Henan's "Little Erhai": Luhun Reservoir

📍 Luhun Reservoir | The Central Plains' Mountain-Lake Masterpiece · Luoyang's "Little Erhai"

While it may not have Erhai Lake's snowy mountains or moonlit scenery, this northern water town is embraced by the 800-li Funiu Mountains and boasts vast emerald waters reflecting golden wheat fields. Here's your guide to experiencing its tranquil beauty away from the crowds——

🌊 Core Highlights

- "Central Plains' Pink Beach": In September when water levels drop, exposed mudflats reveal vast pink sedge grass (dreamy photo spot)
- Water Highway: A 17km lakeside loop road perfect for scenic drives (best section: Luhun Avenue to Luhun Village)
- Migratory Bird Sanctuary: From October, thousands of egrets and gray cranes stop here during migration - watch them skim the water from Luhun Wetland's birdwatching platform

📅 Recommended Itinerary (2D1N Relaxed Version)

Day 1: Lakeside Exploration + Sunset Pastoral

- Morning:
- Rent an e-bike/bicycle (¥30/hour) to ride along Luhun Avenue, capturing the layered views of wheat fields, mountains and lake
- Climb Dayu Cultural Park's viewing platform (free) for panoramic reservoir views
- Afternoon:
- Take a fishing boat (¥50/boat) at Lao Fan Dian fishing village to catch whitebait and experience fisherfolk life
- Drive to Qiaobei Village meadows (pin "Luhun Resort") to encounter lakeside grazing cattle
- Dusk:
- Watch the sunset gild the waters at Luhun Dam as the reservoir transforms into a "tangerine sea"

Day 2: Cultural Discovery + Authentic Experiences

- Dawn:
- Try Luhun whitebait soup (must-eat at bridgehead breakfast stalls) → Explore Luhun Ancient City (Eastern Zhou ruins with pottery fragments scattered in fields)
- Noon:
- Drive to Fanpo Town for Tiejun Mutton Soup (with crispy fried meatballs, ¥25/person)
- Afternoon:
- Quli Village's thousand-acre lotus ponds (blooming July-Aug) → Song County Stone Village (1hr drive, surreal ancient stone dwellings)

📸 Hidden Photo Spots

1. Luhun Village reed marshes: Golden autumn reeds create mirror-like reflections resembling Bolivia's salt flats
2. Liangyuan Village wheat field watchtower: 360° views of lake, mountains and undulating wheat
3. Lao Fan Dian fishing boat dock: Dawn silhouettes of fishing boats create ink-painting aesthetics

🍜 Must-Try Food Guide

Dish Location Tip
Whitebait omelet Lakeside fishing restaurants (Lao Fan Dian/Qiaobei) - fresh daily catch
Luhun Whole Fish Feast Longju Villa (their braised fish head is legendary)
Tiejun Mutton Soup 200m west of Fanpo Town crossroads
Wangji Sweet Potato Noodles East shore farmhouses with sesame leaf noodles

🏠 Accommodation Guide

- Lakeview lovers: Luhun Resort (windows open to water, ¥300+) | Yunshui Homestay (meadow glamping with star-view bathtubs)
- Budget choice: Song County town hotels (15min drive, ¥100 standard rooms - "Jinyuan Hotel" recommended)

🚗 Transportation Tips

- Driving routes:
- Zhengzhou/Luoyang → Luoluan Expressway → Luhun Service Area exit → Follow "Luhun Avenue" straight to reservoir (2hrs total)
- Without car:
- Take Song County bus from Luoyang Station (¥25) → Taxi to reservoir (¥20)
- Crucial: Book return taxi in advance! Hard to find rides by evening

⚠️ Pro Tips

1. Sun & bug protection: No shade by lake - hats, arm sleeves and repellent essential (ticks common in wheat fields)
2. Dry season special: Pink grass sea/ancient ruins only visible after late August water recession
3. Fishing ban: No fresh catches March-June
4. Photography notes: Drones require permits (reservoir is protected water source) - prohibited near dam

When sunset turns the lake amber, fishermen haul their last whitebait nets, and tractor sounds echo from distant wheat fields - this is the authentic romance of Central Plains' water country. For customized fishing/cycling routes, feel free to message me!