Fantasy Journey to the "Little Erhai" of Central Plains

Luhun Reservoir: A Fantasy Journey to the "Little Erhai" of Central Plains

🌊 Lakeside Wonderland: A Visual Feast at Every Turn

Drive to the Misty Forest in the early morning, where the fog-shrouded metasequoia trees reflect on the lake surface, creating a fairy-tale scene. Pass through the forest, and the "Lover's Stairway" leads straight to the lakeside, offering a panoramic view of the lake and villages intertwined like a pastoral painting. In the afternoon, head to the grasslands of Qiaobei Village, where cattle and sheep graze leisurely between the meadows and the lake—every snapshot is a soothing wallpaper. At dusk, climb the dam observatory with its glass ceiling, where the entire reservoir unfolds before your eyes, and the golden sunset paints the lake, leaving you breathless.

🚴 Adventure Unlocked: Wild Fun on Land, Water, and Sky

1. Lakeside Exploration
Rent an e-bike (¥30/hour) and ride along the 17-kilometer lakeside road, where wheat fields, green mountains, and the lake create a stunning triple-layered landscape. The highlight is the stretch from "Luhun Avenue to Luhun Village." For drivers, explore the newly built lakeside trail on the east bank, connecting 12 villages and blending fishing village charm with artistic homestays.

2. Water Adventures
Take a painted boat tour (¥50/person) through Bird Island, where flocks of egrets follow the boat. Stop at the lake's central island to wander among wildflowers and listen to the boatman’s tales of ancient villages submerged by the reservoir. For thrills, try speedboat surfing (¥50/person) and feel the rush of speed and excitement.

3. Camping Under the Stars
Pitch a tent for free at the reed marsh campsite, where the night sky sparkles like a spilled box of diamonds. At Wudao Valley Camping Base, rent barbecue gear, grill by the stream, and fish for a taste of rustic leisure—"stealing half a day of peace."

🦞 Culinary Delights: Fresh Lake Fare and Mountain Flavors

• Luhun Whole Fish Feast: Don’t miss the "Three Treasures of Luhun"—whitebait, Yi River bream, and bighead carp. Try the "Ten Ways to Cook One Fish" at Rose Restaurant, featuring sour-spicy fish soup, crispy fried whitebait, and steamed bream—so fresh it’ll make your eyebrows dance. Just ¥60 per person for a feast.

• Rustic Mountain Dishes: Visit Gangshang Village for farmhouse specialties like acorn jelly, stewed free-range chicken with danshen root, and wood-fired flatbread, paired with freshly picked lake lotus root for a hearty rural experience.

• Late-Night Surprise: At Luhun Fishing Village’s "Coffee by Day, Bar by Night" spot, enjoy hand-brewed coffee with lake views by day and craft beer with barbecue by night, accompanied by live folk music—pure vibes.

🏡 Stay Guide: Lakeside Serenity

• Luxury Pick: Luhun Hotel sits right by the lake, offering "lake-view therapy rooms" with danshen root baths and lakeside spa treatments for ultimate relaxation.

• Budget-Friendly Homestay: "Lakeside Retreat" in Hedian Village is a century-old stone house transformed into an Instagram-worthy escape with white walls, black tiles, and reed decor—just ¥200 per person for an "Erhai-style" stay.

• Glamping: "Wild Gatherings" in Niuzhai Village offers all-inclusive camping gear rentals (tent + BBQ for ¥300/night), plus stargazing concerts and craft markets.

📍 Practical Tips

• Transport: Drive from Zhengzhou/Luoyang in 2 hours (exit at Luhun Service Area on Luoluan Expressway; parking ¥10/day). Public transport (Luoyang-Songxian bus + local bus) is slower—better to drive.

• Gear: Sun protection and mosquito repellent are musts. Bring swimwear for summer wading (swim with caution outside designated areas) and a telephoto lens for winter birdwatching (red-billed gulls!).

• Savings: Songxian ID holders get free entry June-August; students get homestay discounts. Join the "Trash for Coffee" program (at the entrance) to trade litter for a limited-edition drink.

From dawn to dusk, Luhun Reservoir weaves a dreamscape of lakes, mountains, and local charm—Central Plains’ own "Erhai." Whether biking, camping, feasting on fish, or staying in a lakeside homestay, you’ll find long-lost serenity in its embrace.