Located in Linzhou City, Anyang, Henan Province, the Red Flag Canal is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, key cultural relic protection unit, and patriotic education base. Covering 500 square kilometers (100 sq km core area), this 1,500km "Man-made Sky River" built along the Taihang Mountains in the 1960s is hailed as "The Eighth Wonder of the World" and "China's Water Great Wall." Combining red education, hydraulic engineering, and natural scenery, it integrates cultural and natural landscapes.
History and Culture
Constructed from 1960-1970 under Lin County leadership, 300,000 workers carved this "Lifeline Canal" with basic tools through cliffs, ending the region's chronic drought. The project leveled 1,250 hills, built 151 aqueducts, dug 211 tunnels, created 12,408 structures, and moved 22.25 million cubic meters of earth/stone. Premier Zhou Enlai proudly declared: "New China has two miracles - Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and Lin County's Red Flag Canal."
Designated a national cultural relic in 2006, it became a AAAAA site in 2016.
Main Attractions
Youth Tunnel
A 616m-long, 5m-high, 6.2m-wide key section dug by 300 youth pioneers in 17 months. Original chisel marks remain, symbolizing the Canal spirit.
Water Distribution Garden
The hub dividing water into three main channels, featuring sluice gates and a monument. The Red Flag Canal Museum displays historical artifacts and multimedia exhibits about the project's construction and spirit.
Silk Thread Pool
The Canal's most spectacular waterfall where water cascades 100m down cliffs like silk threads, especially impressive in summer.
Pioneering Tunnel
A 243m tunnel representing early construction hardships - workers dangled from cliffs by ropes without machinery, embodying the "self-reliance and hard work" spirit.
Taihang Sky Path
A 5km ridge-top walkway offering panoramic views of the Canal and Taihang Grand Canyon.
Cuisine
Linzhou Stew
Local specialty combining pork, vermicelli, tofu, and cabbage in iron pots, served at park restaurants.
Red Flag Canal Millet
Plump golden millet grown with Canal water, fragrant when cooked into porridge.
Taihang Wild Delicacies
Local wild vegetables and mushrooms like fiddleheads and hedgehog mushrooms, served fresh or stuffed with unique flavors.
Local Delicacies
Linzhou City (30-minute drive) offers northern Henan specialties like flat noodle dishes, skin residue, and blood cakes.
Ticket Information
Admission: 80 yuan (peak season April 1-October 31), 60 yuan (off-season). Shuttle bus 30 yuan round-trip. Seniors (60+) and students get 50% discount with ID. Children under 1.4m free.
Opening Hours
Open year-round: 8:00-17:30 (peak season), 8:30-17:00 (off-season). Allow 4-5 hours (full day recommended).
Recommended Tour Route
Main entrance → Red Flag Canal Museum → Water Distribution Garden → Youth Tunnel → Pioneering Tunnel → Silk Thread Pool → Taihang Sky Path → Return. Clear signage throughout.
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou via Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway to Anyang exit, then 50km on S228 provincial road
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from Anyang Bus Station
- High-speed rail: To Anyang East Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle (~1 hour)
- Air: Nearest airport is Zhengzhou Xinzheng (~2.5 hours by car)
Must-See Attractions
- Youth Tunnel: Witness builders' hardships and wisdom
- Water Distribution Garden: Understand hydraulic engineering
- Silk Thread Pool: Marvel at Taihang waterfall
- Red Flag Canal Museum: Learn the Canal's spirit
- Taihang Sky Path: Panoramic Canal and canyon views
Travel Tips
- Visit museum first for historical context
- Wear comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection in summer, warm layers in winter
- Photographers: bring wide-angle lenses
- On-site restaurants available (or bring snacks)
- Guided tours enhance appreciation
Precautions
- Caution on steep sections
- No carving on canal walls
- Stay in designated areas
- Secure personal belongings
- Some areas may close in bad weather
- Maintain respectful attitude