The Ultimate Parent-Child Study Trip! A Natural Science Class in Danxia Landform
by AnniKuosma
Aug 4, 2025
The most complete travel guide to Jingbian Longzhou Danxia Geopark (Wave Valley)
📍Address: Longzhou Town, Jingbian County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province
🌄Features: The red sandstone landform is comparable to the Wave Valley in the United States, with colorful colors and fantastic lines. It is known as the "China Wave Valley".
📅 Best time to travel
May-October (clear weather and brightest colors)
Sunrise/sunset (soft light, suitable for photography)
❌ Be careful when it rains (some areas may be closed and the roads may be muddy)
🎫 Tickets and Fees
Tickets: about 50 yuan (including glass viewing platform)
Scenic area transportation bus: about 20 yuan (optional, some areas require walking)
Parking fee: 10-20 yuan/car
⚠️ Note: Some wild scenic spots may charge fees (such as areas operated by villagers)
🚗 Transportation Guide
1. How to get to Jingbian?
Airplane: The nearest airport is Yulin Yuyang Airport, then take a bus/rental car to Jingbian (about 2 hours).
High-speed rail/train: Xi'an/Yan'an→Jingbian Station, then take a taxi or bus (about 30 minutes) to Longzhou Town.
Self-driving (recommended):
Departing from Xi'an: about 5.5 hours (G65 Baomao Expressway)
Departing from Yulin: about 2 hours
Depart from Yan'an: about 3 hours
2. Transportation within the scenic area
Scenic area shuttle bus: connecting major scenic spots (such as Flame Danxia and Water Danxia).
Walking: Some areas require walking (wear comfortable shoes!).
🏞️ Must-see attractions
1. Main scenic area (officially open)
Flame Danxia: red wavy rocks, most spectacular at sunset.
Danxia on Water: Red rocks are reflected in the water, suitable for aerial photography.
A narrow crack in the sandstone, a great place for photography.
Glass observation deck: Overlooking the panoramic view from above (please be cautious if you are afraid of heights).
2. Wild scenic spots (undeveloped, need to be cautious)
Crocodile Lake: rocks shaped like crocodiles + lake water.
Yanjia Village: The ruins of an ancient village from the Ming Dynasty, which can be combined with a Danxia tour.
Wave Valley Area 3: Fewer people, more primitive lines (local guide required).
📸 Photography Tips
Best location:
Flame Danxia (backlit sunset)
Danxia on the water (symmetrical reflection)
A line of sky (wide angle shot)
Equipment recommendations:
Wide-angle lens (for shooting large scenes)
Drones (please note the restrictions of the scenic area)
Tripod (for long exposure shooting of flowing water)
Dressing suggestions:
Bright/white clothes (better contrast with the red rock)
Avoid green (easy to blend with the background)
🏠 Accommodation recommendations
Jingbian County (better conditions, suitable for self-driving tourists)
Jingbian Yellow River Hotel, Vienna Hotel
Longzhou Town (close to the scenic area, mainly homestays)
Longzhou Danxia Farmhouse, Wave Valley Photography House
🍜 Food recommendations
Jingbian Lamb: Hand-Pulled Lamb, Lamb Noodles
Northern Shaanxi snacks: oil twist, bowl holder, jelly
Farmhouse dishes: native chicken, Yellow River carp
⚠️ Things to note
1. Protect the landform ❌ It is forbidden to trample or carve rocks (fine + reprimand!).
2. Safety first 🚶 There are no guardrails in some areas, be careful not to slip.
3. Protect yourself from the sun and sand ☀️ The ultraviolet rays in northern Shaanxi are strong, so wear a hat and sunglasses.
4. Avoid holidays 👫 There may be more people during National Day and May Day.
🗺️ Recommended itinerary (1-2 days)
One-day tour (compact version)
Morning: Flame Danxia + Glass Observation Deck
Noon: Lunch at a farmhouse in Longzhou Town
Afternoon: Water Danxia + A Line of Sky + Yanjia Village
Evening: Photograph the sunset and return
Two-day tour (in-depth tour)
Day 1: Main scenic area tour + sunset photography
Day 2: Explore wild attractions (crocodile lake, area 3) + Tongwan City (Xiongnu ruins)
📌 Conclusion
Jingbian Wave Valley is an excellent destination for photography enthusiasts and fans of natural landscapes. It has few people and beautiful scenery, making it suitable for self-driving tours. Remember to protect the environment, tour safely, and bring a camera to record the wonders of nature!
🚀 Advice before departure: Check the latest weather and scenic spot announcements. Some areas may be temporarily closed for protection.
Post by ACE HAYNES | Apr 12, 2025






















