3-Day Tour in Shangluo | Classic Combo of Jin Silk Gorge and Zhashui Karst Caves・Suitable for All Groups

Shangluo, known as the "Natural Oxygen Bar" on the southern slope of the Qinling Mountains, offers the secret canyon of Jin Silk Gorge, the magical light and shadow of Zhashui Karst Caves, and the cultural charm of Dihua Ancient Town. Breathe fresh mountain air with the elderly, explore caves with children, and here, every day is a chance to encounter the beauty of nature and the tranquility of time. 🗓️ Itinerary Overview D1: Arrive in Shangluo → Jin Silk Grand Canyon → Danjiang Rafting D2: Zhashui Karst Caves → Niubeiliang National Forest Park D3: Dihua Ancient Town → Shangluo Museum → Return 🏞️ Day 1: Canyon Exploration & River Rafting Fun 📍 Jin Silk Grand Canyon (5A, Admission 100 RMB) Highlights: Known as "China’s Most Beautiful Grand Canyon," it features Bailong Gorge, Qinglong Gorge, and Heilong Gorge, with clusters of waterfalls and winding plank roads, boasting extremely high negative oxygen ion content. Elderly visitors can stroll along the gentle Bailong Gorge trail and rest by the "Stone Tree"; children can splash in the free "Water Play Beach," watch the changing light at "One Line Sky," and listen to the "Golden Monkey Legend" for lots of fun. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30, recommended 9:00-15:00 💰 Fees: Adults 100 RMB, free for seniors over 65, free for children under 1.4 meters 📸 Photo Spot: In front of Rainbow Waterfall (rainbow appears when sunlight refracts, stand on the plank road for panoramic shots) 💡 Tips: Electric shuttle (30 RMB/person) available to save energy; bring sandals in summer for water play. 📍 Danjiang Rafting (4A, Admission 85 RMB) Highlights: Known as the "Northwest’s Number One Rafting," the river is gentle, perfect for bamboo raft rides to enjoy the scenery on both banks; autumn brings stunning red leaves along Danjiang. Elderly can relax on bamboo rafts and listen to boatmen’s mountain songs; children can play with water guns (20 RMB each), catch small fish (free), and enjoy the leisurely "Little Bamboo Raft River Tour" experience. 🕙 Recommended Time: 15:30-17:30 🍜 Recommended Dining: "Canyon Family" in Shangnan County, must-try Shangzhi pork (48 RMB/portion) and jiaotuan (8 RMB/portion), average 40 RMB per person, authentic southern Shaanxi flavor. 🏨 Recommended Stay: "Taiziping Homestay" near Jin Silk Gorge (close to attractions, farmhouse style), priced 200-350 RMB/night, quiet and comfortable. 🌌 Day 2: Cave Exploration & Forest Oxygen 📍 Zhashui Karst Caves (4A, Admission 82 RMB) Highlights: A "Northern Wonder," the karst cave group includes Foye Cave, Tiandong Cave, and Fengdong Cave, with diverse stalactites resembling a crystal palace under colorful lights. Elderly can take the scenic elevator (20 RMB/person) to the cave entrance and stroll slowly inside (flat terrain); children can shoot magical photos in front of the "Dragon Palace," play the "Find the Stalactite" game (shapes like lions or fairies), and learn about cave formation. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30, recommended 9:00-12:00 📸 Photo Spot: Foye Cave’s "Gathering of Immortals" scene (stalactites shaped like many immortals, brilliantly lit) 📍 Niubeiliang National Forest Park (5A, Admission 110 RMB) Highlights: The main peak of the eastern Qinling Mountains, featuring Lingniu Valley, Liuchiling, and Niubeiliang summit, with 94% forest coverage, alpine meadows, and sea of clouds. Elderly can walk the gentle Lingniu Valley trail and enjoy mountain views at "Moon Pass"; children can climb in the "Forest Adventure Park" (50 RMB/session) and play in "Hundred Waterfalls Pool" in summer, experiencing the wild beauty of Qinling. 