Longtan Canyon, Henan, China

5SJJ 5:00 PM Sep 7, 2014

Beautiful scenery.. ..
I've lived near Longtan for nearly 4 years, but have never visited. I have seen so many mountains etc throughout China that I thought it would be the same as the rest. My wife dragged me along so I somewhat reluctantly agreed, I'm glad I did! The valley, carved by water over time, is amazing. To reach the valley I would suggest taking the bus up the mountain, unless you're feeling energetic, as it's a 7km hike. As we had small children in tow the bus was the best option. You will be dropped off at the top where , if you're feeling brave enough you can have a go on the zip wire or walk across a very high rope bridge. The kids and I tried the zip wire which was good fun. From there you can begin your walk down the valley along the designated paths, it will take maybe 3 hours to reach the exit, but the time will fly as you take in the beautiful scenery. On a side note, We visited on a very hot day, but don't worry as the valley is shaded so it's very cool as you make your way out and there are many small shops to buy water etc.

5mattodowd 5:00 PM Sep 18, 2016

Beautifully peaceful
I would thoroughly recommend this place if you are in or around Luoyang. The scenery is amazing, especially when it is sunny and there are several activities which you can do on the way round, like obstacle courses (free) and archery (20 RMB). It is a very nice place to go for a paddle too, so bring appropriate footwear (although do bear in mind that there is a fair bit of walking involved too). It isn't really a circular walk, it is more or less one-way to the Longtan Great Falls (龙潭大瀑布）, then a walk back. You can take a shuttle car one way if you like (catch it about 300m past the entrance). Personally I feel that the scenery is better if you walk upwards towards the Longtan Great Falls, compared to if you walk down (so if you want to take the shuttle car one way, then walk up and take the shuttle down). I went as a solo traveller, and 3.5 hours was enough. Although if you are with friends or family and want to do more of the activities and have a good paddle, I`d recommend about 5 hours. Entry cost me 85 RMB (although I think it is usually 90 RMB), half price for students. You can catch a bus here at 9am every day from the Luoyang Coach Station (洛阳汽车站）, which is diagonally opposite the train station (don`t get it confused with the Luoyang Jinyuan Coach station (洛阳锦远汽车站), which is next to the train station). It cost 20 RMB each way and took about 2 hours. Make sure you buy the ticket from the official ticket windows, ignoring all of the unofficial "travel agencies" who gather outside. Ask for a ticket to 龙潭峡, longtan xia (which is the Longtan Valley). You can only buy a single ticket there - you buy the return ticket when you get on the bus to come back. The coach station is a bit chaotic - I had to ask several times before I found the right bus. The return bus is at 3:30pm from the car park, although I think the driver has some flexibility about when he leaves, so make sure you check with him in advance. Make sure you get there at least 30 mins early for the return bus, otherwise there might not be any seats left (it is a long journey to be standing!). There are places to eat just outside the entrance to the valley, and you can buy snacks inside at very reasonable prices. Make sure you have enough cash though, as there are no places to withdraw money nearby. Name in Chinese: 龙潭大峡谷