Shanzhou District Tourism

Shanzhou District, Sanmenxia, southern Henan Province — a living fossil of millennium-old civilization hidden underground, integrating the wonders of pit courtyard ancient villages, the historical charm of Shanzhou Ancient City, and the ecological scenery of Ganshan Mountain. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour unlocks the underground civilization and natural beauty of the secret Central Plains.

4000+
Years of Pit Courtyard Construction History
3
National Intangible Cultural Heritage Projects
10+
Core Scenic Spots
15+
Special Local Foods
Panoramic view and residential details of pit courtyard villages in Shanzhou District
Shanzhou Pit Courtyard - Panoramic View of Underground Siheyuan
Known as the 'living fossil underground', Shanzhou Pit Courtyard is a unique ancient underground residential architecture in China, showcasing the wisdom and survival skills of ancient people

3-Day 2-Night Underground Ancient Exploration Tour in Shanzhou District

Visit the wonders of pit courtyards, walk through the streets of ancient cities, climb the green layers of Ganshan Mountain, taste Shanzhou flavors, and unlock the dual codes of humanities and nature in western Central Plains

Itinerary Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Shanzhou Pit Courtyard, Shanzhou Ancient City, Ganshan National Forest Park, Kongxiang Temple
Suitable For
History Enthusiasts, Photography Lovers, Family Travelers, Outdoor Enthusiasts
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥900
01
Underground Exploration
Shanzhou Pit Courtyard · Beiying Ancient Village · Pit Courtyard Folk Performance
Itinerary Highlights

Immerse yourself in pit courtyard culture all day, visit the original pit courtyard complex in Beiying Village, watch intangible cultural heritage folk performances, experience underground cave dwelling life, and enjoy the pit courtyard light show at night.

Attraction Arrangement
Shanzhou Pit Courtyard Scenic Area
The largest and most well-preserved ancient underground residential building complex in China, with more than 100 existing pit courtyards, known as 'the ancient village under the horizon and the living fossil of human cave dwelling'.
Beiying Ancient Village
The core village of pit courtyards, retaining a large number of pit courtyard dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, some of which are still inhabited, showing the original ecological underground living scene.
Pit Courtyard Folk Performance Hall
Focuses on displaying intangible cultural heritage skills such as Shanzhou shadow puppetry, paper-cutting, and chengni inkstone making, with daily folk performances and interactive experience projects.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Pit Courtyard Themed Homestay (Experience cave dwelling)
  • Farmhouses around the scenic area
  • Hotels in Shanzhou urban area
Food Recommendations
  • Pit Courtyard Farmhouse Feast
  • Shanzhou Fermented Eggs
  • Daying Fried Dough Twists
  • Mian Dou (Wheat Beans)
Travel Tips
  • The steps at the entrance and exit of pit courtyards are steep, elderly and children should pay attention to safety
  • Caves are cool in summer, it is recommended to bring a thin coat
  • Light show is only open at night (19:30-21:00)
02
Ancient City Exploration
Shanzhou Ancient City · Bell and Drum Towers · Chengni Inkstone Cultural Park · Swan Cruise Ship
Itinerary Highlights

