Luanchuan



Luanchuan County (栾川县) is a county under the jurisdiction of Luoyang, Henan Province, China. It is located in west Henan and is a place full of historical culture and natural scenery.

Luanchuan is named after a group of people who lived here in ancient times, according to legend. The scenery here is beautiful and the climate is pleasant, making it a famous summer resort. Luanchuan County has a long cultural history and profound cultural heritage. There are many poems and cultural relics left by literati here, emitting a strong cultural atmosphere. In addition, Luanchuan is famous for its delicious local specialties and is a charming tourist destination worth exploring and experiencing.

Understand
Tourist attractions in the Luanchuan area include Longyu Bay, Chongdu Gou, Yangzigou, and Funiu Mountain Ski Resort. The best travel time is spring, summer, and autumn.

Luanchuan is situated within the scenic Funiu Mountain region in western Henan.

Topography
The topography of Luanchuan exhibits a significant variation, characterized by higher elevations in the southwest and lower elevations in the northeast, resulting in a diverse landscape of rolling hills, low mountains, and river valleys. In Zhongshan District, areas with altitudes exceeding one kilometer above sea level make up 49.4% of the county's total land area, while the remaining 50.6% consists of low mountainous terrain and valley areas below the one-kilometer mark. The county's pinnacle is marked by Longyu Bay Jijiao Jian, standing at an impressive altitude of 2,212.5 meters, while the lowest point lies at the Yihe River exit in Tangying Village, Tantou Town, with an elevation of 450 meters and a remarkable relative height difference of 1,762.5 meters. Notably, the county seat is perched at an elevation of 750 meters, establishing it as the highest county seat within the province.

People
Influenced by local culture and folk customs, Luanchuan people are very enthusiastic and will nod and greet strangers, especially in small public places such as elevators and buses to avoid embarrassment; when faced with strangers’ inquiries or requests, Luanchuan people When helping, I am less defensive and will patiently answer questions with a kind attitude until the other party has no questions. Moreover, rural people are relatively simple. Whenever they see a fellow villager or a stranger passing by the door at mealtime, they will ask: "You haven't eaten yet? I have food at home."

Intangible Cultural Heritage

 * 1.Kaoshan Huang (Traditional Drama) 黄靠山（传统戏剧）

Kaoshan Huangxi is a traditional type of Chinese opera that is mainly performed on stage and sometimes in venues such as sitting halls and street stalls. It differs significantly from other genres in multiple aspects. In terms of vocal style, actors use special falling tones, including "Ou" or "Yi" sounds. Male actors refer to them as "Dai Shouer", while female actors refer to them as "Dai Xianger". In terms of role and profession, Xusheng (Hongsheng), Zhengdan, and Erhualian are the main performing characters, and over time, their roles and professions gradually diversify. Accompanying instruments include early Pi Hu Qin, Zao Mu Shou Bang, and Tang Gong, with later additions such as Da Gong, Da Cymbal, and Banhu. In terms of performance customs, the Huangxi opera on the back of the mountain includes traditional elements such as deity worship opera, temple fair opera, bright box opera, broken stage opera, and firecracker opera, adding a unique religious and folk traditional atmosphere to this type of opera.


 * 2.Unicorn (Traditional Dance) 独角兽（传统舞蹈）

The "unicorn" dance is an ancient local nuo opera dance, usually performed according to a specific routine. The performers are divided into two groups: "Samurai" and "Unicorn". The samurai holds a fork and uses movements such as kicking up and down, sweeping the hall legs, hitting the wheels, and pulling the flashing arm to lure and tease the unicorn. The unicorn, on the other hand, wears a mask and hides, and engages in combat with warriors through movements such as pouncing, jumping, jumping, rolling, tearing, biting, and flashing. The climax of the performance was when the samurai ultimately defeated the unicorn and completed the entire performance process. This performance is often performed during festivals, mainly conveying content such as exorcism, blessings, and sacrifices. This unique dance tradition combines drama, dance, and religious rituals, fully showcasing the characteristics of local culture and beliefs.


