You've got to visit Yuntai Mountain at least once

Yuntai Mountain Travel Guide: Encounter the Landscape Painting of Northern China

I. Pre-Trip Preparation

Best Season: April-October (different scenery in spring, summer, and autumn; red leaf season is late October to early November)
Transportation:
High-speed rail: Zhengzhou East Station→Xiuwu West Station (about 30 minutes), then transfer to tourist shuttle bus directly to the scenic area
Self-drive: About 1.5 hours from Zhengzhou, parking fee is 10-20 RMB/day
Tickets: 120 RMB (peak season)/60 RMB (off-season), scenic area shuttle bus 60 RMB (mandatory)
Accommodation: Recommended to stay in Anshang Service Area (convenient dining), average homestay price 150-300 RMB/night
Equipment: Non-slip sports shoes, sun protection, light jacket (large temperature difference at summit)

II. Recommended Classic Route (2 Days 1 Night)

Day1: Red Stone Gorge→Tanpu Gorge→Macaque Valley
Red Stone Gorge (2-3 hours): Essence of Danxia landform, recommended to visit in morning to avoid crowds, watch for steep steps
Tanpu Gorge (1.5 hours): "A spring every three steps, a waterfall every five steps", can play in water during summer
Macaque Valley (1 hour): Feeding times 9:00-11:00/14:00-16:00, keep personal belongings safe

Day2: Zhuyu Peak→Glass Walkway→Wanshan Temple
Zhuyu Peak (3 hours): Requires climbing 1,680 steps to summit, cable car available (65 RMB one-way), Double Ninth Festival climbing activities
Glass Walkway (20 RMB): Located at Phoenix Ridge, 68 meters long, not recommended for those with acrophobia
Wanshan Temple (0.5 hour): Ancient Ming Dynasty temple with active incense burning

III. In-Depth Experiences

Night Tour of Yunxi Valley: Open in summer, light show + water screen movie (additional 80 RMB fee)
Ancient Plank Road Adventure: Zifang Lake to Baijia Rock section (requires advance guide booking)
Geological Study: Follow official scenic area's Cambrian fossil explanation activities

IV. Food Recommendations

Must-try: Huaiqing donkey meat (outside scenic area), yam crisps, Nao Tang donkey meat balls
Warning: BBQ prices in scenic area are inflated, recommend eating at regular restaurants in service area

V. Important Notes

Last scenic area shuttle bus at 18:00, missing it requires walking several kilometers
Drones require advance registration, prohibited in some areas
Some trails closed during rain, check weather forecast before trip
Teachers/students etc. can enjoy ticket discounts with valid ID

VI. Hidden Gems

Zhuyu Peak summit post office offers special postcards
Free fish spa at "Fountain of Youth" in Tanpu Gorge
Entering Red Stone Gorge before 6:00 am avoids 90% of crowds

Recommend avoiding weekends and holidays when visitor numbers can decrease by over 40%. With extra time, consider adding a day to visit Qinglong Gorge (requires separate ticket).