The Baligou Scenic Area is located in the northwest of Huixian City, Xinxiang City, Henan Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and an important part of the South Taihang Mountain tourism area. The scenic area covers a total area of 42 square kilometers, with an altitude ranging from 300 to 1,700 meters. It is known for its "majestic, strange, steep, and beautiful" features, integrating mountain and water landscapes, geological wonders, and cultural landscapes, and is praised as the "Soul of Taihang, Backbone of China."
Historical Culture
Baligou has a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is an important part of Baixing, one of the ancient "Eight Passes of Taihang," and has been an important route connecting Shanxi and the Central Plains since ancient times. Ancient road relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties are preserved in the scenic area, witnessing ancient commercial travel and military activities.
Baligou is also one of the important birthplaces of Taoist culture. It is said that Laozi once lectured and preached here. Taoist relics such as Laojun Cave and Yuhuang Palace in the scenic area reflect the long-standing Taoist cultural tradition. In addition, the local area also preserves rich folk legends and folk culture.
Main Attractions
Tianhe Waterfall
The landmark landscape of Baligou, with a waterfall drop of 180 meters, making it one of the largest waterfalls in North China. The waterfall pours down from the cliff with great momentum, especially spectacular when the water volume is abundant in the rainy season. A deep pool forms below the waterfall, and the water is crystal clear.
Hongshi River
An approximately 8-kilometer-long canyon stream, named after the red color of the riverbed rocks. The water is clear, and steep peaks stand on both sides with dense vegetation, forming a beautiful landscape of "water flowing over stones, people traveling within a painting." There are multiple pools of varying depths along the way, making it an ideal place for summer cooling and playing in the water.
Yixiantian
A typical canyon landform landscape, with steep cliffs rising on both sides. The narrowest point only allows one person to pass sideways. The canyon is about 200 meters long and about 100 meters high. Looking up, only a strip of sky is visible, hence the name "Yixiantian" (One-Line Sky). The canyon is cool and quiet inside, making it a good place for geological investigation and exploration.
Yuhuang Palace
A Taoist architectural complex located at the highest point of the scenic area, first built in the Ming Dynasty. The buildings are constructed along the mountain, magnificent in scale, and enshrine Taoist deities such as the Jade Emperor. From here, visitors can overlook the entire Baligou Scenic Area, with a broad field of vision and magnificent scenery.
Tour Routes：
Recommended one-day tour route: In the morning, take the sightseeing bus to the Hongshi River Scenic Area and visit attractions such as Hongshi River and Yixiantian; have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant in the scenic area at noon; in the afternoon, go to Tianhe Waterfall to enjoy the spectacular waterfall landscape; finally, climb to Yuhuang Palace to overlook the panorama. Visitors with sufficient time can stay overnight in the scenic area to experience the night view and morning view of the Taihang Mountains.
Tour Suggestions：
It is recommended to wear non-slip hiking shoes, as some sections are relatively slippery.
Pay attention to sun protection in summer and cold protection in winter.
The walking distance in the scenic area is relatively long, so reasonably allocate your energy.
The waterfall is more spectacular in the rainy season, but pay attention to safety.
Reserve at least 5-6 hours for sightseeing; for in-depth tours, 1-2 days are recommended.
Precautions：
Mountain weather is changeable; please pay attention to the weather forecast in advance.
The area near the waterfall is slippery; please do not approach dangerous areas.
Protect the environment; please do not litter.
Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area; please observe fire prevention regulations.
Take good care of personal belongings, especially in crowded places.
Respect local religious customs and visit Taoist sites in a civilized manner.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from the urban area of Xinxiang, drive north along the Jinxin Expressway for about 60 kilometers, exit the expressway at Huixian, and follow the signs for about 30 minutes to arrive.
Bus: Take the Xinxiang-to-Baligou tourist shuttle bus at Xinxiang East Bus Station, which goes directly to the scenic area.
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to Xinxiang East Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the scenic area (about 70 kilometers).
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round. Daily opening hours are 7:30-17:30 (peak season) and 8:00-17:00 (off-season). Ticket sales stop 1 hour before closing time for attractions within the scenic area.
Tickets：
Ticket 160 yuan/person (including the shuttle bus within the scenic area).