Tahe

Luohe lies in the heart of China's Central Plains, with prehistoric remains dating back 9,000 years and a reputation as a renowned food city. Its relaxed pace makes it a good choice for a weekend getaway or an educational family trip.

• Jiahu Site Museum: Archaeological remains and artifacts introduce Jiahu culture. The Jiahu bone flutes are the world's earliest known wind instruments capable of playing a seven-note scale. Admission is free, and the museum is usually relatively quiet.

• Xu Shen Cultural Park: This is the hometown of Xu Shen, revered as the Sage of Chinese Characters. The park features a 188-meter Chinese Character Avenue and a Hall of the Sage of Chinese Characters built in Han dynasty style. It offers an introduction to the development of Chinese writing and its cultural traditions. Admission costs around RMB 30.

• Sha and Li River Scenic Area: The Sha and Li rivers meet in the city, and their banks are popular places for local residents to relax. Head to Hongfeng Square in the evening to watch the sunset, or cycle or walk along the rivers. Admission is free.

• Xiaoshang Bridge: First built during the Sui dynasty, this open-spandrel stone arch bridge predates Zhaozhou Bridge by 20 years and is known as the “Finest Bridge Under Heaven.” The nearby Yang Zaixing Memorial Park makes this a worthwhile stop for visitors interested in ancient bridges and Song dynasty history. Admission costs around RMB 20–40.

• Nanjie Village: The village retains much of its collectivist-era character. Dongfanghong Square features a white marble statue of Chairman Mao, while many revolutionary slogans remain on walls along the streets and lanes. It is suitable for educational family visits and learning about rural development during that period. Admission is free.

• Heshang Street Ancient Town: This district combines Han dynasty, Tang dynasty and Republican-era themes, with a concentration of illuminated sights at night. It also hosts a market showcasing intangible cultural heritage and hanfu costume parades. Come in the evening to stroll and eat. Admission is free.

Two-Day, One-Night Highlights Itinerary

• Day 1: The Origins of Chinese Characters and a Riverside Sunset: Visit Xu Shen Cultural Park in the morning and explore Chinese writing along Chinese Character Avenue. Return to the city in the afternoon for a walk or bike ride in the Sha and Li River Scenic Area, then watch the sunset by the river. In the evening, head to Heshang Street Ancient Town or Xintiandi Food Street for local snacks and night views.
• Day 2: Prehistoric Culture and Ancient Bridges: Start at Jiahu Site Museum to learn about the 9,000-year-old bone flutes and Jiahu culture. Then drive or take a taxi to Linying County to visit Xiaoshang Bridge and Nanjie Village, exploring ancient architecture and revolutionary-era cultural sights. Buy local specialties in the afternoon before heading home.

Must-Try Local Food in Luohe

• Beiwudu Hulatang (Peppery Soup): One of Luohe's signature versions of hulatang, this thick soup has a pronounced pepper aroma. It is commonly eaten for breakfast with fried dough bites or pan-fried buns.

• Wuyang Hot Tofu: Freshly made tofu is cut into pieces and seasoned with sesame paste, chili sauce and garlic water. It has a delicate, soft texture, and around RMB 5 buys a filling serving.

• Fancheng Five-Spice Beef: This Linying specialty is recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Its firm texture and rich braised flavor make it a good food gift to take home.

• Luohe Stir-Fried Starch Jelly: Common at night markets, sweet potato starch jelly is stir-fried over high heat until lightly browned at the edges. The result is slightly crisp outside, soft inside, and savory and spicy.

• Yancheng Noodles in Fermented Mung Bean Broth: These noodles use a tangy broth made from fermented mung bean liquid and are usually served with celery and soybeans. Sour, spicy and appetizing, they have a traditional home-style flavor.
• Linying Youxuan Flatbread: This savory, layered flatbread has a fragrant scallion flavor. Eat it on its own or tear it into pieces and soak it in hulatang.

Transport and Accommodation Tips

• Transport: If arriving by high-speed train, Luohe West Railway Station is a convenient choice close to the city center. Taxi fares start at around RMB 5. Parking in the city is relatively easy if you drive. For attractions in Linying or Wuyang, driving or hiring a car with a driver saves time.
• Accommodation: Consider staying near the railway station or Heshang Street in Yuanhui District, or along the Sha and Li rivers. Night markets are within walking distance in the evening, and these areas have plenty of restaurants and accommodation. Budget hotels cost around RMB 120–200 per night.

Travel Tips

• Reservations and Closures: Jiahu Site Museum and Luohe Museum are usually closed on Mondays. Check opening hours before traveling and book ahead if required.
• Getting Around: Luohe's attractions are spread out, with Xiaoshang Bridge and the Jiahu site located outside the city in surrounding counties. Driving or taking a taxi is recommended to reduce time spent waiting for public transport.
• Pace of Your Visit: Everyday local life is a large part of the city's appeal, so leave some room in your itinerary. Take a relaxing walk along the Sha and Li rivers and set aside time for a bowl of hulatang.
• Buying Local Specialties: For products from Shuanghui or Weilong, or specialties such as Fancheng beef, choose large supermarkets or established shops. Avoid buying from roaming vendors outside scenic attractions.