Xinxiang

Xinxiang combines the mountain scenery of the Southern Taihang Mountains with everyday city life. A 3-day, 2-night trip gives you time to enjoy the landscapes, local culture and food.

• Baoquan Tourism Resort: The resort consists of Yatianxia and the Grand Canyon, where mountain cliffs frame colorful waters. Attractions include the Fish Scale Dam, Emerald Lake and a cliffside roller coaster, making it a good choice for families and younger travelers.

• Baligou Scenic Area: This national 5A-rated scenic area is known for Tianhe Waterfall, the Red Stone River and the sheer cliffs of the Taihang Mountains. The walking is moderately demanding, making it a good place to experience the mountain and water scenery of the Southern Taihang.

• Wanxian Mountain · Guoliang Village: The main attraction is Guoliang Tunnel Road, a road carved by hand into the cliff and hailed as the “Ninth Wonder of the World.” The stone-built village, sheer cliffs and seas of clouds create a striking landscape.

• Pingyuan Museum: Admission is free at this large comprehensive museum in northern Henan. Its collection includes many Shang and Zhou dynasty bronzes and artifacts associated with Muye culture. It is a good choice for a quiet museum visit.

• Tongmeng Ancient Town: This traditional-style folk culture district is free to enter. Its buildings mostly feature gray bricks and dark roof tiles, and its streets bring together local snacks and traditional crafts recognized as intangible cultural heritage. Once the lights come on at night, it is a pleasant place to stroll and snack.

• Tomb of Prince Lu: This Ming dynasty prince's tomb is known as the “Little Ming Tombs of the Central Plains.” The stone figures lining the approach retain their fine details, and the historic site is well preserved in a peaceful setting.

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Xinxiang and explore the city
  • Morning: Arrive at Xinxiang East Railway Station, then head to your hotel in the city center to check in.
  • Afternoon: Visit Pingyuan Museum to learn about Muye culture and Shang and Zhou dynasty history. The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
  • Evening: Shop at Pangdonglai's Dapang or Erpang branch, then stroll through West Street Night Market and try red-braised lamb and other local snacks.
• Day 2: Explore the Southern Taihang Mountains
  • Morning: Set off early for Baoquan Tourism Resort. You can follow Route A, visiting Yatianxia before the Grand Canyon. Take the cable car for views over the canyon and try the cliffside attractions, then ride the L-shaped elevator down into the canyon to enjoy the water.

• Afternoon: Continue exploring the Grand Canyon, taking in Emerald Lake and Jianlong Waterfall. You can also wade in the water or rest by the water's edge.
  • Evening: Return to central Xinxiang or stay in Bobi Town, Huixian, and eat at a local farmhouse restaurant.
• Day 3: Discover the cliffside tunnel road and historic sites
  • Morning: Head to Guoliang Village in Wanxian Mountain. Walk through Guoliang Tunnel Road, then explore the old stone village and enjoy the mountain village scenery of the Taihang Mountains.

• Afternoon: Return to the city and, depending on your schedule, visit the Tomb of Prince Lu to see its Ming dynasty stone carvings, or buy gifts at Tongmeng Ancient Town before heading home.

Must-Try Foods in Xinxiang

Xinxiang's everyday food often features sour, sweet and spicy flavors, while its lamb soup has a rich, full flavor. Make time to try some during your trip.

• Red-braised lamb: A signature Xinxiang dish, this features tender, slow-cooked lamb in a rich sauce with a relatively mild gamey flavor. Geji Red-Braised Lamb and 1987 Red-Braised Lamb are both options to consider. Pair it with hand-pulled noodles mixed into the broth.

• Niu Zhongxi Shaobing: These baked flatbreads are recognized as part of Xinxiang's municipal intangible cultural heritage. Topped with white sesame seeds, they have crisp, flaky layers. The sweet filling is smooth, while the meat filling is savory and fragrant. They travel well, making them convenient to take away.

• Suji Milk Pudding: This shop serves an old-fashioned milk pudding that is uncommon locally, with a pronounced milky flavor and a generous variety of toppings. Locals often pair it with a bowl of Korean-style noodles.

• Xiaosheng Spicy Noodles: These chewy noodles have prominent sour, sweet and spicy flavors, making them an appetizing summer meal.

• Pangdonglai Prepared Foods and Desserts: Popular choices include red velvet cake, chocolate mousse, spicy dry pot and house-made sausages. Weekends are busy, so try to visit outside peak hours.

Accommodation and Transport Guide

• Where to stay:
  • For convenient dining and exploring: Stay near Pingyuan Road or Pangdonglai in central Xinxiang. This area has plenty of chain hotels, easy access to food and convenient evening transport. Prices are around RMB 150–250 per night.
  • For a stay close to nature: If you plan to head into the mountains early the next day, choose a guesthouse around Huixian or a farmhouse stay near Baoquan Scenic Area. You can wake up to views of wooded mountains, with prices around RMB 100–200 per night.
• Getting around:
  • High-speed rail: Visitors from other cities can take a high-speed train to Xinxiang East Railway Station. A taxi from the station to the city center costs about RMB 25. Direct coaches to Baoquan and other scenic areas also run at certain times.
  • Driving: Taxis are relatively inexpensive within the city. For mountain destinations such as Baoquan, Baligou and Guoliang Village, driving or sharing a car offers more flexibility, with manageable distances between attractions. Outside vehicles are not allowed into Guoliang Village, so you must transfer to the scenic area's shuttle bus.

Travel Tips

• Pangdonglai closing days: Some branches close on Tuesdays, and holiday opening schedules may vary. Check the official mini program before your visit.
• Mountain temperatures and sun protection: Temperatures in the Taihang Mountains vary noticeably between day and night. Bring a light jacket whether the forecast is sunny or cloudy. UV exposure is strong in the mountains, so pack a sun hat, sun-protection sleeves and insect repellent.
• Footwear: Baoquan, Baligou and Guoliang Village all involve mountain paths or boardwalks, so wear trainers with good grip. If you plan to wade in the Grand Canyon, also bring water shoes or clog-style shoes.
• Book ahead: Free venues such as Pingyuan Museum require reservations through their official WeChat accounts and are closed on Mondays. Keep this in mind when planning your itinerary.
• Avoid peak times: Pangdonglai and popular scenic areas get busy on weekends and public holidays. Visit the supermarket on a weekday morning, and try to enter scenic areas when they open at 8 a.m.