Must-Visit 5A Mountain and Water Scenic Spot in Henan: Exceptionally Fresh Air, and Recently Free Admission

In recent days, temperatures in Henan have dropped sharply, and in the city, hazy skies are common. At this time, the mountain scenery should be at its most beautiful, making it a perfect season for going out and enjoying the fresh air.

Traveling in winter, it is best to visit some scenic spots you have never seen before; everything feels novel, and so does the scenery. Why not head to Longtan Grand Canyon in Xin'an County, Luoyang? A friend once recommended it, saying that the mountains are lush green, with streams and valleys crisscrossing, offering a secluded green tranquility worth experiencing.

For tourists from outside the region, Longtan Grand Canyon may not be very famous. It is located in a remote corner, in Xin'an County, Luoyang, and is the 5A-level core scenic area of Xin'an County. As a national 5A-level scenic spot, this area was originally an ancient ocean in North China. Through crustal movements, the seabed rose and emerged, undergoing 1.2 billion years of geological sedimentation and 2.6 million years of water erosion, enduring countless hardships to become what it is today—Longtan Grand Canyon is one of its treasures.

Driving to Longtan Grand Canyon, the car traverses winding mountain roads. The recent rains have nourished the green mountains, giving rise to thin, drifting mist clouds that appear ethereal, like a celestial palace or a paradise—truly "when mountain mist rises, a fairyland on earth is born." At night in the scenic area, a light rain falls, and the mountain haze is thick, with peaks shifting from light green to deep ink.

Longtan Grand Canyon is full of greenery. Parents often bring their children here to play; it is a scenic spot where children can both easily have fun and gain knowledge. Known as the "Natural Museum of the Ocean," Longtan Grand Canyon boasts over 800 species of exotic flowers and plants. The lush greenery covering the mountains cannot hide the canyon's past—its vicissitudes and profundity permeate every breath of freshness and lushness within Longtan Grand Canyon.

Everywhere in the valley is green, with clusters of verdant foliage partially revealing exposed red rocks, perfectly blending gentleness with strength. If the various ripple patterns left on the stones are nature's masterful craftsmanship, then the "one person, one stone" calligraphic traces of nature are exquisitely marvelous.

In winter, the scenic area also features breathtaking ice waterfalls. The usually lush valleys are adorned with silvery ice pillars, evoking legends about Longtan Grand Canyon. "Water need not be deep; where there is a dragon, it becomes numinous." Because its shape resembles a crouching dragon, and the whole canyon is centered around the legend of a dragon, it is named "Longtan" (Dragon Pool).

Besides the beautiful mountain and water scenery, food and drinks within the Longtan Grand Canyon scenic area are not expensive. After visiting Longtan Grand Canyon, you can take a detour to Jingzi Fairy Mountain Scenic Area, which borders the Yellow River to the north. From the vertical cliffs over 800 meters above sea level, you can overlook the two banks of the Xiaolangdi Reservoir on the Yellow River—a simply stunning view. Moreover, because Xin'an County is currently running a free admission promotion (valid until March 1, 2021), these scenic spots are all free of charge. If you travel with the whole family, you can save a considerable amount of money.

In summary, this scenic area is quite good. I welcome all friends to visit different places, enjoy different beautiful views, and experience different lives!