Taihang No. 1 Highway: Cliff-Hanging Roads & Grand Canyons
Travel from Changzhi to Jincheng, traversing cliff-hanging roads, Baquan Gorge, Wangmang Ridge, and ending at ancient castles.
This is a popular route along the southern section of the Taihang No. 1 Tourism Highway. Over four days, you will experience cliff-hanging roads, boat rides in deep gorges, and seas of clouds atop mountain peaks, before descending to the ancient castles of the Qin River. The mountain roads have many sharp bends; mountain driving experience or a chartered car is highly recommended. If traveling with seniors or children, you can skip the cliff-hanging sections. It is ideal for road trip lovers, though it bypasses most ancient temples.
Watch out for landslides during the July–August rainy season. Some branch roads are under construction; check road conditions before departure.
Day by day
Day 1 · Hongni Village & Shenlongwan Cliff-Hanging Road
Changzhi（Hongtiguan Pass & Hongni Village、Shenlongwan Cliff Road）
Pick up your car in Changzhi and drive east for about 2 hours to Hongni Village. Follow the Taihang No. 1 Highway south to Shenlongwan, and arrive at Grand Canyon Town in the evening.
The cliff-hanging road is narrow and passing other cars can be difficult; beginners should drive slowly and avoid rainy days.
Stay: Huguan Grand Canyon Town
Day 2 · Baquan Gorge Boat Ride
Changzhi（Baquan Gorge、Hongdou Gorge）
Stay at the foot of the mountain. Walk or take a short shuttle into the scenic area. Inside, you will use a combination of boats, cable cars, and elevators. Return to your accommodation in the evening.
Baquan Gorge requires advance reservations on its official WeChat account during the summer peak season.
Stay: Huguan Grand Canyon Town
Day 3 · Wangmang Ridge & Xiyagou
Jincheng（Wangmang Ridge、Xiyagou Cliff Road）
Drive south from Huguan to Wangmang Ridge in Lingchuan (approx. 1.5 hours). The drive between the ridge and Xiyagou takes about 30 mins.
The mountaintop is cool in the mornings and evenings; book rooms well in advance for summer holidays and National Day.
Stay: Wangmang Ridge
Day 4 · Sea of Clouds Sunrise & Ancient Castles
Jincheng（Huangcheng Xiangfu (Chen Tingjing's Residence)、Guoyu Ancient Town）
After watching the sunrise, drive west for about 2 hours to House of the Chancellor (Huangcheng Xiangfu). Visit Guoyu nearby, then drive about 1 hour to Jincheng Railway Station.
The sea of clouds depends on the weather; drive slowly with fog lights on if it is misty in the morning.