 * 3.Sweet Potato Noodles (Traditional Craft) 红薯粉条（传统技艺）

Sweet potato vermicelli, also known as sweet potato vermicelli or vermicelli, is a traditional local specialty widely circulated in Luanchuan with a history of over 300 years. The process of making sweet potato noodles includes milling, active milling, leaking milling, boiling milling, freezing, drying, and packaging. The entire production process is all handmade, with strict requirements for the production process and no use of any additives, making the Tantou noodles crystal clear and shiny in color, smooth in taste, and continuously cooked. They have long been loved by the masses.


 * 4.Tofu Technique (Traditional Technique) 豆腐记忆（传统技艺）

Luanchuan tofu is a typical representative of the "North tofu" in China. Its production technique first appeared in the Song Dynasty, and has been popular since the Ming and Qing dynasties. Workshops are spread throughout various villages in Luanchuan County. To make authentic Luanchuan tofu, it is necessary to carefully select locally grown white beans and use tools such as a stone mill, earthen stove, iron pot, drenching rack, and wrapping cloth to complete the process of soaking, grinding, foaming, filtering, boiling, pointing, and pressing. Each link must be serious and meticulous, and none is missing. "Pasting" is the core of this skill.


 * 5.Da Zhangzi Song (Traditional Music) 打獐子歌（传统音乐）

The music suite of "The Song of Fighting against Zhangzi" consists of 9 interrelated pieces. According to the program during the hunting of Zhangzi, they are: "The Song of Paihupu", "The Song of Sacrificing the Mountain God", "The Song of Buzhan", "The Song of Opening the War", "The Song of Chasing the War", "The Song of Guarding (Stabilizing) the Stick", "The Song of Tuning Guns", "The Song of Sounding Guns", and "The Song of Harvesting Slope". These 9 pieces fully depict the entire process of hunting against Zhangzi. The melody of 'Da Zhangzi Ge' is simple and easy to remember, and the lyrics are mixed with hidden language, forming a rough and mysterious labor song. It was once popular in the mountainous areas of western Henan, with strong original ecology and rich local characteristics, reflecting the labor scenes of people hunting in the western Henan region.


 * 6.Techniques for Creating Residential Buildings in Western Henan (Traditional Techniques)豫西民居营造技艺（传统技艺）

The construction of traditional residential buildings in western Henan has always been carried out in a way that has been passed down from generation to generation by the Chinese nation. The "four beams and eight pillars" construction method, which is mainly composed of wooden frames, is combined with the unique geographical environment, economic conditions, and customs and customs of the western region of Henan. The houses built are windward and sunny, warm in winter and cool in summer, close to water and far from fields, convenient for daily life and production, and safe and comfortable. Formed a unique local residential construction technique, which is the wisdom crystallization of the local working people.

Talk
Most locals in Luanchuan speak dialects, and only young people speak Mandarin and English. But in fact, the difference between Luanchuan dialect and Mandarin is not that big, so when you travel to Luanchuan, if you can’t understand what the other person is saying, you can ask the other person to speak a few more times or use a translator. The Luanchuan dialect is also very interesting. If you want to learn it, the locals will be very enthusiastic to teach you the Luanchuan dialect.

Get in




By taxi
It takes ¥400 to travel from Luanchuan to Luoyang, and ¥600 to travel from Zhengzhou to Luanchuan.

Get around
Luanchuan County officially opened its first tourist bus route on November 1st. Committed to making tourism public transportation in Luanchuan County convenient, safe, comfortable, and efficient; In addition, efforts should be made to create a warm and comfortable riding environment and promote the tourism brand of Luanchuan County.

Tourist buses can connect scenic spots such as Zhaigou Scenic Area, Dongling Botanical Garden, Scenic Area, Manchu Style Village, and  Scenic Area along the way. The entire journey is 26 kilometers, with 11 minute runs and a total of 31 stations.

