2025 Zhidan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Basic Information • Location: Located southeast of Zhidan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province, about 2 kilometers from Zhidan County. • Opening Hours: 8:00-16:30 (some periods adjusted to 9:00-18:00, it is recommended to confirm in advance). • Ticket Prices: Online purchase approximately 59.9-76 RMB (includes scenic shuttle + rain boots), on-site purchase starts from 79 RMB, student/child discounts available. Transportation Guide • Self-driving: About 1-1.5 hours drive from Yan'an. From Xi'an, take a 2.5-hour high-speed train to Yan'an, then charter a car or drive for 2 hours to reach the destination. Note that the last 5 kilometers are gravel roads, an SUV is recommended. • Public Transportation: Yan'an Bus Station → Zhidan Bus Station (2-hour bus), then a 10-minute taxi ride to the scenic area. There is a free scenic shuttle bus from Zhidan County to the entrance. Must-Visit Attractions and Routes • Core Attractions: • Qiankun Valley: Sunlight penetrates through the "First Line Sky" to form Tai Chi light and shadow. Best photo time is 10 AM or 3 PM. • Lovers' Valley (Jueqing Valley): Heart-shaped sky and winding canyon, suitable for couples. • Palace Corridor: Tall rock walls resembling palace passages, suitable for wide-angle photography. • Time-Flowing Wall: Rock textures like traces of time, clearer on rainy days. • Body-Shaping Alley: The narrowest point allows only one person to pass sideways, testing your physique and courage. • Earth's Core Tunnel: A 30-meter dark rock cave, suddenly opens up at the end. • Recommended Route: Scenic shuttle to the entrance → visit Qiankun Valley → Lovers' Valley → Palace Corridor → Time-Flowing Wall → Body-Shaping Alley → Earth's Core Tunnel in sequence → return by scenic shuttle (approx. 3 km, 2-3 hours total). Photography and Outfit Suggestions • Best Photo Time: 10:00-13:00 when direct sunlight hits the canyon, providing the best light and shadow effects. • Outfit: Bright-colored windbreaker, work pants, or white/black/red dresses to create contrast with the red sandstone background. • Equipment: Wide-angle lens for panoramic shots, telephoto lens for details. Icefalls can be photographed on rainy days (April exclusive). Notes • Safety: Some sections are slippery, wear non-slip shoes, and proceed with caution on rainy days. There are no restrooms inside the canyon, it is recommended to use facilities beforehand. • Essentials: Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no commercial facilities in the scenic area. Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and a hat (strong UV rays in summer). • Signal: Only China Mobile network is available, inform family and friends of your itinerary in advance. Nearby Food and Accommodation • Food: In Zhidan County, recommended dishes include Old Xing's Lamb, Lamb Noodles, Black Gan Mian Pi, and Spicy Liver Wantuo. • Accommodation: Hotels in the county include Jubao Holiday Hotel and Zhidan Hotel (200-500 RMB/night). Scenic area guesthouses offer cave-style accommodations for a unique Northern Shaanxi experience (advance booking required). Season and Weather Suggestions • Best Season: April-October (April for icefalls, autumn for red leaves). • Rainy Days: The park may close, it is recommended to check the weather forecast. Wear waterproof clothing on rainy days.

