A hidden gem held back by its name? Deep in the Heluo Mountains lies a journey where you can "touch a billion years of time"
In the depths of the Heluo land, there is a world geological park gently embraced by the Yellow River. With 95% forest coverage nurturing fresh air, and 1.2 billion years of geological evolution sculpting strange stones and peaks, the seasons bring waves of flower seas, autumn colors, seas of clouds, and snowy landscapes, all quietly waiting for travelers who truly understand it.
Before you go: The key codes to unlock this secret realm
- Tickets and hours: Full-price ticket is 78 RMB per person, including the scenic area shuttle bus. Buying tickets online one day in advance saves 10 RMB. Peak season (April to October) is open from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with last entry at 4:30 PM; off-season (November to March) hours shorten to 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with no entry after 3:30 PM. Holidays may have extended hours. It’s recommended to arrive early to avoid crowds.
- Best time to visit: From April to May, the alpine garden is covered with irises and azaleas; September to October, the forests turn into an oil painting of colors; July to August, the average daily temperature is only 22°C, making it a natural summer retreat; December to February, the snow blankets the area, but be sure to bring anti-slip gear.
- Practical tips: Some areas in the park have weak signal and no ATMs, so bring enough cash; some boardwalks may close on rainy days, so check the weather forecast before your trip.
Transportation guide: Two ways to reach this fairyland
- Drive freely: From Zhengzhou, take the Zhenglu Expressway to the provincial road, about 3 hours with tolls around 90 RMB; from Luoyang, take the Lianhuo Expressway to Shijing Town, only 1.5 hours with tolls about 25 RMB. The East Gate parking lot charges 10 RMB/day; during peak season, it’s best to arrive before 9 AM to secure a spot.
- Public transport: From Luoyang Bus Station, take the "Luoyang-Xinan" bus (15 RMB, 1 hour), then transfer to the "Xinan-Shijing" shuttle (12 RMB, 1.5 hours) directly to the park. From Luoyang Longmen Station, take a taxi to Yiyun Bus Station for transfer. The shuttle from Xinan to Shijing Town departs daily at 7:00, 9:30, 13:00, and 15:30, with the last return at 16:30. Be sure to plan your timing carefully.
Highlights: Wonders carved by a billion years of time
- Yunding Garden: Hidden on a 1100-meter-high alpine meadow is an aerial garden. In May, the iris sea blooms brilliantly; in September, waves of aster flowers roll. Shooting against the light at sunrise or sunset, light-colored dresses blend beautifully with the flower sea, making every shot a masterpiece.
- Lover’s Stone Peak: Two quartz peaks lean on each other, resembling kissing lovers. Legend says they are the incarnations of King Shang and Lady Daimi. Locals call it the "Angel’s Kiss" or "Tang-Dai Love," a romantic landmark for couples. A wide-angle lens looking up best captures its charm.
- Yellow River Grand View: From the 270° viewing platform, you can overlook the Yellow River’s “S” shaped big bend. On clear days, you can even see the distant dam. The mother river winds below, its grandeur cleansing the soul. This is also a perfect spot to “stand in two provinces and see four cities at once.”
- Hanging Glass Walkway: A 380-meter-long glass walkway suspended 100 meters above a red rock canyon, with free shoe covers provided. When mist rolls in, walking here feels like stepping on clouds. Brave visitors can capture walking moments; those afraid of heights can hold the mountain side and walk slowly.
- One-line Sky Pass: Known locally as the "Grassland Divine Gate," the narrowest part is only 0.8 meters wide, with stone walls piercing the sky, leaving only a strip of sky visible. Walking on the bluestone slabs, you can touch the cool rock textures, as if feeling the traces of billions of years of crustal movement.
- Flying Divine Stone: A 20-meter-high solitary rock stands on the cliff edge, seemingly about to fall but has stood firm for millennia. Legend says it is a piece of stone left by Nüwa when mending the sky. Using a telephoto lens highlights its danger and uniqueness.
Itinerary planning: One-day quick tour or two-day immersion
- One-day quick tour (6-8 hours): Take the shuttle from the East Gate to Yunding Garden, stroll through the flower sea, then walk to Lover’s Stone Peak, pass through the Grassland Divine Gate, climb to Yellow River Grand View, challenge the glass walkway, and finally see the Flying Divine Stone before returning. It’s recommended to enter before 8 AM to avoid tour groups, bring your own lunch as food at the service station is pricey.
- Two-day immersion: Day 1 morning, hike Yunding Garden and alpine meadows, bring a picnic mat to rest among the flowers; afternoon, visit Lover’s Stone Peak and Grassland Divine Gate, watch the sunset at Yellow River Grand View. Day 2 morning, explore the glass walkway and Flying Divine Stone, visit the geological museum to learn about billion-year evolution, and in the afternoon, take a boat tour of nearby canyons or return.
Food and lodging guide: The taste of the mountains and fields by your bedside
- Must-try dishes: Yellow River carp prepared two ways—braised for rich flavor and stewed for fresh soup—is a specialty. Also try acorn jelly, locust flower scrambled eggs, and other wild mountain flavors. Free-range native chicken and freshly picked wild vegetables at farmhouses offer the most authentic tastes. In Xinan County, you can find local snacks like boiled dumplings and fried meatballs; ask your guesthouse host for hidden restaurants.
- Accommodation options: In Shijing Town, “Mountain and Water Homestays” cost about 80 RMB per person, with shuttle service available, offering a rustic mountain living experience; inside the park, “Yunding Mountain Villa” may offer views of the sea of clouds right from your window but requires booking one week in advance. For more complete facilities, Xinan County has hotels of various grades.
Hidden experiences: Surprises missed by 90% of visitors
On clear mornings after rain between 6:30 and 7:30 AM, the viewing platform on the east side of Yunding Garden offers stunning sea of clouds photos; in summer, camping is allowed in designated areas with prior park notification. From April to May, you can pick bracken and capillaris with a guide and have them prepared at a farmhouse, savoring the fresh gifts of the wild. The geological science museum offers interactive experiences suitable for children over 6 years old for natural education. Baby strollers or wheelchairs can be rented at the entrance with a 200 RMB deposit.
Every stone here holds a story of time, every breeze carries the poetry of nature. When you stand at the summit overlooking the winding Yellow River and walk through the flower sea touching the gentle plants, you will understand why it is called the “Grand View of Central Plains Mountains and Waters.” This hidden beauty deep within is waiting for your footsteps to awaken it.