Pingdingshan 平顶山 — Mountain City — Gateway to the Funiu Mountains
Pingdingshan, located in central Henan Province, is a city defined by its dramatic mountain landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Named after the flat-topped Pingdingshan Mountain that overlooks the city, it serves as the gateway to the Funiu Mountain range, one of the most biodiverse regions in northern China. The city sits at an average elevation of 500 meters, giving it a cooler, more pleasant climate than the surrounding North China Plain — a welcome escape during sweltering Henan summers. With a history stretching back over 3,000 years, Pingdingshan has been an important cultural crossroads since the time of the legendary Emperor Yao.
The city is perhaps best known as home to Yaoshan (Mount Yao), one of China's most spectacular volcanic mountains and a designated 5A-level scenic area. Rising to 2,153 meters, Yaoshan's jagged peaks, deep gorges, and pristine forests attract over 2 million visitors annually. At its foot sits the Zhongyuan Great Buddha (中原大佛), the tallest bronze Buddha statue in the world at 208 meters, a monumental tribute to Buddhist devotion that draws pilgrims and sightseers from across China and beyond. Together, these landmarks have made Pingdingshan one of central China's premier mountain tourism destinations.
Beyond its natural wonders, Pingdingshan holds significant historical importance. The area around Lushan County was associated with the ancient Ying State (应国) during the Western Zhou Dynasty, and numerous archaeological discoveries have revealed sophisticated Bronze Age civilizations in the region. The city's cultural landscape also includes ancient tea culture traditions — nearby mountains produce some of Henan's finest green teas. Modern Pingdingshan balances its industrial identity as a major coal and energy producer with its growing reputation as an eco-tourism destination, offering visitors a rare combination of raw natural beauty and deep historical roots in the heart of the Central Plains.
Yaoshan is the crown jewel of Pingdingshan and one of the most impressive mountain landscapes in all of central China. Rising to 2,153 meters above sea level in the eastern section of the Funiu Mountains, Yaoshan is a massive ancient volcanic formation whose dramatic peaks, deep canyons, and lush forests create a landscape of extraordinary beauty. The mountain's name honors Emperor Yao (尧), one of the legendary Five Emperors of ancient China, who according to tradition once surveyed his domain from these heights. The scenic area covers 268 square kilometers and encompasses over 200 distinct peaks, dozens of waterfalls, and ancient forests of pine, bamboo, and rare medicinal plants.
Visitors to Yaoshan can explore a remarkable variety of landscapes. The White Dragon Waterfall (白龙瀑布) plunges 120 meters down a sheer cliff face, creating a thundering curtain of mist that can be seen from kilometers away. The Jade Dragon Gorge (玉龙谷) offers a 5-kilometer hiking trail through a narrow, forested canyon with crystal-clear pools and cascading streams. The Summit area rewards hikers with panoramic views stretching across the Funiu range — on clear days, you can see the Yellow River to the north. A cable car system (¥100 round-trip) provides easier access to the upper reaches, while the more adventurous can tackle the steep stone staircase trail (approximately 3 hours one way). The mountain is home to over 2,000 plant species and 300 animal species, including the rare golden takin and Chinese giant salamander.
The best times to visit are spring (April–May) when wildflowers blanket the slopes, and autumn (September–October) when the deciduous forests turn brilliant shades of gold, orange, and crimson. Summer temperatures at the summit average 22°C, making Yaoshan a popular cool-weather retreat. Winter brings snow-capped peaks and frozen waterfalls — the mountain operates limited ski facilities from December through February. Accommodation is available at several hotels and guesthouses at the mountain base, with a few options at mid-elevation.
Hours: 7:00–18:00 (Apr–Oct), 8:00–17:00 (Nov–Mar)
Admission: ¥70 (peak season), ¥40 (off-peak); cable car ¥100 round-trip
Standing at an awe-inspiring 208 meters (including its 25-meter lotus pedestal), the Zhongyuan Great Buddha is the tallest bronze Buddha statue in the world and one of the most remarkable man-made landmarks in all of China. Located at the foot of Yaoshan in the Foquan (Buddha Spring) Scenic Area, the statue was completed in 2008 after 12 years of construction, using 3,300 tons of copper alloy and 108 kilograms of gold. The Buddha's face alone measures 42 meters wide, and a single finger is taller than a three-story building. The statue depicts Vairocana Buddha (毗卢遮那佛) in a seated meditation pose, radiating an atmosphere of profound serenity and spiritual power.
