The Yellow River Scenic Area in Zhengzhou (郑州黄河风景名胜区) is a tourist destination that began construction in the 1970s on the barren hills along the Yellow River. Situated with Mount Yue to the south and the Yellow River to the north, it marks the starting point of the “hanging river” on land (where the surface of the river is higher than the city) and serves as the boundary between the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River. It is renowned as one of the prime spots to admire the beauty of the Yellow River. Covering an area of over 20 square kilometers, it features more than 40 attractions, including the Five Dragon Peak, Mount Yue Temple, Camel Ridge, Yan and Huang Emperors, and Star Sea Lake, all of which have been developed and opened to the public.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Yellow River Scenic Area
- Vlog about Yellow River Scenic Area
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 48 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 7.30 – 17.30; Last admission: 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0371-68222228 |
Location and Transportation
The Yellow River Scenic Area is situated 20 kilometers northwest of Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province, along the banks of the Yellow River. To reach the scenic area from Zhengzhou, visitors can take bus 16 or Tourist Line 18 to the Yellow River Scenic Area (bus stop), where they can alight. From there, it’s a brief 15-minute walk to reach the entrance of the scenic area.
Highlights of Yellow River Scenic Area
Yan and Huang Emperors Stone Sculpture
The Yan and Huang Emperors Stone Sculpture is an awe-inspiring representation of the mythical figures Yan and Huang, nestled against the backdrop of mountains. Standing at an impressive height of 100 meters, with the main body resembling a mountain and an 18-meter-tall head atop, the sculpture faces the Yellow River, sitting to the south and facing north. In front of the colossal statues lies an expansive square surrounded by pine and cypress trees, with a central altar. A 200-meter-long divine road leads from the altar to the statues, flanked by four bronze cauldrons on each side, totaling nine cauldrons in front of the mountain, symbolizing the eternal stability of China. At the east and west ends of the square, visitors can marvel at a large chime and bronze drum.
Five Dragon Peak
Located in the heart of the Yellow River Scenic Area, the Five Dragon Peak features five winding peaks resembling five giant dragons guarding the Yellow River. At the center of the platform in the Plum Blossom Pond at the foot of the mountain, stands the “Nurturing” sculpture carved from white marble. This sculpture, standing 5 meters tall and weighing 12.5 tons, depicts a mother figure cradling an infant. The mother, symbolizing the Yellow River, wears traditional Tang Dynasty attire, exuding dignity and grace. This imagery vividly portrays the deep connection between the Yellow River and the Chinese nation, symbolized by the infant. Other attractions within the area include the Mangshan Irrigation Station, Ji Mu Pavilion, Yi Shan Pavilion, Chang Huai Pavilion, Kai Jin Pavilion, and Yin Lu Xuan. Among these, Ji Mu Pavilion offers the best vantage point for admiring the Yellow River from above.
Mount Yue Temple
Nestled about 1.5 kilometers east of the Five Dragon Peak, Mount Yue Temple beckons with its key attractions such as the Purple Gold Pavilion, Iron Cable Bridge, Peony Garden, Rose Garden, and Botanical Garden. The three-tiered Purple Gold Pavilion, standing at 33 meters tall, resonates with the roaring waves of the Yellow River, emitting a sonorous sound that can be heard for miles, especially during festive occasions. Spanning between the sheer cliffs of Mount Yue Temple is a perilous Iron Cable Bridge, stretching 40 meters in length, offering an exhilarating experience for visitors.
Railway Bridges
Adjacent to the Yellow River Scenic Area lies the vital artery of the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway, adorned by two railway bridges traversing the mighty Yellow River. Constructed in 1899 during the twilight years of the Qing Dynasty, the Old Bridge was a collaborative effort between the Qing government and French and Belgian capitalists, spanning five years and one month to complete. In contrast, the New Bridge, erected in 1958 during the early years of the People’s Republic of China, stands as a marvel in the annals of Yellow River bridge construction. Designed and built domestically, the New Bridge was completed in a mere two years and one month, witnessing the monumental transformations of the Central Plains after liberation. While the Old Bridge has fulfilled its historical purpose and has been dismantled, leaving behind a 200-meter-long southern end for educational visitation, a commemorative pavilion honoring Chairman Mao’s inspection of the Yellow River and Premier Zhou’s direct command during flood prevention and relief efforts has been erected nearby. These landmarks stand as testaments to the rich history and engineering marvels of the Yellow River region.