young people drawn from migrant workers across the county, it was named "Youth Cave."
The Qingnian Cave Scenic Area has a temperate monsoon climate, with high mountains and dangerous roads. The Red Flag Canal hangs on the majestic and dangerous cliffs of the Taihang Mountains, allowing you to appreciate the endless poetry of the "artificial Milky Way". It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Yingzui Mountain is the first sight upon entering the Qingnian Cave Scenic Area. Above the Red Flag Canal, a cliff face bears the inscription "Yingzui Mountain." Looking up, the jutting cliff resembles an eagle towering over the Red Flag Canal, seemingly ready to spread its wings and take flight.
Located east of Lingyun Pavilion in the Youth Cave of the Red Flag Canal, Hukou Cliff boasts a peak that pierces the sky, with the cliff jutting outward for over 10 meters. The cliff is treacherous and towering into the clouds. Shengongpu, located below Hukou Cliff, was once the residence of migrant workers who built the canal.
The Mountain Stele is in front of the Youth Cave. It was the title of the film written by the crew of "Mountain Stele" at the request of former President Li Xiannian in 1990. "Mountain Stele" is a TV documentary that reflects the development of the Linxian people in the three stages of their struggle against the Taihang Mountains, their journey out of the Taihang Mountains, and their prosperity in the Taihang Mountains.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
80 yuan/person
08:00-18:00
Youth Cave is part of the Red Flag Canal project, a major irrigation engineering achievement built in the 1960s. The cave honors the young workers who contributed to the canal’s construction and represents a symbol of determination, teamwork, and local development.
The Youth Cave is located near the Red Flag Canal in Anyang, Henan Province. Visitors can reach the site by local bus, taxi, or private car. Walking trails are available once you arrive at the area.
Open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Spring and autumn provide the best weather for hiking and sightseeing.
The entrance fee is modest and can be purchased at the ticket office onsite. Online booking may be available through local tourism websites or travel agencies.
Advance booking is generally not required for regular visits. For group tours or special commemorative events, booking a few days in advance is recommended.
1–2 hours are sufficient to explore the cave, take photos, and walk along nearby trails.
Guided tours may be offered by local travel agencies. Audio guides are generally not available, and tours are primarily in Chinese.
Night visits are generally not allowed for safety reasons. Special tours or educational programs may be offered during holidays or local events.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends and public holidays. Early morning visits provide the quietest experience.
Trails may include steep sections. Elderly and children should take care, and accessibility for disabled visitors is limited.
Cash is sufficient for entrance fees and small purchases. Some kiosks may accept mobile payments.
Small local restaurants and snack stalls are available near the site entrance, serving local Henan cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available; vegan and halal options may be limited, so visitors should check locally.
Hotels and guesthouses in Anyang city are within a short drive of the site.
Souvenir options include local handicrafts, Red Flag Canal memorabilia, and small nature-themed gifts.