Yellow River Xiaolangdi Scenic Area

Lying in Mengjin County 40 kilometers (about 25 miles) north of Luoyang City, Henan Province, Xiaolangdi Scenic Area is located in the exit of the last gorge in the middle reaches of Yellow River.

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.
 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 1,667 meters (about 1,823 yards) long with a height of 154 meters (about 500 feet). The whole project consists of ten intake towers, nine flood and sediment tunnels, six power tunnels and an underground powerhouse. The main objectives of the project are: flood control, ice jam control, siltation control, irrigation, water supply, as well as hydroelectric power generation. 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 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.
 Bali Gorge is also nicknamed 'Bali By-street'. It is the last section of the Yellow River gorges and it is the narrowest. Cliffs stand erect and tall on either side as though they have been cut through by a giant sword. The narrow and arduous valleys continue upwards appearing to almost join the sky. Seen from a distance, these beautiful valleys connect with each other to form a natural door, thus they have been called 'The Door of the Yellow River'. The current here is wild and strong and waves continually dash against the shore .The whole gorge is splendid.
 Gushan Gorge goes from south to north. Here mountains and water become an inseparable whole; pavilions and small wooden houses stand beside the water and adorn the mountain sides. When visiting this place, you will be touched by the grand landscape and surrounded by a strong sense of poetry. In this gorge, natural beauties and sceneries of humanities are interwoven, enhancing the beauty of each other. There are countless stories and legends about the Gushan Gorge, something that adds to its appeal as a spot well worth visiting when exploring the historic Yellow River.
 

The Dragon and Phoenix Gorge twists and turns through precipitous cliffs. The mountain rocks are rugged; trees stand tall and serene; the mist and clouds are dense and the constant stream of water is loquacious. Here a blue pond is like a bright and quiet moon while the waterfall above is a white curtain draped on the mountain side. The reason for the name of the gorge is that it and the Phoenix Slope supplement each other, forming a natural picture which indicates propitiousness. For that reason scenic spots in this gorge have been endowed with many romantic names, like Lover's Island, Lovesickness Waterfall, Dragon and Phoenix Pond, and so on. Some would say that this is a perfect place for lovers!
 Take bus from Longhai Bus Station located on Longhai East Road. It departs at 15:30 and costs CNY45. The whole journey takes around 3 hours.
 Take a regular bus from Luoyang Bus Station to Xiaolangdi. It takes about 1.5h and costs CNY7.