The Longtan Grand Canyon Scenic Area is located in the northern part of Xin'an County, Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a world geological park. The scenic area covers a total area of about 30 square kilometers. The canyon is 12 kilometers long, with an average width of 10 meters, a narrowest point of only 1-2 meters, and a depth of 50-300 meters. It is a canyon scenic area mainly featuring typical red rock barrier valley group geological landforms. Within the canyon are six major natural mysteries, seven secluded pools and waterfalls, and eight major natural wonders. It is known as "China's No. 1 Barrier Valley," "Ancient Ocean Natural Museum," and "Yellow River Landscape Painting Gallery."
Historical Culture
Longtan Grand Canyon was formed during the Mesoproterozoic Era 1.2 billion years ago and is a rare Danxia landform canyon in North China. Geological relics such as ripple marks and mud cracks found in the canyon bear witness to the history of ancient ocean changes.
The Dimei Mountain area where the canyon is located has been a Taoist holy site since ancient times. Legend has it that this was the place where Empress Dimei cultivated herself and became immortal. Longtan Temple at the entrance of the canyon was first built in the Tang Dynasty. It was repaired many times over successive dynasties, and the existing buildings are in the Ming and Qing style.
In 2006, Longtan Grand Canyon was rated as a world geological park by UNESCO; in 2013, it was promoted to a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction, becoming the fifth 5A-level scenic area in Henan Province.
Main Attractions
Water Flowing Uphill
This is the most famous natural wonder in the canyon. A stream about 50 meters long appears to flow uphill against gravity, but it is actually a visual illusion caused by a special terrain slope. This phenomenon is listed as the first of the canyon's six major mysteries.
Heavenly Stele
A giant red sandstone pillar about 50 meters high, standing isolated in the canyon and shaped like a natural stone stele. The rock surface is covered with wavy textures, traces left by the ancient ocean 1.2 billion years ago.
Flying Dragon Waterfall
The largest waterfall in the canyon, with a drop of about 35 meters and a width of 3-5 meters. The waterfall pours down from the red rock wall like a white dragon descending from the sky, forming a deep pool below with water as green as jade.
One-Line Sky
The narrowest part of the canyon. The vertical height of the rock walls on both sides exceeds 100 meters, while the width is only about 1 meter. Looking up, one can see only a single strip of sky. Walking through it, there is a cool breeze and it feels like a separate world.
Five Dragon Pool
Composed of five connected deep pools, the water is so clear that the bottom is visible, and the color changes with depth from light green to dark green. On the rock walls beside the pools are naturally formed dragon-shaped textures that are remarkably lifelike.
Tour Route：
Recommended tour route: Scenic area entrance → take the sightseeing bus to the canyon entrance → Water Flowing Uphill → Heavenly Stele → Flying Dragon Waterfall → One-Line Sky → Five Dragon Pool → Immortal's Footprint → return. The entire route is a loop, so you do not have to retrace your steps.
Tour Suggestions：
It is recommended to wear non-slip sports shoes, as some sections are quite slippery.
In summer, pay attention to sun protection and carry enough drinking water.
Photography enthusiasts may bring wide-angle lenses and tripods.
The temperature difference inside the canyon is relatively large, so bring a thin jacket.
Avoid visiting during the rainy season (July-August) to prevent sudden flash floods.
It can be combined with the nearby Dimei Mountain Scenic Area for a two-day trip.
Precautions：
Swimming and climbing rock walls are prohibited in the canyon.
Protect the ecological environment and do not litter.
Some sections are steep, and the elderly and children need to be accompanied.
Observe the scenic area's safety regulations and do not leave the tour trails.
In case of thunderstorms, evacuate the canyon as soon as possible.
The signal in the scenic area is weak, so inform family members of your itinerary in advance.
Transportation：
Self-driving: From the Zhengzhou direction, take the Lianhuo Expressway and exit at Xin'an Station, then drive north along Provincial Highway S246 for about 50 kilometers.
Bus: There are direct tourist shuttle buses to the scenic area from Luoyang Bus Station.
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to Luoyang Longmen Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus, which takes about 1.5 hours.
Airplane: The nearest airport is Luoyang Beijiao Airport, about 2 hours' drive from the scenic area.
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round. Opening hours are 7:30-17:30 (peak season) and 8:00-17:00 (off-season). A full tour takes about 3-4 hours. It is recommended to arrive in the morning.
Tickets：
Tickets are 80 yuan per person.