A portal to an ancient world

Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon scenic spot. [Photo by Wang Zhuang Fei/China Daily]

Rafting experiences

The Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon scenic spot, four hours by car from Pingyao, is well worth a visit for a thrilling rafting experience at Qinglongxia. It is a nice change of pace from the ancient culture tour.

The brook for rafting runs 2,000 kilometers and is divided into three sections, says Zhang Lijun, manager of the scenic spot's general management center. It definitely puts in the shade those in Beijing, such as the one at the Shidu scenic spot in Fangshan district.

We took the middle section and found ourselves screaming and hanging for dear life onto the boat's handrails throughout the 20-minute fight against the water.

My lower body was immersed in water the minute I sat in the raft. Water splashed and rained all over on me whenever we passed life-threatening twists and turns, some of them nearly vertical.

There are small holes on the bottom of each raft to maintain balance, so be sure to wear or rent slippers and prepare dry clothes for change. Rafting costs 100 yuan for each person and will take two hours if one chooses to go the full distance, says Zhang.

Aside from rafting, one can enjoy hiking among the blazoned stones in the scenic spot. For those who know Chinese military history, there are old garrison facilities for them to walk down the ancient memory lane.

The entrance ticket to the scenic spot costs 175 yuan and will be halved during November and March, says Zhang.

"Visitors can enjoy free shuttle bus service here, but a large number of them choose to drive," he says.

Driving around the canyon with towering mountains that appear to close in on you is refreshing and cool.