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Longtan Village, Shijing Town, Xin'an County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, China
An ideal site to admire the natural beauty and get fresh air near Luoyang
Longtan Grand Canyon is located on Huludao Island, in north of Xin'an County. It is about 60 km away from Luoyang City, which is a major city in Henan Province. Luoyang was an ancient capital for thirteen dynasties. Major cities connected to Luoyang Airport by direct flights include Shanghai, Beijing Guangzhou and Hong Kong. The landscape of it is dominated typical red rock gorge geological scenery. It enjoys the reputation of "The No.1 Valley of Narrow Gorges in China".
Longtan Grand Canyon was upgraded to an AAAAA national scenic area of China in January 2013.The administration of the scenic area introduced a series of promotional policies to celebrate the occasion. The scenic area was opened free of charge on March 4 and received more than 10,000 visitors.
Longtan Grand Canyon is an important part of Dai Mei Mountain World Geopark in Luoyang. It is a U-shaped valley marked by a stripe of purplish red quartz sandstone and typical red rock geological landscape. The whole canyon has a length of about 12 kilometers. This canyon has gone through 1.2 billion years of geologic sedimentation and 260 years of water erosion. This place forms a couple of valleys that has different shapes and different landscape, which is quite unique in the world. In June and July, the temperature inside the scenic spot is lower than the outside places by 3-6 degrees. So it is cooler than outside area would be the first choice for summer travel for you. In addition, its steep cliffs, lush vegetation and jagged valley attract sightseers from all over China.
Longtan Grand Canyon is form by1.2 billion years of geologic sedimentation and 260 years of erosion of water, wind and rain when the purple quartz sandstone is in the process of crustal movement. In the canyon, movement traces of geology can be seen everywhere, which make it seem that the majestic process of crustal movement is replaying here. The landscape of this place is mainly with topography of canyon, water landscape, along mainly with to geological sections and geological sites. It is also supplemented with ecological and cultural views, being a unique geological museum in China. In Hongshi Valley in Longtan Grand Canyon, this place is distributed with a large number of collapse boulders. On the surface of boulders, visitors can see that there are different types of ripples. Some of them are similar with fingerprints. So it is also know as "Natural Ripples Museum" in China.
Wulong Pool (五龙潭)
The Wulong Waterfall plunges from a cliff on the southern bank into a deep pool, serving as the source of the Wulong Pool. On normal days, the high waterfall cascades gracefully into the deep green pool, forming a picturesque curtain of water against the striking red cliffs. During the rainy season, roaring torrents surge downward with thunderous force, echoing through the valley like the roar of tigers and the cry of dragons.
Dragon Gate (龙门)
After visiting the Wulong Pool, continue along the narrow plank road on the right side. The path is built on the cliff and can be steep, so visitors should hold onto the railings for safety. Once this section is passed, the trail becomes gentler, leading to the Dragon Gate Tunnel. This tunnel resembles a time passageway, taking visitors back 1.2 billion years into the ancient world. As you pass through, you can marvel at the sedimentary formations of ancient beaches and the spectacular canyon landscapes.
Heilong Pass and Heilong Pool (黑龙关、黑龙潭)
Here the gorge is at its narrowest, with sheer cliffs standing upright on both sides and a width of only 1–3 meters. Looking up, only a strip of sky can be seen. At the bottom, water has accumulated into a deep pool of 4–5 meters. Because of the narrow valley, little sunlight reaches the water, giving it a dark, mysterious color—hence the names Heilong Pass and Heilong Pool.
Yin-Yang Pool (阴阳潭)
This natural wonder consists of two connected pools shaped like a gourd. The larger lower pool, exposed to more sunlight, sparkles in bright ripples and is called the Yang Pool. The smaller upper pool, nestled in a narrower section of the gorge with little sunlight, appears darker and is called the Yin Pool. Both are potholes formed by water erosion.
Stone Niche (石龛)
Suspended on a cliff about 10 meters above the canyon floor lies a natural stone cave. The niche is about 12 meters high, narrow at the top (around 5 meters wide), and broad in the middle (15 meters wide). Inside, crabapple trees grow, while the smooth cave walls reveal its geological origins. It was once a half-pothole left behind by the uplifting of mountains and cutting of water flow. What makes these niches special is their smooth, rounded, crimson-colored surfaces—rarely found elsewhere in the world.
Water Flowing Upward (水往高处流)
In this peculiar spot, water appears to flow uphill. Though against the natural principle of water flowing downward, the phenomenon is likely caused by nearly horizontal rock layers creating an optical illusion. Regardless of the scientific explanation, it is a sight that amazes and puzzles visitors.
Buddha Light and Arhat Cliff (佛光罗汉崖)
Looking across the cliff wall, rows of rock formations resemble hundreds of arhats (disciples of Buddha) arranged in seven layers, with over 500 figures in total. To the right, a rock resembles the Buddha himself, while to the left, a crevice reveals a figure like the Goddess of Mercy. Together, they form a grand natural “assembly.” The rock columns were shaped by vertical joints in quartz-rich sandstone and weathered into rounded arhat-like figures—a unique spiritual and geological sight.
Five-Era Ripple Rock (五代波痕石)
On the surface of this rock, five different types of ripple marks can be seen, each formed in different geological eras. These wave-like patterns were preserved in sediment layers under the influence of wind or water currents. Changes in the depositional environment, such as direction of wind, water flow, and shorelines, left distinct ripple shapes that provide valuable information for studying sedimentary structures.
Heavenly Stele (天碑)
Two massive purplish-red slabs of rock rise majestically beside the Qing River. The smaller one is about 40 meters tall, while the larger soars over 50 meters. Their grandeur and upright stance earned them the name “Heavenly Stele.” Depending on the viewing angle, the rocks resemble an eagle, a bird, a sailboat, a knife’s back, or even a carp. Each step offers a new perspective, showcasing the artistry of nature.
Hidden Paradise of Heavenly Lake (天池秘境)
On the return route lies Longshan Heavenly Lake, one of the main water sources of the canyon. Covering 10 square kilometers with a depth of 20–30 meters, the fjord-like water stretches for 1 kilometer between towering red cliffs. Visitors can take a boat ride here, gliding across emerald waters while admiring the dramatic canyon walls and unique rock formations. It is a breathtaking scene often described as “sailing in a painting.”
Recommended Travel Routes
Suggested Route: After ticket inspection, take the sightseeing bus → Longshan Heavenly Lake → get off at Longyin Valley → hike through the canyon → exit the scenic area.
Alternative Route: Hike through the canyon → take the bus at Longyin Valley → visit Longshan Heavenly Lake → exit the scenic area.
Admission Ticket: CNY 80 per person
Sightseeing Bus: CNY 20 per seat (free for children under 1.2m)
Heavenly Lake Boat Ride: CNY 50 per person (free for children under 1.2m)
Discounted Packages:
Note: Prices may change due to market adjustments. Please check the latest official announcement before visiting.
From $ 300
From $ 1613
From $ 1790
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