Sanmenxia Yellow River Swans & Pit Courtyards Tour
Visit western Henan in winter to see swans in the Yellow River wetlands, stay near the underground pit courtyards, and visit Hangu Pass and the treasures of the Guo State.
A winter-themed itinerary recommended by the provincial tourism board. Hiring a private car after arriving in Sanmenxia by high-speed rail is the most convenient option. Bird watching is scheduled for the early morning, while museums, the dam, and underground pit courtyards are visited during the day to avoid the coldest hours. Hangu Pass is saved for the final day, allowing a half-day visit before returning to the high-speed railway station. The relaxed pace is ideal for photographers, seniors, and weekend travelers looking to avoid crowded winter destinations.
Swans are most abundant from December to January. The riverbanks are extremely cold, so prepare heavy winter clothing.
Day by day
Day 1 · Sanmenxia Dam & Guo State Museum
Sanmenxia（Sanmenxia Dam & Zhongliu Dizhu、Guo State Museum、Sanmenxia Yellow River Park）
Take a high-speed train from Zhengzhou to Sanmenxia South Railway Station (approx. 1.5 hours). Hire a car to the dam (approx. 30 mins), then return to the city center.
Stay: Swan Lake and Sanmenxia South Station Area
Day 2 · Morning Swan Watching & Pit Courtyards
Sanmenxia（Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park、Miaodigou Site Museum、Shanzhou Pit Courtyards）
Drive about 10 minutes from your hotel to Swan Lake. In the afternoon, take a hired car to the pit courtyards (approx. 30 mins). Driving distances today are very short.
Peak bird-watching hours are from 7:00 to 8:00 AM. Do not feed or get too close to the swans.
Stay: Gaoyang Mountain Sunken Courtyard Area
Day 3 · Hangu Pass & Departure
Take a hired car to Hangu Pass (approx. 1 hour). Spend 2 to 3 hours exploring, then return to Sanmenxia South Railway Station (approx. 1 hour).
Public transport to Hangu Pass is inconvenient; hiring a private car or joining a tour for the entire trip is highly recommended.