The Taihang Ridge Scenic Area (太行屋脊风景区), located in Linzhou City, Henan Province, covers an expansive area of 30 square kilometers and boasts a wealth of tourism resources, including mountain landscapes, water features, and cultural attractions. It is renowned for its majestic, unique, perilous, beautiful, secluded, and expansive scenery, comparable to famous sites like Jiuzhaigou, Yesanpo, and Penglai Fairy Island.
Known for its distinctive geological structure and natural landscapes, the Taihang Ridge Scenic Area reaches an elevation of 1,736 meters, making it the highest point in the southern Taihang Mountains. The area encompasses three distinct landform landscapes: valleys, terraces, and mountain peaks, spanning four geological periods: Pre-Cambrian, Cambrian, Ordovician, and Devonian, characterized by typical cliff rock formations. Abundant in water resources, the area’s largest water source, Shengshui Spring (also known as Machuang Spring), maintains a flow of 6-7 inches even during the dry season and can reach up to 460 cubic meters per second during the rainy season.
With a vegetation coverage of over 95% and exceptionally high negative oxygen ion content – reaching up to 4,000 ions per square centimeter – the Taihang Ridge Scenic Area is often referred to as a “natural oxygen bar.” It harbors rich flora and fauna, providing visitors with an excellent opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and experience ecological wonders.
The scenic area offers a plethora of unique attractions for visitors to explore. Highlights include the Asia’s First Pilestone Dam, Geological Elevator, Dam Base Corridor, and Taihang Ping Lake (also known as Liuxiu Lake), all of which are worth a visit. Additionally, cultural landmarks like the Shenzi Constructive Ethnic Village, Heilong Temple, and Ziyun Bridge offer distinctive experiences, enriching visitors’ travel experiences.
Beyond its natural beauty, the Taihang Ridge Scenic Area also boasts a profound historical and cultural heritage. It served as a refuge for Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han Dynasty during his escape, a site for alchemy and spiritual practice during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, and a storage location for the Eighth Route Army’s grain reserves during the resistance against Japanese aggression. These historical relics add further cultural allure to the scenic area, inviting visitors to delve into its rich tapestry of history.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 70 RMB including admission and shuttle bus |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 14.30 (1st November – 31st March) 8.00 – 18.30; Last admission: 15.00 (1st April -31st October) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0372-6082789 |
Location and Transportation
The Taihang Ridge Scenic Area is situated within the territory of Shibanyan Town, Linzhou City, Anyang, Henan Province. Visitors can reach Linzhou by taking a bus from either Zhengzhou or Anyang. Upon arrival in Linzhou, there are direct buses available to the scenic area.
