Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area, located in Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province, is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and UNESCO Global Geopark. Covering 280 square kilometers, it features 11 major sites including Red Stone Gorge, Tanpu Gorge, Quanpu Gorge, Cornel Peak, and Qinglong Gorge. Famous for its "northern karst landscape," it boasts spectacular canyon clusters, waterfalls, and unique sea-of-clouds views, hailed as "Central China's Premier Landscape." In February 2004, it was among the world's first Global Geoparks designated by UNESCO.
History and Culture
Originally called "Fufu Mountain" for its inverted-cauldron shape, Yuntai became a Taoist sanctuary during Wei-Jin periods when the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove" reportedly retreated here. Tang Dynasty's "Medicine King" Sun Simiao also gathered herbs here.
Ming Dynasty saw peak development with many Taoist temples built. Surviving relics include Wanshan Temple and Xuandi Palace. Poets like Li Bai, Wang Wei, and Bai Juyi visited and composed poems here.
Tourism development began in 1987. After becoming a Global Geopark in 2004, it was designated a 5A site in 2011, emerging as central China's iconic mountain-water destination.
Main Attractions
Red Stone Gorge
The crown jewel - a 2,000m-long, 80m-deep canyon with towering red quartz sandstone cliffs glowing crimson in sunlight (hence the name). Its meandering stream earns it the "Penjing Canyon" nickname (~2hr tour).
Tanpu Gorge
Also called "Xiaozhai Gully," this 2,000m gorge features "a spring every three steps, waterfall every five, pool every ten," including Y-shaped, Lovers', and Dragon-Phoenix Falls. The 314m Yuntai Sky Fall awaits at Quanpu Gorge's end.
Cornel Peak
The 1,297.6m main peak, named for its cornel trees, hosts a Zhenwu Temple and offers prime cloud-sea sunrise views. Tang poet Wang Wei wrote his famous "On the Mountain Holiday Thinking of My Brothers in Shandong" here.
Qinglong Gorge
A 7.5km "Central China's No.1 Gorge" known for grandeur, peril, wonder, and serenity. Its waterfall clusters (max 180m drop) make perfect summer retreats.
Featured Experiences
Glass Walkway
A 60m-long, 1.6m-wide transparent platform at 1,080m on Cornel Peak offers thrilling views over sheer drops.
Canyon Rafting
Summer-only 4km Qinglong Gorge rafting (120m elevation drop) combines cool excitement with canyon scenery.
Yuntai Night Show
Large-scale live performance using the natural backdrop with lighting/sound effects to dramatize historical tales like the "Seven Sages," staged nightly.
Cuisine
Huaiqing Donkey Meat
Local specialty - tender braised donkey meat with aged broth and secret spices, available at nearby restaurants.
Yuntai Wild Yam
Mountain-grown above 800m, this delicate yam can be stewed, stir-fried, or made into cakes for health benefits.
Four Huai Medicinal Cuisine
Nutritious soups incorporating four local medicinal herbs: rehmannia, yam, achyranthes root, and chrysanthemum.
Ticket Information
Peak season (Mar-Nov): 120 yuan (entry) + 60 yuan (shuttle); Off-season: 60+60 yuan. Valid 3 days. Half-price for seniors over 60/students, free under 1.4m. Glass walkway/rafting require extra fees.
Tour Route
Recommended 2-day itinerary: Day 1: Entrance → Red Stone Gorge → Tanpu Gorge → Quanpu Gorge → Night Show; Day 2: Cornel Peak (with glass walkway) → Qinglong Gorge → Wanshan Temple → Exit. Use shuttles for this vast area.
Transportation
- Driving: ~1hr from Jiaozuo via Provincial Rd S306 (parking available)
- Bus: Direct tourist buses from Jiaozuo Bus Terminal
- Train: Nearest station Jiaozuo (~40km away)
- Airport: Zhengzhou Xinzheng Int'l Airport (~100km)
Must-Visit Attractions
- Red Stone Gorge: Marvel at rare red sandstone canyon
- Tanpu Gorge: Experience "water at every step" wonders
- Cornel Peak: Summit for breathtaking panoramas
- Glass Walkway: Test your nerves with dizzying views
- Yuntai Night Show: Enjoy culture-nature fusion performance
Tour Suggestions
- Best visiting: April-October (peak waterfalls July-August)
- Wear anti-slip hiking shoes for steep sections
- Bring rain gear and layers for changeable mountain weather
- Plan reasonably to avoid exhaustion in this large area
- Protect environment - no littering
Precautions
- Watch your step on slippery canyon paths
- Those with hypertension/heart conditions avoid height activities
- Preserve geological features - no carving rocks
- Follow rules - no entering restricted areas
- Secure valuables in crowded spots