Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Baquan Gorge, a breathtaking encounter with mountains and waters

Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Baquan Gorge, a breathtaking encounter with mountains and waters Not long ago, I visited Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Baquan Gorge and was truly amazed by the scenery there! I couldn’t wait to share my travel experience with everyone, hoping to help you plan an amazing trip to Baquan Gorge~ Preparation 1. Ticket Booking: I bought a package ticket online in advance, which included admission, boat ride, cable car, and sightseeing elevator. The price was very reasonable, and you can enter the park directly by scanning your ID card, super convenient. I recommend everyone book online ahead of time. 2. Travel Time: If possible, try to visit on a weekday to avoid peak crowds. During the peak season (April - October), the opening hours are 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM, with the latest entry at 4:00 PM. I arrived at the park around 7:00 AM and barely had to queue. If you arrive late, the cable car line alone could take one to two hours. 3. Essentials: Wear a pair of non-slip sports shoes as some walkways inside the park can be slippery; bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen because the sun can be quite strong; prepare a light jacket since the temperature in the gorge and on the mountaintop can be cooler; also bring some snacks and water. Although there are food vendors in the park, bringing your own is more convenient and cost-effective. Transportation Guide 1. Self-driving: Set your navigation to “Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Baquan Gorge Scenic Area.” The park has several parking lots, with a parking fee of 10 yuan per time. Parking Lot No.1 is closest to the entrance, but spaces can be tight during peak season. 2. Public Transport: From Changzhi, you can take the “Changhu Line 1” bus from Changzhi Passenger Transport Center to Huguan County, then transfer to the park shuttle bus. There are also direct shuttle buses from downtown Changzhi at 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily. If coming from other cities, first get to Changzhi and then transfer to the park, which is very convenient. 3. Carpool/Charter: This time, I carpooled with friends from the high-speed rail station to the park, costing 60 yuan per person. Once four people are gathered, the car departs, and it takes about 1.5 hours. It’s nice to chat and share expectations on the way. For larger groups, chartering a car is more cost-effective: 300 yuan for a 5-seater, 400 yuan for a 7-seater, including highway tolls. Be sure to book the vehicle one day in advance, and having your guesthouse help with the booking might get you a better price. Confirm whether the fee includes highway tolls and the return trip arrangements. Tour Routes 1. Route A (Clockwise · Energy-saving and recommended): This is the route I took and highly recommend! First, take the sightseeing bus and enjoy the mountain scenery along the way until you reach the tunnel entrance. Walking into the time tunnel feels like traveling through time and space; outside the tunnel is modern prosperity, while inside is rustic tranquility. The walls on both sides feature murals of major scenic spots, definitely worth stopping to admire. After exiting the tunnel, you arrive at the boat dock—make sure to take the boat! The approximately 20-minute ride features emerald green water like a giant jade, with cliffs on both sides carved as if by knife and axe. About 5 minutes after departure, you can look up and see the stunning “Heart of Baquan,” nature’s most romantic masterpiece. It was truly breathtaking, and I took tons of photos. After disembarking, start the canyon hiking journey, passing beautiful sights like Black Dragon Pool and waterfall clusters. The spring water flows gently, as if playing a wonderful symphony. Then take the aerial cable car, which lasts about 25 minutes. From the cable car, you can overlook 13 peaks, the continuous mountain range, and dense forests. The spectacular view is beyond words—remember to bring your phone to capture panoramic shots; every photo looks like a masterpiece. Upon reaching the mountaintop, first visit the Jade Emperor Pavilion to feel the historical charm, then head to the “Sky City” glass viewing platform. The brave can fully enjoy the thrilling sensation of being suspended in the air, while the cautious can admire the full view of the gorge nearby. It’s truly beautiful. Finally, take the sightseeing elevator down the mountain, which takes only 1 minute to return to the ground, quickly ending this wonderful journey. Then take the sightseeing bus back to the exit. The whole trip takes about 4 hours, mostly downhill, making it less strenuous and very suitable for family trips and seniors. 2. Route B (Counterclockwise · Photography preferred): For photography enthusiasts, this route is a great choice. From the entrance, take the sightseeing elevator up the mountain, then visit the Jade Emperor Pavilion, take the cable car down, walk along a section of the walkway, and finally take the boat back to the exit. The advantage of this route is fewer people and softer light in the morning, with the gorge water showing a bright green color, perfect for stunning photos. However, it takes about 4.5 hours and involves more uphill walking, requiring more physical strength. Food Recommendations 1. Inside the park: There are some snack stalls and restaurants, but prices are higher than outside. I recommend trying the local specialty “Qiancheng Huoshao” (layered baked flatbread), which has a crispy crust and rich filling, very tasty. Also try the handmade cold noodles, which are sour and spicy, perfect for refreshing your appetite during the trip. 2. Around the park: There are many farmhouses nearby offering affordable and authentic food. Highly recommend Huguan mutton soup, which is rich in flavor and tender, warming you up with one bowl. Also try the local sour soup fish, with fresh and smooth fish meat and a rich, mellow sour soup that goes perfectly with rice. We visited a farmhouse and ordered several dishes; the cost was less than 50 yuan per person, and we were very satisfied. Notes 1. Drones are prohibited in the park because it is a nature reserve. Please follow the rules and protect this beautiful natural environment. 2. The cable car may stop operating during thunderstorms. Be sure to check the official WeChat account “Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Baquan Gorge” for real-time updates before your trip and plan accordingly. 3. Some areas in the park have poor signal. It’s best to download offline maps in advance to avoid getting lost. 4. Do not climb rock walls without protective facilities. Safety first—enjoy the scenery but also take care of yourself. Baquan Gorge is truly a place worth visiting. Whether it’s the spectacular natural scenery or the exciting activities, it leaves a deep impression. I hope everyone can experience its charm—you will definitely fall in love with this place!