Wind Hole (Fengxue) Temple and Its Pagodas

The Fengxue Temple and the Dagoba Forest are located on Fengxue Mountain at the southern foot of Shaonan Mountain of the Zhongyue Song Mountain, nine kilometers northeast of Linru County, Henan Province. Together with Wind Hole Mountain, Yuhuang Mountain, Shilou Peak, the Big and Small Wind Holes, and the surrounding natural views, Wind Hole Temple belongs to the Wind Hole Mountain Scenic Area which covers an area of 18.5 square miles.

It is one of the oldest temples in China and the construction of which began in the Northern Wei Dynasty (386534). In the mountains east of it, there are two big and two small wind holes. When the weather changes, a sudden gust will blow through the holes. This phenomenon gives the temple its name, Wind Hole Temple. But its first name was "Xiangji Temple". In the Sui Dynasty (581 - 618), it was called "Qianfeng Temple" and renamed "Baiyun Temple" in the Tang Dynasty (618 - 907).

The Fengxue Temple was originally known as Xiangji Temple. Southeast of the temple is a huge stone cave on the cliffs that produces thunderous roars when wind blows through it -- hence its name, Fengxue Cave (Wind Cave). The temple, therefore, was named after the cave, Fengxue Temple, by the locals. A forest of dagobas stretches across an area near the temple with over 100 monk dagobas from the Yuan (1271-1368), Ming and Qing (1644-1911) Dynasties. It is the second largest dagoba forest after the Shaolin Temple of Henan Province.

The temple faces south-west. Although a northern temple, it is different from the typical northern temples which lie on a certain axis, and was built by conforming to the contours of the land. Endowed with a long history, the temple houses over 100 different architectural styles and was built in successive dynasties ranging from Jin, Yuan, to Ming and Qing Dynasties, so it is thought of as "the Museum of Ancient Architecture". Among the vast amounts of ancient architecture the Qizu Pagoda, the Bell Tower, and the Buddha Hall are considered to be the three national treasures in the temple.

Built in 738, Qizu Pagoda is one of the six Tang pagodas that are still well preserved today. It measures 79.3 feet high and has nine layers. The tower is parabola shaped. It was built to commemorate the famous monk Zhen who made great contribution to the temple. The Bell Tower was built in the Song Dynasty (960-1279), where a precious big iron bell hangs that weighs 11,023 pounds. The Buddha Hall is built on a brick platform measuring 49.2 feet high. Decorated with upturned eaves, the hall looks like an eagle spreading its wings about to take flight. As well as these three treasures, other attached buildings such as the Kwan-yin Pavilion, the Lianyi Pavilion, and the Jiesheng Bridge are equally decorated and are very elegant in appearance.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Shiren Mountain Scenic Area

Located in the west of Lushan County, Shiren Mountain Scenic Area is, and covers an area of about 268 square kilometers (66,224 acres). The site is famed for its curiously-shaped peaks, tall waterfalls, rich forests, hot natural springs and a long granite glide-slop. The majestic Shiren Mountain lies in the eastern section of the Funiu Mountain range, with its highest peak measuring 2,153 meters (7,064 feet) tall.

Conditions on the Shiren Mountain vary greatly from season to season. In the spring, the birds sing, flowers blossom and the mountain is covered in rich greenery. In the summer, white clouds and mist engulf the hilltops, the trees are in full bloom and the weather is cool and pleasant. In autumn, the color of the trees and plants turns to golden brown. In the winter, Shiren Mountain is, like much of North China, covered in snow, giving the mountain an enchanted look and feel.

Springs, streams, waterfalls and deep pools are found throughout the scenic area. The flow of the water from springs has gradually worn away the rock to form streams, winding over their rocky beds, filling the surrounding area with relaxing, tranquil sounds. In its continuing journey over mountain ledges and through deep valleys, the motion of water has slowly given rise to the formation of waterfalls of different shapes and sizes. The most famous one is the Jiuqu Waterfall, which weaves its way round nine of the mountain bends. Another noted waterfall, the Yinxian Waterfall is so narrow that runs like a silver thread over the contours of the rock.

Beneath the waterfalls, hiding in the steep gullies and forests at the mountain foot are a number of hot water springs. Altogether there are five groups of springs, each rich in terms of both with the quality and quantity of its water. The water is said to be good for people's health and can supposedly be used to treat a variety of diseases.

