Best places in Sanmenxia for autumn outings

Summer is far away and autumn is coming, meaning the best travel season is on its way.

If you are eager to hang out, see the sites and hear the sounds of autumn, now is the best time to visit Sanmenxia and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

1. Sanmenxia Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park

A flock of swans enjoy their life on the clear lake. [Photo/VCG]

Situated in the west of the city, Sanmenxia Swan Lake National Urban Wetland Park has a total area of more than 10,000 mu (666.67 hectares), of which 3,000 mu is water. It's the largest city park in northern China and attracts tens of thousands of white swans every year, who travel from Siberia to spend the winter, earning Sanmenxia the moniker "swan city". Thanks to its well-preserved and favorable environment, the 12th China (Sanmenxia) White Swan Wildlife International Photography Festival will take place in the city from Nov 18 to 27, offering visitors a visual feast of stunning photos.

2. Shanzhou Silo-cave

Visitors experience different folk customs at Shanzhou Silo-cave. [Photo/VCG]

Shanzhou Silo-cave, an example of typical northern China-style architecture, is called the "underground quadrangle courtyard", with examples of this style in Shanzhou, Sanmenxia in Henan province, Yuncheng in Shanxi province and Qingyang in Gansu province. It is said that the silo-cave dates back to the late Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), with the cave itself having a history of about 4000 years. Located at the edge of the Loess Plateau, which has a thick and hard soil layer, the silo-caves act like natural air conditioners for people living in the mountains, being warm in winter and cool in summer.

3. Hanguguan Historical Cultural Scenic Spot 

Hanguguan Historical Cultural Scenic Spot is surrounded by green mountains, making it a good place to seek inner peace. [Photo/VCG]

Located at the junction of Henan, Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces, Hanguguan Historical Cultural Scenic Spot is 12 kilometers from Lingbao, Henan province. Covering an area of 16.9 square kilometers, the tourist area is rich in Taoism and military culture and is where the Tao Te Ching was written by Lao Zi, founder of Taoism. As one of the earliest fortresses in Chinese history, Hanguguan was a town of great military importance and a natural defence for Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an), which witnessed numerous battles and famous historical events from ancient to modern times.