Spent 2 days at Yuntai Mountain, and my spending philosophy collapsed
“Canyon wonder, Yuntai fairyland.” In June, Yuntai Mountain is abundant with rain and lush greenery🌿. The emerald waters of Hongshi Gorge resemble jade, and the waterfalls in Tanpu Gorge look like silver ribbons. This 2-day guide takes you into this natural treasure of the Taihang Mountains to experience the stunning and healing blend of mountains and waters!
Highlights of Yuntai Mountain
Escape the city's noise and heat and head to Yuntai Mountain—a UNESCO World Geopark. In June, temperatures range from 20-30°C with moderate rainfall, making it the perfect season to admire waterfalls, explore canyons, and enjoy the cool summer breeze!
✅ Convenient transportation: 30 minutes by high-speed train from Zhengzhou to Xiuwu West Station, then a 20-minute shuttle bus to the scenic area; self-driving can reach the parking lot directly
✅ Must-try experiences: admire the Danxia emerald waters at Hongshi Gorge, see springs every three steps at Tanpu Gorge, climb to the cloud peak at Zhuyu Peak, and challenge your heartbeat on the glass plank road
✅ Food highlights: Henan stewed noodles, spicy pepper soup, yam flower buns, mountain chive dumplings, Yuntai Mountain iced chrysanthemum tea
"My 2-day itinerary"
Day 1: Canyon secrets · Hongshi Gorge + Tanpu Gorge + Quanpu Gorge
🌞 Morning: After arriving at Yuntai Mountain, take the scenic area shuttle bus directly to Hongshi Gorge🚍
• Step into the "Number One Scenic Spot in Central China," where the red Danxia rock walls tower into the sky and emerald waters meander through the canyon💦. Pass through the narrow sky crack, listen to the water echoing in the deep pools, and see the unique landforms of "Shoulong Pool" and "Black Dragon Cave." Every photo is National Geographic-worthy📸!
🍴 Noon: At the shore service area, try a bowl of Henan stewed noodles at "Yuntai Restaurant"! The chewy noodles paired with tender lamb and kelp strips, topped with rich bone broth, warm your stomach and satisfy your appetite😋
🌇 Afternoon: Check in at Tanpu Gorge (also known as Xiaozhai Valley), stroll along the beautiful trail with "a spring every three steps, a waterfall every five steps, and a pool every ten steps"🌊.
• Pass by "Yapu Pool" and "Lover’s Waterfall," feel the cool splash of water droplets; the endpoint is the Everlasting Spring with clear, crisp water, said to prolong life~
• On the way, visit Quanpu Gorge (requires good stamina). During the summer high-water season, you can see the 314-meter-high Yuntai Heavenly Waterfall, hanging like a white ribbon on the mountain, roaring thunderously!
🌃 Evening: Stay at a guesthouse in the shore service area, with mountain views right outside your window🏡. At the night market, have a bowl of spicy pepper soup with fried dough sticks, spicy and fragrant, dispelling the day's fatigue~
Day 2: Walking in the clouds · Zhuyu Peak + Glass Plank Road + Wanshan Temple
🌅 Early morning: Take the shuttle bus plus cable car (or hike) to Zhuyu Peak⛰️
• At 1700 meters altitude, clouds swirl like a fairyland! Climb the zigzag trail and check in at the poetic spot described by Wang Wei, "Knowing my brothers are climbing high." From the summit, enjoy endless mountain views and a full sense of accomplishment!
• Challenge the Glass Plank Road, with a transparent bridge floor over a deep abyss. While your heart races, you’ll enjoy 360° breathtaking mountain scenery~
🍱 Noon: Eat mountain chive dumplings at a farmhouse halfway up the mountain. The wild vegetable fragrance mixed with meat filling, paired with a plate of fried Sichuan pepper sprouts, offers authentic mountain flavors!
🌇 Afternoon: On the way down, visit Wanshan Temple, with red walls and gray tiles nestled among ancient pines and cypresses. The bell tolls softly, bringing a sense of Buddhist tranquility🍃.
• Before returning to the visitor center, pick up some Yuntai Mountain iced chrysanthemum tea (clears heat and detoxifies) and yam flower buns (beautifully shaped) at the specialty store to bring nature’s gifts home~
📌 Practical Tips
• Clothing: breathable quick-dry clothes + non-slip sports shoes, bring a light jacket (cool at the summit), and raincoat (summer is rainy)🧥
• Transportation: Scenic area shuttle bus is a must-buy (70 RMB/3 days), Zhuyu Peak cable car one-way 75 RMB (recommended if you lack stamina)
• Tickets: Yuntai Mountain entrance ticket 120 RMB (valid for 3 days), glass plank road 20 RMB
• Accommodation: Recommended to stay at the shore service area, close to attractions with complete facilities; the popular guesthouse "Yunqi Boutique Inn" offers excellent views🏨
• Avoid pitfalls: Weekends are crowded, so start early; trails at Tanpu Gorge and Quanpu Gorge are slippery, be careful⚠️
🍽️ Food Map
✅ Breakfast: "Old Chen’s Spicy Pepper Soup" at the shore service area, spicy and fragrant with pan-fried buns🥟
✅ Main meals: "Yuntai Mountain Villa" (yam stewed chicken, wild mushroom stir-fry with meat), "Guo Ji Stewed Noodles"
✅ Snacks: Snack street’s "Yam slices" (crispy and tasty), grilled corn (sweet and soft)
✅ Drinks: Yuntai Mountain iced chrysanthemum tea (clears heat and cools), kudzu root powder (beautifies and moistens)🍵
In June, Yuntai Mountain is the sound of flowing water in the canyons, the misty clouds on the peaks, the wild mountain flavors on your tongue, and a healing journey of dialogue with nature. Save this guide and come embrace the mountains and waters to cleanse your soul~✨