I. Basic Information Location: Southeast of Zhidan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province, about 2 km from the county seat. Navigate to "Maoxiang Grand Canyon Scenic Area." Opening Hours: 8:00–16:30 (some periods adjusted to 9:00–18:00, it is recommended to confirm in advance). Ticket Prices: Platform ticket purchase approx. CNY 59.9–76 (including scenic transportation + rain boots), on-site ticket purchase from CNY 79, discounts for students/children. Some articles mention the original price of CNY 168 (including scenic transportation), but this may be an early price, so it is recommended to refer to the latest platform information. II. Transportation Guide Self-driving: From Yan'an: About 1–1.5 hours (navigate to "Maoxiang Grand Canyon Scenic Area"). From Xi'an: 2.5 hours by high-speed train to Yan'an, then 2 hours by chartered car or self-driving. Note: The last 5 km is a gravel road, so an SUV is recommended. Public Transportation: Yan'an Bus Station → Zhidan Bus Station (2-hour bus), then a 10-minute taxi to the scenic area. There is a free scenic area bus from Zhidan County to the entrance. III. Must-See Attractions and Routes Core Attractions: Qiankun Valley: Sunlight shines through a narrow opening, forming Tai Chi light and shadow. The best time to photograph is 10am or 3pm. Lovers' Canyon (Jueqing Valley): Heart-shaped sky and winding canyon, suitable for couples to check in. Palace Corridor: Tall rock walls like a palace passage, suitable for wide-angle lens photography. Like Water Flowing Years Wall: Rock texture like traces of time, clearer on rainy days. Body Shaping Lane: The narrowest point allows only one person to pass sideways, testing body shape and courage. Geocentric Tunnel: 30m dark cave, with a sudden opening at the end. Recommended Route: Scenic transportation to the entrance → visit Qiankun Valley → Lovers' Canyon → Palace Corridor → Like Water Flowing Years Wall → Body Shaping Lane → Geocentric Tunnel → scenic transportation back (about 3 km, 2–3 hours). IV. Photography and Outfit Suggestions Best Shooting Time: 10:00–13:00, when sunlight shines directly into the canyon, the light and shadow effect is the best. Outfit: Bright-colored windbreaker, overalls, or white/black/red dress to contrast with the red sandstone background. Equipment: Wide-angle lens for panoramic views, telephoto lens for details, and icefalls can be photographed on rainy days (limited to April). V. Precautions Safety: Some sections of the road are slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and be careful when traveling on rainy days. There are no restrooms in the canyon, so it is recommended to take care of your physiological needs in advance. Equipment: Bring your own water and snacks, as there are no commercial facilities in the scenic area. Mosquito repellent spray, sunscreen, and hat (strong ultraviolet rays in summer). Signal: Only mobile network coverage, inform relatives and friends of the itinerary in advance. VI. Surrounding Food and Accommodation Food: In Zhidan County, Lao Xing's mutton, mutton noodles, black rolled noodles, and spicy liver bowl tuo are recommended. There are no restaurants in the scenic area, so you can bring your own simple meals. Accommodation: County hotels: Jubao Holiday Hotel, Zhidan Hotel (CNY 200–500/night). Scenic area B&Bs: Cave-style B&Bs, experience the characteristics of northern Shaanxi (book in advance). VII. Season and Weather Recommendations Best Season: April–October (April icefalls, autumn red leaves). Rainy Days: May be closed, it is recommended to check the weather forecast and wear waterproof clothing on rainy days. VIII. Other Tips Group Tour: Some platforms provide a "ticket + scenic transportation + travel photography" package, which is suitable for photography enthusiasts. Surrounding Linkage: Can be combined with Hukou Waterfall, Qiankun Bay, Wave Valley and other Loess Plateau attractions to plan a 3-day in-depth tour. Summary: Maoxiang Grand Canyon attracts tourists with its original Danxia landform and legendary stories. It is suitable for photography, adventure, and nature lovers. Plan your trip in advance and pay attention to safety and equipment to fully experience the shocking beauty of the "longest carved rock valley in Asia!"

1️⃣ Xi'an - Hukou Waterfall - Ganquan 2️⃣ Ganquan - Heart Canyon - Luohe Grand Canyon - Zhidan 3️⃣ Zhidan - Maoxiang Grand Canyon - Dingbian Salt Lake - Dingbian 4️⃣ Dingbian - The Wave Valley 5️⃣ The Wave Valley - Xi'an Maoxiang Canyon, a magical sculpted rock canyon on the Loess Plateau, is known as the "China Red Valley." 😍 The canyon boasts six wonders: "Wind Valley," "Heaven and Earth Valley," "Lover's Valley," "Time Flies Valley," "Palace Corridor Valley," and "Love Cave Valley." The main scenic area is about 3.5 km and takes about 1.5 hours to walk. Maoxiang Canyon is ever-changing, with fewer tourists, and feels more pristine, even surpassing Ganquan Grand Canyon. The area is privately developed, with primitive trails throughout. It can be muddy after rain, as infrastructure is still under development. ✨A beautiful place with few tourists - Maoxiang Canyon, Zhidan, Yan'an Marvel at the wonders of nature! Immerse yourself in the ribbon-like paths, squeezing sideways through the narrowest sections. The midday sun filters through the cracks overhead, creating a legendary "一线天" (a sliver of sky). Admire the ever-changing colors and touch the textured lines, feeling the traces of thousands of years of wind and rain. A place with few tourists and beautiful scenery, still under development---Maoxiang Canyon

Hidden within the Loess Plateau of Northern Shaanxi lies a little-known geological wonder—Mao Xiang Grand Canyon (Cat Alley Grand Canyon). Located southeast of Zhidan County, Yan'an, Shaanxi, and only about 2 km from the county seat, it is praised as the "First Sculpted Rock Valley in Asia." Stepping into Mao Xiang Grand Canyon is like opening a geological history book etched with the marks of time. This 9-km-long narrow canyon is a masterpiece meticulously sculpted by nature over hundreds of millions of years. Tectonic movements, wind erosion, and water erosion have created the unique Danxia landform here. At its narrowest point, only one person can squeeze through sideways. Walking through it, you are flanked by towering, steep, and curved walls, like a giant crack in the earth cleaved by an invisible hand. The textures of the canyon walls are as smooth and graceful as flowing water, resembling brown-red chocolate, shining with a captivating luster under the sunlight. The bright red sandstone contrasts with the emerald green moss, creating a strong yet harmonious color contrast, as if nature has overturned its palette, breathtakingly beautiful. Mao Xiang Grand Canyon not only boasts stunning natural landscapes but also harbors ancient and mysterious legends. Legend has it that Chen Xiang once practiced diligently here, preparing to split the mountain and rescue his mother. His divine power caused the rocks to crack, forming these narrow gaps that only cat demons and gods could pass through, hence the name "Cat Alley" (Mao Xiang). Within the canyon, six scenic spots, including Qiankun Valley, Lovers' Canyon, and Palace Corridor, each have their unique charm. Strolling through them, you'll sometimes find yourself weaving through the changing light and shadow of a narrow passage, feeling the sacredness and tranquility of the sunlight filtering through the crevices; and sometimes you'll stand in an open area, gazing up at the azure sky, marveling at the vastness of the universe. If you long for a journey far from the hustle and bustle, a close dialogue with nature, then Mao Xiang Grand Canyon is an absolute must-see treasure. Here, touch the texture of time, listen to the heartbeat of nature, and encounter your own poetry and distant lands.

