Day 1 Zhengzhou → Shuihongchi Village → Wangwu Mountain → Jiuligou → Zhengzhou
All day
Meeting point (refer to the map for recommended boarding points):
6:00 Opposite to Exit D1 of Nanwulibao Subway Station | 6:10 Opposite to Exit C of Qiliyan Subway Station | 6:20 Exit H of Greentown Plaza Subway Station |
6:30 Zijingshan Subway Station Exit C | 6:40 Dongfeng Road Subway Station Exit A | 6:50 Shamen Subway Station Exit D | 7:00 Liuzhuang Subway Station Exit D2
1. Please join the WeChat travel group on the afternoon of the day before your trip (for group entry, please see the "Travel QR Code" in the app's travel notification)
2. Please arrive at the boarding point 5 minutes before the designated time. If you are late, please take a taxi to the last stop (no waiting will be made for latecomers)
10:30 Visit the Cloud Village and enjoy the homely cuisine of the mountains
Accompanied by a crisp mountain breeze, we arrived at Shuihongchi Village, located northwest of Sili Town, Jiyuan City, Henan Province. This village, nestled at the border of Shanxi and Henan provinces, sits quietly atop a mountain. At an altitude of 1,470 meters, it has earned the reputation of being the "highest village in the Central Plains," like a pearl held high by the mountains.
As a typical village nestled deep in the mountains, it borders Yashui Village in Yangcheng County to the north, Zhengping Village to the south, Xunzhang Village in Kejing Town to the east, and Xishan Village in Yangcheng County to the west, seemingly gently embraced by rolling green hills. The surrounding mountains, like natural walls, enclose a flat, central area affectionately known to locals as "Heavenly Pond."
The pond in the heart of the hinterland, filled with clear, fresh water during the rainy season, was once the villagers' main source of drinking water. The village's name, "Shuihongchi," derives from this, revealing the story of the village's close relationship with nature.
As soon as we got off the bus, we found ourselves in a local farmhouse restaurant, a vibrant atmosphere. A bowl of hand-rolled noodles with tomato and egg sauce was a welcome change. The chewy noodles, coated in the fragrant gravy, filled our mouths with the freshness of the mountains, giving us plenty of energy for the rest of our journey.
11:00 Enter the mountains to find fun and encounter chestnuts and acorns in the forest
After a short rest, the team promptly began their journey into the mountains, heading towards unexplored trails and embarking on a journey of exploration filled with childlike innocence and wildness. The Forest Oxygen Bar Trail we chose was moderately difficult, making it particularly suitable for novice hikers—no need to worry about complex road conditions; simply slow down and leisurely stroll through the forest, filled with negative oxygen ions, enjoying the comfort of being in touch with nature.
There are soft rotten leaves under your feet, which make a rustling sound when you step on them, as if the forest is whispering hello; there are crisp bird calls in your ears, occasionally mixed with the rustling sound of leaves blown by the wind, forming a natural forest music; everywhere you look, there is rich green, and the sunlight shines through the gaps between the branches and leaves, weaving mottled light and shadows on the ground.
As you walk, your eyes are always drawn to the "little surprises" at your feet: ripe chestnuts wrapped in thorny "armor", some of which have cracked, revealing the round brown core, as if inviting people to pick it up;
There are also small acorns with unique "little hats" on top, falling among the fallen leaves, like small ornaments carefully carved by nature.
Everyone couldn't help but squat down, carefully pushing aside the fallen leaves to pick up the acorns. Some strung the acorns into small bracelets, while others put the chestnuts into small cloth bags. Their fingertips were stained with the scent of soil, and their hearts were filled with the joy of discovery.
If it rains on the day before or after, thick fog will rise from the mountains, drifting over the treetops and lingering around you, transforming the entire forest into a dreamlike "foggy forest." The outlines of chestnut and oak trees become hazy in the mist, and the acorns in your hands seem to be imbued with a touch of fairy spirit. No wonder this place is called the "Henan version of Ailao Mountain." Every photo you take is a poetic, hazy painting.
15:00 Still wanting to see more of the mountains, we headed to Jiuligou for the finale.
With bags full of chestnuts and acorns, and laughter filling our pockets, the adventure gradually drew to a close. We slowly descended the trail, looking back at the forest behind us, almost able to see those "little treasures" hidden among the fallen leaves. Afterward, the group set off for Jiuligou. The landscape here was completely different from the cloud-covered scenery of Shuihongchi Village. The gurgling streams and jagged rocks complemented each other, adding a touch of vibrant color to this mountain journey.
16:00 Gathering for the return trip, full of memories back home
Arriving at the bus meeting point on time, everyone took out the chestnuts and acorns they had picked up to share, chatting about interesting things in the forest, their faces full of satisfaction. As the bus slowly started, we officially started the journey back to Zhengzhou. The mountain scenery outside the window gradually receded, but a sense of fresh joy remained in our hearts.
20:00 Arrived safely in Zhengzhou, the appointment in the mountains is still to be continued.
After a three-hour journey, the bus arrived safely in Zhengzhou. This day trip to Shuihongchi Village, steeped in the wilds of nature, concluded successfully. Our bags were filled with chestnuts and acorns, and our hearts were filled with fond memories—the tranquility of the cloud-topped village, the joy of foraging in the woods, and an endless yearning for the mountain scenery. Perhaps next time, we'll return to these mountains and forests for another gentle rendezvous with nature.
