Yuntai offers a peek at paradise

Rolling peaks look like they are floating on a sea of clouds in Yuntai Mountain, one of the country's first geo-parks in Henan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Yuntai Mountain in Henan province, is a popular destination for many of my friends, and I recently set out to see why.

About two hours' drive from the provincial capital Zhengzhou, I arrive at Xiuwu county in Jiaozuo. The air is refreshing and undulating mountains are in sight.

With a sightseeing area of 240 square kilometers, Yuntai Mountain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Henan. Landscapes like lakes, waterfalls and valleys are common in South China but rare in the north. Yuntai Mountain is an exception.

Due to its extraordinary landscapes, Yuntai Mountain was listed as one of the country's first geo-parks by UNESCO in 2004.

An imposing site of Yuntai Mountain is Hongshi Valley (Red Rock Valley), named after the color of the quartz sandstones.

A rock catches my attention at the entrance of Hongshi Valley. The wave pattern delicately shown on its surface makes people think that nature acts like an artist who spent millions of years working to shape the amazing feature.

Experts say those rocks were formed between 1.2 billion and 1.4 billion years ago, and the valley came into being about 2.6 million years ago through crust movements and corresponding intermittent evolution.

The widest part of this 2-km-long valley is less than 20 meters. I walk along the stone road and touch the mystical red rock. Sometimes, I have to bend down to get around a corner.

In a few minutes, a clear and peaceful lake suddenly appears in front of me, and some little fish are swimming in it.

Gradually, I hear a sound of rushing water, and a wet breeze runs across my face, which makes me anticipate waterfalls are ahead.

Water from Zifang Lake, one of the largest lakes on Yuntai Mountain, flows from north to south, forming several waterfalls in different shapes and sizes.

Some visitors simply take off their shoes to enjoy the splash.