Xinyang

Jigong Mountain Scenic Area (鸡公山)

Jigong Mountain is located in the southern part of Shihe District, Xinyang City, in the heart of the Dabie Mountains. Its main peak, Baoxiao Peak (报晓峰), rises 768 meters above sea level, named for its resemblance to a rooster crowing with its head held high. Alongside Mount Lu, Mogan Mountain, and Beidaihe, Jigong Mountain is ranked as one of China's four great summer retreats. It was designated a National Key Scenic Area in 1922 and achieved National 5A Tourist Attraction status in 2011. The mountain's vegetation coverage exceeds 95%, with extremely high negative oxygen ion levels in the air — a true natural oxygen bar. Over 2,000 plant species grow here, including rare protected species such as ginkgo and dove trees, and wildlife is also remarkably diverse. Summer temperatures average only around 23°C, with mist-shrouded peaks and gentle breezes — an unparalleled summer haven in Central China.

The most distinctive cultural feature of Jigong Mountain is its century-old villa complex. Since the late 19th century, missionaries, merchants, and diplomats from 23 countries built over 500 villas in various architectural styles — Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, and Chinese — earning the mountain the title "Museum of International Architecture." The most famous include the former Meiwen School site, Marshall Building, and Swedish Building. These villas, built along the mountain slopes in a harmonious arrangement, blend beautifully with the surrounding pine and bamboo groves. Strolling along mountain trails, century-old houses nestled among green trees appear at every turn, as if transporting you back to an international resort town of the Republican era. Each villa has its own little-known historical story, allowing visitors to appreciate both architectural beauty and the unique charm of East-West cultural encounters.

Jigong Mountain's natural scenery is equally breathtaking. Baoxiao Peak is the mountain's landmark — ascending to the summit offers panoramic views of rolling mountain ranges and surging seas of clouds, with sunrise being particularly magnificent. Unique rock formations such as Sword Rock, Crescent Rock, and Camel Peak Rock are vividly lifelike, showcasing nature's extraordinary craftsmanship. Changsheng Valley (Valley of Longevity) features babbling streams and ancient trees — an excellent hiking route. The waterfall group includes over a dozen waterfalls of various sizes; the Dashengou Waterfall drops more than 30 meters, sending spray like pearls and roaring like thunder — a spectacular sight. The mountain also contains air-raid shelters and other WWII relics that record Jigong Mountain's important role during the War of Resistance. In winter, rime frost occasionally blankets the mountain, presenting an entirely different icy landscape.

Practical Information: Jigong Mountain Scenic Area is open year-round. Peak season (April–October) admission is ¥78; off-season (November–March) is ¥40. The sightseeing shuttle bus is ¥20 one-way. From downtown Xinyang, take Bus No. 2 or a tourist shuttle to the scenic area entrance (approximately 40 minutes). Recommended visit duration is 1–2 days; multiple hotels and guesthouses are available on the mountain. Summer is the best visiting season — avoid peak holiday periods such as Golden Week. Check Jigong Mountain's official platforms for the latest discount offers.

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Nanwan Lake Scenic Area (南湾湖)

Nanwan Lake is located 5 kilometers southwest of downtown Xinyang and is the largest artificial lake in Henan Province, with a water surface area of 75 square kilometers and a storage capacity exceeding 1.6 billion cubic meters. Originally called Nanwan Reservoir, it was completed in 1955 and serves multiple functions including flood control, irrigation, power generation, and tourism. The lake is surrounded by mountains and dotted with 61 islands of various sizes — like emerald pearls set upon jade-green waves. The water is crystal clear, consistently meeting national Class I water quality standards. The lake teems with Nanwan fish, and Nanwan Fish Head Soup (南湾鱼头汤) is one of Xinyang's most iconic dishes. With dense forests, fresh air, and a stunning interplay of lake and mountain scenery, Nanwan Lake is praised as the "Pearl of Southern Henan" and the "First Lake of the Central Plains" — Xinyang's brightest tourism calling card.

The core way to explore Nanwan Lake is by boat, with a full circuit taking approximately 3–4 hours. The cruise passes several distinctive islands including Bird Island, Monkey Island, and Summer Retreat Island, each offering unique natural scenery and interactive experiences. Bird Island is home to dozens of bird species including egrets, herons, and pond herons. During the breeding season in late spring and early summer, the sight of thousands of birds taking flight simultaneously is spectacular — a paradise for photographers. Monkey Island is home to hundreds of free-roaming macaques; visitors can observe the monkeys playing up close and even feed them — a favorite with children. Summer Retreat Island is shaded by lush trees and well-equipped, making it an ideal place to rest and cool off. Tea Island features extensive Xinyang Maojian tea plantations where visitors can experience the entire tea-picking and tea-making process firsthand, sampling the most authentic Xinyang Maojian.