On the other hand, the Shiren Mountain is rich in natural resources, playing home to some 1, 211 kinds of plants and a number of rare animals. The forest's wood is heavily populated by metasequoia trees and lichen, marking the remains of a glacier, which has cited by biologists as a prime example of living fossils.All kinds of pines stand firmly on the mountain's steep cliffs and perilous peaks. In April, different colored azaleas reach full bloom and spread across the mountain to form an ocean of beautiful flowers.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Yuntai Mountain

Situated in Xiuwu County, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from Jiaozuo City, Henan Province, Yuntai Mountain is among the first group from all over the world that received the title of World Geologic Park from UNESCO in 2004. It is also the only famous scenic area in Henan Province having the titles of National 5A Grade Tourist Attraction, National Forest Park, National Geologic Park, National Water Conservancy Scenic Area and National Macaque Natural Reserve.

Covered with verdant virgin forest, Yuntai Mountain is famous for its imposing mountain and water sceneries. The picturesque peaks and high mountains extend as far as the eyes can see. The highest Cornel Peak has an elevation of 1,304 meters (4,278 feet). Myriad springs, waterfalls and pools abound. Yuntai Waterfall, 314 meters (1,030 feet) high, is the highest waterfall in China. Deep valleys and quiet gorges, unique stones and wild flowers form a beautiful landscape.

Yuntai Mountain is famous for its water scenery, with a spring in every 3 steps, a waterfall in every 5 steps, a pond in every 10 steps. Yuntai Waterfall, the highest in the state with the drop in level of 314m, resembles to the skyscraping pillar. Tianmen Waterfall, White Dragon Waterfall, Yellow Dragon Waterfall, Y-shaped Waterfall form the unique scenery of the area. Duokong Spring, Pearl Spring, Yulie Spring, Bright Moon Spring are clean and sweet, making you reluctant to return. The Blue Dragon Gorge named as the first gorge of Central Plain is an ecology attraction for its unique phenomena, rich water resource and original forest.

Yuntai Mountain has long been recognized as a popular tourist resort throughout history. The Han emperor Xiandi (the last emperor of the Han Dynasty) had left his summer resort and mausoleum based here. It was once the secluded place of 'the Bamboo Forest Seven Sages' during the Wei Dynasty (220-265) and the Jin Dynasty (265-420). In the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Sun Simiao, the medicine king, often collected herbs and made traditional Chinese medicines here. The great poet of the Tang Dynasty, Wang Wei, wrote an immortal verse on Cornel Peak, 'one misses relatives the most during the holidays'. Many famous visitors in history left their stone inscriptions and steles here, enriching its cultural value. 

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Luoyang Peony Festival

“The peony of Luoyang is the most beautiful under heaven", as the saying goes. The peony, the emblem flower of Luoyang, is lauded as "queen of flowers with ethereal color and celestial fragrance.” Since the Tang Dynasty no Chinese city has been able to rival Luoyang in growing peonies. Of the 500,000 peony shrubs in 350-odd strains that are cultivated in Luoyang, the yaohuang (Yaos yellow peony) and weizi (Weis purple peony) are the "king"and "queen"of all peonies. The first Luoyang Peony Festival took place on April 15-25 in 1983; since then it has become a major annual event.

During the peony festival, gardens are awash with colorful flowers mostly reds mixed with whites, yellows and purples set against a background of thick, vibrant, dark green leaves, like a myriad of precious stones set in bright, shiny rings. In addition, there are various folk performances staged in the gardens. The main venue of the annual Luoyang Peony Festival is Luoyang National Peony Garden, located in the town of Mongshan on the outskirts of Luoyang. China highlights has listed the following gardens to see the peonies.

Luoyang National Peony Garden

Luoyang National Peony Garden is one of the oldest gardens to grow and reproduce peonies in China. It is divided into North Garden and South Garden. There are over 1 million peony trees of 1,200 different kinds. The peony blooming here is highly reputed for its big flower, flamboyant color, numerous species and lasting florescence.

Blooming date: more than 100 kinds of peonies will first bloom from April 5th to 10th; 500 or so kinds of rare peonies will be in full bloom from April 11th to 20th; other 200 species usually flower late from April 21st to May 4th. The garden is especially famous for the 1600-year-old and 3-meter-high “peony king”.

