Xin'an Longtan Grand Canyon - The Secret of Red Rocks 1.2 Billion Years Ago

1. Basic Information Overview • Scenic spot positioning: National 5A-level scenic spot, World Geopark, famous for its red rock ravine group landforms. • Address: Longtangou Village, Shijing Town, Xin'an County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, about 1.5 hours' drive from Luoyang City. • Opening hours: ◦ Summer time: 07:00-17:30 (admission ends at 16:00) ◦ Winter time: 08:30-16:00 (last admission at 15:00). • Ticket Policy: ◦ Adult ticket: 80 yuan/person, half-price ticket: 40 yuan/person (students and seniors over 60 years old can enjoy discounts with ID) ◦ Free admission for children under 12, active military personnel, firefighters, and people with disabilities. 2. Top 6 must-see attractions 1. Water flows upwards ◦ Analysis of the wonder: Due to the visual error caused by the refraction of light and the difference in terrain, the water flow appears to be flowing upstream, which can be regarded as a living textbook of geological science. ◦ Shooting tips: The light is best at noon on a sunny day. Use a wide-angle lens to highlight the contrast between the water ripples and the rock walls. 2. Silver Chain Waterfall ◦ Features: A vertical waterfall with a drop of 120 meters. When the water is abundant in the rainy season, it pours down like the Milky Way. On sunny days, a rainbow can be seen across the canyon. ◦ Best camera position: The viewing platform on the east side of the waterfall. The photos are more transparent in the afternoon when the light is shining. 3. Five Dynasties Ripple Stone ◦ Geological code: The same rock layer retains wave textures from five different periods, recording the earth's changes. ◦ Interactive gameplay: Touch the depressions of the ripples to feel the force of the water flow 1.6 billion years ago. 4. Foguang Arhat Cliff ◦ Mysterious landscape: The cliff walls are layered like a line of arhats, and the natural stone Buddha on the right and the Guanyin rock on the left form the "Buddha's light shining everywhere" wonder. ◦ Legend: It is said that this place was a place where eminent monks in the Tang Dynasty practiced Buddhism, and is suitable for praying and taking photos. 5. Black Dragon Gorge ◦ Adventure highlights: The narrowest part of the canyon is only 1 meter wide, with cliffs on both sides as sharp as knives. It is cool and deep in summer, and red leaves cover the walls in autumn. ◦ Safety tips: It is slippery on rainy days, so you need to hold on to the guardrails and walk slowly. 6. The Wonder of the Heavenly Monument ◦ Geological wonder: The 50-meter-high red cliffs are like a flying monument from the sky. From a distance, they look like sails, and from close up, they look like knife blades, with endless changes of light and shadow. ◦ Photography skills: Shoot from above with a wide angle, using the vegetation on the top of the cliff as the foreground. 3. Tour route planning • Route: Scenic area entrance → sightseeing bus → Tianchi Secret Realm (cruise boat) → water flows to higher places → Wulongtan → Immortal Footprints → return trip • Highlights: Cruise on the blue water, learn geological knowledge for parents and children, and the whole journey is smooth with no uphill climbs. 4. Practical Tips 1. Transportation Guide ◦ Self-driving: Navigate to "Longtan Grand Canyon Parking Lot", parking lot No. 1 is the closest and costs 10 yuan/day. ◦ Public transportation: Take the "Luoyang-Xin'an" bus from Luoyang Bus Station and transfer to the scenic area through bus (about 1 hour). 2. Equipment List ◦ Essentials: non-slip hiking shoes (some sections of the trail are covered with moss), sunscreen (SPF50+), and a sun hat. ◦ Recommended: portable tripod (for long exposure photos of waterfalls), waterproof phone case (for use in wading areas). 3. Food and Safety ◦ Food and Beverage: There are only simple meals in the scenic area (instant noodles 15 yuan/bucket), it is recommended to bring your own dry food; there is a farmhouse at the exit, and the "Yellow River Carp" farmhouse banquet is recommended. ◦ Safety: In areas such as Heilong Gorge and Tongling Lane Valley, you must follow the instructions of the safety officer and are prohibited from climbing over the guardrails. 4. Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls ◦ Drone flight restrictions: Drones are prohibited from flying in the area around the Silver Chain Guatian Waterfall. Please check the no-fly zone map in advance. ◦ Cash preparation: Some stores only accept cash payments. It is recommended to prepare 50-100 yuan. 5. Season-limited gameplay • Spring (April-May): Wild cherry blossoms are in full bloom in the canyon, and you can take photos of the "Cherry Blossoms Reflected in Red Rocks" series along the trail. • Summer (June-August): Night tours are open until 21:00, and the lights make the waterfalls look like falling stars. • Autumn (September-October): Red leaves fill the valley. We recommend checking in at the Yinyangtan Red Leaf Plank Road. • Winter (December-February): The icefall is a spectacle, and the ice hangings on Heilongtan are crystal clear, so you need to wear crampons to prevent slipping.