Luoyang Travel Guide

Discover Luoyang's Hidden Gems: A Guide to Stunning Lesser-Known Attractions!

Here's a travel guide for Chongdu Valley to help you have a wonderful trip:

**Pre-Trip Preparation**
- **Documents**: Bring your ID card and any discount cards (e.g., student ID, senior citizen card).
- **Clothing**:
- Summer: Light, breathable clothing, sun-protective wear, swimsuit, plus a light jacket for temperature drops.
- Winter: Thick coats, scarves, gloves, and anti-slip shoes.
- **Other Essentials**: Backpack, sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrella/raincoat, power bank, camera, etc. If traveling with kids, pack extra clothes and water toys.

**Attraction Overview**
- **Tickets**:
- Adults: Approx. CNY 100–120.
- Discounts: Half-price for students/seniors; free for children under 1.4m and seniors over 70.
- **Opening Hours**: Year-round, 7:30 AM–6:30 PM (seasonal adjustments possible).

**Transportation**
- **By Car**:
- From Zhengzhou: Zhengshao-Luo Expressway → Erguang Expressway → Luoluan Expressway → Chongdu Valley exit → 18km to the site via signs.
- From Xi’an: Lianhuo Expressway to Luoyang West exit → Luoluan Expressway → direct route.
- From Wuhan: Via Xinyang/Nanyang → National Highway 311 to Luanchuan → Luoluan Expressway.
- **Public Transport**: Direct buses from Zhengzhou/Luoyang to Luanchuan (3hrs), then transfer to Chongdu Valley (1hr).

**Itinerary Suggestions**
- **1-Day Trip**:
- Morning: Golden Rooster River Scenic Area (Rainbow Waterfall, Sword Spring) → Farming Culture Village.
- Afternoon: Emerald Bamboo Forest → Water Curtain Fairy Cave.
- Evening: Bamboo Perfume Street night stroll.
- **2-Day Trip**:
- Day 1: Golden Rooster Waterfalls → Farming Experience → Overnight in bamboo lodges.
- Day 2: Emerald Bamboo Forest → Water Curtain Fairy Cave → Guanyu Lake boating.

**Must-See Spots**
- **Golden Rooster River**: 30+ waterfalls like Rainbow and Anger-Venting Falls, ideal for stream trekking.
- **Water Curtain Fairy Cave**: 70m-high cascades resembling bead curtains, with moss-covered "water-embroidered" rocks.
- **Emerald Bamboo Forest**: Vast bamboo groves offering stays in bamboo houses, bamboo-tube rice, and bamboo dances.
- **Farming Culture Village**: Traditional activities (blacksmithing, oil-pressing, weaving) and evening bonfire shows.

**Local Eats**
- **Specialties**:
- Luanchuan Tofu Banquet (iron-plate tofu, soy milk, bean-residue balls).
- Grandma’s Stir-Fried Free-Range Chicken with wild mushrooms (wood-fired wok).
- "Eight Bowls" (five meat + three veggie combo).

**Tips**
- Wear comfy shoes for mountain paths.
- Summer: Sunscreen/bug repellent; Winter: Warmth/anti-slip gear.
- Follow safety rules—no climbing in restricted zones.
- Preserve nature—no littering.