Located in Shibanyan Town, Linzhou City, Anyang, Henan Province, the Taihang Grand Canyon is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and geopark. Covering 89 square kilometers with its core areas (Peach Blossom Valley, Wangxiang Cliff, and Taiji Ice Mountain) reaching 1,739m altitude, this 50km-long, 1.5km-wide canyon features over 1,000m elevation differences. Known as the "Hundred-Mile Gallery" and "Natural Oxygen Bar," it combines northern mountain grandeur with southern landscape elegance.
History and Culture
Formed 1.8 billion years ago in the Mesoproterozoic era, its typical cliff-rock landform preserves ancient marine fossils documenting North China's geological evolution.
Shibanyan Town is famed as "China's Painting Valley," attracting artists since the 1950s. The canyon contains Northern Wei cliff carvings and Ming Dynasty plank roads.
Designated a AAAAA site in 2012, it joined UNESCO's Global Geopark network in 2017.
Main Attractions
Peach Blossom Valley
The most picturesque 7km valley with streams and waterfalls, especially stunning in spring with blooming peaches. Highlights include Yellow Dragon Pool and the 200m Nine-Tier Waterfall.
Wangxiang Cliff
Legend says King Wuding and minister Fu Yue lived here. Its thrilling 88m spiral "Skyscraper Ladder" and cliffside plank roads test visitors' courage.
Taiji Ice Mountain
Named for its taiji-shaped peak and ice-filled caves that remain frigid even in summer, featuring perpetual ice pillars and waterfalls - a perfect summer retreat.
Taihang Sky Road
A 30km scenic drive along the ridge with overlooks showcasing canyon vistas and the majestic "Taihang Pinghu" lake.
Shibanyan Village
Traditional mountain village with distinctive slate houses, now hosting artist studios and homestays for cultural immersion.
Cuisine
Linzhou Stew
Local specialty combining pork, vermicelli, tofu, and cabbage in iron pots, served at park restaurants.
Taihang Wild Vegetables
Mountain-grown delicacies like fiddleheads and hedgehog mushrooms, served fresh or stuffed with unique flavors.
Shibanyan Tofu
Traditional springwater tofu with delicate texture and rich bean aroma, prepared braised, in soups, or cold.
Local Delicacies
Linzhou City (40-minute drive) offers northern Henan specialties like flat noodle dishes, skin residue, and blood cakes.
Ticket Information
Combo ticket 140 yuan (all 3 main sites), single-site 80 yuan. Shuttle bus 60 yuan round-trip. Seniors (60+) and students get 50% discount with ID. Children under 1.4m free.
Opening Hours
Open year-round: 7:00-18:30 (peak season April-October), 8:00-17:30 (off-season). Allow 1-2 days.
Recommended Tour Route
2-day itinerary: Day 1: Peach Blossom Valley → Taihang Sky Road → Shibanyan Village (overnight) Day 2: Wangxiang Cliff → Taiji Ice Mountain → Return Customize based on time and interests.
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou via Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway to Anyang exit, then 60km on S228 provincial road
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from Anyang Bus Station
- High-speed rail: To Anyang East Station, then transfer to scenic area shuttle (~1.5 hours)
- Air: Nearest airport is Zhengzhou Xinzheng (~3 hours by car)
Must-See Attractions
- Peach Blossom Valley: Most beautiful waterfalls and streams
- Wangxiang Cliff: Thrilling cliffside paths and ladders
- Taiji Ice Mountain: Mysterious perennial ice caves
- Taihang Sky Road: Panoramic canyon and lake views
- Shibanyan Village: Unique slate architecture and art scene
Travel Tips
- Plan 1-2 days with Shibanyan overnight stay
- Wear anti-slip hiking shoes and bring poles
- Prepare for changeable mountain weather
- Photographers: pack wide-angle lenses and tripods
- Protect environment - no picking plants/animals
- Book accommodations early during peak seasons
Precautions
- Caution on steep cliffs
- No carving on rocks - preserve cultural relics
- Heart patients avoid strenuous activity
- Suspend hiking during thunderstorms
- Inform family of itinerary due to spotty signals
- Stay in designated areas