Live Your Best Lives
Laoniuwan is located at the border of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, with the Yellow River forming the boundary. To the south lies Pianguan County in Shanxi, to the north lies Qingshuihe County in Inner Mongolia, and to the west lies Zhungeer Banner on the Ordos Plateau. It is a place where you can hear the crowing of a rooster in three cities. The Yellow River enters Shanxi here, where the Inner and Outer Great Walls meet, and where the Shanxi-Shaanxi-Inner Mongolia Grand Canyon begins. The vicissitudes of the landforms of my country's Loess Plateau are evident here, and the magnificent sight of a rushing river is also a sight to behold.
Laoniuwan, where the Great Wall meets the Yellow River, is one of China's ten most beautiful canyons. The Laoniuwan tourist area consists of three bays and one valley: Baozi Tower Bay, Laoniuwan, Sizao Tower Bay, and Yangjiachuan Small Canyon.
Best in Spring and Autumn
Baozi Tawan
The Baozi Tower Bay Scenic Area offers a panoramic view of the beautiful scenery of the Yellow River's nine bends and eighteen turns. It is most appropriate to describe Baozi Tower as "a cliff thousands of feet high like a monkey, with flying birds unable to fly over the cracked rocks."
Four Tower Bay
It has the typical mountain village scene of northern Shanxi. Farmers are working hard in the vast terraced fields that reach the clouds. The four tower bays in this scene give people an extremely soft feeling, as quiet as a virgin, making people linger.
Yangjiachuan Small Canyon
The Yangjiachuan Small Canyon, stretching 8 kilometers, features a unique landscape lined with the Great Wall, ancient castles, villages, temples, plank roads, and docks. Cliffs on both sides of the river reach into the clouds, woodcutters and herbalists sing as they walk. The valley floor is craggy with unusual rocks, springs gushing, and rare birds singing. The profound and tranquil pristine natural scenery creates a beautiful landscape painting.
Recommended play time: 1 day
Peak season: 96 yuan/person
Off-season: 64 yuan/person
All day
Laoniuwan is a natural scenic area in Xinzhou, Shanxi, valued for its ecological environment, clear rivers, and forested landscapes. It serves as a popular destination for outdoor recreation and ecological tourism.
Laoniuwan is located near Xinzhou city in Shanxi Province. Visitors can reach it via taxi or private car. Local buses from Xinzhou city may also provide access, followed by walking within the scenic area.
The area is typically open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather and attractive scenery for hiking and sightseeing.
Entrance fees are around CNY 40–60 depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or online via local tourism platforms.
Advance booking is recommended during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons, ideally 1–2 days ahead.
Half a day is sufficient for main trails and viewpoints, while a full day allows for a more relaxed exploration and photography.
Guided tours are usually available in Chinese. Audio guides in other languages are limited, so independent exploration is common.
Start at the main entrance → follow the river trail → visit key viewpoints → explore forest trails → rest at picnic areas → return via alternate trail to enjoy varied scenery.
Night visits are generally not available. Special seasonal events may occasionally be organized but are limited.
Weekdays and early mornings are less crowded. Weekends and holidays see higher visitor numbers.
Facilities include public toilets, small food stalls, water points, picnic areas, and basic souvenir shops.
Easy trails are accessible for children and elderly. Some steeper sections may not be suitable for visitors with mobility issues.
Mobile payments via Alipay or WeChat are widely accepted. Cash may be needed for smaller vendors.
Nearby restaurants in Xinzhou serve local Shanxi cuisine, noodles, and snacks. Small cafes or tea houses are available near entrances.
Vegetarian options are usually available; vegan and halal options may require prior inquiry.
Xinzhou city offers hotels ranging from budget to mid-range, convenient for visiting Laoniuwan.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, postcards, Shanxi-style paper products, and small decorative items.
Taxis, private cars, and local buses connect to Xinzhou city, nearby scenic areas, or long-distance travel hubs like Taiyuan.