The Maolane Canyon is one of the few magnificent red sandstone Danxia line valleys in Asia. The flowing curves of the valley walls are as smooth and soft as brown-red chocolate, and they are graceful and changeable. Address: Maolane Grand Canyon, Zhidan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province (more than 1 hour drive from the expressway to Yan'an City) This travel bug recommends that you drive by yourself or follow the group, and it is more convenient to depart from Yan'an. If you follow the group, it is recommended to choose a small group that provides travel photography services. Tickets: Maolane Grand Canyon 168 yuan/person, including tickets and scenic spots. note: There are no small shops in the canyon, so you can bring enough water and dry food to replenish energy in time. The temperature in the canyon is a few degrees lower than outside, and it is particularly cool and comfortable to walk in summer. Tour time: The scenic spot is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and the canyon round trip takes about two hours. It is recommended to enter the valley before 4 pm at the latest. Cost: Online ticket purchase is more cost-effective, all major platforms are available, the average is about 76, the ticket includes the cost of the shuttle bus in the scenic area and the cost of rain boots, no additional charges.

3 days and 2 nights tour in Northern Shaanxi, round trip from Xi'an for only 0.68K|||What comes to mind when you think of Northern Shaanxi? Loess Plateau, wind and sand, desolation... It's time to rediscover Northern Shaanxi! . Spend 3 days and 2 nights to witness a stunning color feast🌈, explore this place crafted by nature's magic, only by visiting will you know it's worth the trip! . ✅Must-visit attractions ✨Peach blossoms bloom near the waterfall, the ice blocks on the shore begin to melt, a scene full of spring, 🌸 known as the "March Peach Blossom Flood". The water volume is large and magnificent, feel the surging waves of the Yellow River. . ✨ Comparable to the "Antelope Canyon" in the United States, the narrowest part can only allow one person to pass sideways, 🌞 at noon, the sunlight shines on the wavy rocks, the undulating layers and strong light create a spectacular light and shadow art. . ✨ Winding, narrow valleys, long valleys stretching for dozens of kilometers, the height of the cliffs on both sides varies from tens of meters to dozens of meters, 🐱 in some sections of the canyon, the cliffs on both sides protrude left and right, few people and beautiful scenery! . 📢Travel Plan (3 days and 2 nights) 🔸Impression of Northern Shaanxi | Highlights of the itinerary D1 Xi'an - Hukou Waterfall - Erdao Street Food - Yan'an ✅Gather and depart from Xi'an in the morning (6:50 Chang'an of Shaanxi Normal University/7:20 TV Tower/7:35 Conservatory of Music/8:20 Sports Park) ✅Arrive at Hukou Waterfall at noon for lunch, 📸 then visit Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area (3h drive) ✅In the afternoon, drive to Yan'an city for accommodation, for food, you can go to Erdao Street Night Market, stroll around the night view of Yan'an (2h drive) . D2 Yan'an - Wave Valley (Water Danxia, Crocodile Lake, Fire Heart Danxia, Earth Heart Danxia) - Zhidan ✅After breakfast, drive to Wave Valley Scenic Area (2h drive), the tour route is from the entrance → Glass Bridge → Flame Danxia → Red Cliff Danxia → Earth Heart Danxia → Rainbow Stairs → Turn-back Bridge → Exit ✅Tour the scenic area for 3-4h, after playing, drive to Zhidan County in the afternoon . D3 Zhidan - Cat Alley Grand Canyon - Xi'an ✅In the morning, drive to Cat Alley Grand Canyon, the rock walls in the canyon have been eroded by water and wind for billions of years, it is one of the few magnificent red sandstone Danxia line valleys in Asia ✅After taking photos and playing, drive back to Xi'an in the afternoon, 🚌 normally return to Xi'an city around 7 pm .

Exclaim the amazing work of nature! Being there is like traveling through a ribbon, where the narrowest point only allows sideways passage. The noon sun shines through the cracks in the top, this must be the legendary "One-Line Sky"! It reflects various colors and touching the lines can feel the texture of the thousand-year-old weathered patterns. This is a place being developed by Shaojingmei - the Cat Alley Canyon.