Jiaozuo Comprehensive Three-Day Travel Guide

Mountains, Water, Culture + Food
📍 City Highlights: Yuntai Mountain, Birthplace of Tai Chi, Northern Henan Cuisine
🚗 Transportation Tips: 1.5h self-drive from Zhengzhou / High-speed train to Jiaozuo Station + taxi
⏰ Best Season: April to October (a great summer resort)

📅 Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1: In-depth Tour of Yuntai Mountain
🏞️ Key Attractions

Hongshi Gorge (2h): Danxia landform + emerald pools, a must-visit!
Zhuyu Peak (1.5h): Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Taihang Mountains, cable car available both ways
Tanpu Gorge (1h): Springs every few steps, a cool water play area

🍜 Lunch: Farmhouse restaurant inside the scenic area (Recommended: Stir-fried local eggs with soil chicken)
🌃 Overnight: Yuntai Mountain Riverside Service Area (Homestays average 200 RMB/night)

Day 2: Culture + Leisure
☯️ Morning:

Chenjiagou (2h): Birthplace of Tai Chi, experience a Tai Chi class (50 RMB/person)
Qingtian River (optional): Northern China’s Little Three Gorges, boat tour on the reservoir

🍲 Lunch: Jiaozuo city “Old Dong’s Donkey Meat Feast” (donkey meat soup + baked flatbread)
🎭 Afternoon:

Jiaozuo Film City (1.5h): Ancient-style architecture, great for photos with a time-travel vibe
Longyuan Lake Park: Evening stroll to watch the sunset

🌙 Night Snack: Minzhu Road Night Market (must-try: hand-rolled noodles, spicy pepper soup)

Day 3: Natural Wonders + Return
⛰️ Morning:

Fenglin Gorge (3h): Jade Lake boat ride + glass plank road (ticket includes boat ride)

🛍️ Afternoon:

Jiaozuo Specialty Shopping:

Huai Yam (best is the iron stick yam)
Wuzhi Camellia Tea (instant drink)

🚄 Return: Recommended to depart before 3:00 PM

⚠️ Practical Tips

Yuntai Mountain Provincial Ticket: Buy a 2-day ticket (180 RMB), valid for the second day as well
Transportation: Taxi between attractions costs about 50-80 RMB, carpooling possible
Clothing: Non-slip shoes needed on Day 1, sun hat recommended on Day 3

🍽️ Jiaozuo Cuisine

Breakfast
Beef Meatball Soup
Old brand meatball soup on Jiefang Road

Snacks
Mengzhou Fried Noodles
Student Road Snack Street

Specialties
Jin Xianshu Baked Flatbread
Tanan Road Chain Store

Jiaozuo blends mountains, water, and culture. This three-day trip is relaxed and unhurried, perfect for families or couples! The most beautiful time is autumn (September to October) when the forests are ablaze with color 🍂