There are many more attractions worth visiting around Nanwan Lake. Xianshan Island (贤山岛) on the lakeshore offers a serene environment with dense vegetation; the island's Xianshan Temple makes it an excellent place for Zen meditation and quiet reflection. The cross-lake bridge stretches over 1,500 meters, serving as an important connection between the north and south shores. From the bridge, visitors enjoy expansive views of the entire lake. The lakeside road offers beautiful scenery, making it an ideal route for cycling and driving enthusiasts. The nearby Nanwan Fishing Village preserves a traditional fishing lifestyle — visitors can enjoy the freshest lake delicacies and experience authentic fishing village culture. In recent years, Nanwan Lake has also introduced night tour programs; as evening lights begin to glow, boating on the lake amid twinkling stars and colorful lights creates a uniquely romantic atmosphere.

Practical Information: Nanwan Lake Scenic Area peak season (March–November) admission is ¥68 including boat tickets; off-season is ¥48 including boat tickets. Opening hours are 7:30 AM–5:30 PM. From downtown Xinyang, take Bus No. 18 directly to the scenic area (approximately 20 minutes). Recommended visit duration is half a day to a full day. Multiple restaurants and specialty shops line the lakefront; the Nanwan Fish Head Banquet costs approximately ¥60–80 per person. Bring sun protection in summer; in winter, the lake breeze can be strong — carry warm clothing.

Xinyang Maojian Tea Gardens (信阳毛尖茶园)

Xinyang Maojian (信阳毛尖) is one of China's Top Ten Famous Teas and the only green tea from Henan Province to earn this distinction, with a cultivation history spanning over 1,000 years. It is renowned worldwide for its distinctive character — fine, round, smooth, straight needles covered in white down, with a high aroma, rich flavor, and vibrant green liquor. It won a gold medal at the 1915 Panama Pacific International Exposition and was named among China's Top Ten Famous Teas in 1958. The core production areas are concentrated in townships including Shihegang (浉河港), Dongjiahe (董家河), Tanjiahe (谭家河), and Shisanliqiao (十三里桥), with Shihegang producing the finest quality. The tea mountains here range from 300 to 800 meters in elevation, enveloped in mist and fog, with fertile soil and a mild climate — exceptional natural conditions that give Xinyang Maojian its outstanding quality. Each year around Qingming (early April) is the prime harvest season; tender emerald buds and terraced tea fields stretching across the mountains create a breathtaking pastoral landscape.

Visiting Xinyang, an immersive tea garden experience — picking and making tea — is an essential cultural journey. Wenxin Tea Village (文新茶村) in Shihegang and Heilongtan Tea Township (黑龙潭茶乡) in Dongjiahe are the two most popular tea culture tourism destinations. At Wenxin Tea Village, visitors can don traditional tea-picking attire, carry a bamboo basket, and hand-pick the tenderest tea buds, then experience traditional tea-making steps — fixing (shaqing), rolling, and drying — under the guidance of master tea makers, witnessing the magical transformation from fresh leaf to fragrant tea. The village also houses a tea culture museum and a tea tasting room where visitors can learn about tea art, sample different grades of Xinyang Maojian, and explore the historical heritage of Chinese tea culture. Heilongtan Tea Township is celebrated for its pristine natural environment; thousand-year-old ancient tea trees are scattered across the mountains, streams run crystal clear and sweet, and the Maojian produced here has the most fragrant aroma and mellowest flavor — a pilgrimage destination for serious tea connoisseurs.

Every year in late April, Xinyang hosts the grand Xinyang Tea Culture Festival, which has been successfully held over 30 times and has become an internationally influential cultural brand event in Henan Province. During the festival, tea merchants and enthusiasts from across China gather in Xinyang to taste tea, discuss the Way of Tea, watch tea art performances, and participate in tea-picking competitions — the atmosphere is lively and festive. In recent years, Xinyang tea garden tourism has spawned emerging formats such as tea-themed homestays, tea spa treatments, and tea banquets. Visitors can stay at boutique guesthouses beside tea gardens, wake in the morning to the aroma of fresh tea, and experience an in-depth tea culture journey that relaxes both body and mind. The Xinyang Maojian Tea Banquet creatively incorporates tea into cooking — dishes like Maojian Shrimp (毛尖虾仁), Tea-Scented Chicken (茶香鸡), Jade Bamboo Tea Dumplings, and tea eggs delight the palate and showcase the infinite possibilities of Chinese tea culinary culture.

