Sanmenxia

Sanmenxia (三门峡; Sānménxiá) is a city in western Henan with 2.2 million inhabitants. Situated along the upper reaches of the Yellow River, Sanmenxia is known for its breathtaking natural scenery and historical significance. The city is home to the impressive Sanmenxia Dam, a major engineering landmark, and boasts a rich cultural heritage with ancient sites and scenic spots, making it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Understand

Sanmenxia is on the southern bank of the Yellow River. Sanmenxia city is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. During the Warring States period, this city guarded the strategic pass between the Qin forces in the Wei Valley to the west and the kingdoms of the North China Plain to the east. It is here that Laozi wrote the Dao De Jing, the founding charter and source of Taoism.

In 1921, the first of late Stone Age paintings were found in MianChiXian Yangshao village. These paintings showed a Chinese matriarchal society. The patterned painted pottery is one of the important features of what came to be known at Yanghao culture.

According to legend, when Dayu was controlling floods, he swung his magic axe to split the mountains into three canyons, namely "Human Gate", "God Gate" and "Ghost Gate", and led the water of the Yellow River to flow eastward, hence the name Sanmenxia. Sanmenxia City is known as "Five Mountains, Four Ridges and One River". At the same time, Yangshao Culture, Taoist Culture and Guo State Culture all originated here.

Today, the city is mostly known for the dam of the same name, built in revolutionary fervor with the semi-mythical goal of clearing the Yellow River. Tourists come during the rainy season to witness massive discharges of the river's water.

Orientation

Hubin District The administrative and business hub of Sanmenxia, known for its proximity to Swan Lake Wetland Park and modern infrastructure.

Lingbao A residential and commercial area, featuring traditional markets and modern shopping complexes, blending old and new.

Mianchi County The cultural heart of Sanmenxia, home to museums, cultural centers, and scenic spots along the Yellow River.

Yima A developing district with modern urban landscapes, offering views of the Yellow River and emerging business zones.

Lushi County An industrial and residential area, rich with local eateries and markets, as well as connections to the city’s growing infrastructure.

Shanzhou District A natural haven along the Yellow River, with ecological parks and popular hiking areas.

History

Legend has it that Yu the Great, while controlling floods, split the mountains into three gorges—Human Gate, God Gate, and Ghost Gate—allowing the Yellow River to flow eastward. This gave Sanmenxia its name. Located at the foot of the Xiaoshan Mountains, part of the Qinling Range, the region includes the historic Hangu Pass, also known as "Xiaohan."

Some 6,000 years ago, large tribes settled here. Between the 21st and 13th centuries BCE, it was the core of the Xia and Shang dynasties. During the Western Zhou, it belonged to the Jiao and Guo states; later, in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, it was divided among Han, Qin, and Wei. Under the Qin and Han dynasties, it became part of Sanchuan and Hongnong commanderies, respectively.

In the Republic of China period, it was part of Henan’s administrative districts. In 1944, an anti-Japanese base was established in western Henan. After the founding of the People’s Republic, Shan Prefecture was established, and Sanmenxia became a prefecture-level city in 1986.

Climate

Sanmenxia
Climate chart (explanation)
J F M A M J J A S O N D       20     5 −3       26     7 0       49     17 5       60     19 8       91     23 13       126     28 18       341     30 22       250     29 20       154     24 16       53     20 10       50     12 2       22     5 −3 Average max. and min. temperatures in °C Precipitation+Snow totals in mm China Meteorological Administration
Imperial conversion J F M A M J J A S O N D       0.8     41 27       1     45 32       1.9     63 41       2.4     66 46       3.6     73 55       5     82 64       13     86 72       9.8     84 68       6.1     75 61       2.1     68 50       2     54 36       0.9     41 27 Average max. and min. temperatures in °F Precipitation+Snow totals in inches

Sanmenxia has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate with semi-arid characteristics. The city experiences distinct four seasons, with an average annual temperature of 14.2°C and total annual precipitation ranging from 400 to 700 millimeters. Summers can be hot, with temperatures often reaching 30°C, while winters are cold and dry, with temperatures that can drop below −10°C and occasional snowfall. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the scenery is most vibrant.

Local information

• Sanmenxia City Government website

Get in

Sanmenxia is a city with convenient transportation. It is connected to Guanzhong in the west, Shanxi in the north, and guards the Central Plains in the east. The Longhai Railway, Lianhuo Expressway, National Highway 310, and Zhengxi High-speed Railway run across the east and west, and National Highway 209, San (Menxia) Xi (Chuan) Expressway and Haoji Railway connect the north and the south. It is a regional transportation hub city connecting the three provinces of Henan, Shanxi and Shaanxi, and going north and south, west and east.