The starting price for taxis in Luanchuan County is ¥5 per 2 kilometers, exceeding 2 kilometers and ¥1 per kilometer for 2-4 kilometers. Mount Laojun (Henan) Jiguan Cave

See








Festivals






Buy




Cymbidium faberi Lacquerware Papercutting

Eat



 * Shanshui tofu (山水豆腐): The main raw material is the famous "Luanchuan tofu". The taste is delicate, smooth, and tender, with a soft and elastic texture, with the unique mellow aroma of Luanchuan tofu.




 * Cold mixed agaric (凉拌木耳): Cold mixed agaric is made from high-quality agaric from Luanchuan, soaked in cold water to remove impurities, and then mixed with garlic, onion shreds, coriander segments, and various seasonings. This dish tastes light, moderately sour and salty, and crispy and refreshing.


 * Fried mushroom (炸香菇): Fried Mushroom is made by wrapping them in thick, fresh shiitake mushrooms and frying them in oil. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, giving them a meat like taste.
 * Fried silkworm pupa (炸蚕蛹)：Fried silkworm pupa is a local specialty food in Luanchuan. The meat of silkworm pupa is delicious and has high nutritional value. Although it is not acceptable for many people, if you muster the courage to taste it, you will open up a new world.
 * Potsticker tofu (锅贴豆腐): Potsticker tofu is made by replacing the raw materials of Potsticker with chicken breast and tofu. Most people who like Potsticker also like Potsticker tofu. The fried Potsticker tofu is burnt outside and tender inside. It tastes delicious with pepper.
 * Roasted hericium erinaceus (烧猴头菇): Luanchuan is one of the producing areas of high-quality hericium erinaceus. Due to the addition of thicken powder, this dish has a smooth taste and rich nutrition.

Sleep
Foreign tourists are restricted from staying in official hotels. You can stay in these hotels with a tour group, and the price is much lower than the official price. Hotels, guest houses, B&Bs and Western-style tourist hotels are almost universally open to foreign guests. The price of each hotel varies greatly, from the cheapest hotel of ¥50 to the high-end hotel of more than ¥1000. You can also book through AirBnb for cheaper prices.

Budget




Mid-range




Splurge




Stay healthy
Luanchuan County People's Hospital is located at the foot of Longquan Mountain in the north of Funiu Mountains, western Henan Province. It has a development history of over 50 years and is a modern comprehensive hospital that integrates medical treatment, teaching, scientific research, prevention, and health care.

Luanchuan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital was founded in 1986 and is now located on Xingfu Middle Road in the county seat. After 30 years of development, it has become a national second class A traditional Chinese medicine hospital with dense technical talents, complete service functions, complete clinical disciplines, and advanced equipment that integrates medical treatment,, preventive health care, teaching, and scientific research and development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Stay safe
The safety of mountain roads in Luanchuan needs to be treated with caution. Although the mountain road is built spacious and flat, after all, it is built around the mountain, winding and unique. Driving in rainy and foggy weather requires special attention, such as turning on anti fog lights and low beam headlights, slowing down, maintaining a sufficient safe distance, and being prepared to avoid parking.

When driving on mountainous roads, one should be cautious, slow down, pay attention to the distance traveled, avoid being close to the right when passing, and choose a wide uphill section when overtaking. In addition, when hiking, for safety reasons, suitable shoes such as hiking shoes, cloth shoes, sneakers, etc. should be worn to avoid slipping.

Connect
The address of the Transportation Bureau of Luanchuan County is located on Junshan East Road in the jurisdiction of Luoyang City. Tel: +86 379-6822153. Website: 114.mingluji.com

Emergency numbers: 110 - Police, 119 - Fire, 120 - First aid, 122 - Traffic accidents.

Relevant numbers: Luanchuan County Public Security Bureau: +86 379-6824114, Luanchuan Bus Station: +86 379-66822614, Luanchuan County Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism Bureau: +86 379-66812344

Go next
It only takes 2 hours to take a bus from Luoyang, and 3 hours to take a bus from Zhengzhou. It takes about 3 hours to travel by high-speed rail from Beijing to Luanchuan, while it only takes 4 hours to depart from Shanghai. It is still possible to visit one of the scenic spots in Mount Laojun or Jiguan Cave within a day from Shanghai or Beijing.