Within the sprawling 800 miles of the Taihang Mountains, Changzhi harbors its own gems. Changzhi is located in the core of the Taihang plate, and is the most magnificent section. Join us on a journey through the landscapes of Taihang!
Baquan Gorge
Spanning across 225 square kilometers, the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon has an impressive landscape with lush vegetation covering 74.9% of the area. Within this region, numerous peaks, valleys, and scenic spots like Baquan Gorge, Hongdou Gorge, Heilong Pool, Qinglong Gorge, and Zituan Mountain offer diverse natural beauty. Among these, Baquan Gorge, known as the "most magnificent gorge in the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon," occupies a central position within the =Canyon. It covers an area of 24.11 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from 600 meters to over 1400 meters and a staggering maximum drop of approximately 1100 meters. Over the years, Baquan Gorge has garnered numerous accolades, including the title of "National 5A-Level Scenic Area," "National Forest Park," "National Geopark," and one of "China's Top Ten Most Beautiful Gorges." It's celebrated as a "world-class tourism resource" and stands as the foremost attraction in the Taihang Mountains. Baquan Gorge combines various landscapes such as river valleys, dry valleys and stream valleys in the limestone region.
In Baquan Gorge, the "Ping Lake" presents a unique aspect distinguishing it from southern landscapes, exemplified by the Yangtze River's Three Gorges. Here, visitors can take small boats out onto the serene waters of Ping Lake, where the clear, emerald-like lake teems with rainbow trout, leisurely swimming beneath the surface. The towering cliffs on both sides seem chiseled by the sharpest of knives, and when visitors cast their gaze upwards, the whole mountainside unfolds, lush and captivating. For a different perspective, the nation's one and only 3,000-meter cable-way with the capability to make turns allows one to survey the entire gorge from the air, accentuating the grandeur and expanse of the Taihang Mountains. Within the park, the 208-meter-high cliff sightseeing elevator offers a thrilling 52-second ascent to the mountain's summit, or a swift descent to the base. At the top of the elevator, the multi-tiered transparent observation platform, named the "City in the Sky," satisfies thrill-seeking tourists with panoramic views.
Tongtian Gorge
Tongtian Gorge scenic area, classified as a 4A-level site, is located in Hongtiguan village in Pingshun, 40km from Changzhi and near the Chang' an Expressway. Magnificent mountain, deep valleys, lush vegetation and clear ripples in the scenic spot form the character of Taihang Mountain. It has the natural cliff honored as 'No. 1 Peak in Taihang Mountain', the slant cable way with the largest angle in Asia, 'No. 1 Peak in Taihang Mountain' - Xianren Park, the wonderful sightseeing glass platform, and 10 more other scenic spots, such as Tongtian lake, Macaque Village, Sandie Waterfall, etc. Spanning 15 kilometers, Tongtian Gorge showcases its deep canyon terrain at an elevation of 1760 meters. It blends the ruggedness of the north and the tranquility of the south. Visitors could explore the gorge on foot, take a boat ride on the lake, or ascend a cable car to enjoy the breathtaking panorama of Tongtian Gorge.
The beauty of Tongtian Gorge lies in its delicate elegance in water, gracefulness in forests, and grandeur in mountains. Every step through this scenic area unfolds a new vista, making the visit truly worthwhile.
Taihang Karst Cave
Taihang Karst Cave is a large, unique karst cave in north China. The cave was formed during the orogenic period of 570 million years ago. Although it is located in the north, it has the characteristics of the typical southern cave. Taihang Karst Cave has four floors and is more than 2,000 meters long. More than 70 attractions on three floors have been opened, and the largest area is about more than 1,000 square meters. The cave is grand and magnificent, and there are other caves in the cave. The drip-stones in various shapes are crystal clear, and have sound while being struck. It is large and strange, which makes people think a lot, so in north China, it is No. 1 in ornamental and investigation value.