🕙 Recommended Time: 14:00-17:30 💡 Tips: Mountain temperatures are 6°C lower, bring a light jacket; sightseeing bus (30 RMB/person) available to core areas to save energy. 🏘️ Day 3: Ancient Town Charm & Cultural History 📍 Dihua Ancient Town (4A, Free Admission) Highlights: Hometown of Jia Pingwa, featuring Songjin Street, Qingfeng Street, and Pingwa Literature Museum, preserving the "Song-Jin Border City" style, surrounded by rapeseed flower seas in spring. Elderly can enjoy Qin opera at the "Old Teahouse" (10 RMB/person) and watch shadow puppetry (20 RMB/show); children can learn to make "Dihua Mahua" (15 RMB/materials) and play with the "Stone Mill" (free), experiencing the lively atmosphere of a southern Shaanxi ancient town. 🕙 Open All Day, recommended 9:00-12:00 📸 Photo Spot: Songjin Street Archway (capture blue bricks, gray tiles, and red lanterns; wearing blue cloth clothes adds vintage feel) 📍 Shangluo Museum (Free, reservation required) Highlights: Collections include "Shang and Zhou Bronze Ware," "Qin and Han Pottery Figurines," and the "Shangluo History Exhibition" from ancient times to modern, with a special exhibit on "Red Army in Shangluo." Elderly can reminisce with the "Old Photos Exhibition," children can play "Cultural Relics Puzzle" (free) and learn to write the oracle bone script character "Shang" (20 RMB/session), discovering the story of the "Ancient Shangyu Road." 🕙 Recommended Time: 14:00-16:00 🍜 Recommended Dining: "Shangluo Old Restaurant" in the city, must-try hot soup noodles (10 RMB/bowl) and sweet potato balls (15 RMB/portion), average 30 RMB per person, homestyle flavor. ✨ Shangluo Survival Guide 1️⃣ Transportation: City buses No.1 and No.6 to the museum (1 RMB); tourist shuttle to Jin Silk Gorge (25 RMB/person, 2 hours); for cross-attraction travel, car rental recommended (200-250 RMB/day), mountain roads are common, taxi starting fare 6 RMB. 2️⃣ Clothing: Wear windproof jackets in spring and autumn (mountain winds are strong); short sleeves + sun protection clothing + long pants in summer (to prevent insects); down jackets + non-slip shoes in winter (snow at Niubeiliang); bring sports shoes (essential for canyon and hiking). 3️⃣ Etiquette: Do not pick plants or litter in the canyon; do not touch stalactites in caves (protect geology); respect residents’ lives in the ancient town, keep noise down. 4️⃣ Accommodation: Stay near Jin Silk Gorge on Day 1, in Zhashui County on Day 2; choose homestays with hot water for elderly, near restaurants for children; book early for summer cooling. 🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs ① Shangluo Walnuts (gift box 40 RMB/box, thin shell and full, loved by elderly and children) ② Zhashui Wood Ear Mushrooms (30 RMB/bag, naturally grown, crisp texture) ③ Dihua Ancient Town Mahua (20 RMB/bag, salty, crispy, traditional snack) ④ Qinling Mountain Delicacy Gift Box (50 RMB/box, includes shiitake mushrooms and gastrodia, nourishing and healthful) The soul of Shangluo lies in the natural spirit hidden in the waterfalls of Jin Silk Gorge, the traces of time carved on the stalactites of Zhashui Karst Caves, and the peaceful life drifting through the old streets of Dihua Ancient Town. Whether taking a deep breath with parents at Niubeiliang, rafting with children on Danjiang, or having tea with friends in the ancient town, here you will find green relaxation and calm. If you come to Shangluo, would you first want to see the waterfalls at Jin Silk Gorge or explore the wonders of Zhashui Karst Caves?