【Pingdingshan, Lushan County, Henan】Yaoshan Scenic Area Self-Driving Travel Guide

Yaoshan Scenic Area,
located in Xizhuyuan Village, Yaoshan Town,
Lushan County, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province,
features its main peak Yuhuangding at an elevation of 2,153.3 meters.

Cultural History:

The name "Yaoshan" dates back to ancient times,
mentioned in the "Classic of Mountains and Seas" as
"Great Yao Mountain",
reflecting its profound cultural heritage.
It is the origin of the Liu surname
and the hometown of the philosopher Mozi
from the Warring States period.

Scenic Features:

Combining grandeur, danger,
elegance, wonder, and serenity,
it boasts the majestic ruggedness of northern mountains
and the exquisite beauty of southern landscapes.
Within the area: peculiar peaks, bizarre rocks,
waterfalls, springs, sea of clouds, streams, and pools—
every step reveals breathtaking scenery!

Spring brings birdsong and floral fragrance with green reflections in babbling streams;
Summer sees mist-shrouded mountains and cascading waterfalls;
Autumn paints the mountains red with layered forests;
Winter dresses the landscape in silver, transforming it into a snowy wonderland.

Expert Reviews:
Praised as having "the peril of Huashan, the grandeur of Emei,
the beauty of Zhangjiajie, and the elegance of Huangshan",
such magnificent scenery
is not to be missed.

Main Attractions:

Hehe Peak, General Peak,
Stone Man Peak, Qinglong Ridge,
Nine-Bend Waterfall, Longevity Pine, etc.
Currently a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction.

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Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

Ticket Price: 65 RMB.

Combo Ticket (Entry + Shuttle + Uphill Cable Car):
200 RMB. (Online: 185 RMB.)

Transportation Info: (For Reference)

By Bus:

1: From Zhengzhou Central Bus Station:
Take the tourist shuttle to Yaoshan Scenic Area,
then begin your tour upon arrival.

2: From Lushan Long-Distance Bus Station:
Take the tourist shuttle to Yaoshan Scenic Area,
then begin your tour upon arrival.

4: From Pingdingshan Yingcheng Bus Station:
Take the bus to Yaoshan Scenic Area,
then begin your tour upon arrival.

Self-Driving:

Navigation Destination:
Yaoshan Scenic Area Parking Lot.

Accommodation Info:

Author's Stay:
Sunko Yo Hotel
(Lushan Yaoshan Grand Canyon Rafting Branch).

Other Options:
Numerous hotels near the scenic area,
ranging from budget to high-end.
Many farm stays available too.
Book in advance as needed.

Local Cuisine:

Braised Chicken, Lushan Stir-Fried Pot Dish,
Qiangguo Noodle Soup, Tofu Dish.
Hele Noodles, Wugang Muhu,
Mutton Soup, Sanlangmiao Beef,
Baofeng Maigen Roast Chicken, Fried Cake,
Meat-Stuffed Flatbread, Sauerkraut Fish,
Stir-Fried Chicken Dices, and Braised Lamb Ribs.
Indulge your taste buds!

Recommended Route:

Drive to the scenic area
-- Purchase tickets at the entrance
-- Take the shuttle after ticket check
-- Arrive at the cable car lower station
-- Ride the cable car uphill
-- Visit in order:
-- Erdao Cliff -- Azalea Corridor
-- Lansheng Terrace -- Photography Spot
-- Take photos at Yuhuang Peak
-- Return to Lansheng Terrace
-- Descend via stairs beside the slide
-- Arrive at Jujing Terrace
-- Walk along Qinglong Ridge Plank Road
-- Sansong Terrace -- White Ox City
-- Hehe Peak -- White Ox City Entrance
-- Dripping Rock -- Taibai Drunkard
-- Banxian Residence -- Tongtian Gate
-- Nine-Bend Waterfall -- Cable Car Lower Station
-- Take the shuttle back
-- Return to Visitor Center
-- Retrieve your car -- Rest at the hotel.
(Approx. 7 hours.)

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Full Itinerary:

The author's 10+ day self-driving trip
from Shandong Province included:

Zaozhuang, Shandong:
East Lake Park.

Shangqiu, Henan:
Mangdang Mountain Scenic Area. Han Liang King Mausoleum.
Great Han Hero Scenic Area.
Confucius Mountain Scenic Area. Xi Mountain Scenic Area.
Chen Sheng Garden. Liu Bang's Snake-Slaying Site.
Shangqiu Ancient City Scenic Area.
Yingtian Academy. Baguanzhai.
Shangqiu Museum.
Suihuang Mausoleum. Fire God Terrace Scenic Area.
Han Liang Cultural Park.

Xuchang, Henan:
Cao Wei Ancient City. Prime Minister Cao's Mansion.
Spring and Autumn Tower. Wenfeng Pagoda.
Baling Bridge Scenic Area.
Museum. Xudu Park.
Shenhou Ancient Town. Yuxiu Terrace.

Pingdingshan, Henan:
Museum. Xiangshan Temple.
Baigui Lake Scenic Area.
Three Su Garden Scenic Area.
Fengxue Temple. Faxing Temple Pagoda.
Jiaxian Confucian Temple. Central Plains Great Buddha.
Yaoshan Scenic Area.
Huamei Valley Scenic Area.
Shijing Longtan Gorge Scenic Area.

Xun County, Henan:
Dapi Mountain Scenic Area.

Laiwu, Shandong:
Lotus Mountain Scenic Area.

Wishing you a pleasant journey! Go for it!