Luoyang Longtan Valley (龙潭大峡谷) boasts a distinctive geological landscape characterized by typical red rock formations, sculpted over 1.2 billion years of geological sedimentation and 2.6 million years of water erosion. This process has created spectacular sights of towering cliffs, deep ravines, and fissures, making it a world-renowned marvel and a rarity on Earth. The natural scenery within the valley is equally enchanting, with clear streams, cascading waterfalls plunging from the cliffs, and deep pools scattered throughout. Additionally, the valley offers various recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for escaping the summer heat.
Stretching approximately 12 kilometers in total, visitors can explore the valley by following the signs along designated paths. The trails are generally easy to traverse, with gentle slopes predominating the terrain. Upon reaching the end of the valley, visitors can opt to return to the entrance by taking the park’s shuttle service. Longtan Valley offers an immersive experience in nature’s grandeur, providing a tranquil retreat amidst its awe-inspiring geological formations and picturesque landscapes.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Longtan Valley
- Vlog about Longtan Valley
- Other Attractions in Luoyang Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 80 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.30 (1st March – 31st October) 8.00 – 16.30 (1st November – 28th February) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0379-67134180 0086-0379-67134182 |
Location and Transportation
Longtan Valley is situated in Xin’an County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China. The valley spans a length of 12 kilometers and is located 70 kilometers from the central area of Luoyang City and 180 kilometers from Zhengzhou.
Upon arriving at Luoyang Station, travelers can walk to the bus station across from the railway station (Luoyang Yi Yun Bus Station) to catch a direct bus to Longtan Valley. Buses depart at 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM, with a fare of 20 yuan per person. Additionally, there are buses from the scenic area parking lot to Luoyang daily, departing at 3:30 PM and 4:30 PM, also priced at 20 yuan for a direct trip to Luoyang.
Highlights of Longtan Valley
Stunning Water Features
Longtan Valley is renowned for its abundant water resources, which cascade down from the cliffs after the Five Dragon Ponds, creating a thunderous roar akin to the howls of dragons and tigers. This magnificent waterfall is aptly named the “Five Dragon Falls.” Springs emerge from the cliffs, forming a continuous dripping water spectacle resembling the drool of a dragon. The Blue Dragon Pond stretches 30 meters in length and 2-3 meters in width, with a depth of approximately 2 meters. The greenery surrounding the pond reflects off the water’s surface, giving it a shimmering blue hue resembling a dragon swimming gracefully. The Flying Dragon Pond, with a diameter of about 25 meters and a depth of 10 meters, features a spectacular 15-meter-high waterfall resembling a giant dragon plunging into the water. The Yin-Yang Pond, formed by the confluence of two water pools, resembles a waist-cinching gourd, with a depth of about 12 meters. Due to the uneven sunlight within the high gorge, creating a contrast between light and shadow, it is referred to as the “Yang Pond” and “Yin Pond.”
Huanglong Valley
Huanglong Valley serves as the gentle transition zone into the vast Longtan Valley. Within this narrow valley, streams babble amidst towering cliffs adorned with peculiar rock formations. The valley boasts lush vegetation, with a coverage exceeding 90%. Various plants such as Lycopodium clavatum, Cephalotaxus fortunei, Cornus capitata, Magnolia officinalis, Gastrodia elata, lilies, and crabapples thrive here. During the Mesoproterozoic era around 1.2 billion years ago, Huanglong Valley was once a coastal beach environment. The bi-directional water flow resulting from the ebb and flow of tides caused the deposited quartz sandstone to form beautiful feather-like and herringbone-shaped layers, creating a stunning geological formation.
Upward- FlowingWater
In Longtan Valley, there’s a fascinating phenomenon that contradicts the common saying “people go up, water flows down.” Here, water seems to defy gravity and flows upward alongside people ascending. This enigmatic natural wonder, located in the central part of the scenic area, is one of the six mysteries of Longtan Valley. Standing on the optimal viewing platform, visitors can witness a stream approximately 50 meters long gently flowing from a lower point to a higher elevation. As they turn to look up at the left cliff, they’ll discover a remarkably lifelike carving of an elephant’s head protruding from the cliff top, with its long trunk extending into the stream below. This surreal sight adds to the mystique and allure of Longtan Valley, captivating the imagination of all who behold it.