By plane

Sanmenxia has no civil airport. The nearest airports are Luoyang Beijiao Airport, about 150 km away, and Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, about 240 km away. You can take the high-speed rail or bus to Sanmenxia.

By rail

Sanmenxia has two railway stations: Sanmenxia Railway Station and Sanmenxianan Railway Station. High-speed rail lines reach major cities such as Beijing, Xi'an, and Zhengzhou, while ordinary trains connect surrounding cities.

• 1 Sanmenxia Railway Station (三门峡站). As of July 2020, the size of the Sanmenxia Station yard is 2 platforms and 10 lines (including 2 main lines), and the route is the Longhai Railway. (updated Dec 2024)

• 2 Sanmenxianan Railway Station (三门峡南). The line passing through the station is the Xulan High-speed Railway. (updated Dec 2024)

By bus

Lianhuo Expressway and Erguang Expressway run through Sanmenxia. Long-distance buses are a convenient choice from Luoyang, Xi'an and other places.

By car

Self-driving is a good choice. Lianhuo Expressway and Erguang Expressway provide convenient traffic conditions.Traveling to Sanmenxia from Xi'an by car takes approximately 3 hours, while the journey from Luoyang is about 2 hours.

Get around

By bus

Buses are a cheap and convenient way to travel within Sanmenxia, costing only ¥1 per ride. Routes can be tricky to figure out, so using local maps or asking for assistance is recommended. Bus No. 2, for instance, runs from the train station to Shanzhou Park, making it a useful route for visitors.

By taxi

Taxis in Sanmenxia are an easy way to get around, with a starting fare of ¥8 for the first 2 kilometers. After 1.5 kilometers, the fare increases by ¥1.8 per kilometer, with no additional fuel surcharges. Taxis are particularly convenient for trips between districts or areas not well-connected by buses.

City layout and distances

Sanmenxia covers a large geographic area, with significant distances between its districts and counties:

• Hubin District (湖滨区): Considered the central urban area of Sanmenxia.
• Shanzhou District (陕州区): About 10 kilometers from the city center.
• Mianchi County (渑池县): About 51 kilometers from the city center.
• Yima (义马市): About 60 kilometers from the city center.
• Lingbao (灵宝市): About 39 kilometers from the city center.
• Lushi County (卢氏县): About 81 kilometers from the city center.

These long distances make planning ahead essential, especially for inter-district travel.

Travel tips

Inter-district travel: For trips between urban and rural areas, long-distance buses or private vehicles are the primary options. Travel times between districts can range from 30 minutes to over 2 hours, depending on the distance and mode of transport.

For tourists: Ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing are widely available and helpful for planning trips both within the city and to outlying districts.

See

Sanmenxia Dam

• 1 Sanmenxia Museum (三门峡博物馆), Shanzhou Park, Taiyang Road, Hubin District (湖滨区太阳路陕州公园内) (in the center of Shanzhou Park; take bus no. 1, 2 or 17 and get off at the bus stop named Scenic Area (风景区) on the eastern side of the park; you can catch bus nos. 1 and 2 from the Sanmenxia Railway Station), ☏ +86 398 2890577. 09:00-17:00, no entry after 16:30, closed on Mondays. Free. (updated Apr 2020)
• 2 Guo State Museum (虢国博物馆), Liufeng North Road, Hubin District (湖滨区六峰北路) (either take bus no. 208 to Yellow River Park (黄河公园) or take bus no. 6 to the Guo State Museum bus stop), ☏ +86 398 2955760, guo-state@371.net. 09:00-16:00, no entry after 16:30. The state of Guo was a vassal state of the Zhou Dynasty. This is the largest comprehensive museum dedicated to the state of Guo and has an extensive collection of artefacts. Highlights includes items unearthed from the royal tombs and an actual burial pit containing the remains of dozens of horses and chariots. ¥40. (updated Apr 2020)
• 3 Hangu Pass (函谷关), Wangduo Village, Hanguguan Town, Lingbao (灵宝市函谷关镇王垛村) (catch a train to Lingbao (not Lingbao West), then transfer to bus no. 8 and get off at the final stop), ☏ +86 398 6922012, +86 398 6923333. 08:00-18:30 (summer), 08:00-17:30. Historic pass guarding the Qin state in the Wei valley to the west against the state to the east. The pass is so important that during the Warring States period, the North China Plain was known as "East of the Gate" (关东). Today's gate structure was built after 1992 and is of questionable authenticity. ¥80. (updated Apr 2020)
• 4 Sanmenxia Dam (三门峡大坝, Sanmenxia Dam Scenic Area 三门峡大坝风景区), Wangda Road, Hubin District (湖滨区王大路) (the dam is about 14 km northeast of the city; buses to the dam reportedly depart from the notheast corner of the intersection of Liufeng North Road (六峰北路) and Jianshe Road (建设路)), ☏ +86 398 2992070. 08:00-17:00. ¥30. (updated May 2020)

