Jiulian Mountain Tourist Area, a national 4A-level scenic area and the essence of the Southern Taihang Mountains, is named for its nine peaks resembling lotus flowers and is also known as "Little Western Paradise." It is adjacent to Baligou Valley.
Address: Songshuping Village, Shangbali Town, Huixian City, Xinxiang City, Henan Province
History and Landform: Typical Southern Taihang canyon + red rock cliffs, with nine peaks connected like a lotus flower; includes Xilian Gorge, Guanhou Grand Canyon, and Hongyan Grand Canyon; Xilian Temple, Donglian Temple, and Houjing Palace coexist Buddhist and Taoist sites, with rich folk beliefs; a 999-step sky ladder and a cliffside sightseeing elevator coexist.
Positioning: Mountain and water sightseeing + folk beliefs + hiking adventure; best viewed in summer when water volume is high and waterfalls are spectacular.
Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Xilian Gorge & Tianhu Waterfall: Deep valleys and interconnected pools; Tianhu Waterfall boasts a large drop and a thunderous roar; Jiulian Pool has crystal-clear water, perfect for photos.
2. 999-Step Heavenly Ladder & Sightseeing Elevator: The Heavenly Ladder winds along the cliff face, a physical challenge; the elevator costs 30 yuan one way/50 yuan round trip, ideal for those who prefer a less strenuous experience; reaching the top leads directly to Jiulian Terrace.
3. Xilian Temple (Xiaoxitian): A cluster of ancient temples on a cliff, popular with worshippers, offering panoramic views of the lotus-shaped peaks; exhibits related to folk beliefs are also available.
4. Xiaoxitian Folk Custom Area: Donglian Temple and Houjing Palace, with over 40 halls, a rare concentration of female folk deities in northern China.
5. Guanhou Grand Canyon: A pristine canyon inhabited by macaques, ideal for hiking and outdoor photography.
Suggested Itineraries:
1. Lazy Person's Route: Entrance → Sightseeing Bus → Xilian Gorge → Tianhu Waterfall → Elevator to Jiulian Terrace → Xilian Temple → Plank Road → Return Trip
2. Hiking Route: Entrance → Xilian Gorge → Jiulian Pool → Climb the 999-meter Ladder → Jiulian Terrace → Xilian Temple → Guanhougou → Exit the Scenic Area
3. Best Time to Visit: 9-11 AM for optimal lighting and photography; also beautiful in summer for escaping the heat and in autumn for viewing the red leaves.