Xin'an

Introducing Xin'an

Xin'an is one of the main birthplaces of Heluo culture. Its northwest is a region of steep mountains and exposed rock formations, creating a natural landscape that blends unique beauty, danger, and seclusion. The highest peak in the area is Xidayuan, a mountain range on Qingyao Mountain, at 1,384.7 meters. Xin'an boasts the ancient and elegant Wangqiao Cave and the Hangu Pass, a strategic location in Henan and Shaanxi. It also boasts the lush green peaks of Qingyao Mountain, the capital of the Yellow Emperor, and the unique natural scenery of Xin'an Wanshan Lake, home to the Yellow River, shaped by the Xiaolangdi Reservoir. The Wanshan Lake Scenic Area is dotted with islands and peninsulas, while attractions such as Shizu Mountain, Shuanglong Canyon, Yuli Canyon, Longtan Canyon, and the Little Three Gorges of the Yellow River offer a dazzling array of breathtaking scenery, creating a magnificent landscape that blends mountains, water, lakes, islands, and cultural heritage.

---

Most Popular FAQs for Xin'an

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Xin’an County is located under the jurisdiction of Luoyang City in Henan Province, China. The region is rich in geological and scenic significance. Longtan Grand Canyon, located in northern Xin’an, is a nationally recognized 5A-level scenic zone and part of the Wangwu–Daimei UNESCO Global Geopark. The canyon’s red-rock landforms date back about 1.2 billion years, formed through ancient marine processes and long erosion. The surrounding mountains such as Daimei have cultural legends (e.g. Daoist associations) tied to the local landscape.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Xin’an County lies within Luoyang, Henan Province. Longtan Grand Canyon is in the northern part of Xin’an, about 70 km from Luoyang city. To get there, travelers often depart from Luoyang by tourist bus or private vehicle (approx. 2 hours drive) to the canyon area. In Xin’an itself, there is Xin’an County Railway Station on the Longhai railway line. For local transit, one may use buses or hire a taxi for last-mile access to scenic spots. (There is no subway/metro in the county for these rural scenic sites.)

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The peak visiting season for Longtan Grand Canyon is from March through October. The canyon is generally open during daylight hours (exact opening/closing times vary by season). The best times to visit are in spring, summer, and early autumn when the weather is mild and water features are active.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Detailed ticket prices may vary by season or promotion. Many travel tour pages list standard entry tickets to Longtan Grand Canyon as part of package tours, but precise standalone ticket cost was not found in my sources. Typically, tickets can be purchased on-site (offline) or via tourism websites or apps in China (online). For accuracy, check the official site or a local trusted ticketing platform before going.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is advisable to book tickets in advance during peak travel seasons (holidays, weekends) to avoid lines or sold-out entries. Booking a few days to a week ahead is a prudent choice. In shoulder or off-peak periods, walk-in entry is more feasible.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To thoroughly explore Longtan Grand Canyon and associated scenic spots (canyons, trails, waterfalls), plan at least a full day (6–8 hours). If combining additional nearby mountains or walking trails, 1.5 to 2 days would be ideal.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The canyon walls and red-rock cliffs themselves, showing dramatic geological formations.
• Waterfalls, deep pools, and water features (e.g. Lovers Falls) along canyon paths.
• “Buddha Light Arhat Cliff,” “First Stele in the World,” “Qinglong Gorge,” and other named geological features along the trail.
• Adjacent Daimei Mountain with ancient temple architecture and viewpoints.
• Panoramic viewpoints where the canyon stretches and the light plays on the rocks, especially during sunrise/sunset.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Yes, guided tours are offered, often via packaged one-day tours departing from Luoyang, typically in Chinese. Some tours may also provide English or multilingual narration depending on the operator. It is less certain whether there are onsite audio guides; visitors should check with the scenic area’s visitor center.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• Along ridgelines overlooking the canyon, where you can capture the red cliffs, depth, and winding gorge.
• Near waterfalls or water pools with reflections of the red rock walls.
• From vantage points at high elevation sections of the trail during sunrise or late afternoon for dramatic lighting.
• Temple or pavilion sites on Daimei Mountain overlooking the valley below.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A common route is to enter via the canyon entrance, follow the main trail through scenic highlights (canyons, waterfalls, pools), visit named features like Qinglong Gorge, First Stele, Lovers Falls, then ascend or detour to Daimei Mountain and its temple areas, and exit via the upper or connecting trails to tie back to the entrance. Many tours follow a loop or out-and-back route within the day.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

There is no strong evidence from current sources that the area offers regular night visits or light shows. Activities appear focused on daytime natural scenery. For special events, one should check with the scenic area’s official announcements or local tourism offices when planning.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The attraction can get busy during holidays, weekends, and during peak season (spring to autumn). The least crowded times are weekday mornings or off-peak seasons (late autumn, winter). Visiting early in the day helps avoid crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Within major scenic areas like Longtan Canyon and Daimei Mountain, there are typically visitor facilities such as restrooms, refreshment stalls or small shops, rest pavilions, and water sources. For remote sections, amenities may be more limited, so bring water and snacks.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Parts of the canyon trails may be steep, uneven, or involve stairs and narrow paths, which could be challenging for some elderly or mobility-impaired visitors. Children can manage many sections if accompanied, but caution is needed on more rugged paths. Some parts of the scenic area may have more accessible routes, but the full exploration may not be fully wheelchair-friendly.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

In most Chinese scenic areas today, mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and bank cards are commonly accepted, at ticket offices, snack shops, and vendors. However, in more remote or small stalls, cash may still be useful, so it’s wise to carry some cash.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are likely small local restaurants or snack shops near the scenic area entrances and visitor centers. In Xin’an County and near the towns, you can find local Chinese eateries serving Henan-style dishes. In Trip.com listings, local restaurants in Xin’an are mentioned.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Given the rural and Chinese local context, vegetarian options (e.g. vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes) are often available in Chinese restaurants. For strict vegan or halal diets, one should check in advance with restaurants or bring supplemental food.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

In Xin’an, there are hotels and guesthouses such as Home Inn (Luoyang Xin’an Jianhe Avenue branch), Qianna Hotel, Jingyue Boutique Hotel, Hanting Hotel (Xin’an), and local boutique stays. Closer to scenic spots, lodging may be more basic or in nearby villages. Staying in Xin’an town provides more amenities and better access.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

As Xin’an is under Luoyang’s jurisdiction, visitors often combine a visit to Longtan Canyon with other Luoyang highlights: the world-heritage Longmen Grottoes, museum sites like Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum, Luoyang Museum, or historical areas in central Luoyang. Other local mountainous attractions (e.g. Qingyao Mountain, Daimei Mountain) are also nearby within Xin’an.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, souvenir shops are usually found near visitor centers or scenic area exits, offering local handicrafts, stone carvings, geological specimen souvenirs (e.g. small rock samples), postcards, and local agricultural products.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Xin’an / Longtan Canyon, travelers can return by bus or private car to Luoyang city, from which one can continue by rail, bus, or intercity transport to other parts of Henan or China. The Xin’an County Railway Station on the Longhai line offers rail connectivity. For onward travel, one might head to Luoyang’s main transport hubs (train, bus stations) or proceed to destinations like Zhengzhou, Shaolin Temple, or other Henan sites.