Practical Information: Wenxin Tea Village in Shihegang is open free of charge. Tea-making experiences cost approximately ¥80–120 per person, including tea tasting. From downtown Xinyang, take a tourist shuttle or charter a vehicle to Shihegang (approximately 50 minutes). The best time for tea-picking experiences is late March to late April. The Xinyang Tea Culture Festival is usually held in late April — check official announcements for exact dates. Multiple tea-themed guesthouses and farm stays are available near the tea gardens, with accommodation ranging from ¥150–300 per night. Wear comfortable sneakers and bring sun protection.

Lingshan Temple Scenic Area (灵山寺)

Lingshan Temple (灵山寺) is located in Luoshan County, Xinyang City. Originally built during the Taihe era of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, it has a history spanning over 1,500 years and is one of the important monasteries of the Chan (Zen) Buddhist tradition. Founded by eminent monks from the Western Regions, the temple was rebuilt and expanded multiple times through the Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, evolving into a grand architectural complex. The temple sits in a valley basin on the south side of Lingshan's main peak, surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing water on the fourth — a feng shui configuration of the highest order. Lingshan rises 827 meters, its terrain majestic and imposing, with towering peaks, bizarre rock formations, ancient trees, and waterfalls throughout — a perfect fusion of natural and cultural landscapes. Lingshan Temple holds a revered position in the Buddhist world, known as the "First Ancient Temple of Southern Henan," and alongside Luoyang's White Horse Temple and Mount Song's Shaolin Temple, it is counted among Henan's Three Great Ancient Temples. It also wields wide influence among Chinese Buddhist communities in Southeast Asia.

The architectural layout of Lingshan Temple follows the natural mountain contours in an elegant arrangement. The main buildings along the central axis are, in order: the Mountain Gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, Sutra Library, and Dharma Hall, with auxiliary structures including the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, meditation rooms, and guest hall on either side. The Mahavira Hall is the core structure of the entire temple — five bays wide and three bays deep — housing a golden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha flanked by Eighteen Arhat statues with exquisite, lifelike carvings. The temple preserves a wealth of precious cultural relics, including Tang Dynasty stone sutra pillars, Song Dynasty bronze bells, and Ming Dynasty murals. The most treasured item is a Qing Dynasty handwritten copy of the Tripitaka (Great Buddhist Canon) — one of only a few surviving copies in the entire country. In front of the temple stands a ginkgo tree over 1,000 years old, with a massive trunk and lush foliage. In autumn, golden ginkgo leaves carpet the temple courtyard — breathtakingly beautiful and a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.

Lingshan Temple is widely renowned for its "miraculous efficacy." During the annual temple fair from the 1st to the 30th day of the third lunar month, pilgrims from Henan, Hubei, Anhui, and beyond arrive in an endless stream, with peak daily visitor numbers exceeding 30,000. The Lingshan Temple Fair has a history spanning centuries; besides traditional Buddhist worship and blessing activities, it features Southern Henan folk performances, local opera shows, specialty snack stalls, and other rich cultural entertainment — the scene is extraordinarily lively. Within the Lingshan Natural Scenic Area, there are multiple waterfalls and pools; the Lingshan Waterfall drops over 40 meters, with tremendous water force and a thunderous roar that echoes through the valley. The hiking trail spans approximately 6 kilometers, passing through steep peaks, deep valleys, bamboo groves, and tea gardens — an ideal choice for outdoor and hiking enthusiasts. Lingshan Academy in the mountains is a tranquil retreat where Qing Dynasty scholars once composed poetry and painted; it is now also open to the public for visits.

Practical Information: Lingshan Temple Scenic Area admission is ¥60, including the Lingshan Natural Scenic Area. Opening hours are 6:00 AM–6:00 PM. From downtown Xinyang, take a long-distance bus to Luoshan County, then transfer to a scenic area shuttle — the full journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. Alternatively, charter a car directly from Xinyang for about ¥200. Vegetarian meals are available at the temple for ¥20 per person. Recommended visit duration is a full day. Wear hiking shoes and bring plenty of drinking water for the mountain trails. Accommodation is tight during the temple fair period — book in advance.