As one of the National Water Scenic Areas, Xiaolangdi Scenic Area is located at Xiaolangdi Town, Mengjin County, Luoyang City. Based on the Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam, a world-class water hydro project and a key project to harness and develop the Yellow River, this scenic area is at the center of the Golden Travel line in Henan Province. It mainly consists of four scenic spots, including Xixia Lake, Wetland Park, Zhangling Peninsula Resort, and Three Gorges of the Yellow River.
The Three Gorges, namely Bali Gorge, Gushan Gorge, and Dragon and Phoenix Gorge, are the main scenery on the upper reaches of the Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam. This eye-catching Xiaolangdi Scenic Area not only offers splendid scenery but also contributes a lot to the rich cultural heritage of the Yellow River.
Xiaolangdi Scenic Area Facts
- Location: Located at Xiaolangdi Town, Mengjin County, Luoyang City, Henan Province
- Opening time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Ticket: CNY 40 per person
- Time needed: about 4 hours
- Best time to visit: April to October (June to July is highly recommended when the dam releases water and creates spectacular waterfalls)
- Suited to: nature lovers, photographers, hydrologists, geographers
What to See and Do in Xiaolangdi Scenic Area
1. Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam
As a landmark of the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area, Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam is one of the most challenging and complicated projects in the world. As its name shows, its construction is for multiple purposes, and it has made a great contribution to flood control, silt reduction, hydroelectric power generation, and comprehensive usage.
3. Three Gorges of the Yellow River
As the essence scenic spot of the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area, the Three Gorges of the Yellow River combine the natural beauty and cultural essence into one, showing a stunning hub to the tourists. Places of historical interest are scattered here and there, attracting thousands of people from home and abroad.
4. Yellow River Water Rafting
Rafting in the Yellow Rivers is a unique experience on your tour to the Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area, which allows you to immerse yourself in the wonderful scenery and relax yourself in the tranquility.
5. Scenic Hiking Trails
Trails wind through the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area, where you can take a walk without haste, listen to the birds chanting, and experience the serenity of the surroundings.
6. Enjoy the waterfall spectacle when the dam releases water
Don’t miss the marvelous spectacle of Xiaolangdi Scenic Area when the dam releases water, especially during its drainage peak in June to July. It’s a visual feast to see a giant waterfall flow down vigorously.
7. Experience the Yellow River culture
Indulge yourself in various activities, and you’ll marvel at the charm of Yellow River culture on your Luoyang tours. You can enjoy the folklore performances, taste the delicious local food, listen to the traditional music, and watch the traditional dances and dramas – all these provide a unique experience of the Yellow River culture. At last, you can take a raft to see the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area and enjoy the amazing scenery praised by artists and poets.
Best Time to Visit Xiaolangdi Scenic Area
The Xiaolangdi Scenic Area is open for tour in all seasons. The peak season is from April to October, during which the dam releases water and attracts more tourists to visit there. The slack season is from November to March, during which it stops releasing water, and some of the scenic sites may be closed.
However, you are suggested to visit this scenic area in June and July when the volume of water released by the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area reaches its peak. During that period, you can witness the spectacular water-releasing of a giant waterfall.
How to Get to Xiaolangdi Scenic Area
By plane: There is no airport in Xiaolangdi Town, so you need to take a plane to Luoyang Beijiao Airport and hire a taxi or take the bus 303 to the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area.
By train: You can take a train to Luoyang Railway Station, Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, or Jiyuan Railway Station, and then find a good way to the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area by following directions.
Luoyang Railway Station: If you arrive at this railway station, take bus 303 to your destination. It takes approximately 2.5 hours.
Luoyang Longmeng Railway Station: After you arrive at this train station, take subway line 2 and shift to bus 303 to Xiaolangdi Scenic Area. It takes about 3 hours.
Jiyuan Railway Station: From there, take bus 105 and shift to the Xiaolangdi Line. It takes about 2.5 hours.
Attractions Nearby Xiaolangdi Scenic Area
- Mount Wangwu: Situated northwest of Jiyuan City, 26 kilometers from the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area, Mount Wangwu is a famous Taoist attraction. By visiting this mountain, you can get closer to the myth of the Foolish Old Man Removes the Mountains.
- Three Gorges of the Yellow River: It is 27 kilometers from the Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area in Luoyang. Unveil the mystery of the Yellow River by touring here, and you’ll gain more insights into the natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the Yellow River areas.
- Wulongkou Scenic Area: This area is famous for its natural beauty and hot springs, and it is also a nestle to macaques. It’s 42 kilometers from the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area. If you love nature or want to relax in the hot spring, this spot is for you.
- Luoyang Museum: Luoyang has a long history and is included on the state list of famous historical and cultural cities. The Luoyang Museum is a must-go place on your Luoyang tours to discover its history.
- Longmen Grottoes: One of the major Chinese grottoes, this treasury is also on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites. It contains the most Buddhist statues on a huge scale. It’s 50 kilometers from the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area, and you can visit there by taxi.
