The Jinsixia Scenic Area is located in Shangnan County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province, on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains and in the upper reaches of the Danjiang River. The scenic area covers a total area of 28.6 square kilometers and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a national forest park, and a national geological park. The canyon within the scenic area extends about 10 kilometers in depth and 20.5 kilometers in total length. With its unique ridge-valley landform as the core, it integrates natural landscapes such as canyons, karst caves, waterfalls, and forests. It has 6 national-level geological relics and 25 provincial-level geological relics. The forest coverage rate reaches 98%, and the negative oxygen ion content is as high as 36,000/cm3. It is known as "China's Most Beautiful Grand Canyon."
Historical Culture
The Jinsixia area has a relatively profound historical and cultural heritage. Shangnan County, where it is located, was historically known as a "key strategic point between Qin and Chu" and has been a contested military location since ancient times. Some ancient plank road relics remain in the scenic area, bearing witness to the development of ancient transportation and commerce. In addition, local folk culture is rich. Relying on the natural environment of the Qinling mountainous area, it has formed farming culture, folk art, and traditional festival activities with distinct regional characteristics, such as temple fairs and antiphonal mountain songs, demonstrating the historical context of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Main Attractions
Bailong Gorge
Bailong Gorge is about 3.5 kilometers long and is named after the winding canyon that resembles a white dragon. In the canyon, there are towering cliffs and crystal-clear streams, with attractions such as "Bailong Cave" and "Shiyan Fort." Among them, Shiyan Fort, at an altitude of 1,099 meters, is one of the best locations for viewing the panoramic view of the canyon.
Qinglong Gorge
Qinglong Gorge is about 4 kilometers long and features steep canyons and rich vegetation. Its main attractions include "Lingguan Hall," "Crescent Gorge," and "One-Line Sky." The narrowest part of "One-Line Sky" is only 0.5 meters wide, with towering rock walls on both sides and a single line of sky above, making it a geological wonder.
Heilong Gorge
Heilong Gorge is about 5 kilometers long and is famous for its deep, secluded tranquility and numerous waterfalls. Famous attractions include "Heilong Cave," "Witch Waterfall," and "Shuangxi Waterfall." Among them, Witch Waterfall has a drop of more than 30 meters, with water flowing like a silver ribbon hanging in the air, magnificent and imposing.
Danjiang Source
The Danjiang Source is one of the sources of the Danjiang River, located in the northeastern part of the scenic area. Here, the vegetation is dense and the water is clear and cold. It features the "Danjiang Source Stele" and an ecological sightseeing boardwalk, making it an ideal place to explore water source culture and get close to nature.
Food
Shangnan Jiao Tuan
Shangnan Jiao Tuan is a traditional local farm dish made from cornmeal or buckwheat flour, cooked by stirring and steaming. It has a delicate and smooth texture and is eaten with pickled vegetables, chili, and other seasonings. It is sour, spicy, and appetizing, and is a representative dish of Qinling mountainous cuisine.
Shenxian Liangfen
Shenxian Liangfen is made from the leaves of the local "Shenxian tree." It is dark green in color, cool and smooth in texture, and has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and relieving summer heat and thirst. It is a must-try specialty snack in summer, often eaten with mashed garlic, vinegar, and chili.
Shangnan Egg Stuffed Pancake
Shangnan Egg Stuffed Pancake is made by frying a thin pancake wrapped with beaten egg. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, paired with vegetables, sauce, and more. It is nutritious and a common convenient food on local streets, deeply loved by tourists.
Recommended Nearby Foods
Nearby, visitors can also taste specialties such as Danjiang Fish Banquet (made with wild Danjiang fish as the ingredient and prepared in various ways) and Shangzhi Pork (cooked with Shangluo specialty Shangzhi grass and pork, rich but not greasy), experiencing the rich southern Shaanxi culinary culture.
Tickets：
Tickets are 100 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "Jinsixia" to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.
Opening Hours：
Peak season (March 1 - November 30): opening hours are 7:30-16:30. Off-season (December 1 - the end of February the following year): opening hours are 8:00-16:00. Admission stops 1 hour before the scenic area closes. Specific times may be adjusted due to weather and other factors. It is recommended to check the scenic area's official information before traveling.
