Cangyan Mountain! A suspended fairyland deep in the Taihang Mountains, every step is so beautiful you’ll want to hold your phone tight
Who would understand! Cangyan Mountain truly welds "strange, dangerous, and beautiful" right at the mountain top. I just finished climbing it last week, and even now when I see the photos, I can’t help but exclaim—this isn’t a northern mountain at all, it’s clearly a hidden Jiangnan secret deep in the Taihang Mountains. It has the majestic cliffs and steep rocks, yet also the gentle charm of ancient trees and flowing water. Climbing 800 meters left my legs weak, but every view made me shout, “Totally worth it!”
Right after entering the scenic area, I was wrapped in a cool sensation. The creek beside the path babbled gently, the water so clear you could see the smooth round pebbles at the bottom. The green trees on both sides shaded the sky, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting mottled light spots on the stone path. Walking there, even the breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and trees, instantly blowing away the city’s stifling heat. Following the creek upstream, the distant peaks gradually revealed their true faces—not bare rocky mountains, but covered layer upon layer with lush green vegetation. The mountains were steep as if carved by a knife, with occasional exposed light gray rocks contrasting beautifully with the greenery. The further you go, the more it feels like stepping into a scene from a historical drama, even the air feels especially fresh.
After about half an hour of climbing, I reached “Bijian Lingtan.” This place is absolutely stunning! The cliff beside the creek is covered with thousand-year-old ancient cypress trees. They don’t grow in soil but deeply root themselves in the cracks of the rocks. Their twisted branches grow upward—some like coiled dragons, others like soaring eagles. The bark is rough and deeply grooved, clearly weathered by time. The creek flows slowly beneath the trees, occasionally splashing small droplets. The mist makes the ancient cypresses look even more vigorous and upright. When sunlight hits the mist, you can sometimes see faint little rainbows. Taking photos here doesn’t require finding the right angle—any shot naturally has an atmospheric vibe, no filter needed.
Climbing further up, I reached the core of Cangyan Mountain—the Qiaolou Temple. The moment I saw it, I was speechless, stunned by this masterpiece of nature and craftsmanship. Two huge stone bridges hang suspended between sheer cliffs, with a bottomless abyss below. On the bridges stand two ancient-style temples with red walls, green tiles, and flying eaves. From afar, they look like fairy palaces floating in midair. Standing at the bridge edge and looking down, I felt dizzy. The trees at the bottom of the abyss looked as small as grass, and the clouds slowly drifted through the valley, making the Qiaolou Temple even more mysterious. Sunlight passed through the temple windows, casting diamond-shaped shadows on the stone path. The wind rang the bells hanging from the eaves, blending with birdsong and the sound of the creek to form a natural symphony. At that moment, I truly felt like I had traveled back in time, as if time itself had slowed down.
From Qiaolou Temple, I followed the signs down to “One Line Sky.” The narrowness of this place is beyond imagination! The cliffs on both sides stand straight up, and the narrowest spot only allows one person to pass sideways. Looking up, the sky is squeezed into a thin blue line. The rock textures on the cliffs are clearly visible, with some patches of lush green moss, damp and exuding a primal vibe. Walking inside, you can feel the cool breeze sneaking through the cracks, refreshing your spirit. Occasionally, sunlight beams through the gaps above, casting long shadows on the ground. The interplay of light and shadow is especially enchanting, making you want to slow down and savor the moment.
When I reached the summit, “Yuhuang Peak,” it was just in time for sunset. This was definitely the most beautiful mountain sunset I’ve ever seen. The setting sun slowly sank, dyeing the sky a rich orange-red. The light bathed the distant peaks, turning the originally green mountains into golden red. Even the rocks on the cliffs glowed warmly. The clouds in the valley were tinted pink and gold, flowing slowly like a moving oil painting. Standing at the top and looking down, the entire scenery of Cangyan Mountain was in full view—the layered peaks, winding streams, and suspended Qiaolou Temple all bathed in gentle twilight. The beauty left me speechless, and all the fatigue from climbing instantly vanished.
Finally, a few practical tips: The steps on Cangyan Mountain are steep and numerous, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes. I saw someone climbing in high heels and really felt nervous for her. The temperature difference in the mountains is big, so even in summer bring a light jacket—the wind at the top can easily cause chills. If you want to photograph the full view of Qiaolou Temple, it’s best to go in the morning or evening when the sunlight is soft and not backlit. The creek water in the scenic area is icy cold and can be used to wash your hands directly. If you visit in summer, bring a small bottle to fill with water—it’s refreshing and cooling. Cangyan Mountain is truly a place that grows more enchanting the more you explore. It combines the grandeur of northern landscapes with the elegance of southern scenery. Ancient temples, ancient cypresses, cliffs, and flowing water—all leave a deep impression. If you love natural scenery and ancient architecture but want to avoid crowded popular spots, Cangyan Mountain is definitely worth a special trip. Trust me, the views you see with your own eyes are a hundred times more beautiful than the photos!