Yuntai Mountain: A Fairyland in the Rainy Season

Yuntai Mountain

Pre-Trip Preparation

- Documents: Bring ID cards, student IDs, senior citizen cards, etc., for ticket purchase and identity verification.
- Clothing: In summer, pack lightweight, breathable clothing and a sun-protective jacket; in winter, bring thick coats, scarves, gloves, etc. Regardless of the season, wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
- Essentials: Sunscreen, sunhat, sunglasses, umbrella or raincoat, power bank, etc. For water activities, prepare swimwear and flip-flops.

Transportation Guide

- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou, take the Zhengyun Expressway, about 1.5 hours direct; from Jiaozuo city, about 40 minutes by car. Large parking lots are available in the scenic area, costing around 10-20 RMB/day.
- Public transport: Take the high-speed train to Jiaozuo Station or Xiuwu West Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle, arriving at the scenic area in about 30 minutes. Direct buses are also available from Zhengzhou and Luoyang.

Ticket Information

Peak season (March-November) tickets cost 120 RMB/person, off-season (December-February) 60 RMB/person. The scenic area shuttle bus costs 60 RMB/person (mandatory, valid for 3 days). Tickets are valid for 3 days, allowing multiple entries. Discounts or free admission apply to specific groups like teenagers, college entrance exam students, and military personnel.

Accommodation Recommendations

- Anshang Service Area: Concentrated with homestays, convenient for travel, such as "Yuntai Mountain Yunshangde Yard Inn," offering exclusive views of Yuntai Mountain.
- Wujiatai/Gudongyao Service Area: High cost-performance, affordable and clean rooms.
- Near Zhuyu Peak: Ideal for early risers to watch the sunrise and enjoy views of the sea of clouds.

Food Recommendations

- Specialty dishes: Huaiqingfu donkey meat, including donkey meat burgers and donkey meat soup; ox knee stewed with local free-range chicken, rich in nutrients.
- Local snacks: Haichangong preserved eggs, crystal-clear and delicious; also, wooden hammer crisps, sweet and delicate in texture.

Attraction Highlights

- Red Stone Gorge: The essence of Yuntai Mountain, featuring Danxia landform canyons, emerald waters, red rocks, and cascading waterfalls. The 1.5 km trail takes 1-2 hours to walk.
- Tanpu Gorge: Known for its "springs every three steps, waterfalls every five steps, and pools every ten steps." Iconic spots include the "Y-shaped Waterfall" and "Fountain of Youth." Great for water play and family-friendly.
- Zhuyu Peak: The highest peak of Yuntai Mountain at 1,297 meters, offering panoramic views. The glass walkway hangs on the cliffside, and Wang Wei once wrote "Thinking of My Brothers on Mountain-Climbing Day" here.