Located northwest of Xinxiang City, Henan, Southern Taihang is the most stunning section of the Taihang Mountains. Boasting diverse trails, it offers spectacular views of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. The traverse between Shiziling (the highest peak) and Wangmangling (the second-highest) is particularly thrilling and breathtaking. The optimal hiking season is mid-September to late November.

🏔️ Southern Taihang Mountains Trek

China’s Most Underrated Multi-Day Mountain Adventure

Overview

The Southern Taihang Mountains Trek is one of China’s most visually striking and culturally authentic multi-day hikes—yet still largely unknown outside the country. Located on the dramatic borderlands of Henan and Shanxi Provinces, the region is famous for its towering red sandstone cliffs, narrow cliff-cut paths, centuries-old stone villages, and spectacular hanging roads carved directly into the mountainsides.

This trek offers a rare combination of:

• Grand canyon landscapes
• Traditional village life
• Cliff-side engineering wonders
• Quiet, uncrowded trails
• Authentic local hospitality

For hikers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure that combines nature, culture, and dramatic scenery, the Southern Taihang Mountains provide one of the best—and most overlooked—trekking experiences in China.

⭐ Why This Trek

• A hidden gem: Almost unknown to international travelers.
• High visual impact: Towering cliffs, narrow ridgelines, and red-rock canyons.
• Unique cultural landscape: Ancient stone villages, cliff tunnels, hanging paths.
• Flexible route length: 2–5 days of trekking options.
• Comfortable guesthouse stays: Clean village accommodations with local meals.
• Easy access: Reachable from Zhengzhou, Taiyuan, or Beijing with a short transfer.

📅 Suggested 4-Day Classic Trek Itinerary

(Guoliang → Hanging Villages → Xiyagou)
This is the most visually impressive and internationally friendly version.

Day 1 — Arrival in the Southern Taihang Mountains

Guoliang Village & The Famous Cliff Tunnel Road

• Transfer from Zhengzhou/Taiyuan to Guoliang Village, a remote stone village perched beneath massive cliffs.
• Walk through the world-famous Guoliang Tunnel, hand-carved into a sheer cliff face.
• Sunset viewpoint above the village.

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Guoliang Village
Recommended photo type: Hero landscape / cliff tunnel interior / village lifestyle

Day 2 — Guoliang → Hanging Villages Traverse

Stone villages, terraced valleys, and cliff-cut pathways

• Trek from Guoliang to nearby cliff-side hamlets connected by ancient mule paths.
• Cross terraced fields, red-rock valleys, and panoramic ridgelines.
• Visit traditional stone houses and meet local residents.
• Overnight in a quiet mountain village.

Distance: 10–12 km
Elevation gain: Moderate
Accommodation: Mountain village guesthouse
Recommended photo type: Drone valley shot / stone villages / trail portraits

Day 3 — Hanging Villages → Xiyagou

Cliff roads, narrow ledges, and spectacular viewpoints

• Today’s highlight: trekking along Xiyagou Hanging Road, one of the most stunning cliff paths in the Taihang Mountains.
• Traverse tunnels, carved ledges, and exposed balcony paths overlooking a 400–600 m vertical drop.
• Descend to Xiyagou Village.

Distance: 10 km
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Xiyagou
Recommended photo type: Cliff-edge leading lines / dramatic canyon walls / trekking action shots

Day 4 — Xiyagou → Taihang Scenic Exit → Return

Canyon exit hike and transfer

• Morning walk through the lower canyon scenery.
• Optional extension to nearby Taihang Grand Canyon for travelers with extra time.
• Transfer to Zhengzhou/Taiyuan for departure.

Recommended photo type: Canyon rivers / morning mist / closing landscape shots

🔧 Practical Information

Best Seasons

• Spring (April–June) — green valleys, clear air
• Autumn (September–November) — golden colors, perfect temperatures

Difficulty

Moderate, suitable for active hikers.
Daily 10–14 km with some steep ascents and exposed sections.

Accommodation

Local guesthouses with:

• Private rooms (twin or double)
• Hot showers
• Home-cooked meals
• Heating in colder months

Recommended Gear

• Lightweight hiking shoes
• Daypack (20–30L)
• Windproof jacket
• Trekking poles
• Headlamp
• Camera / drone (excellent aerial scenery)

🎒 Optional Extensions

• Taihang Grand Canyon (Hongshi Gorge) – red sandstone canyon system
• Nianpingshan / Kunshan Ridge Route – longer, quieter trekking
• Shentai Scenic Area – bridges, pinnacles, and cliff platforms