
The Xiaolangdi Hydropower Scenic Area of the Yellow River is located on the border of Jiyuan City, Henan Province and Mengjin County, Luoyang City. The scenic area spans the north and south banks. The south bank is the northeastern branch of Mount Xiao. Lushan is the highest point in the scenic area. From here, you can overlook the panoramic view of the dam and feel the beautiful scenery of nature.
The northern bank, nestled between the Taihang and Wangwu Mountains, is home to the Xiaolangdi Project, a large ecological park featuring mountains, water, forests, and grasslands. Within the scenic area, Baiya, Huanglu, Hongya, Shizu, Jingzi, and Daimei Mountains offer breathtaking scenery and a rich tapestry of cultural attractions. The Bali Hutong, Longfeng, and Gushan Gorges, known as the "Three Gorges of the Yellow River," offer deep canyons. The vast 296 square kilometers of waterway is densely dotted with lakes, rivers, islands, and peninsulas, and is frequented by luxury cruise ships.
After the Xiaolangdi Reservoir was dammed, it has attracted a large number of tourists who came here to visit, and Xiaolangdi is known as the "Little Thousand Island Lake".
Suitable for all seasons, best in spring and autumn
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
Peak season (April 1st - October 31st): 60.00 yuan
Off-season (November 1st - March 31st): 40.00 yuan
7:30-18:30
Xiaolangdi is a major hydro-engineering project on the Yellow River, completed in 2001. It is significant for flood control, sediment management, hydroelectric power generation, and irrigation support in the region.
Xiaolangdi is located near Luoyang in Henan Province along the Yellow River. Visitors can reach it by taxi or private car from Luoyang city center. Local buses connect nearby towns, but walking is limited to the dam area and viewing platforms.
The site is generally open during daylight hours, around 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is spring or autumn for comfortable weather and clear views of the river and surrounding landscape.
Entrance fees are usually modest, around 20–50 RMB, depending on the viewpoint or visitor center. Tickets can typically be purchased on-site; online booking may be available through local tourism websites.
Advance booking is not required for most visitors, except for organized tours or large groups, which may benefit from booking a few days in advance.
2–4 hours is sufficient to explore the dam, viewing platforms, and surrounding scenic areas.
Guided tours are occasionally available in Chinese. English guides may be arranged in advance for private groups, but audio guides are limited.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Daytime visits are recommended for safety and best viewing conditions.
Weekdays are less crowded than weekends or national holidays. Early morning visits provide the quietest experience.
Main viewing areas are accessible, but some walking paths may be steep or uneven. Elderly and children should take care near the dam edges.
Both cash and mobile payments are generally accepted at ticket counters and small vendors.
Vegetarian options are available at most local restaurants. Halal food is limited but can be found in some local eateries catering to Muslim visitors.