🇨🇳 Guoliang Village and Cliff Tunnel (Wanxian Mountain)
郭亮村挂壁公路 · 신샹 후이현
Location
Overview
Guoliang Village sits atop a Taihang Mountain cliff at about 1,700 m elevation in Huixian, Xinxiang, Henan, China. Its lifeline to the outside world is the Guoliang Cliff Tunnel (挂壁公路), hand-carved between 1972 and 1977 by 13 villagers using only hammers, chisels, and explosives — no electricity or machinery. Roughly 1,200–1,300 m long, 4 m wide, and 5 m high, the tunnel is pierced by about 35 'windows' that frame dizzying views of the gorge, and a Japanese TV crew once dubbed it the 'Ninth Wonder of the World.'
Highlights
Guoliang Cliff Tunnel: a ~1.2–1.3 km hand-hewn passage with about 35 open 'windows' overlooking the canyon
The '13 heroes' story: villagers who carved a road through solid rock over five years without power tools
Wanxian Mountain Scenic Area: Heaven Pool, the Heaven Ladder, Shouting Spring, gorges, waterfalls and viewing decks
A cliff-top village at ~1,700 m with dramatic seasonal scenery — spring blossoms, autumn foliage, winter ice falls
Old stone houses and farmhouse-inn atmosphere; a well-known film and TV location
Good to know
SafetyMany tunnel 'windows' and cliff viewpoints have low or no guardrails. Stay behind safety lines and never lean out for photos; surfaces get very slippery when wet.
SafetyThis is a 1,700 m mountain area with rockfall risk; roads and paths are especially dangerous when rainy or icy. Wear non-slip, waterproof footwear and avoid unnecessary travel in bad weather.
RulesGetting around the scenic area effectively requires the mandatory shuttle bus; self-driving the narrow, steep mountain roads is not recommended, and vehicle access on the cliff road may be time-restricted — follow on-site signage and staff.
SeasonSpring (Apr–May) blossoms and autumn (Sep–Oct) red leaves and cloud seas are the peak seasons. Winter snow is beautiful but some sections ice over; the area averages about 10°C cooler than Zhengzhou, so bring warm layers.
CautionFarmhouse inns and eateries can vary in price and menu, especially in peak season. Confirm room and meal prices in advance and check prices before buying local products (acorn jelly, wild vegetables). Book lodging a day to a week ahead during holidays.
RulesEntering restricted zones, rock climbing, or flying drones is subject to scenic-area rules. Fees, hours, and access rules change — verify the latest details via the official Wanxian Mountain scenic area before you go.
Practical info
Access: Zhengzhou → Xinxiang (~30 min by high-speed rail) → Huixian → Wanxian Mountain Scenic Area (about 2–3 hrs total; ~150 km by car). Fees: roughly ¥80 admission + ~¥45 mandatory shuttle (or a combined ticket around ¥105–110); confirm the latest rates and hours on site/official channels. Time: half a day for village + tunnel, an overnight stay for the full area. Bring: non-slip, waterproof shoes, warm and rain layers. Lodging: many farmhouse inns in the village (reserve ahead in peak season).
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