I've been to Red River Valley Forest Park three times, and I finally figured it out.

📍 Location: Yingtou Town, Meixian County, Baoji City, Shaanxi Province (1.5 hours' drive from Xi'an) 🎫 Tickets: ¥54/person (returning to original price from April 1, 2025), half price for students/seniors, free for children under 1.2m 🚗 Transportation: • By car: Lianhuo Expressway Meixian Exit → along National Highway 310 to Hedipu → follow the signs for 15 minutes • Public transportation: Xi'an West Bus Station/Baoji West Station → Meixian Bus Station → transfer to bus No. 202 directly to the scenic area 🌟 Must-see attractions: 1️⃣ Doumu Waterfall: An 80-meter waterfall group, magnificent in the rainy season, non-slip shoes recommended for hiking 2️⃣ Red River Cliffs: The crimson cliffs glow like flames at sunset, a unique Danxia landform of the Qinling Mountains 3️⃣ Lingyun Plank Road: A suspended glass walkway overlooking the sea of clouds and the primeval forest, not for the faint of heart 4️⃣ Panlong Bay: A babbling brook, suitable for families to play in the water, cool water temperature in summer 📸 Photography Tips: • Use a wide-angle lens for panoramic shots of Doumu Waterfall, dark clothing looks better in photos • Red River Cliffs are best photographed between 4-5 pm for soft lighting and vibrant Danxia colors • Avoid harsh midday light on Lingyun Plank Road, use clouds and mist to create a sense of mystery ⏰ Best time to visit: • May-October: Summer escape (average daily temperature 20°C), autumn foliage (mid-to-late October) • Winter: Some sections are closed, you can see ice waterfalls (check with the scenic area in advance) ⚠️ Important notes: 1. Large temperature difference within the scenic area, bring a jacket (altitude above 2000 meters) 2. Hiking routes are long, wear non-slip shoes and bring snacks and water 3. No open flames allowed, some areas are closed during the forest fire prevention period (November-March of the following year) 4. Round-trip sightseeing bus ¥45, private cars can enter the scenic area (parking fee ¥10/vehicle) 🍜 Food nearby: • Meixian Lu Chi Noodles: Chewy noodles with spicy and sour sauce, recommended at farmhouses outside the scenic area • Gan Mian Pi: A representative snack of Guanzhong, best enjoyed with Bingfeng soda • Wild mushroom stewed chicken: Available in restaurants within the scenic area, fresh ingredients 🏡 Accommodation recommendations: • Red River Valley Resort: Inside the scenic area, easy walking distance to attractions, standard rooms around ¥300/night • Taibai Mountain Hot Spring Hotel: 20 minutes' drive from the scenic area, soak in hot springs to relieve fatigue (recommended: Phoenix Hot Spring) 🎒 Packing list: • Sunscreen, sunglasses, mosquito repellent • Waterproof phone case (waterfall area can get wet) • Trekking poles (optional, some sections are steep) 💡 Itinerary suggestions: • One-day trip: Depart from Xi'an → visit Panlong Bay in the morning → lunch at the scenic area restaurant → climb Lingyun Plank Road in the afternoon → visit Doumu Waterfall before returning • Two-day trip: Visit Red River Valley on the first day, drive 15 minutes to Taibai Mountain on the second day, climb to the summit of Batianshan to see the sea of clouds 📌 Bonus: You might encounter wild squirrels in the scenic area, remember to take photos quietly!