Wander through Shanzhou Ancient City in the morning to visit Ming and Qing buildings such as the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, experience chengni inkstone making in the afternoon, and enjoy the Yellow River night view on the 'Swan' cruise ship in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Shanzhou Ancient City
A millennium-old ancient city founded in the Western Han Dynasty, retaining part of the city walls, streets and Ming and Qing buildings, it is a relatively well-preserved ancient town site in western Henan.
Bell Tower and Drum Tower
Iconic buildings of the ancient city, the Bell Tower houses an ancient bell from the Ming Dynasty, the Drum Tower retains traditional drum music performances, and climbing the towers offers a panoramic view of the ancient city.
Chengni Inkstone Cultural Park
A cultural park themed on the national intangible cultural heritage 'Shanzhou Chengni Inkstone', where you can visit the inkstone making process and experience making it by hand.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take bus No.5 or No.6 in the urban area to reach the ancient city directly
  • It is recommended to walk around the ancient city (area about 1.5 square kilometers)
  • The Swan cruise ship terminal is 1.2 kilometers from the ancient city, accessible on foot
Ticket Information
  • Shanzhou Ancient City: Free
  • Bell Tower/Drum Tower: ¥15 each (Combined ticket ¥25)
  • Chengni Inkstone Cultural Park: ¥30 (including experience)
Travel Tips
  • There are many intangible cultural heritage handcraft shops in the ancient city where you can buy special cultural and creative products
  • Tickets for the Swan cruise ship need to be purchased 1 day in advance (departs at 20:00 in summer)
  • The night view lights of the ancient city turn on at 19:00, suitable for photography
03
Landscape and Zen Charm
Ganshan National Forest Park · Kongxiang Temple · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Go to Ganshan National Forest Park in the morning, hike in the forest oxygen bar to enjoy natural wonders, visit the famous Buddhist temple Kongxiang Temple in the afternoon to explore Bodhidharma's relics, and return in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Ganshan National Forest Park
A national forest park with a total area of 6800 hectares and a forest coverage rate of 98%, known as 'Little Jiuzhaigou in Western Henan', the main peak is 1884 meters above sea level, with different scenery in four seasons.
Kongxiang Temple
A millennium-old ancient temple founded in the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is the place where Bodhidharma, the first patriarch of Zen Buddhism, passed away. It retains historical sites such as Bodhidharma Pagoda and Bodhidharma Hall, and is a national key cultural relic protection unit.
Ganshan Red Leaf Garden
The core scenic area of Ganshan Mountain, with mountains covered with red leaves in autumn, equipped with viewing platforms and wooden plank roads, it is a famous red leaf viewing spot in the Central Plains.
Practical Information
Experience Projects
  • Ganshan Forest Hiking (Recommended route: Butterfly Valley - Red Leaf Garden)
  • Kongxiang Temple Zen Meditation Experience
  • Ganshan Slide (Downhill means of transportation, ¥30 per person)
  • Bodhidharma Culture Explanation (Reservation required)
Special Product Recommendations
  • Shanzhou Chengni Inkstone
  • Ganshan Wild Mushrooms
  • Daying Fried Dough Twists Gift Box
  • Mian Dou (Salty/Sweet flavor)
Return Trip Guide
  • Ganshan Mountain is about 30 kilometers from Shanzhou urban area, taxi ride takes about 40 minutes
  • Kongxiang Temple is about 8 kilometers from Sanmenxia West Railway Station
  • The urban bus station has regular buses to Zhengzhou, Luoyang and other places

Must-Try Foods in Shanzhou District

Shanzhou Fermented Eggs

The iconic food of Shanzhou District, made by marinating fresh duck eggs with distiller's grains. The egg white is amber-colored, the yolk is orange-red, with a rich wine aroma and rich nutrition, which was a tribute in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Daying Fried Dough Twists

A specialty of Daying Town in Shanzhou, made with fine ingredients and unique craftsmanship, crispy and chewy in taste, can be stored for a long time without deterioration, and is a necessary food for local festivals.

Mian Dou (Wheat Beans)

A traditional farmhouse snack in Shanzhou, made into bean-shaped pieces with wheat flour added with Chinese prickly ash, sesame and other seasonings, baked to be salty, crispy and a perfect accompaniment to tea.

Shuihua Buddha's Hand Sugar Cake

A traditional dessert in Shanzhou, named for its shape like a Buddha's hand and blooming like water splashes when fried. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, sweet but not cloying, it is a characteristic food for festivals in western Henan.

Travel Tips for Shanzhou District
Best Travel Time
  • Autumn (Oct-Nov): Best time to view Ganshan red leaves
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Spring Festival folk activities in pit courtyards
  • Spring (Apr-May): Ganshan Mountain is full of blooming flowers with pleasant climate
Must-Try Foods
  • Shanzhou Fermented Eggs
  • Daying Fried Dough Twists
  • Mian Dou (Wheat Beans)
  • Shuihua Buddha's Hand Sugar Cake
  • Shanzhou Braised Noodles
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥150
  • Accommodation: ¥100-220 per night
  • Catering: ¥50-90 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥60
  • Total: ¥500-900
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can people live in pit courtyards? → Some are transformed into homestays for experience
  • Is Ganshan Mountain suitable for elderly visitors? → Sightseeing cars (¥20 per person) are available for transportation
  • Where to buy authentic Shanzhou fermented eggs? → 'Shanzhou Specialty Store' in urban area or scenic area specialty stores
  • Is the pit courtyard light show charged? → Included in the scenic area ticket, no extra charge

Explore Tourism in Districts and Counties of Sanmenxia City

Hubin District
Shanzhou District
Mianchi County
Lushi County
Yima City
Lingbao City