Liuhuigou is a narrow gorge in the western hills above Taiyuan, carved by a tributary of the Fen River through limestone and sandstone, that offers a half-day hiking route through wild canyon scenery close to the city. The trail follows the stream bed through sections of tight canyon — some requiring scrambling over boulders — before opening onto a higher valley with views back toward Taiyuan. The contrast between the industrial city visible from the ridge and the wild canyon below it is striking.
The gorge is accessible by taxi from the city in about 40 minutes and can be combined with a visit to the nearby Longshan Grottoes. It is best visited in spring or early summer when the stream has adequate water and the canyon vegetation is at its most lush. Sturdy shoes are required; parts of the trail are slippery when wet.