Tour Routes：
Classic one-day route: Scenic area entrance → Bailong Gorge (Shiyan Fort, Bailong Cave) → Qinglong Gorge (One-Line Sky, Crescent Gorge) → Heilong Gorge (Witch Waterfall, Heilong Cave) → Danjiang Source → Return. This route covers the three core canyons and the Danjiang Source landscape, with a total distance of about 8-10 kilometers. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes and allow 5-6 hours for sightseeing.
In-depth tour route: On the first day, visit Bailong Gorge and Qinglong Gorge, and stay overnight in a homestay within the scenic area; on the second day, visit Heilong Gorge and Danjiang Source, experiencing hiking adventures and ecological sightseeing. This route allows visitors to fully experience the changes in the canyon's scenery between day and night, and is suitable for tourists with ample time.
Transportation：
Self-driving：
From Xi'an：Take the Xi'an Ring Expressway to the Shanghai-Shaanxi Expressway (G40), exit at Shangnan, then transfer to G312 National Highway or the tourist special line. The total distance is about 260 kilometers, and the drive takes about 3.5 hours.
From Zhengzhou：Take the Lianhuo Expressway (G30), transfer to the Shanghai-Shaanxi Expressway (G40), and exit at Shangnan. The total distance is about 380 kilometers, and the drive takes about 4.5 hours.
From Wuhan: Take the Fuzhou-Yinchuan Expressway (G70), transfer to the Shanghai-Shaanxi Expressway (G40), and exit at Shangnan. The total distance is about 520 kilometers, and the drive takes about 6 hours.
Public transportation：
High-speed rail/train：Take the high-speed rail to Shangnan Station (a branch line of the Xi'an-Chengdu High-speed Railway), or take a regular train to Shangnan Station. After leaving the station, transfer to the scenic area shuttle or taxi (about 30 kilometers, about 40 minutes by car).
Bus：There are direct buses from Xi'an Textile City Bus Station, Shangluo Bus Station, and other places to Shangnan County. After arriving in Shangnan, transfer to the scenic area bus or take a taxi.
Must-Visit Attractions：
Shiyan Fort: At an altitude of 1,099 meters, climbing the fort allows you to overlook the panoramic view of Jinsixia and feel the grandeur of "reaching the summit." It is an excellent spot for photography and sightseeing.
One-Line Sky: The core attraction of Qinglong Gorge. The narrowest point is only 0.5 meters wide, with rock walls facing each other on both sides, allowing visitors to experience the magical geological landscape of "a single line of sky."
Witch Waterfall: The landmark waterfall of Heilong Gorge, with a drop of more than 30 meters. The water pours down, and the surrounding negative oxygen ion concentration is extremely high, making it a great place to escape the summer heat and cleanse the lungs.
Danjiang Source: Explore the source of the Danjiang River, stroll along the ecological boardwalk, feel the tranquility and purity of the primitive forest, and learn about the ecological protection culture of the water source area.
Travel Suggestions：
It is recommended to wear slip-resistant sports shoes and light clothing. Some sections in the canyon are slippery, so pay attention to safety.
In summer, take sun protection and mosquito prevention measures. There are many mosquitoes in the scenic area; in winter, keep warm, as some sections may freeze.
Carry enough drinking water and snacks. There are few sales points in the scenic area, so replenish your energy in time during the hike.
Prefer to visit on sunny days. Rain may cause some attractions to close or make roads inconvenient. Check the weather forecast before traveling.
In-depth tourists can book homestays in the scenic area in advance to experience mountain living and visit at off-peak times the next day.
Precautions：
Open flames are strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Do not bring kindling into the area. Protect the ecological environment and do not pick plants at will or feed wild animals.
Follow the scenic area signs and staff guidance. Do not enter unopened areas without authorization. When hiking, travel in groups and avoid acting alone.
Keep personal belongings safe, especially in crowded sections and when taking sightseeing buses, and beware of theft.
Children and the elderly should visit accompanied by family members. Some steep sections require careful passage.
In case of sudden weather or geological disasters, follow the scenic area's emergency command and evacuate to a safe area in time.