Day 1 Zhengzhou → Shatan Village → Maolu → Tiansheng Bridge → Goose House
All day
Meeting point (boarding point):
7:30 AM at the entrance of Home Inn Zhengzhou East High-speed Railway Station (no long-term parking, please arrive early)
8:00 Zijingshan Subway Station Exit C (departs on time, please arrive early)
8:30 Liuzhuang Subway Station Exit D2 (departs on time, please arrive early)
Please abide by the boarding time. If you are late, we will not wait for you. Please go to the next stop or the last stop on your own.
Hidden within the majestic Taihang Mountains lies a serene hiking destination: the Goose House Natural Bridge, Wanfo Temple, and Yinggu Gorge. Here, the majestic grandeur of the northern mountains blends seamlessly with the vibrant beauty of the southern landscapes. Every inch of the land exudes the mystical charm of nature, creating a paradise for hiking enthusiasts.
This two-day itinerary offers a dazzling experience, showcasing the majestic Cat Road, the enigmatic Natural Bridge, the dignified Wanfo Temple, the magnificent Yinggu Gorge, and the enigmatic Hidden Dragon Valley. Along the way, children will cheer at the sweeping mountain ranges, and the Test of Gallbladder Rock is a must-see photo spot. Experience the exhilaration of conquering nature at the breathtaking Natural Bridge, a masterpiece of nature.
Departing Zhengzhou early in the morning by bus, we were captivated by the majestic beauty of the Taihang Mountains. Arriving at the starting point, we stretched our legs and began our exploration.
We arrived at Shatan Village at about 11:30. We made some adjustments here, had a simple meal at a farmer's house, and prepared to go into the mountains.
Cat Road, literally "hung" on the cliffs of the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon, has been a mountain road from Qiaoshang Township in Huguan County, Shanxi Province, to Ewu Township since ancient times. According to local villagers, "Cat Road" means a path only cats can traverse.
It is impossible to determine when the Maolu Road was first built. However, a beautiful legend still circulates in the area, dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty, when the Shangdang area, the main battlefield of the Song-Liao War, was located on the western foot of the Taihang Mountains today.
Legend has it that Yang Liulang, leading the Song army, was defeated at Huguan and trapped by the Liao army atop the Goose Roof, the summit of Shangdang Mountain. Perched on a precipice, surrounded by numerous armies below, the mist shrouded the bottomless depths, leaving no escape. In despair, Yang Liulang drew his sword, sighed heavenward, and struck a rock. With a loud clang, a wild cat suddenly leaped from the weeds and scurried down the mountain. With an idea, Yang Liulang quickly ordered his men to follow the cat's path. They discovered a dangerous path nestled among the cliffs! The Song army quickly retreated along this path. In remembrance, Yang Liulang named it "Cat Road."
The legendary story of a famous general's escape from death certainly imbues this path with mystery and adds color. However, the true glory of the "Cat Road" lies in bearing the footsteps and hopes of the villagers on this land for thousands of years.
This is the hidden and greatness of the earth, a brilliance unseen by fireworks.
West Taihang, located in the Shanxi section of the Taihang Mountains, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, just like South Taihang, but it is less well-known. Located in the heart of the Central Plains, it retains a simple and ancient history; the mountains here are steep and unique, exuding a hidden and attractive scenery.
Around 2-3 pm, after arriving at Ewu Village, head to Tiansheng Bridge:
South of Maolu, at the top of Yinggu Mountain, there is a natural bridge spanning between the north and south cliffs. It is the largest natural stone arch bridge discovered in northern my country so far.
The Natural Bridge spans 50 meters, stands 200 meters high, is 5 meters wide, and is over 10 meters thick. Its perfectly rounded arch is a true masterpiece of natural craftsmanship.
From afar, standing atop the bridge feels like soaring above a rainbow, its sides seeming to plunge into the depths, a truly thrilling experience. Walking along the bridge leads to winding paths through forests and flowers. The 50-meter length is more than enough for an exhilarating experience, while the 5-meter width provides a sense of security.
Stay at the Goose House Farmhouse at night and enjoy the quiet nightlife here. You can chat under the stars, play Werewolf, and play mahjong and poker. The activities of young people are so comfortable and passionate!
2nd Swan House → Tiansheng Bridge → Wanfo Temple → Laoyatuo → Yinggu Gorge → Dingjiayan Village → Zhengzhou
All day
AM: Tiansheng Bridge: A natural wonder created by nature
Ewu Natural Bridge, the largest natural stone arch bridge discovered in northern my country to date, spans the precipitous north and south cliffs, resembling a natural rainbow. Its 50-meter span, 200-meter height, 5-meter width, and over 10-meter depth create this magnificent bridge. Standing atop the bridge, one feels as if they were in the clouds, with the bottomless valleys on either side offering both a thrilling experience and a sense of security thanks to the 5-meter-wide bridge deck. Its perfectly rounded arch, like a masterpiece meticulously crafted by nature, quietly welcomes every hiker from afar.
AM: Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple: A mysterious temple isolated from the world
Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, perched atop a towering, isolated mountain, surrounded by cliffs, appears to float in the air like a mirage from afar, imbued with a sense of otherworldly mystery. Despite the passage of time, the Buddha statues within this uninhabited temple remain vivid and lifelike. The temple offers a diverse range of offerings, offering solace to all faiths. Standing before the temple and gazing down at the rolling hills, one feels as if one can touch the traces of history, a feeling of awe welling up within.
PM: Yinggu Gorge: the "Zhangjiajie" of the North
Hidden deep within the western Taihang Mountains, Yinggu Gorge is known as the "Zhangjiajie of the North." Within the canyon, towering cliffs and dramatic peaks reveal the unique characteristics of karst landforms. The sheer cliffs on either side appear as if carved by a knife, sometimes narrow and cramped, sometimes open and vast. Walking along the winding paths is like stepping into a natural landscape. The poignant legend of Yinggu, who longed for her husband, adds a touch of mystery to the canyon.
Yinggu Gorge lives up to its name, and an equally beautiful story and legend circulates here: During the Warring States Period, Yinggu, a woman from Nanzhang Village, lost her husband in the Wei Wei Jiu Zhao Campaign. She yearned for him every day, and eventually turned into a stone pillar, quietly guarding the spot. To commemorate her, locals named this valley "Yinggu Gorge" and the mountain opposite "Wangfu Peak." Later generations carved "Wangfu Song" on the left side of Wangfu Peak to commemorate her: "I wait for my husband all day long, but he is not there. My longing for him is bitter day and night. I stand here for thousands of years, my eyes fixed on the mountain pass, with no way out."
The day 2 route has a cumulative descent of about 650 meters and a total distance of 11.5 kilometers. It is an outdoor beginner route and suitable for newcomers who are experiencing the outdoors for the first time.
Normal time is around 16:00-17:00, arrive in Zhengzhou, and be sent to three pick-up points in turn
If you encounter traffic jams, you will arrive in Zhengzhou around 17:00-17:30. Please plan your return trip in time.
If you long to escape from the hustle and bustle, pursue the joy of the mountains, and have a deep encounter between your soul and nature, then follow the China-TravelNote Club, set foot on this secret land of Taihang, measure its beauty with your feet, and feel its tranquility with your heart.
Don't hesitate any longer, come and start this unparalleled hiking journey!