• 5 Swan Lake Wetland Park (天鹅湖湿地公园), West side of Canglongjian River Bridge on Shanzhou Avenue, Shanzhou District (taxi , Bus route: Bus No. 23/Yingbin No. 1 - Development Zone - Transfer to Bus No. 101 - Swan Lake Tourist Resort), ☏ +86 398-2821788. 24 hr. Swan Lake (Qinglong Lake) is located west of National Highway 209 and east of Qinglong Dam, with a water area of 2,070 mu (138 ha). Every October, tens of thousands of white swans migrate from distant Siberia to live and overwinter here. On the sparkling lake surface of the scenic area, thousands of white swans fly freely, play together peacefully and gracefully, caress each other tenderly, comb feathers leisurely with their beaks, or dive into the water and dance "ballet". These holy birds fly, swim, walk, or lie down in various postures, forming a series of moving pictures. free. (updated Sep 2024)
• 6 Shanzhou Silo-Cave (陕州地坑院), Beiying Village, Zhangbian Township, Shanzhou District (you can take the Dikanyuan tourist bus from Sanmenxia Railway Station and South Station), ☏ +82 398-3266666, sxdkykf@126.com. 08:30—18:30. Shanzhou troglodyte houses have a long history. The Book of Rites states: "In winter, they live in caves, and in summer, they live in cypress nests." "Caves" are a type of underground house. The earliest way of living for humans was cave dwellings, which is also the earliest form of cave dwellings. Shanzhou troglodyte houses have witnessed the development and evolution of cave dwellings. Cave dwellings are the main form of residence on the Loess Plateau, which is mainly limited by climate and geographical conditions. ¥60. (updated Sep 2024)
• 7 Yangshaoxianmen Mountain Scenic Area (仰韶仙门山), Mianchi County (Lianhuo Expressway - Shaozhou Road - G241 National Highway - Yuanmian Expressway - (Yangshao Station - Xianmenshan Station) - G241 National Highway - Yangshao Xianmenshan Tourist Area), ☏ +86 398-2750888, ysjzxms@126.com. 08:00-17:30 (no admission after 17:30). Yangshao Xianmen Mountain Scenic Area is a characteristic "wine culture and tourism" scenic area developed by Henan Yangshao Tourism Development Co., Ltd. The scenic area is centered on Yangshao culture and Yangshao wine brewing as the main line. It is a large-scale comprehensive tourist attraction integrating tourism, cultural display, catering and accommodation, leisure and vacation, science and research, health and wellness, and conference exchanges. The construction area of the scenic area is 10 km², with rich landscape resources, overlapping mountains, dense jungles, strange geology, and pleasant ecology. It has more than 200 tourist resource points. The Cuiping Valley Scenic Group and Taoming Valley Scenic Group in the park are both national scenic groups. ¥40. (updated Sep 2024)

Do

• 1 Lingbao Fudi Mountain (灵宝福地山). Located in Lingbao, Fudi Mountain is known for its Taoist temples and beautiful natural surroundings. It offers scenic hikes and a peaceful atmosphere for visitors interested in both nature and ancient religious sites. 
• 2 Sanmenxia Sports Center (三门峡体育中心). The Sanmenxia Sports Center is a large facility offering a variety of sports activities, including swimming, tennis, and fitness. It's a great place to enjoy some physical activity or relax in its modern amenities. 

Buy

• 1 Sanmenxia Shopping Mall (三门峡购物中心), Heping East Road, Hubin District, ☏ +86 398 293 6999. A modern shopping complex with a variety of local and international brands. Great for buying clothes, electronics, and daily necessities. (updated Oct 2024)
• 2 Local Markets (地方市场). For a more traditional shopping experience, visit the local markets in the city center, offering a range of local products, snacks, and crafts. 
• Yellow River Souvenirs (黄河纪念品). Look for items related to the Yellow River, such as artwork, handmade crafts, and locally produced food items. 
• 3 Millennium Department Store (千禧百货), The intersection of Wulong Road and Jiefang North Road, Lingbao City, ☏ +86 13460278218. 09:00-22:00. Millennium Department Store is one of the prominent shopping destinations in Sanmenxia. The New Century branch offers a wide range of products, including clothing, cosmetics, electronics, and home goods. It is a popular spot for both locals and visitors looking for mid-range to high-end brands. The store often hosts seasonal sales and special events, making it a great place to shop for deals. (updated Oct 2024)