Shenzhou Peony Garden

Shenzhou Peony Garden is located opposite the White Horse Temple, featuring the special architectural style and landscape garden of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Visitors will see over 30,000 peony trees of 840 kinds in full bloom. The peony garden is divided into five scenic areas including Peony Culture Area, Peony Leisure Area and Peony Viewing Area. The garden also stages fantastic folk cultural performances.

Bloom Date: The initial bloom stage for peonies growing here is around April 9th every year; the middle bloom stage is from April 14th to 20th and the late bloom stage can extend to early May.

Xiyuan Park

Xiyuan Park was built on the site of Xiyuan Ruins, the palace of Emperor Yangdi during the Sui Dynasty. The park accentuates a theme of "watch peonies and appreciate bonsais" and launches many special tour activities related to the theme. Inside the park different kinds of peonies and oddly shaped bonsais are integrated into an exotic world of peony garden work.

Blooming date: early peonies and peony bonsais will be in bloom at the beginning of April. Usually the full bloom stage is around April 16th every year. The late peonies can flower in early May.

There are many full-length variety shows, flower watching, lantern show, exhibitions of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting and photography, symposiums, and business talks. Banquets are arranged for peony admirers, and all kinds of snacks and refreshments are served as well.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Longyuwan National Forest Park

Situated in the mountainside of Mountain Funiushan, southwest of Luoyang, Longyuwan National Forest Park has an area over 60,000 mu (9,884 acres) with 12 scenic areas and 218 spots of interest. To meet most visitors’ need, the forest park opened to the public in May of 1994 and was honored the first National Civilized Forest Park of Henan Province seven years later. In 2002, it was listed as the National AAAA Tourist Spot by China National Tourist Office. Longyuwan National Forest Park is a perfect choice for summer vacations as the highest temperature in summer is just 21 C (69.8 F) and the average annual temperature is 12 C (53.6 F). Nowadays, it has attracted millions of visitors for its rich natural resources.

Longyuwan National Forest Park is a state forest park authorized by Ministry of Forestry of China. Now there are 12 scenic sections composed of 100 scenic spots. Longyuwan National Forest Park is the backyard garden of Luoyang city; it is also the top of the ten famous singhts in Luanchuan County. It is outstanding for its lofty mountains, limpid water, bizarre peaks, odd rocks, incommodious valleys, quiet hollows, imposing scenes and lucid springs. The 6600 acres of pine trees decorate the whole mountians, making the mountains a splendid vision. The highest mountaintop in the mountains is Changxiaofeng (also named Jijiaojian), which is 2212.5 meters above the sea level. The peak is like the beak of a singing cock, weird, appalling and breathtaking.

There are many places of interest to visit in the Longyuwan National Forest Park:

Jijiaojian Peak: as its name implies, it looks like a rooster's head has an altitude of 2,219 meters (7,280 feet), and is the highest peak on Funiushan Mountain. It is noted for the No.1 Peak in the Central Plains of China. The most beautiful scenery is in May, when you can see the mountainside covered with 200 mu (33 acres) white and red azaleas on the top the Jijiaoshan Peak. In fact, it is the largest azaleas garden with probably the finest flowers of their kind in China currently.

Heilong (Black Dragon) Pond: The pond takes its name from the legend which says that a black dragon took bath here. The Heilong Pond rushes down the mountain in two steps and forms a pool of swirling green water on each level. The waterfall coursing from the pond has a drop of more than 34 meters (112 feet), and makes a deafening sound. Beside the pond, there is the Black Dragon King Temple, where the villagers pray to God for rain. Also there are Sun Pond, the Yueya Pond (crescent pond) and the Xingguang Pond (starlight pond). They connect with each other to form a circle.

Other places worthy of mention are the Hongluo Temple, Longyuwan, the Leida Rock and over 20 dells. Each and every one has a unique style and is well worth seeking out when visiting the area. In addition, visitors can taste the special local products there, such as walnut, Chinese chestnut, Chinese gooseberry and potherb.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area

The Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area is a large-scale eco-tourism zone formed by the Xiaolangdi Water Control Project, the second largest water conservancy project of China, integrating sightseeing, leisure and a holiday resort. This scenic area spans across three cities, i.e., Luoyang, Sanmenxia and Jiyuan, 175 km long, with an area of 1,262 sq km. It contains 113 scenic spots, 13 scenic areas and four major parts — Xiaolangdi Dam, Jingzi Mountain, Bali Gorge and Sanmenxia Gorge. In the scenic zone, tourists can appreciate the unique charm of the Yellow River, and the magnificent scene when the sluices on the dam are open to release floods. The Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam Project has become a dominating feature of this stretch of the mighty river and the three gorges to be found here are a major attraction.

Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam Project

The Dam Project is an eye catching feature of the whole scenic area. In total the cost of the project has been RMB 42 billion and it is not only a milestone in the history of the continuing effort to tame the Yellow River, but it is also a masterpiece in the history of world hydro-engineering. It creates three firsts in the world and six firsts in China. This vast record breaking construction is 1667 meters (about 1823 yards) long with a height of 154 meters (about 500 feet). Following the completion of the project a vast reservoir covering 272 square kilometers (about 105 square miles) has been formed above the dam. The views across this vast shimmering man-made lake surrounded by towering mountains are amazing.

The Three Gorges of Yellow River

The Three Gorges are the essence of this scenic area on the Yellow River. Situated on the upper reaches of Xiaolangdi Multipurpose Dam, the gorges cover 40 square kilometers (about 15 square miles). Each gorge has its own characteristics. Bali Gorge forms the narrowest part of these reaches of the river and the water gushes between the sheer cliffs on either side. Gushan Gorge is extraordinary as if it were cut out by some supernatural beings while the Dragon and Phoenix Gorge winds snake-like between steep sides. All in all the Three Georges of the Yellow River present uniquely beautiful water and mountain scenery in northern region of China.

Some 16 km from the Xiaolangdi Water Control Project, the Xixiayuan Project possesses four hydraulic turbine generating units with a combined installed capacity of 140,000 kw. The Xixiayuan Reservoir Dam is 3,122 m long, being the longest dam on the Yellow River. The Xixiayuan Reservoir is adjacent to the western part of the Yellow River Wetland Waterfowl Nature Reservoir. Together with the wetland reserve, the reservoir has played an important role in improving the local ecological environment and providing an ideal tourist destination and a leisure and entertainment center on water for tourists.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com

White Cloud Mountain National Forest Park

The White Cloud Mountain National Forest Park was established in September, 1992. Located in southern Song County, Luoyang, the hinterland of the Funiu Mountain Ridge, it occupies a total area of 168 sq kilometers (64.9 sq miles). It invites visitors to refresh themselves in its natural beauty.

With 98.5 percent of its area in forest, this park is in the transition area between warm-temperate zone and subtropical zone. The vegetation of both northern and southern China coexists in it. Within the forest park, there are 204 types of animals, 1991 types of plants, and 3,000 types of insects. For instance, there is ancient and rare foliage: cercidiphyllum and the alpine rhododendron, as well as some precious animals: giant salamander, leopard and golden eagle. This is an excellent place to appreciate the primitive beauty of nature. The Water-curtain Cave, the Folded (Zhedie) Waterfall and the Fairy Pool are located here. The landscape is beautiful beyond description.

The average temperature of the park in summer is less than 18 degrees centigrade (64.4F), while the highest is less than 26 degrees centigrade (78.8F). It is a magnificent summer resort, but blooming flowers in spring, clear waters and seas of cloud in summer, crimson leaves in autumn and majestic white-clad mountains in winter make the White Cloud Mountain National Forest Park an all-year-round Chinese resort.

The most famous in this park is White Cloud Peak. At 2,150 meters (7,054 feet) above the sea level, White Cloud Peak is one of the main peaks of the Funiu Mountain Ridge. The clouds crowd around it perennially making it like a fairyland on earth. There are folk ballads and proverbs saying that the peak can indicate weather changes by the position of the clouds around the peak. Dazzling and fascinating, the peak is a perfect location for mountain climbers to seek novelty.

This area has an abundant water supply. It dashes downwards and scours out scattered waterfalls and deep pools. The Jiulong waterfall, Qinglong Waterfall, and the Heilong Pool are some of the appealing sights in this area. It is an ideal summer resort and it is also good to visit Luoyang in May for the blooms of azalea here.

For more information, please visit http://top-chinatour.com