Yangzigou Scenic Area
养子沟
A Funiu Mountain gorge east of Laojun Mountain, where forest, streams, waterfalls and alpine meadows rise in layers; cool in summer, and a classic Luanchuan hiking destination.
Yangzigou is in Miaozi Town, Luanchuan County. It lies across the mountains from Laojun Mountain and is a primeval forest gorge on the northern slope of the Funiu Mountains. Its elevation climbs from about 1,000 m to over 1,800 m, with streams, pools, waterfalls, unusual rocks and large mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests along the way; the upper section opens onto wide alpine meadows. According to local legend, the name is linked to a folk tale about praying for and raising a child. Visits focus on hiking along streamside boardwalks and stone steps. A full round trip takes about 4–5 hours, or you can visit only the lower section to see the waterfalls (about 2 hours). In summer, the valley is about 10°C cooler than Luoyang’s urban area, which makes it good for escaping the heat; in autumn, the layered forests turn brilliant colors. Entry costs about 60–70 yuan, and you can take the sightseeing shuttle to the upper section. Getting there: about 30 minutes by car from Luanchuan county town; it can be combined with Longyuwan on the same day. Notes: the upper meadows are at high altitude, and fog often rolls in during the afternoon; stone steps are slippery after rain, so wear non-slip shoes; mobile signal in the mountains is unreliable.
Opening hours
08:00–18:00