Plan at a glance
Entrance and scenic-area scope
Longtan Grand Canyon is in Longtangou Village, Shijing Town, Xin’an County, Luoyang. The visitor-center gate is the main entrance. The canyon is about 12 kilometers long, with red-rock slot canyons, pools, waterfalls and water scenery as its main features. The core route requires taking a scenic-area shuttle uphill and then walking down along the canyon trail.
Tickets and opening hours
The reference adult ticket price is CNY 80, the reference one-way scenic-area shuttle fare is CNY 30, and a boat ride is optional with a reference price of about CNY 50. Admission, the shuttle and the boat ride are charged separately. Opening hours are usually 07:30–17:30, with entry ending at 16:30. Advance purchase through the official “Longtan Grand Canyon Scenic Area” WeChat account or a travel platform is recommended.
How much time to allow
Allow about 2–3 hours for the short canyon route and about 4–5 hours for the deep route. Public-transport services are limited and the scenic area is relatively remote. Visitors not driving should include the reference last-bus time of about 16:30 and the walking time in the day’s plan.
Tickets and visit details
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Red-rock landforms and canyon water scenery
The red-rock slot canyons, ripple marks and mud cracks show landforms created by long-term sedimentation and the cutting action of flowing water. Streams, deep pools and waterfalls line the route. Outside the flood season or after a longer dry spell following rain, the water is usually clearer; during or after the rainy and flood seasons, sediment may affect the water color.
Water-access sections and representative sights
Some sections have shallow shoals where visitors may wade or play in the water when the weather and on-site opening conditions allow. “Water Flowing Uphill,” “A Line of Sky,” Longtan Grand Waterfall and Heavenly Stele Rock are specific sights to include. Visitors interested in geological observation, natural scenery, hiking or family activities can choose where to stop according to the water conditions and walking capacity.
Who this suits
Families can choose the short route with a shuttle uphill and a walk down the canyon, stopping near shallow shoals only when the on-site conditions allow. Geology and nature enthusiasts can plan the 4–5-hour deep route. For photography, morning light is suitable for canyon scenery, while afternoon light is better for portraits and activities around the shallow shoals.
Build your day
2–3 hours: Short route with an uphill shuttle
Walk into the scenic area from the visitor center, take the one-way shuttle uphill, and then follow the canyon plank road downhill. Include “Water Flowing Uphill,” “A Line of Sky” and Longtan Grand Waterfall along the way, then return to the entrance after covering the main sights.
4–5 hours: Longyin Valley deep route
Walk in from the entrance, take the scenic-area shuttle to Longyin Valley, and then follow the full canyon route downhill through geological sights, stream shallows and waterfall areas. After the visit, take the scenic-area shuttle back to the entrance. Choose boat rides, rafting and other activities according to your interests and what is open that day.
Return timing
Before entering the canyon, visitors not driving should confirm the return bus stop and last departure. The reference last-bus time is about 16:30. The deep route takes 4–5 hours, so visitors arriving later in the afternoon should switch to the short route or arrange a private car or group return in advance.
Get there
Self-driving
Driving from Luoyang city center takes about 1.5–2 hours. Navigate to the Longtan Grand Canyon Scenic Area visitor center. There is a parking lot near the entrance, with a reference fee of CNY 10 per day. Mountain roads and holiday traffic affect the actual journey, so arrange arrival around the scenic area’s opening hours.
Scenic-area direct bus and public transport
From Luoyang Railway Station or Luoyang Longmen Station, take the Jiaoyun Group tourist direct bus to the scenic area. The one-way journey usually takes about 2 hours. The scenic area is remote and regular public-transport services are limited. When choosing the direct bus, confirm the departure point, drop-off location and return departures together.
Know before you go
Water conditions, weather and footwear
After rain or during the rainy and flood seasons, streams may become muddy because of sediment, and clear-water views and shallow-shoal activities change with the weather. Wet rocks in the water-access areas can be slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and stay within the open area. During thunderstorms or changes in water level, stop approaching streams, waterfalls and shallow shoals.
Extra spending and photography
Boat rides and rafting are separately paid activities; follow the arrangements for the day for their reference prices and availability, and choose them according to your interests. The free photos at the exit are usually small-size versions, while large photos may cost extra. Confirm the price before collecting one. Vehicles or escort services soliciting customers outside the scenic area should not be treated as a guaranteed return option.
Nearby itineraries
Daimai Mountain and Jingzishan are other natural attractions around Xin’an County and are not part of the Longtan Grand Canyon route. If visiting several attractions, confirm their opening hours, transport distances and return options separately; the attractions do not share a general admission ticket.