Longtan Grand Canyon, located in Xinan County, Luoyang City, Henan Province, is the first 5A-level scenic area in China to declare bankruptcy. Known for its stunning natural landscapes and unique geological features, this scenic area has been honored with multiple national and international awards, including being recognized as a “World Geopark” by UNESCO and holding the title of “China’s No. 1 Gorge.”
Despite being highly favored by tourists, Longtan Grand Canyon has faced severe financial difficulties due to the management issues of its developer, Luoyang Wanshanhu Tourism Co., Ltd. The company’s blind expansion through borrowing and improper internal management led to debts amounting to hundreds of millions of yuan.
Even under such heavy financial pressure, Longtan Grand Canyon has remained committed to keeping ticket prices affordable, maintaining a tourist-friendly attitude. The ticket prices have been kept relatively low, and the prices of commodities within the scenic area have not significantly increased due to the financial predicament, reflecting the scenic area’s emphasis on and responsibility for the visitor experience.
✅Five Dragon Pools
The core attraction of Longtan Grand Canyon, the Five Dragon Pools consist of five clear, bottomless pools of varying sizes and shapes, resembling five pearls embedded in the gorge. Visitors can enjoy the magnificent sight of waterfalls cascading down and experience the magical charm of nature.
✅Stone Gorge Wonders
The stone gorge wonders within Longtan Grand Canyon are unique. After hundreds of millions of years of geological evolution, various peculiarly shaped stone gorge landscapes have formed. Visitors can stroll along the gorge trails and appreciate the masterful work of nature, feeling its incredible power.
Luoyang
When visiting Longtan Grand Canyon, one must not miss the opportunity to explore its host city, Luoyang.
As an ancient capital with a long history, Luoyang boasts numerous fascinating tourist attractions. Here are a few representative sites:
✅Longmen Grottoes
Located in the southern outskirts of Luoyang, Longmen Grottoes is one of China’s four major grottoes and a World Heritage Site. It houses a collection of Buddhist stone carvings from multiple dynasties, including the Northern Wei and Tang, with over 100,000 Buddha statues and 2,345 caves. The Vairocana Buddha is particularly famous.
✅White Horse Temple
Hailed as “China’s First Ancient Temple,” the White Horse Temple is located in the Luolong District. Founded during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is the earliest Buddhist temple in China, marking the official introduction of Buddhism into the country. The temple has a tranquil environment and preserves ancient relics from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, making it an essential place to understand Chinese Buddhist culture.
✅Luoyang Peony Garden
uoyang is renowned for its peonies. Every spring, when the peonies are in full bloom, countless tourists flock to admire them. The Peony Garden houses a wide variety of species with vibrant colors, making it an ideal spot to experience the splendor of the “king of flowers.”
✅Lijing Gate and Luoyang Old Street
Lijing Gate is a symbol of ancient Luoyang. The reconstructed city gate and the connected old street showcase the historical charm of the ancient capital. The old street is lined with various snack stalls and handicraft shops, making it an ideal choice for experiencing local life and culture.
✅Guanlin Temple
Situated in the southern outskirts of Luoyang, Guanlin Temple was built to commemorate Guan Yu, a famous general from the Three Kingdoms period. It is one of the three major Guan Temples in China. The temple not only houses shrines dedicated to Guan Yu but also his tomb, reflecting the unique architectural style of “mausoleum, temple, and forest” integration in ancient times.
These attractions not only showcase Luoyang’s profound historical and cultural heritage but also allow visitors to experience the charm of this ancient city up close.
