The Sanhuangzhai path
Around the cliffs.
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The western half of Mount Song, the central of China's Five Great Mountains, which the Chinese have called «the centre of Heaven and Earth» since the first millennium BC; it is crowned by sharp rock peaks and sheer cliffs, the highest being Lian Tian Feng at 1,512 metres. Visitors come for the Sanhuangzhai path on the upper slopes, a trail of planks and steps that winds around vertical cliffs, past the «book cliff» whose rock layers stand like the pages of an open book, with views over valleys and the folded rock strata that made Mount Song a UNESCO Global Geopark, and a suspension bridge across a gorge along the way. Sanhuangzhai is entered through the Shaolin scenic area, whose ticket costs CNY 80, with the cable car at 100 return or 60 one way; the area is open from 8 am to 5 pm, per visitor guides. Wear comfortable shoes, as the route is long with many steps.
Around the cliffs.
Layered like pages.
Over the gorge.
Shaolin scenic area, west of Dengfeng
Roughly three to five hours depending on pace and use of the cable car; the route is long with many steps, so start in the morning and carry water.