Discovered a secluded city-town getaway

My friends went to the Taihang Mountains and found this hidden gem.

Pre-trip Preparation
- Documents: Bring ID cards and other potential certificates (student ID, senior citizen card, etc.).
- Clothing: Summer has frequent showers—pack waterproof shoes and light jackets; winters are cold—bring thick coats, scarves, gloves, etc.
- Essentials: Phone, camera, chargers, power bank, and download offline maps in advance.

Transportation Guide
- Self-drive: About 3 hours from Zhengzhou or Anyang. Navigate to "Shibanyan Town," but drive carefully on the winding mountain roads.
- Public transport: First reach Linzhou Bus Station, then take the tourist shuttle (about 1 hour to Shibanyan Town).

Attractions
- Taihang Grand Canyon: Features cliffside walkways with stunning canyon views, waterfalls, and streams—one of Shibanyan's most famous spots.
- Gaojiatai: Known as the "Painter's Village," filled with sketching artists. Stroll stone-paved alleys and soak in the artistic vibe of this ancient village.
- Wangxiang Rock: Legend says King Wuding of Shang and his minister Fu Yue once lived here. Climb the 88-meter Sky Ladder for breathtaking canyon vistas.
- Taihang Sky Road: Drive or charter a car along this route. Stop at 360° viewing platforms for epic cliff-road photos and majestic mountain scenery.
- Peach Blossom Valley: Where cascades meet red cliffs—a perfect summer retreat.
- Shibanyan Supply & Marketing Cooperative Museum: Relive 1970s nostalgia and explore local history.

Accommodation
- Cliffside B&Bs: Like "Cloud Story Homestay" or "Stone Light Courtyard" (¥300-600/night). Book early in peak season for sea-of-clouds views.
- Budget picks: Local farm stays (¥80-150/night) include meals and rustic charm.

Food Recommendations
- Taihang "Three Treasures": Wild chive scrambled eggs, acorn jelly, and Shibanyan tofu—hearty local flavors for about ¥30/person.
- Wild Jujube Leaf Tea: Refreshing and often free-refilled—just ask.
- Top eateries: "Taihang Restaurant" downtown or "Farmhouse Courtyard" in Gaojiatai.

3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Morning in Gaojiatai, afternoon hike at Wangxiang Rock, evening at a cliffside B&B.
- Day 2: Drive Taihang Sky Road in morning, explore Peach Blossom Valley afternoon, stargaze or chat by the fire at night.
- Day 3: Visit the museum in morning, forage wild greens/fruits (seasonal) in afternoon.