Sanmenxia In-Depth Travel Guide: Journey Through Millennia of Civilization and Encounter the Wonders of the Yellow River

Day 1: Yellow River Charm and Historical Exploration
Morning: The Awe of the First Dam on the Yellow River
Depart from the city center and head straight to the Sanmenxia Dam (ticket 30 RMB), known as the "First Dam of the Yellow River" in New China, famous for its majestic grandeur. Climb the "Pillar of the Midstream" viewing platform to watch the muddy waves surge downstream. The four large characters "Yellow River Peace" on the dam blend with the splashing waves, evoking the legend of Yu the Great controlling the floods and the marvel of modern engineering. Don’t miss the "Dressing Table" downstream of the dam, said to be a relic of Yu the Great, perfect for a photo stop!

Afternoon: Wetland Poetry and Bronze Civilization
Head to Swan Lake Wetland Park (free admission). Although it’s not winter, the boardwalk in the lake’s center and the ecological corridor are still perfect for a stroll. The Yellow River viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the winding Nine-Bend Yellow River like a ribbon. Before evening, visit the Guo State Museum (ticket 40 RMB) to explore the underground treasure trove of the Western Zhou Guo State. The museum’s treasure, the "Jade-Handled Iron Sword," is hailed as "China’s Number One Sword." The restored chariot and horse pits take you back 2,700 years to aristocratic life.

Night: The Lively Atmosphere by the Yellow River
Stay at a hotel in the lakeside area, then walk to Yellow River Park to watch the sunset glow, or take a night stroll through Shanzhou Alley, tasting the Shanzhou Ten-Bowl Banquet—ten steamed dishes served with rich broth, experiencing the ceremonial feel of traditional Western Henan feasts.

Day 2: Western Henan’s Secret Realm and Scenic Wonders
Morning: Canyon Spectacle and Cave Adventure
Drive to the Western Henan Grand Canyon (ticket 60 RMB), hike the 3-kilometer boardwalk through waterfalls and deep pools. In summer, enjoy the Central Plains’ top canyon rafting; in autumn, admire the colorful foliage. In the afternoon, head to Shuanglong Bay Scenic Area (ticket 80 RMB including boat ride). Take a boat to explore the Luo River canyon, where caves, stalactites, and Peach Blossom Valley create a charming scene, earning it the nickname "Lijiang of the North."

Afternoon: Millennia of Philosophy at Hangu Pass
Arrive at Hangu Pass (ticket 60 RMB), known as "One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot open it." Climb the Qin-era fortress and touch the Taichu Palace where Laozi wrote the Tao Te Ching. The park regularly stages the live performance "Emperor Xuanzong’s Era Change," immersing visitors in the historical legend of "Purple Qi from the East." If time allows, visit Kongxiang Temple (free), the place where Bodhidharma passed away. The ancient temple is tranquil, and in autumn, the ginkgo trees form a golden canopy.

Night: Lingbao’s Carb Feast
Stay in Lingbao city and be sure to try Lingbao mutton soup (Old Sun’s family, a time-honored brand) served with fatty oil cakes. The soup is rich, the meat tender, fragrant without gaminess. At the night market, try the crispy and fragrant stone-baked bread, perfect as a souvenir.

Day 3: Earth Pit Dwellings and Fairy Mountain Secrets
Morning: Ancient Village Below the Horizon
Visit Shanzhou Earth Pit Courtyard (ticket 60 RMB) to experience the underground quadrangle courtyard where "you see trees but not the village, enter the village but not the houses." At Courtyard No. 1, the folk exhibition lets you make intangible cultural heritage paper cuttings by hand, wear a red jacket, sit on a kang bed, and take photos, feeling the wisdom of Western Henan’s ancestors. In winter, the Shanzhou Lantern Festival is held here, blending light and shadow with intangible cultural heritage markets, full of festive atmosphere.

Afternoon: Poetic Living at Xianmen Mountain
Don’t miss the newly popular Yangshao Xianmen Mountain (ticket 80 RMB)! The ten-mile Immortal Drift cools you down in summer. The natural stone arch "Xianmen" at the summit is a perfect photo spot. The clear waves of Jiuxian Lake reflect the green mountains. You can also enjoy fermented rice wine in spring or hot springs in winter. If you have the energy, challenge Hanshan (ticket 70 RMB including cable car), the highest peak in Western Henan, for a panoramic view of the confluence of the Yellow River, Wei River, and Luo River.

Night: Romantic Night Cruise on the Yellow River
Take the Swan cruise ship (night cruise 68 RMB/person) departing from Shanzhou Pier at dusk. The lights on both banks dance with the sound of waves. Sip a glass of Yangshao painted pottery workshop wine and feel the poetic charm of "The Yellow River’s Night is Not Yet Over."

Practical Tips
- Transportation: Attractions are scattered; self-driving or chartering a car (300-400 RMB/day) is recommended. City buses reach Swan Lake and Guo State Museum.
- Seasons: Suitable year-round. In autumn and winter, watch swans (November to March) and ginkgo at Hangu Pass; in spring and summer, enjoy mountains, waters, and flower seas.
- Discounts: Teachers with valid ID can enjoy free or half-price admission at many sites (e.g., Hangu Pass is free from September 10-15).
- Accommodation: In the city, Swan City International Hotel is recommended for high-altitude Yellow River views. Near the earth pit courtyards, choose cave-style inns like Xingyuan or Xinghe to experience cave living.

The beauty of Sanmenxia lies in the majestic Yellow River and the graceful spirit of Western Henan, as well as the vibrant continuation of millennia-old civilization in everyday life. Take this guide and go discover the surprises of the "Pearl of the Yellow River"!