I've been to Red River Valley Forest Park three times, and I finally figured it out.

📍 Location: Yingtou Town, Meixian County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province (1.5 hours' drive from Xi'an)
🎫 Tickets: ¥54/person (returning to original price from April 1, 2025), half price for students/seniors, free for children under 1.2m
🚗 Transportation:

• By car: Lianhuo Expressway Meixian Exit → along National Highway 310 to Hedipu → follow the signs for 15 minutes

• Public transportation: Xi'an West Bus Station/Baoji West Station → Meixian Bus Station → transfer to bus No. 202 directly to the scenic area

🌟 Must-see attractions:
1️⃣ Doumu Waterfall: An 80-meter waterfall group, magnificent in the rainy season, non-slip shoes recommended for hiking
2️⃣ Red River Cliffs: The crimson cliffs glow like flames at sunset, a unique Danxia landform of the Qinling Mountains
3️⃣ Lingyun Plank Road: A suspended glass walkway overlooking the sea of clouds and the primeval forest, not for the faint of heart
4️⃣ Panlong Bay: A babbling brook, suitable for families to play in the water, cool water temperature in summer

📸 Photography Tips:

• Use a wide-angle lens for panoramic shots of Doumu Waterfall, dark clothing looks better in photos

• Red River Cliffs are best photographed between 4-5 pm for soft lighting and vibrant Danxia colors

• Avoid harsh midday light on Lingyun Plank Road, use clouds and mist to create a sense of mystery

⏰ Best time to visit:

• May-October: Summer escape (average daily temperature 20°C), autumn foliage (mid-to-late October)

• Winter: Some sections are closed, you can see ice waterfalls (check with the scenic area in advance)

⚠️ Important notes:

1. Large temperature difference within the scenic area, bring a jacket (altitude above 2000 meters)

2. Hiking routes are long, wear non-slip shoes and bring snacks and water

3. No open flames allowed, some areas are closed during the forest fire prevention period (November-March of the following year)

4. Round-trip sightseeing bus ¥45, private cars can enter the scenic area (parking fee ¥10/vehicle)

🍜 Food nearby:

• Meixian Lu Chi Noodles: Chewy noodles with spicy and sour sauce, recommended at farmhouses outside the scenic area

• Gan Mian Pi: A representative snack of Guanzhong, best enjoyed with Bingfeng soda

• Wild mushroom stewed chicken: Available in restaurants within the scenic area, fresh ingredients

🏡 Accommodation recommendations:

• Red River Valley Resort: Inside the scenic area, easy walking distance to attractions, standard rooms around ¥300/night

• Taibai Mountain Hot Spring Hotel: 20 minutes' drive from the scenic area, soak in hot springs to relieve fatigue (recommended: Phoenix Hot Spring)

🎒 Packing list:

• Sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent

• Waterproof phone case (waterfall area can get wet)

• Trekking poles (optional, some sections are steep)

💡 Itinerary suggestions:

• One-day trip: Depart from Xi'an → visit Panlong Bay in the morning → lunch at the scenic area restaurant → climb Lingyun Plank Road in the afternoon → visit Doumu Waterfall before returning

• Two-day trip: Visit Red River Valley on the first day, drive 15 minutes to Taibai Mountain on the second day, climb to the summit of Batianshan to see the sea of clouds

📌 Bonus: You might encounter wild squirrels in the scenic area, remember to take photos quietly!