Intricate and diverse drip-stones cling to the cave's walls, shimmering in a myriad of shapes and displaying a remarkable play of colors. These unique formations not only provide a feast for the eyes but also offer significant scientific and scenic value. Surrounding the cave's entrance, lush mountains, fragrant flowers, and melodious bird songs altogether make this cave an exquisite landscape.
Changzhi National Urban Wetland Park
Located in northwest of the city and south of Zhangze Lake, Changzhi National Urban Wetland Park is close to the urban district and covers an area of 740 hectares. With many watercourses and dense forests in the park, it is covered with a variety of plants and reeds, and more than 80 kinds of birds, such as wild ducks and black storks, live there for a long time. In November 2010, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development officially designated Changzhi Urban Wetland Park as a National Urban Wetland Park, recognizing its role as a comprehensive park that promotes ecological forestry, wetland conservation, and ecotourism. At present, it has become a national urban wetland park integrating forest ecological demonstration, wetland comprehensive protection and ecological tourism.
The Changzhi National Urban Wetland Park has multiple functions, such as a humid climate, air purification, and water quality enhancement. With 217 species from 52 plant families, 162 bird species from 40 genera and 16 orders, 83 species of aquatic plants, 25 species from five major aquatic animal classes, in addition to nearly 2,000 acres of reed beds, iris gardens, and over a thousand acres of wetland protection forests, it stands out as a unique urban wetland, not only in the region but also as a representative of lakes and river wetlands in North China. This park is considered one of the best-preserved examples of pristine, natural wetland environments.
Presently, Changzhi National Urban Wetland Park has opened approximately 4 square kilometers to the public. With diverse tour routes, including a Cherry Blossom Avenue Scenic Line, Walking and Cycling Scenic Line, Green Transportation Scenic Line, and a Water Touring Scenic Line, the park provides a harmonious blend of southern style and natural charm, serving as both a leisure destination for locals and an attractive tourism attraction.
Sifang Mountain
Sifang Mountain scenic spot is located in Huangyadong Town, Licheng County, Changzhi, Shanxi. It is 44.5 km to the north of the county seat. The area is at the foot of Jiaoding Mountain—hence the name Sifang Mountain. The unique natural resources, good ecological vegetation bring the area plenty of wild forsythia, which bloom in early April every year and the scenic area is shining with golden light everywhere. Afterwards, the blossom of peach, apricot flowers and other dozens of natural flowers will all make the area full of fragrance and beauties, attracting countless visitors.
What truly distinguishes Sifang Mountain is its autumn scene when the mountain foliage, particularly the golden oak trees, turns red before any other tree species. The whole area is bathed in a breathtaking spectacle as the vibrant shades of red paint the landscape. This exquisite display of autumn foliage in Sifang Mountain within the splendor of the Taihang Mountains leaves visitors both refreshed and entranced.
Welcome to Changzhi. You can see the majestic and magnificent scenery of Taihang Mountain when climbing to the top of the Banshan Mountain in Wuxiang County. Situated at the eastern foot of Taihang Mountain, Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon in Huguan county is full of strange peaks and unique rocks, splashing springs and waterfalls, pine forests, and winding paths, which can best embody the majesty, steepness, beauty and quiet of Taihang Mountain. Many scenic areas, such as the 5A-level scenic spot Baguan Gorge, Hongdou Gorge, Qinglong Gorge and Heilong Pool, look like green landscape paintings, which make you linger on and forget to leave. Taihang Water Town of Pingshun County sets Taihang majesty and gentleness of regions south of the Yangtze River in one. Hike or take a boat through it, we look up at the cliff confrontation on both sides, odd pine hanging upside down and waterfall pouring down. Looking around, we can see gurgling streams, willows hanging on the bank, and narrow valleys and rocks. Boating through the green poplar and soft willow ,we can experience the Taihang scenery same as south of the Yangtze River. The tranquil beauty of its natural landscapes, quaint villages, and ancient relics creates a unique 'Hundred-Mile Gallery' scenery of the Taihang Mountains.
