Wangmang Ridge
王莽岭
A scenic mountain area at the southern end of the Taihang Mountains, known for its peak forests, sea of clouds and sunrise, and the cliff-hugging Xiyagou Road. It is a popular self-drive destination on the Shanxi-Henan border.
Wangmang Ridge is located southeast of Lingchuan County, in the southern section of the Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon on the Shanxi-Henan border. Its average elevation is over 1,600 meters. According to legend, Wang Mang, the usurper of the late Western Han, camped here while pursuing Liu Xiu, which gave the ridge its name. The main attractions are the cliff-lined peak forests, the sea of clouds and the sunrise. Viewing platforms line the ridge trail, and the sunrise platform is the place to watch clouds rolling across the valleys in the morning. On the east side of the scenic area, the Xiyagou Cliff Road is a tunnel road carved by local villagers into the sheer cliffside, winding along the rock face, and it is a popular spot for self-driving and photography. Sightseeing buses connect the viewpoints. Check the official site for ticket and bus prices. To see the sunrise, consider staying overnight on the mountain or in a nearby village. Temperatures change sharply between day and night in the mountains, so bring a jacket. Roads can be slippery in rain or fog, so drive with care. It is about 90 km from downtown Jincheng, and you can reach it via the Taihang No. 1 Scenic Highway.
Opening hours
approx. 07:00–18:00 (to see sunrise, stay on the mountain)