Located in northern Xin'an County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, Longtan Grand Canyon is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and UNESCO Global Geopark. Covering 30 square kilometers, this 12km-long canyon averages 10m wide (narrowest 1-2m) with 50-300m depth, featuring unique red-rock cliff-valley formations. With six natural mysteries, seven deep pools/waterfalls, and eight natural wonders, it's hailed as "China's No.1 Cliff Valley," "Natural Museum of Ancient Oceans," and "Yellow River Landscape Gallery."
History and Culture
Formed 1.2 billion years ago in the Mesoproterozoic era, it's a rare Danxia landform canyon in North China. Wave marks and mud cracks found here testify to ancient oceanic changes.
The adjacent Daimei Mountain has been a Taoist sacred site since antiquity, where legend says Lady Daimei achieved immortality. The Tang Dynasty Longtan Temple at the entrance maintains Ming-Qing architecture.
Designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2006, it became a AAAAA site in 2013 - Henan's fifth 5A-level attraction.
Main Attractions
Water Flowing Uphill
The canyon's most famous wonder: a 50m stream seemingly defying gravity. Actually an optical illusion caused by unique terrain, it tops the six natural mysteries.
Sky Stele
A 50m-tall solitary red sandstone pillar resembling a monumental stele, its wave-like textures are 1.2-billion-year-old oceanic traces.
Flying Dragon Waterfall
The canyon's highest waterfall (35m drop, 3-5m wide) cascades down red cliffs like a white dragon, forming an emerald-green pool below.
Thread of Sky
The narrowest section (1m wide between 100m cliffs) offers just a sliver of sky view. Cool breezes make walking through this passage uniquely refreshing.
Five-Dragon Pool
Five interconnected deep pools with water colors shifting from light to dark green. Natural dragon-shaped patterns adorn surrounding cliffs.
Cuisine
Xin'an Scalded Dumplings
Local specialty made with hot-water dough wrappers and pork/leek fillings, served at many canyon restaurants. Known for thin wrappers and chewy texture.
Yellow River Carp
Wild carp from nearby Yellow River sections, prepared braised, steamed, or in soup. "Carp with Crispy Noodles" is the signature dish.
Wild Mountain Vegetables
Local wild mushrooms and edible plants like fiddleheads and amaranth, served cold, stir-fried, or as fillings with distinctive flavors.
Local Delicacies
Xin'an County (40-minute drive) offers Luoyang specialties like "Never-Turn-Over Soup," paste noodles, and mutton soup.
Ticket Information
Admission: 90 yuan (peak season April 1-October 31), 65 yuan (off-season). Shuttle bus 20 yuan round-trip. Seniors (60+) and students get 50% discount with ID. Children under 1.4m free.
Opening Hours
Open year-round: 7:30-17:30 (peak season), 8:00-17:00 (off-season). Full tour takes 3-4 hours; morning arrival recommended.
Recommended Tour Route
Main entrance → Shuttle to canyon start → Water Flowing Uphill → Sky Stele → Flying Dragon Waterfall → Thread of Sky → Five-Dragon Pool → Immortal's Footprint → Return (one-way loop).
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou via Lianhuo Expressway to Xin'an exit, then 50km north on S246 provincial road
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from Luoyang Bus Station
- High-speed rail: To Luoyang Longmen Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle (~1.5 hours)
- Air: Nearest airport is Luoyang Beijiao (~2 hours by car)
Must-See Attractions
- Water Flowing Uphill: Experience gravity-defying illusion
- Sky Stele: Witness 1.2-billion-year-old oceanic traces
- Flying Dragon Waterfall: Marvel at the canyon's grandest waterfall
- Thread of Sky: Walk through the narrowest canyon section
- Five-Dragon Pool: Admire emerald pools and dragon-shaped cliffs
Travel Tips
- Wear anti-slip shoes for wet paths
- Bring sun protection and ample water in summer
- Photographers should pack wide-angle lenses and tripods
- Carry light jacket for temperature variations
- Avoid July-August rainy season due to flood risks
- Combine with nearby Daimei Mountain for 2-day trip
Precautions
- No swimming or cliff climbing
- Protect environment - no littering
- Elderly/children need assistance on steep sections
- Stay on designated paths
- Exit immediately during thunderstorms
- Inform family of itinerary due to spotty cell service