Taihang Mountains Late Autumn Hiking Guide

3-Day 2-Night In-Depth Tour of Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon (Budget 5000 RMB)
Trip Highlights:
✅ Explore Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon and experience the magnificent scenery of "China's Most Beautiful Canyon"
✅ Hike Baxuan Gorge and Hongdou Gorge to enjoy natural wonders like a landscape painting
✅ Challenge the glass plank road and high-altitude cableway for thrills and stunning views
✅ Taste Shanxi specialty farmhouse dishes and savor wild mountain flavors
✅ Stay overnight in canyon homestays and enjoy the tranquil mountain nights
Day 1: Arrive at Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon, initial exploration of Baxuan Gorge
🚗 Transportation:
High-speed train/bullet train: Taiyuan/Zhengzhou → Changzhi East Station (about 2 hours), then transfer by bus/chartered car to the Grand Canyon (1.5 hours)
Self-driving: Taiyuan → Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon (about 4 hours)
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
Unique homestays inside the canyon (recommended near Baxuan Gorge, about 300-500 RMB/night)
Taihang Mountain Residence
Baxuan Gorge Inn
📸 Itinerary:
Morning: Arrive at the Grand Canyon, check into homestay
Afternoon:
Visit Baxuan Gorge Scenic Area (core attraction, ticket 100 RMB/person)
Take a boat ride through the canyon, admire the high gorge and flat lake
Challenge the high-altitude cableway (overlooking the entire canyon)
Evening:
Enjoy farmhouse dishes (recommended wild vegetables, free-range chicken, millet porridge)
Stargaze on the homestay terrace, enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere
Day 2: Hike Hongdou Gorge, explore Qinglong Gorge
📸 Itinerary:
Morning:
Head to Hongdou Gorge Scenic Area (ticket 80 RMB/person)
Hike Lover’s Valley, admire waterfalls and unique rocks
Check in at the "Heart-shaped Canyon" (popular photo spot)
Afternoon:
Visit Qinglong Gorge (ticket 60 RMB/person)
Experience the glass plank road (thrilling, overlooking the deep valley)
Stroll along the canyon trail, feel the primeval forest atmosphere
Evening:
Return to homestay, enjoy wild mountain hotpot (recommended local lamb hotpot)
Day 3: Explore Heilongtan, return trip
📸 Itinerary:
Morning:
Go to Heilongtan Scenic Area (ticket 50 RMB/person)
Explore underground karst caves, experience karst landforms
Hike the boardwalk by the pond, admire clear water and unique stones
Afternoon:
Buy local specialties (wild walnuts, hawthorn slices, millet)
Return trip
Project Costs (for 2 people)
Transportation 1000 RMB
High-speed train/self-driving + local chartered car
Accommodation 1000 RMB
2 nights in canyon homestay
Meals 800 RMB
Farmhouse dishes, wild mountain hotpot
Tickets + Experiences 800 RMB
Baxuan Gorge + Hongdou Gorge + Qinglong Gorge + cableway/glass plank road
Shopping/Others 400 RMB
Specialties, souvenirs
Total 4000 RMB
2000 RMB per person, remaining budget can upgrade accommodation or experiences
✔ Best Season: May to October (summer for cool weather, autumn for red leaves)
✔ Clothing Suggestions: Hiking shoes + sun protection clothing, large temperature difference in the canyon
✔ Safety Tips: Some plank roads are steep, those afraid of heights should proceed with caution
✔ Photography Tips: Most beautiful when mist lingers in the early morning
If time allows, add a day trip to Wangmangling or Huguan Taihang Mountains
Camping enthusiasts can choose the canyon campsite (advance reservation required)
Wish you a wonderful time at Taihang Mountains Grand Canyon! 🏞️✨