Yangzigou Valley
Nestled in Luoyang’s Luanchuan County, Yangzi Gorge is a 42-square-kilometer scenic area blending Tang Dynasty cultural heritage with breathtaking mountain landscapes. Named after Emperor Xuanzong’s beloved concubine Yang Guifei, the gorge served as a royal retreat during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). Today, it offers visitors a mix of lush forests, crystal-clear streams, and ancient relics, including the 1,300-year-old Yangzi Temple and Tang-style villages. Designated a national 4A-level tourist attraction, it’s a haven for hiking, cultural exploration, and eco-tourism.
Historical Overview
Yangzi Gorge’s history dates back to the Tang Dynasty, when Emperor Xuanzong commissioned the construction of Yangzi Temple to honor Yang Guifei. The area flourished as a royal retreat, with poets like Li Bai and Du Fu praising its beauty in their works. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it became a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. In the 20th century, the gorge was preserved as a cultural and ecological reserve, with restoration projects reviving Tang-style architecture and traditions. Key milestones include the 1982 discovery of Tang Dynasty artifacts and its 2010 upgrade to a national scenic area.
Structural Layout
The gorge is divided into three main zones:
- Cultural Heritage Zone: Features Yangzi Temple, Tang Dynasty stone carvings, and the Ancient Village of Tang Style, showcasing traditional architecture and folk customs.
- Natural Landscape Zone: Encompasses the 12-kilometer-long Yangzi River Gorge, with cliffs rising 300 meters above water, waterfalls, and dense forests home to 1,200 plant species and 80 bird species.
- Adventure Recreation Zone: Offers rock climbing, zip-lining, and hiking trails like the 5-km “Sky Ladder” path to Mount Yuhuang’s summit.
Key landmarks include the Fairy Pool, Dragon Gate Waterfall, and the 1,000-year-old Ginkgo Tree of Yangzi Temple.
Major Attractions
- Yangzi Temple: A Tang Dynasty Buddhist complex with a 15-meter-tall stone Buddha and murals depicting Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei’s love story.
- Tang Style Ancient Village: Reconstructed Tang-era houses, teahouses, and workshops where visitors can try traditional paper-making and embroidery.
- Fairy Pool: A turquoise-blue natural pool surrounded by cliffs, legendary as the bathing spot of immortals.
- Dragon Gate Waterfall: A 60-meter-high cascade with a rainbow visible in sunny weather, named after a local myth about a dragon guarding the gorge.
- Sky Ladder Trail: A steep hiking path with iron ladders and viewing platforms offering panoramic views of the gorge.
- Yangzi River Rafting: A 8-km rafting route through calm waters and gentle rapids, suitable for families.
Suggested Itineraries
-
Classic Half-Day Tour (3–4 hours):
Entrance → Tang Style Ancient Village → Yangzi Temple → Fairy Pool → Dragon Gate Waterfall → Exit.
Highlights: Cultural immersion and iconic natural landmarks. -
Full-Day Adventure Tour (6–7 hours):
Entrance → Tang Style Ancient Village → Yangzi Temple → Sky Ladder Trail → Mount Yuhuang Summit → Yangzi River Rafting → Exit.
Highlights: Hiking, rafting, and panoramic views. -
Cultural & Eco Tour (Full Day):
Entrance → Tang Style Ancient Village (workshops) → Yangzi Temple → Fairy Pool → Lunch at a local farmhouse → Hiking to Ginkgo Tree → Dragon Gate Waterfall → Exit.
Highlights: Hands-on cultural experiences and serene nature walks.
Ticket Purchase
- Online: Book via the official “Yangzi Gorge Scenic Area” WeChat mini-program or Ctrip (up to 3 days in advance).
- On-Site: Tickets available at the entrance, but queues peak during weekends.
- Prices:
- Peak Season (April–October): ¥95 (adults), ¥50 (students/seniors).
- Off-Season (November–March): ¥65 (adults), ¥35 (students/seniors).
- Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and active military personnel.
- Additional Fees: Rafting (¥80/person), Sky Ladder Trail (¥30/person).
Transportation
- By Bus: From Luoyang Long-Distance Bus Station, take a bus to Luanchuan County (2.5 hours, ¥45/person), then transfer to a local shuttle bus to Yangzi Gorge (30 minutes, ¥10/person).
- By Taxi/Private Car: Direct ride from Luoyang (1.5 hours, ¥200–300 one-way).
- Parking: Free parking lot at the entrance (holds 500+ vehicles).
Best Time & Tips
- Peak Hours: Avoid 10 AM–2 PM; arrive early (8:30 AM opening) or after 3 PM.
- Crowds: Weekends and holidays are busiest; weekdays offer a quieter experience.
- Weather: Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal for hiking. Summers are lush but rainy; winters are cold but less crowded.
- Essentials:
- Wear sturdy shoes (trails can be slippery).
- Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
- Photography allowed everywhere except inside Yangzi Temple’s inner sanctum.
- Prohibited items: Drones, large backpacks, and open fires.
- Local Cuisine: Try Luoyang’s famous “Water Banquet” dishes at restaurants near the entrance.
What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
