The Grand Canyon of China - Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon - the most spectacular and unforgettable excursion on Our China Trip

As we travelled around in China, we discovered many fantastic beautiful places to visit. The Taihang Grand Canyon was one of these stunning places. Travelling during the Chinese New Year, we couldn’t get the fast train tickets, therefore we took the regular train which was slower but much cheaper. At merely 16 yuans, we were able to travel from Zhengzhou to Anyang. We spent our first full day in Anyang. There were quite a few places to see in this important city as it was an old capital. But being limited by how short our stay was in this ancient city, we had to pick and choose what we really wanted to visit. Both my husband and J. wanted to see the grand canyon but I was reluctant at first. I was glad that I went along with their decision as it turned out to be the most breathtaking site we have visited on this trip in China!

We went to the bus station in Anyang trying to take a bus to Linzhou about a 30 minute ride. But we were met by a taxi driver who was willing to take us there for 50 yuans. Once when we got to Linzhou, we decided to hire him for the whole day for 180 yuans. He took us to the canyon and dropped us off at the main gate. From there we had to purchase a 80 yuan transportation ticket each, plus an entrance fee for J. Our admission was free!

The shuttle bus dropped us to the closest train and we hiked the entire trail at our own time. We paused, took pictures and were awed every step of the way as we went higher and higher up into the mountain. Wow, wow, wow! It was an incredible sight! We went to the Grand Canyon in Arizona and experienced the grandour of the Grand Canyon but this canyon was different. Not only were we surrounded by high mountains all around, there were springs of water everywhere we turned. The trails we hiked on the Taihang Grand Canyon could rival the Grand Cayon in the United States.

As we were there during the winter, there were not too many tourists and we experienced another side of the Taihang Canyon which few tourists would have. The temperature that day was hovering around -5,and the numerous springs had been turned into gigantic ice popsicles or balls of snow forming clusters clinging to the edges of the mountains. It was a marvelous sight and we were speechless at mother nature’s beauty!

With icecles overhanging from the edges of the cliffs and the cave, frozen ponds etc. The scenery was spectacular! At every turn of the trail there was something different to discover- a cave, a half frozen pond, a frozen fall with icicles, falls with water still cascading down the cliffs,

trees draped with snow formed into different shapes, a lookout place, stone benches for hikers to rest their tired feet and to admire the pictureque scenery, special and fun sculptures, floral archways and scenic spots for people to take pictures to their hearts' content.

Off course, there were small booths with vendors selling hot teas, nestle coffee, snacks and souvenirs to satisfy the hikers' thirst, hunger and needs. We arrived to the canyon shortly after 230 pm and by the time we arrived at the finishing point where the shuttle bus was waiting for us, it was about 530pm.

The 3 hour hike flew by in no time because we enjoyed the breathtaking sight so much. We forgot our tiredness and our sore muscles as we were overwhelmed by this out of the world natural beauty.

It was an unforgettable excursion, a trip of a lifetime! We were glad that we came on our own to explore this amazing canyon! If we had come with a tour group we would not have been able to take our time and explore this manificent natural wonder which Mother Nature has gifted to China.

We went to a vegetarian restaurant to try out some veggie dishes. It was interesting to observe some senior folks started coming in and lining up for some free dinners as the restaurant was closing. What a good idea to give out free dinners near the closing time so that all the leftover buffet food would not go to waste!

We had a fantastic day and a memorable dinner with our loved ones, thanks to God’s provision and to Y’S planning. We thank God that we were able to enjoy this place fully by giving us the health, strength and time! We were so blessed to have experienced the beauty of God's handiwork on this trip! This is one place one must visit if you are in the Anyang / Linzhou area. RT - Taihang Grand Canyon Linzhou, China 022025