Jiaozuo

Jiaozuo offers Taihang Mountain scenery, tai chi culture and local Huaifu cuisine, with red-rock canyons to explore and regional dishes to try. The following 3-day, 2-night itinerary covers sights, food and transport to help you plan.

• Yuntai Mountain: This national 5A-rated scenic area features the red sandstone cliffs and clear green water of Hongshi Gorge, the 314-meter Yuntai Waterfall, and views of clouds filling the Taihang Mountains around Zhuyu Peak. Admission and scenic shuttle transport cost RMB 180 in total and are valid for 3 days.

• Chenjiagou: The birthplace of tai chi, this village has a Tai Chi Ancestral Hall and museum where visitors can learn about its history and martial arts culture. It is also a good destination for cultural learning trips.

• Qingtian River: Known as the “Three Gorges of the North,” this scenic area offers boat trips on Daquan Lake, with steep cliffs and striking peaks on both sides. Autumn brings red foliage to the mountains, making it a good outing for visitors of different ages.

• Shennong Mountain: Legend has it that Yandi, also known as Shennong, climbed this mountain to gather medicinal herbs. Zijin Peak stands at 1,028 meters and offers sweeping views of the Taihang Mountains. The Great Wall-like Longji Ridge and seas of clouds are other scenic highlights.

• Jiaying Temple: This Qing-dynasty imperial complex is known as the “Forbidden City of the Yellow River,” with a layout modeled on the Forbidden City. Red walls and historic halls form stately courtyards. With relatively few visitors and a peaceful setting, it is well suited to photography.

• Jiaozuo Film and Television City: This attraction features buildings modeled on traditional Chinese architecture and serves as both a filming location and a sightseeing destination. Visitors can explore period-style sets and take photos with a historical Chinese feel.

Suggested 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Jiaozuo and explore the city
  • Morning: After arriving, visit Jiaozuo Museum to learn about the history of the Huaichuan region. The museum is closed on Mondays, and its first-floor galleries may be closed for renovation. Check opening arrangements before your visit.
  • Afternoon: Take a walk in a city park or visit Pingdongli. Converted from an old military factory, this area retains a retro streetscape and offers opportunities for photography and a coffee break.
  • Evening: Eat at Enzhouyi Ancient Street or Dongxiaoxiang Food Street, trying night-market snacks such as hunjiang liangfen, stir-fried ice desserts and barbecue.
• Day 2: Explore Yuntai Mountain’s main gorges
  • Morning: Set off early for Yuntai Mountain and start with Hongshi Gorge, following the one-way walkway past red cliffs and emerald pools. The route requires no backtracking, and entering early helps you avoid the busiest crowds.

• Midday: Have lunch and take a short break in the Anshang Service Area.
  • Afternoon: Continue to the Xiaozhaigou area to visit Tanpu Gorge, known for its many springs and waterfalls, followed by Quanpu Gorge, where you can see Yuntai Waterfall. If you have enough energy, visit Macaque Valley to observe wild macaques.

• Evening: Return to the Anshang Service Area for a dinner of farmhouse-style dishes. Get an early night to save energy for a possible mountain hike the next day.
• Day 3: Choose tai chi culture or a mountain hike
  • Option A (culture and relaxation): Visit Chenjiagou in Wen County to explore the Tai Chi Ancestral Hall and museum. Watch local elders practice tai chi and learn about this traditional martial art before heading home in the afternoon.

• Option B (hiking and cloud views): Climb Shennong Mountain or Zhuyu Peak at Yuntai Mountain for views of clouds filling the Taihang Mountains. Wang Wei’s line, “All wear sprigs of dogwood, but one is missing,” also offers a literary connection to Zhuyu Peak. Head home after your visit.

Local Food in Jiaozuo

Local meals in Jiaozuo often center on noodles, other wheat-based foods and meat. Flavors tend to be savory and salty, with affordable prices and generous portions.

• Wuzhi Clay Pot Stew: Recognized as intangible cultural heritage, this dish is slowly simmered in a coarse earthenware pot, usually with pork ribs or battered and fried pork. The meat becomes tender and the broth rich, with chili oil added before serving.

• Naotang Donkey Meat: A signature Jiaozuo dish recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Donkey meat is simmered for hours in a special master stock until tender and infused with the broth’s flavor, then served with sweet potato starch balls.

• Hunjiang Liangfen: This mung bean jelly is made by gently cooking mung bean milk. It has a smooth yet springy texture and is usually seasoned with local mustard, aged vinegar and garlic juice, combining tangy, garlicky and pungent flavors.

• Jiangmiantiao: These noodles come in a broth made from fermented mung bean milk, giving it a rich, tangy flavor. Chewy noodles are paired with peanuts, soybeans, celery and sesame leaves for a variety of textures.

• Mengzhou Fried Noodles: Listed as local intangible cultural heritage, this dish is made by pan-frying raw noodles directly, then adding bean sprouts, shredded meat and other ingredients. The finished noodles are golden brown and chewy, with a toasted aroma and a rich texture that is not greasy.

• Beef Meatball Soup: A common local breakfast, this soup features firm, springy meatballs in a rich bone broth. Shredded flatbread or instant noodles can be added, and it is often served with scallion pancakes.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to stay:
  • Anshang Service Area: A convenient base for visiting Yuntai Mountain the next day, with scenic shuttle stops close to accommodation and plenty of restaurants and guesthouses. Expect to pay RMB 100–150 per person.

• Central Jiaozuo: Visitors arriving by high-speed train or planning museum visits and night-market outings can consider staying in the city center. There is a wide range of reasonably priced hotels, and taxis offer convenient access to attractions.

• Wen County: If Chenjiagou is your main destination on Day 3, staying in Wen County will give you more time to explore.

• Getting around:
  • High-speed rail: Arrive at Jiaozuo Station or Xiuwu West Station. Xiuwu West Station has a direct coach service to the Anshang Service Area at Yuntai Mountain.
  • Driving: For Yuntai Mountain, set your navigation destination to Baijiayan Ecological Parking Lot or the Anshang Service Area parking lot. Parking at Anshang costs around RMB 10 per day, keeping parking expenses relatively low.
  • Scenic transport: Attractions within Yuntai Mountain are spread out, so you will need to use the scenic shuttle, which costs RMB 60. Admission and shuttle transport cost RMB 180 in total and are valid for 3 days.

Travel Tips

• Clothing and footwear: Yuntai Mountain has many steps, and paths through the gorges can be wet and slippery. Wear comfortable athletic shoes with good grip. Temperatures vary more at the summit, so carry a light jacket.
• When to visit: Hongshi Gorge follows a one-way route, and queues can form during peak season and holidays. Try to enter before 8 a.m., when the light is good and crowds are usually smaller.
• Water and food: Drinking water and snacks cost more inside the scenic area, so buy supplies beforehand at the Anshang Service Area or a supermarket in the city. There are several water refill points in the gorges, so bring a reusable bottle.
• Changing weather: Mountain weather can shift quickly between sunshine and rain. Bring rain gear and sun protection. If heavy rain or flash-flood warnings are issued, follow scenic area management instructions and adjust your route as needed.
• Tickets: Peak season runs from March to November. Book ahead through official reservation channels and use your ID card for entry to avoid finding tickets sold out on arrival.