Sanmenxia, a weekend escape plan.

🌄 After being immersed in the hustle and bustle of the city for too long, there's always a longing for an impromptu trip to encounter different scenery and stories. Sanmenxia, a city in western Henan, is like a pearl treasured by time, exuding unique charm. Today, I'll share with you the most comprehensive travel guide to Sanmenxia📖 📍Location: Sanmenxia, Henan 🎈Best time to visit: Spring and autumn, from March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is particularly enchanting. Of course, if you want to see swans, winter from December to February is also a great choice❄️ 🚗Transportation: - External transport: You can take the high-speed rail🚄, as many cities have direct trains to Sanmenxia South Station, making it convenient and fast. - Local transport: Taxis🚕 are quite convenient, or you can take the bus to experience local life. You can also rent shared electric scooters🛵 to freely explore the city. 🌟Must-visit attractions: 1. Shanzhou Underground Courtyard - Why visit: Unique sunken cave dwellings with the fascinating phenomenon of "seeing trees but not the village, seeing the village but not the houses, hearing voices but not seeing people." Here, you can experience ancient western Henan folk culture and appreciate the wisdom and lifestyle of the ancients🧐 - Address: Beiying Village, Zhangbian Township, Shanzhou District, Sanmenxia 2. Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park - Why visit: Every autumn and winter, thousands of white swans migrate from Siberia to inhabit the lake. The picturesque scenery of the lake and sky with the pure white swans makes it a paradise for photography enthusiasts🦢 - Address: 310 National Highway, Shanzhou District, Sanmenxia 3. Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Area - Why visit: This was a crucial ancient thoroughfare to Chang'an in the west and Luoyang in the east, with profound historical and cultural significance as a strategic military location. It was here that Laozi wrote the "Tao Te Ching," imbuing the area with a mysterious historical aura📿 - Address: Wangduo Village, Hangu Pass Town, Lingbao City, Sanmenxia 4. Sanmenxia Dam - Why visit: The first large-scale hydroelectric project built on the Yellow River after the founding of New China, it is majestic and grand. Standing on the dam and overlooking the rushing Yellow River, you can feel the power of nature and the greatness of human engineering💪 - Address: No. 14, East Section of Xiaoshan East Road, Hubin District, Sanmenxia 5. Yellow River Park - Why visit: Built along the Yellow River, strolling through the park offers views of the mighty river on one side and lush greenery on the other. You can experience the charm of the Mother River up close and admire the unique Yellow River landscape🌊 - Address: Liufeng North Road, Hubin District, Sanmenxia 6. Yangshao Culture Museum - Why visit: The museum displays a large number of artifacts from the Yangshao Culture period, such as exquisite painted pottery. For history and archaeology enthusiasts, it's a cultural feast that transcends time🗿 - Address: Yangshao Street, Mianchi County, Sanmenxia 7. Western Henan Grand Canyon - Why visit: The canyon features high waterfalls, babbling streams, and stunning scenery. In summer, you can also experience thrilling rafting, perfect for families and couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 - Address: Xinping Village, Guandaokou Town, Lushi County, Sanmenxia 8. Ganshan Forest Park - Why visit: With high forest coverage and rich vegetation, the park boasts dense forests, clear streams, and spectacular waterfalls. The fresh air makes it a natural oxygen bar, where you can fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature🌳 - Address: Yaodian Forest Farm, Shanzhou District, Sanmenxia 🗺️My itinerary: Day 1: Arrive in Sanmenxia → Enjoy local delicacies (such as lamb paste cake, water flower Buddha's hand sugar cake, etc.) → Shanzhou Underground Courtyard (experience unique dwellings and folk culture) Day 2: Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park (observe white swans) → Yellow River Park (stroll and enjoy the scenery) → Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Area (explore historical sites) Day 3: Sanmenxia Dam (appreciate the marvel of hydroengineering) → Yangshao Culture Museum (learn about ancient culture) Day 4: Western Henan Grand Canyon (explore the canyon and experience rafting) → Return 📌Practical tips: - Book attraction tickets online in advance for possible discounts. - Keep quiet at Swan Lake to avoid disturbing the swans. - Bring a change of clothes and waterproof bags for rafting in Western Henan Grand Canyon. - Sanmenxia offers many delicacies, including Guanyintang beef and Dayang fried dough twists—don’t miss the chance to try them😋 The beauty of Sanmenxia lies in the intertwining of nature and culture, history and modernity. Every landscape is like a poem, and every story is like a song. I hope this guide helps you embark on a wonderful journey to Sanmenxia🎊