Jiaozuo Hongshixia: An Encounter of Geological Wonders and Natural Charm
“After being trapped in a cage for a long time, I finally return to nature.” When the hustle and bustle of city life and daily trivialities exhaust me physically and mentally, an impromptu trip becomes the perfect remedy for the soul. This time, I set off on a journey to Jiaozuo Hongshixia to explore the geological wonders and natural charm hidden within the Taihang Mountains.
Entering the Scenic Area: Starting the Geological Exploration
In the early morning, with sunlight warming my body, I arrived at the Hongshixia Scenic Area full of anticipation. As soon as I got off the car, a breath of fresh air greeted me, mixed with the fragrance of soil and trees, instantly refreshing my mind. Looking up, the rolling mountains appeared especially magnificent against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. At the entrance, an introduction to Hongshixia gave me a preliminary understanding of this magical land. It turns out that Hongshixia belongs to the Danxia landform, with valley rocks mostly rust-red, featuring deep ravines and steep cliffs. This unique landscape is due to its rich iron content and intense erosion and cutting of the mountains, forming a typical structural erosion landform.
Upon entering, the first thing that caught my eye was an ordinary entrance bridge. Standing on the bridge, I heard the roaring sound of water. Looking down, the stream flowed on the right side of the bridge, while the left side was a dry riverbed, which puzzled me. After the guide’s explanation, I realized that there is an underground river beneath the bridge. The pool water neither increases nor flows out, and the underground river’s outlet is at Haichang Palace, 30 li away. Li Daoyuan’s “Commentary on the Water Classic” also records “the underground stream reemerges after 30 li,” which is truly astonishing.
Strolling Through the Canyon: Enjoying the Geological Poetic Gallery
Walking along the man-made path carved under the cliff, some parts of the passage were so narrow that only one person could pass at a time. It is said that this passage is two kilometers long. Outside the canyon, the sun was scorching, but inside it was cool, as if two different worlds. I walked slowly with the crowd, and the scenery before me was strange and beautiful. The rocks here resembled dead wood, layered and stacked, formed by the ancient sea’s rising and falling, compressing to create the current shale. Sunlight filtered through the canyon’s crevices, casting mottled shadows on the red rocks, like a magnificent painting drawn by nature’s brush, making one marvel at nature’s craftsmanship.
Continuing forward, I arrived at Shoulong Pool. The pool water was crystal clear and jade green, like a huge emerald embedded in the canyon. The rocks by the pool took various shapes—some like coiled dragons, others like crouching tigers—vivid and lifelike, inspiring imaginations of the myths behind them. Water gushed from between the rocks, forming small waterfalls that splashed layers of water droplets, shimmering with colorful light under the sun, like sparkling pearls scattered on earth.
Encountering Waterfalls: Feeling the Majesty of Power
Following the plank road further, I reached Heilong Pool. The pool was deep and dark, its water black as if hiding countless secrets. On the cliff beside the pool, a waterfall cascaded down like the Milky Way falling from the heavens, majestic and overwhelming. The waterfall plunged into the pool, splashing huge sprays of water, creating a white mist that made one feel as if in a fairyland. Standing at the foot of the waterfall, feeling the water’s impact and the flying droplets, my heart was filled with awe, as if all worries and fatigue were swept away by this magnificent force.
Besides the Heilong Pool waterfall, Hongshixia has many small waterfalls. Some fall lightly like silver ribbons, others sparkle like pearl curtains, contrasting beautifully with the red rocks and green vegetation, forming poetic and picturesque scenes. I strolled along the stream, admiring these various waterfalls and feeling the magic and charm of nature.
Exploring the Stream: Experiencing the Lively Nature
The streams in Hongshixia crisscross, adding vitality and liveliness to this red canyon. The water flows between the red rocks, producing pleasant sounds like a beautiful symphony performed by nature. Following the stream, I noticed the pebbles clearly visible in the water, of various shapes—some like a red heart lying at the bottom, polished shiny by the water; some like swans spreading their wings ready to fly; some like puppies fighting over a bone; others like playful flatfish blowing bubbles.
Groups of tadpoles rested on big stones, as if holding a grand gathering. I cautiously tried to approach them, but they suddenly scattered without a trace, leaving behind a trail of joyful splashes. The stream was not very deep, so I couldn’t resist taking off my shoes and dipping my feet in the water, feeling the coolness and gentleness of the stream. The underwater plants and mud played along with my feet, making me feel a unique kind of fun.
Climbing to the Top: Overlooking the Magnificent Panorama
After some effort, I finally reached the top of the canyon. Standing on the summit, I overlooked the entire Hongshixia—rolling mountains, dense forests, clear streams, and spectacular waterfalls all in view. The winding red canyon stretches for dozens of kilometers, entirely red, as if a giant red dragon winding and coiling on the earth. The valley is more than ten meters wide, with steep valley walls dropping straight down like cut by a knife, dozens of meters deep, inspiring awe at nature’s grandeur and vastness.
Returning: Leaving with Beautiful Memories
As the sun set in the west, I left Hongshixia with reluctance. This trip allowed me to appreciate the wonders and beauty of nature and feel the unique charm of geological wonders. The mountains, waterfalls, streams, and rocks of Hongshixia left a deep impression on me, becoming a beautiful memory in my heart.
“Famous landscapes remain, and we revisit them.” Jiaozuo Hongshixia, this enchanting land, I will always remember your beauty. If I have the chance, I will definitely come again to experience your magic and charm once more!
1. Basic Information
1. Address: Inside Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area, Xiuwu County, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province.
2. Tickets: Included in the Yuntai Mountain pass. Peak season ticket 120 RMB + mandatory sightseeing bus 60 RMB (total 180 RMB), valid for 3 days; discounts available for students, seniors, etc. with valid ID; advance reservation on the official platform required, entry by ID card scanning.
3. Opening Hours: Peak season (March-November) 7:00-17:30; off-season (December-February) 8:00-17:00; fog forest hours 9:00-11:00, 15:00-17:00.
4. Best Seasons: April-May, September-October; July-August is the high water period with spectacular waterfalls, beware of heat; winter snow contrasts sharply with red rocks.
5. Suggested Arrival: Enter before 7:00 AM in peak season to avoid travel group crowds.
2. Transportation Guide
1. External Transport: High-speed train to Xiuwu West Station/Jiaozuo Station, then taxi about 40 minutes to Yuntai Mountain Baijiayan Visitor Center; self-driving navigation to “Yuntai Mountain Baijiayan Ecological Parking Lot,” parking fee 20 RMB/day.
2. Internal Transport: Use sightseeing bus ticket to take the park shuttle to Hongshixia Station, about 15 minutes directly to the entrance; no private cars allowed in the canyon area.
3. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Bailong Waterfall: 60 meters drop, misty spray, often rainbow on sunny days, a must-photograph spot at the entrance.
2. Yixiantian (One Line Sky): Narrowest part only a few meters wide, looking up reveals only a strip of sky, clear rock textures, cool and refreshing.
3. Xiangwen Stone: Two huge stones resembling an embrace, red rocks glow golden at sunset, perfect for couples’ photos.
4. Heilong Pool / Huanglong Pool: Emerald-like water contrasting sharply with red rock walls, great for wide-angle shots.
5. Zifang Lake: Canyon’s end, boat rides available (about 50 RMB/person) to enjoy lake and mountain views, or take a bus to the next destination.