Hidden Wonders: China's Antelope Canyon and Ancient Ice Cave

Xian, China
Duration2 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesChinese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Leave the busy streets of Xi'an behind and discover two dramatically different natural wonders of northern China on a compact two-day journey from Xi’an. This tour combines the narrow sandstone passages of Ganquan Yucha Grand Canyon with the frozen underground scenery of the Mount Yun Ice Cave Group, offering travelers two completely different geological experiences in one trip.
Walk through the narrow, wave-shaped canyon walls of Ganquan Yucha Grand Canyon, where changing sunlight creates striking colors and shadows, then continue to Mount Yun Scenic Area for an overnight stay at Novotel Linfen Mount Yun, an Accor hotel surrounded by mountain scenery. The following day, explore the illuminated chambers of the ancient ice cave group and see ice pillars, icicles, frozen curtains and ice falls that remain visible even during warmer seasons.
Private transportation from and back to Xi’an makes this remote route easier and more comfortable to experience.

What's included

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Lunch & Dinner & Day 1 Breakfast
  • Gratuities
  • Other personal expenses

What to expect

Day 1: Xi’an to Ganquan Yucha Grand Canyon and Mount Yun
  1. Xi'an
    Pass by
    Travelers will be picked up from their hotel in Xi’an and travel by private vehicle to Ganquan Yucha Grand Canyon. As the canyon is located some distance from Xi’an, the journey involves an extended drive. Travelers can relax along the way and enjoy views of the changing landscapes between Xi’an and northern Shaanxi before arriving at the canyon.
  2. 2h 30m
    Upon arrival, travelers will explore Ganquan Yucha Grand Canyon, walking through its narrow and winding passages while enjoying the changing light, shadows and colors along the rock walls. Located on the Loess Plateau in northern Shaanxi, the canyon is known for its naturally formed sandstone fissures, smooth wave-like surfaces and layered textures shaped by long-term erosion. Sunlight entering from above creates dramatic visual effects inside the canyon, making it a distinctive destination for sightseeing and photography. Often compared with Antelope Canyon in the United States, it is one of the region’s most unusual geological landscapes. The exact section visited may vary depending on weather, opening conditions and scenic-area arrangements. Admission to the Canyon is included.
  3. Yun Qiu Mountain
    1h · Admission ticket included
    After exploring the Grand Canyon, travelers will continue by private vehicle to Mount Yun Scenic Area (Yunqiu Mountain). Known for its mountain scenery, distinctive geological landscapes and traditional cultural atmosphere, Mount Yun offers a peaceful setting for the overnight stay. Upon arrival, travelers will check in at Novotel Linfen Mount Yun, an upscale hotel located within the scenic area and surrounded by mountain views. The hotel features modern guest rooms and suites with comprehensive facilities, providing a comfortable place to settle in and rest before the following day’s visit to the Mount Yun Ice Cave Group.
Day 2: Mount Yun Ice Cave Group and Return to Xi’an
  1. Yun Qiu Mountain
    3h · Admission ticket included
    Travelers will enter the Mount Yun (Yunqiu Mountain) Ice Cave Group and follow the designated walkway through its illuminated underground chambers, where they can admire a variety of naturally formed ice features and take photographs along the route. Located within the Mount Yun Scenic Area, the cave group is known for retaining extensive ice formations even during warmer seasons. The caves formed during the Quaternary glacial period and have a history of more than three million years; their long-lasting frozen environment is associated with the area’s unusual geological structure and complex low-temperature thermal conditions. Inside, visitors can see ice pillars, icicles, ice stalagmites, frozen curtains and ice falls, creating a striking underground landscape of different shapes and textures. Carefully arranged lighting highlights the translucent surfaces and layered structures of the ice, making the cave group one of the region’s most distinctive natural attractions.
  2. Xi'an
    Pass by
    After visiting the Mount Yun Ice Cave Group, travelers will return to Xi’an by private vehicle. As the journey is relatively long, there will be time to rest during the drive before arriving back in the city. Drop-off will be arranged in Xi’an according to the confirmed itinerary.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

The driver will pick you up at the lobby of your hotel. After you make the booking please contact us via WeChat or Whatsapp.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
From
$598.00 per person
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  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Xian
From
$598.00 per person
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