Overview

A cool-season two-day private trek through the Southern Taihang Mountains, following hidden waterfall gorges and stone canyons above the Henan plains, with a night in a mountain farmhouse.

About This Tour

Escape the summer heat on this two-day private hiking trip into the Southern Taihang Mountains around Linzhou in Henan, one of northern China's most dramatic ranges of sheer cliffs, hanging valleys and clear mountain streams. With your own English-speaking guide and private vehicle, you trek the Thousand Waterfalls Gorge (Qianpu Gou), wading and scrambling up a cool stream lined with cascades and rock pools, then spend the night in a simple mountain farmhouse where the air turns crisp and mist clings to the slopes. The second day follows the Stone Slab Gorge (Shiban Gou) along winding cliff trails past temples, ladder paths and panoramic ridgelines high above the plains. This is an active nature trip for travellers who enjoy real walking, river scenery and rural village life rather than crowded scenic spots. The Taihang range is famous in China for its vertical red-rock cliffs and the engineering feat of the nearby Red Flag Canal. Best from late spring through early autumn, when the streams run full and the gorges stay cool. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: late spring to early autumn for full streams and cool gorges • Fitness level: moderate; involves several hours of walking and stream wading each day • Bring water shoes or trekking shoes that can get wet, plus a change of clothes • Mountain accommodation is basic farmhouse-style, not a hotel • Trails can be slippery; sure footing required

Itinerary

Day 1: Linzhou | Thousand Waterfalls Gorge Stream Trek

Depart in the morning by private vehicle from the Zhengzhou area and drive into the Southern Taihang Mountains near Linzhou, reaching the Huaguo mountain farmhouse base around midday for a country lunch. In the early afternoon you change into water shoes and enter the Thousand Waterfalls Gorge (Qianpu Gou), wading and scrambling upstream through a shaded canyon of cascades, clear pools and smooth boulders, your guide setting the pace and pointing out the safest line through the water. The gorge stays cool even in high summer, making it a classic local heat-escape route. After several hours in the stream you return to the farmhouse, where the evening brings a simple home-cooked dinner and a quiet night high in the mountains. Meals: L, D. Overnight: mountain farmhouse.

Day 2: Stone Slab Gorge Cliff Trek | Return to Zhengzhou

Wake to mist on the slopes and a hearty farmhouse breakfast of corn porridge, steamed buns, pickles and eggs. Around 08:30 transfer about an hour to the trailhead at Chafanzhuang village, the gateway to the Stone Slab Gorge (Shiban Gou), driving a winding cliffside road with sweeping mountain views. The day's hike follows stone-slab paths and ladder sections up through the gorge, passing the small Xueguang Temple and the Monkey Ladder and Luohan Ladder rock stairways, with ridgeline viewpoints opening over the Henan plains far below. After completing the trek and a final mountain lunch, your private vehicle returns you to Zhengzhou in the late afternoon, where the trip concludes. Meals: B, L. Overnight: trip ends.

What's Included

✓ Included

English-speaking guide Private vehicle & transfers 1 night mountain farmhouse accommodation Listed entrance tickets Farmhouse breakfast and meals as specified Stream-trekking guidance

✕ Not included

International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance Personal expenses Tips Optional or self-paid items

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

4.5★★★★★Based on 188 reviews

Marco E.🇮🇳 India★★★★★2025-02

For us, what stayed with me wasn't the booking or the car. It was the time at the trail, when we could slow down and actually look around. For 2 days around Southern Taihang Canyons, the pace felt about right.

Laura Z.🇪🇸 Spain★★★★☆2025-05

Practically speaking, the route was explained before we set out, including the parts that would take more effort. I prefer that to discovering the hard section halfway up. For this itinerary, the number of stops was enough.

Elena O.🇳🇿 New Zealand★★★★★2024-12

Expect uneven ground and a few sections where conversation stops because everyone is concentrating on their feet. The views near the trail repay the effort. I would keep the Southern Taihang Canyons outline as it was.

Henrik P.🇿🇦 South Africa★★★★☆2025-07

Honestly, this wasn't a “see everything” tour, and that was a strength. The time around Southern Taihang Canyons felt specific to Southern Taihang Canyons, not interchangeable with another city.

Southern Taihang Canyons: A 2-Day Waterfall & Stone-Gorge Trek near Linzhou