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The Luya Mountain Cliff Plank Road offers a thrilling experience as visitors walk along the narrow plank road suspended along the cliff, providing panoramic views of the mountain landscape. You can enjoy hiking, photography, and experiencing the unique architecture and natural beauty of the area. The nearby hiking trails also offer opportunities for exploring the lush environment.
The Ningwu Cliff Ancient Plank Road is located on Xiangfeng Mountain, west of Zhangjiaya Village, Censhan Township, 70 kilometers west of the Shanxi provincial capital. It is part of the Luya Mountain Scenic Area and lies within the Natural Sculpture Corridor. Its construction dates back to the Zhenyuan period of the Tang Dynasty. Ancient records indicate that the plank road was built to connect temples on multiple peaks and originally stretched for 42 li. In recent years, 2 li of it has been restored and is now open to visitors.
This plank road connects the Hanging Coffins, the Hanging Temple (Xianren Cave), the Dragon King Temple, and the Great Stone Gate. Stepping on wooden planks, passing through diamond caves, and crossing suspension bridges, you'll experience the wonder and solemnity of admiring the suspension bridges, the reverent solemnity of worshipping the temples, the refreshing feeling of gazing at the sea of trees, and the thrill of crossing the suspension bridges, all of which enhance the fun of the trip. Standing on the plank road, you can also overlook the tomb of Liu Jinding in Zangwa and the pristine tranquility of the forest villages. It is truly a wonderful tourist attraction.
Suitable for all seasons, but best from May to October
2-3 hours
30 yuan
9:00-18:00 (No entry after 16:00)
Luya Mountain Cliff Plank Road is a modern engineering marvel that showcases human ingenuity in creating a safe pathway along the steep cliffside. It offers both scenic views and a unique adventure experience, drawing tourists interested in mountain hikes and scenic walks. The road is an important tourist attraction in Xinzhou, adding to the area's appeal as a natural destination.
Luya Mountain Cliff Plank Road is located in Xinzhou, Shanxi Province, China. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car, as public transportation options to the site are limited. From the city center, the drive to the mountain takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
The plank road is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the crowds are fewer. Early mornings or late afternoons are also recommended to avoid peak tourist times.
The entrance fee for the Luya Mountain Cliff Plank Road is approximately 60-80 CNY, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance gate or through various Chinese travel websites, but booking in advance is not necessary.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance. However, if visiting during peak seasons, it is advisable to check ticket availability online or make a reservation to ensure entry.
Exploring the plank road and surrounding area takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend taking photos or enjoying the scenery. If you plan to hike or explore additional trails, you may need extra time.
The must-see highlights are the plank road itself, offering breathtaking views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Don't miss the scenic viewpoints along the road, which are perfect for photos and to take in the natural beauty. The nearby hiking trails also provide excellent opportunities to explore the area's flora and fauna.
Guided tours are available at the site, with guides offering insight into the history and natural features of the area. Most guides speak Mandarin, but English-speaking guides can be arranged with prior notice.
The best photography spots are along the plank road itself, especially at the cliffside vantage points that offer sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the scenery, providing the perfect opportunity for dramatic shots.
Start by walking the plank road, taking in the breathtaking views and exploring the various observation points. Afterward, consider hiking the nearby trails that lead to the summit for panoramic views or spend time relaxing in the natural surroundings.
The site does not offer night visits or light shows. The main attraction is the daytime plank road experience, which is best enjoyed with natural light.
The site can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon. The low season, in spring or autumn, is typically quieter.
Basic facilities such as toilets and rest areas are available at the entrance and along the trail. There are small shops where visitors can buy snacks and water. It’s advisable to bring your own water for the hike.
The plank road can be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to the narrow pathways and steep inclines. Children and able-bodied individuals will have no trouble, but the experience might be strenuous for others. It’s best to check with the site in advance about accessibility options.
Both cash and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at the site. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash as a backup in case of limited network coverage.
There are no major restaurants inside the site, but nearby towns offer local eateries serving Shanxi specialties such as noodles and dumplings. A few small food stalls are available near the entrance.
Vegetarian options are available at nearby eateries, though vegan and halal options may be more limited in this rural area.
There are a few guesthouses and small hotels in nearby Xinzhou city. For a more comfortable stay, you can find hotels in larger nearby cities like Taiyuan, which is around 2 hours away by car.
Other nearby attractions include the Wutai Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and various temples and natural parks in the Xinzhou region, which can easily be combined in a day trip.
There are small souvenir shops at the entrance offering items like local handicrafts, mountain-themed souvenirs, and postcards. Jade and wood carvings are typical of the region.
After visiting, taxis, buses, or private transport can be used to continue your trip to nearby cities or attractions. Xinzhou city is the main transportation hub in the area.
