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Visit the Guoliang Tunnel, a famous road carved through the mountain, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Hike the trails to explore the unique natural features of the area, such as steep cliffs and caves. Take in the breathtaking vistas from various viewpoints, and immerse yourself in the peaceful rural atmosphere of the village.
Guoliang Village belongs to Shayao Township, Huixian County, Xinxiang City, Henan Province. Located deep in the Taihang Mountains, 60 kilometers northwest of Huixian City, Guoliang Village borders Kunshan Village, Gujiao Township, Lingchuan County, Jincheng City. Nestled on a steep cliff face, Guoliang Village boasts breathtaking scenery and is renowned for its breathtaking waterscapes and "hanging-wall roads" traversing the canyons. It's also known as the "Pearl of the Taihang Mountains."
Guoliang Village is nestled in the densely forested mountains at the border of Shanxi and Henan provinces. Here, steep peaks dominate, stone paths twist and turn, the Red and White Dragon Caves are deep, and shouting springs and silver waterfalls cascade down the cliffs. It embodies the grandeur of Mount Tai, the precipitousness of Mount Hua, the towering height of Mount Song, and the beauty of Mount Huang, a place of pristine antiquity and authentic nature.
Renowned director Xie Jin called Guoliang the "Pearl of the Taihang Mountains," and renowned painter Zhang Ding called it a "Wonder of China." Over 40 films and television series have been filmed here, including "The Bells of Qingliang Temple," "Out of the Horizon," "The Unlucky Uncle's Affair," "War Corner," "Raise Your Hands," and "The Sky is High and the Earth is Thick." Guoliang Village, nestled on the cliffs of Wanxian Mountain Scenic Area, is known as China's premier film and television village.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Suitable for all seasons, best in spring and summer
Guoliang Cave
It is also known as the Guoliangdong Cliff Highway, Guoliang Tunnel, Guoliang Tunnel, Wanxianshan Cliff Corridor, and Guoliang Village Cliff Corridor. It is a corridor that crosses the cliff.
Ice Kiln Wonders
Not far from Guoliang Cave lies the remarkable "Ice Kiln," frozen even in the scorching summer heat. Look up and shout, and suddenly a waterfall descends from the sky, washing you all over. After the shout, the silence returns. The waterfall plummets from a hollow circular hole atop the cliff, resembling a dragon's beard from a distance. It's also known as the "Dragon's Roar" waterfall. Nearby are the Wanxian Mountain and Nanping Nature Reserves.
Steep ancient road
To reach Guoliang Village, one must traverse the Taihang Grand Canyon, where the cliffs are shimmering red. Climbing the clifftop via the ladder from Hanzhaiba in Shayao Township is a challenging undertaking. This cliff path was once the only ancient path through the mountains leading to the Central Plains, a source of frustration for generations of mountain dwellers and a barrier to communication with the outside world.
Recommended 1-day tour
free
All day
Guoliang Village is best known for the Guoliang Tunnel, which was carved through the mountain by local villagers in the 1970s. It stands as a testament to human perseverance and ingenuity. The tunnel road provides access to the otherwise isolated village and is now a major tourist attraction in the region.
Guoliang Village is located in the Taihang Mountains of Henan Province, China. The village can be reached by bus from the nearest city, Xinxiang. Visitors can also take a taxi or private car to the site. Public transportation may be limited, so hiring a private car or taxi is recommended for convenience.
The village and tunnel are open year-round, but the best time to visit is in spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the landscape is most picturesque. Summer can be crowded with tourists, and winter may have limited access due to snow.
The entrance fee to Guoliang Village and the tunnel is approximately 60 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and in some cases, online booking is available through local tour websites or travel agencies.
It is not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance, but during peak tourist seasons (holidays and weekends), it is advisable to reserve tickets online to avoid long lines or sellouts. Booking a day or two in advance should be sufficient.
You can explore Guoliang Village and the tunnel in 2 to 3 hours. If you plan to hike the surrounding trails or visit nearby attractions, you may want to allocate a full half day for a more relaxed visit.
The Guoliang Tunnel itself is the main highlight, offering an unforgettable journey through a tunnel carved out of solid rock. Other must-see areas include the mountain viewpoints, which offer stunning panoramas, and the traditional village where you can experience rural life in the region.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available in English and Mandarin, and some local tour guides offer services to English-speaking visitors. It’s advisable to check in advance for availability of English-speaking guides.
The best viewpoints are from the entrance of the Guoliang Tunnel and along the hiking trails that surround the village. The vistas of the tunnel road winding through the mountain, as well as the panoramic views of the valley below, are perfect for photography.
The recommended route starts with walking through the Guoliang Tunnel, followed by exploring the surrounding viewpoints. You can then take a leisurely walk around the village to experience the local culture and scenery. For a more extensive visit, consider hiking the nearby trails to reach higher viewpoints.
There are no night visits or light shows available at Guoliang Village. The site is primarily visited during daylight hours for sightseeing, hiking, and photography.
Guoliang Village can get crowded during public holidays and weekends. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays in the off-peak seasons, such as late autumn and winter.
There are basic facilities available, including public toilets and rest areas. Small shops selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs are also located near the entrance. For more substantial meals, visitors may need to head to the nearby towns.
While the Guoliang Tunnel itself is accessible, the terrain around the village is quite rugged, with steep cliffs and uneven paths. Elderly visitors, children, or those with mobility issues may find some areas challenging. The tunnel itself can be accessed with ease, but it’s important to consider personal limitations before venturing onto the hiking trails.
Mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. However, it’s advisable to carry some cash, as smaller vendors or remote areas may not support digital payments.
Nearby, you can find small local restaurants serving traditional Henan cuisine, such as noodles, dumplings, and braised meats. There are also a few small cafes that offer drinks and snacks for visitors.
Vegetarian options are available at most local eateries, although vegan and halal options might be more limited. It’s best to check with the restaurant staff beforehand to ensure they can accommodate specific dietary needs.
There are a few small guesthouses and inns in the surrounding area, offering basic accommodations. For a wider range of options, visitors can stay in Xinxiang, about an hour’s drive away, where there are hotels to suit different budgets.
Nearby attractions include the Yuntai Mountain, a popular destination known for its beautiful landscapes and waterfalls, and the Shaolin Temple, famous for its martial arts history. Both can be combined with a visit to Guoliang Village in a day trip.
Souvenir shops near the village sell local handicrafts, such as handmade pottery, wooden carvings, and traditional textiles. Local food items like tea and preserved fruits are also common souvenirs.
After visiting Guoliang Village, taxis and buses are available to nearby attractions. If you are heading to a larger city like Xinxiang or Zhengzhou, taxis or private cars are the best options, though public transportation can also be used.