Eat

One-of-a-kind restaurants

• 1 Xiao Chen's Special Big Plate Chicken (小陈特色大盘鸡), 20 meters west of the entrance of Yanbao Garden, west section of Huanghe Road(黄河路), ☏ +86 15890296618. 11:00-22:00. A store specializing in "big plate chicken" is a long-established store with good taste, but the service may be a little weak. (updated Oct 2024)
• 2 Old Luo Luo Yang Noodle House (Banshan Road Branch) (老雒阳面馆(崤山路店)), northwest corner of the intersection of Banshan East Road (崤山东路) and Maojin North Road (茅津北路), ☏ +86 398 2939183. 11:00-14:00, 17:00-21:30. Authentic Luoyang cuisine, which is part of the provincial intangible cultural heritage, has a variety of cuisines. Such as "even soup sliced meat"(连汤肉片) meat is particularly slippery, tender meat, slightly sour appetizing "paste noodles"(糊涂面) noodles sticky but warm stomach, noodles with soup eat up full of satiety. "Iron pot cold noodles"(铁锅凉粉) with a special cold noodles, slightly spicy, but eat very fragrant, not greasy. (updated Oct 2024)

Western chains

• 3 McDonald's, First Floor, Wanda Plaza, Da Ling Road, ☏ +86 3982167968. 08:00-22:00. The burger giant has only one location in the city. (updated Oct 2024)
• KFC.China's most successful Western fast-food chain has three stores spread across the city, one in the Dream City shopping center(梦之城), one in the Mengle City shopping center(梦乐城), and one in the Wanda Plaza shopping center(万达广场).
• 4 Starbucks, Hubin Street Dream City Shopping Center, ☏ +86 4008206998. 07:00-22:00. The only Starbucks in Sanmenxia. (updated Oct 2024)

Drink

• 1 Starbucks (星巴克). One of the few international coffee chains in the city, located in the downtown area. Perfect for coffee lovers looking for familiar flavors. 
• 2 Local Tea Houses (地方茶馆). Experience traditional Chinese tea culture at one of the many tea houses scattered across the city. They offer a variety of local teas and snacks. 
• Night Bars (夜吧). Sanmenxia has a growing nightlife scene with bars and pubs, offering both local and international drinks. 

Sleep

• 1 Royal Hotel International Sanmenxia (大鹏国际大酒店), Sanmenxia City Development Zone Sanmenxia Scenic Area, ☏ +86 398 -2966000. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel features landscaped gardens that provide a peaceful setting for guests. It offers a variety of rooms, including standard accommodations and suites, suitable for both business and leisure travelers. Facilities include meeting rooms, dining options, and spaces for conferences. While described as a 'comprehensive hotel,' the hotel caters to a wide range of needs, though specific amenities such as Jacuzzis and gyms should be confirmed directly with the hotel. ¥200. (updated Oct 2024)
• 2 Sanmenxia Pearl Hotel (三门峡明珠宾馆), No. 57 Xiaoshan Road, ☏ +86 3982994633. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. The hotel offers 50 business offices, along with a variety of rooms, such as luxury suites, executive suites, standard rooms, business rooms, and ladies' rooms. There are four restaurants serving Cantonese, Sichuan, local dishes, and Western food. It can accommodate 450 guests at a time, and there are four conference rooms suitable for events of various sizes. ¥190. (updated Oct 2024)
• 3 Sanmenxia Golden Spring Hotel (三门峡金泉大酒店), 河南省三门峡市陕州区神泉路中段, ☏ +86 3983803333. Check-in: After 08:00, check-out: Before 14:00. Sanmenxia Jinquan Hotel is a national four-star tourist hotel for conferences, training, recuperation, catering, entertainment, vacation, tourism, and business negotiations. 240人民币. (updated Oct 2024)

Connect

There is free wifi everywhere you go here.

Go next

• Xi'an — A major historical city in China, known for the Terracotta Army. Xi'an is accessible from Sanmenxia by high-speed rail in about 1 hour.

• Lanzhou — The capital of Gansu Province, known for its role as a gateway to China's Northwest. Lanzhou is reachable from Sanmenxia by high-speed rail in approximately 4 hours.

• Luoyang — Home to the famous Longmen Grottoes and the annual Peony Festival. Luoyang is reachable from Sanmenxia by high-speed rail in approximately 30 minutes.

• Zhengzhou — A major transportation hub in Central China. Zhengzhou is connected to Sanmenxia by high-speed rail, taking around 1 hour.

Routes through Sanmenxia

Lanzhou ← Xian ←

W  E

→ Luoyang → Zhengzhou