It’s a visual feast at the Yuntai Shan Geopark

Steep, jagged cliffs parted by plunging valleys and accented with cascading waterfalls flowing down the edges into meandering rivers and calming pools. Surrounded by lush greenery that blanket the mountains, it creates one hell of a surrealistic picture.

Tucked away in Jiaozuo City in China’s Henan province is this little piece of heaven known as the Yuntaishan World Geopark – a hiker’s dream, a nature lover’s paradise and a photographer’s delight.

Be prepared to drink in breath-taking sights and embark on long periods of trekking at the Geopark. Yuntaishan’s landscape is unusually striking, with soaring cliffs juxtaposed with deep winding valleys and complemented with mesmerizing waterscapes. There are in all, 36 mountains and 20 caves to explore, and plenty of waterscapes to admire.

Did you know: The Yuntaishan Geopark was named as a UNESCO World Geopark in 2004 and is a sister park with the Songshan World Geopark, Wudalianchi World Geopark, Wangwushan-Daimeishan World Geopark in China, Langkawi Geopark in Malaysia and Grand Canyon National Park in America.

Here are some key sights to see when you’re visiting the Yuntaishan Geopark.

Red Rock Valley

The Red Rock Valley or the Hongshi Valley, named after the quartz sandstones that create the valley, forms the centerpiece of the Yuntaishan World Geopark. The valley sports an unusual wave design, formed from centuries of weathering and crust movements, and is easily the most scenic spot in the Geopark. The natural but artfully formed landscape of the Red Rock Valley earns it the nickname of “God’s Bonsai Valley”, with over 11 scenic spots stretching over 1,500 meters long. You probably need around one and a half hours to explore the area, split into three parts (upper, middle and lower). Apart from the quarts sandstones, you can marvel at limestone formations from over one million years back and one of the most ancient rocks in the world.

When here, you have to visit the Bailong Pool (White Dragon Pool), divided into three layers and covering 60 meters. From above, the pool looks like a magnificent white flying dragon, hence its name.

The White dragon pool in the Yuntai Shan Geopark

Macaque Valley

The Geopark is home to an unusually high number of wild macaques, who thrive in the chilly weather and steep mountainous environment. The species here have adapted to their surroundings, developing lung fur, lithe bodies and are superbly agile. Visitors here can catch the free macaque shows that happen six times a day. Dedicate around one hour to explore the area.

Qinglong Valley

Known as the “Vastest valley of Mount Yuntai”, the Qinglong valley is one of the more scenic locations in the area, with clear springs, gushing waterfalls and winding streams contrasting with the cliffs and mountains. The Qinglong Peak, at a soaring 1323 meters (almost three of the height of the Empire State building, right up to its tip), is the highest point in the area.

Zhuyu Peak

The peak was named after a line in famous poet Wang Wei’s poetry works. At the top, you have a sweeping view of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Do stop and appreciate the greenery here, the Zhuyu peak is home to rare ancient trees like Taxus and Acer mono, which are over a thousand years old.

Tanpu Valley( Pool Waterfall Valley)

If you love waterfalls, you’ll be thrilled with this valley, filled over a dozen waterfalls competing with one another for the most stunning title. Apart from that, there’re also springs and cliffs to admire while you explore the waterfalls in the area.

Quanbu Valley

Formed over half a million years ago, you’re treading on ancient grounds at the Quanbu Valley. A hike here will see you chancing upon bubbling springs from underground, trickling streams and rushing waterfalls. This is where you get to come up close to the highest waterfall in China- the Yuntai waterfall, rising to an impressive 314 meters (that’s almost the height of the Empire State Building). The waterfall hangs at the edge of the Quanpu valley, so you can expect a bit of a walk before you come across this beauty. To explore the valley, dedicate around two and a half hours.

Fenglin Valley

Like the rest of the valleys here, the Fenglin Valley has plunging gorges contrasted with staggering peaks, but what makes it special is its lake. The calming pool of water is positioned in such a way that it mirrors the picturesque landscape surrounding it, creating an enchanting image that’s any photographer’s dream.

Diecai Cave

When in the Yuntai World Geopark, you gotta visit a cave or two, and the Diecai Cave makes a good cave adventure. It took a decade to construct the cave, stretching over 4,800 meters long. The cave could be a tricky climb; with every 100 meters, there’s a five-meter ascension. The cave reaches a height of over 900 meters. Luckily, it is possible to drive through the cave, and it takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how skillful the driver is with negotiating the many turns in it.

Tip: Depending on when you visit, the colors here shift greatly. Autumn brings with it strong earthy hues of red and browns. Summer breathes in a whole lotta bright greens. In spring, temperatures hover around degrees Celsius, and you can admire the blooms. Summers are best to admire the forests and waterfalls. Autumn gives the Yuntai Waterfall a gorgeous coat of browns and reds, while in winter, it’s like you’ve entered an icy paradise.

To relish in the beauty of the Yuntai World Geopark, avoid the Labor Holiday in May and China’s National Holidays in October; these periods usually bring in floods of visitors.