The surrounding Foquan Temple complex is equally impressive. The Tianrui (Heavenly auspicious) Bell, cast in the same period, weighs 116 tons and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the heaviest outdoor bronze bell. When struck, its deep resonance can be heard up to 15 kilometers away. The temple grounds include the Foquan Temple itself, a working Buddhist monastery with resident monks, as well as meditation halls, scripture libraries, and ceremonial spaces. The cultural axis leading up to the Buddha features a series of platforms, prayer wheels, and offering stations designed for Buddhist pilgrimage rituals. During major Buddhist festivals — particularly the Buddha's Birthday in April and the annual water-and-land ceremony in autumn — the site hosts elaborate religious ceremonies drawing tens of thousands of devotees.
The approach to the Buddha is a gradual ascent through landscaped gardens and temple buildings, taking approximately 30–45 minutes on foot. Electric carts (¥15) are available for those who prefer not to walk. Photography is permitted throughout the complex. The site is approximately 15 kilometers from Lushan County and can be combined with a visit to Yaoshan in a single day trip.
Hours: 7:00–18:00 year-round
Admission: ¥120 (includes Foquan Temple)
Huameigu, literally "Painted Eyebrow Valley," is a breathtakingly beautiful canyon located in the Funiu Mountains approximately 30 kilometers from Yaoshan. Named for the elegant thrush birds (画眉鸟) that inhabit its dense bamboo forests, this 30-square-kilometer scenic area is often described as a "fairyland on earth" for its ethereal landscapes. The valley features a series of tiered waterfalls, emerald pools, and lush subtropical vegetation that create a scene straight out of a classical Chinese landscape painting. At its heart, the canyon narrows to just a few meters wide, with moss-covered cliffs rising 200 meters on either side, blocking out the sky and filtering sunlight into soft, diffused beams.
The valley's trail system follows the course of a mountain stream for approximately 6 kilometers, passing by over 20 named waterfalls and pools of varying sizes. The most dramatic is the Rainbow Waterfall (彩虹瀑布), a 40-meter drop that creates a permanent rainbow in its mist on sunny days. Other highlights include the Dragon Pool (龙潭), a deep green pool at the base of a 60-meter cliff, and the Bamboo Sea (竹海), a dense grove of towering bamboo that rustles hypnotically in the mountain breeze. The valley is home to over 1,500 plant species, including rare orchids, ferns, and medicinal herbs, as well as wildlife such as macaques, civets, and numerous bird species. The air quality in the valley is exceptional, with negative oxygen ion concentrations measuring 10 times higher than urban areas.
Huameigu is less crowded than Yaoshan and offers a more intimate nature experience. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for most fitness levels, with wooden boardwalks over the steeper sections. A children's play area and several rest pavilions with snack stalls are available along the trail. The entire circuit takes approximately 3–4 hours at a leisurely pace. Spring and summer are the best seasons, when the waterfalls are at their fullest and the vegetation is most lush. Autumn brings beautiful foliage colors, while winter transforms the valley into a quiet, frost-covered wonderland.
Hours: 8:00–17:30 (Apr–Oct), 8:30–17:00 (Nov–Mar)
Admission: ¥60
Erlang Mountain, located in Ruzhou City (administered by Pingdingshan), is a unique geological wonder that combines a massive stone forest with the scenic setting of the Chongyang Lake reservoir. The mountain gets its name from Erlang Shen (二郎神), a legendary warrior deity from Chinese mythology, who according to local folklore once rested here on his journey. The scenic area covers 15 square kilometers and is distinguished by its extraordinary karst stone pillars — hundreds of natural stone columns rise from the mountainside like a forest of petrified trees, some reaching heights of over 30 meters. These formations, shaped by millions of years of wind and water erosion, create an otherworldly landscape that is unlike anything else in Henan Province.
The mountain's proximity to Chongyang Lake adds a beautiful aquatic dimension to the scenery. Boat tours on the reservoir (¥30) provide stunning views of the stone pillars reflected in the calm waters, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset. The hiking trail system covers approximately 8 kilometers of paths, including a dramatic suspension bridge (长空栈道) that spans a deep gorge between stone pillars. Key viewpoints include the Immortal Bridge (仙人桥), a natural stone arch formation, and the Erlang Temple at the summit, where devotees still burn incense. The area also features a rock climbing zone with routes suitable for both beginners and experienced climbers. For families, there is a glass-bottomed walkway and a children's adventure course.
Erlang Mountain is particularly beautiful in spring when wild peach and plum blossoms dot the mountainside, and in autumn when the deciduous forests provide a colorful backdrop to the grey stone pillars. The site is relatively uncrowded even on weekends, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful natural retreat. Basic dining facilities are available at the entrance, though bringing your own water and snacks for the hike is recommended.
Hours: 8:00–17:30 year-round
Admission: ¥55; boat tour ¥30; glass walkway ¥20
Pingdingshan's cuisine reflects its position at the crossroads of Henan's culinary traditions, blending the hearty flavors of the Central Plains with mountain-influenced dishes featuring wild vegetables, freshwater fish, and local game. The city's food scene is authentic and unpretentious, offering generous portions at very reasonable prices.