Xinyang

Autumn is generally a good time to visit Xinyang, though temperatures in the mountains can vary considerably between morning and evening.

Located in southern Henan, Xinyang combines the charm of the Jiangnan region with northern Chinese character. Maojian tea is also an important part of a visit. Autumn activities include sightseeing, woodland walks and sampling Xinyang cuisine.

• Jigong Mountain: This mountain retreat has been a summer getaway for over a century and is known as the “Park in the Clouds.” In autumn, visit Baoxiao Peak and the international collection of historic buildings. On foggy days, the woods and old buildings take on a misty atmosphere.

• Nanwan Lake: The lake and surrounding mountains are the main attractions here. Take a boat to Tea Island and Bird Island. During your visit, try Nanwan fish head soup, known for its milky broth and savory flavor.

• Wenxin Tea Village: Entry is free, and rows of tea bushes follow the contours of an estate spanning thousands of acres. Walk through the scenery, take photographs, sample Maojian tea or try tea-flavored ice cream.

• Borden Forest Park: At the foot of Jigong Mountain, this century-old forest has the largest stand of bald cypress trees in central China. When sunlight filters through the branches and leaves, the Tyndall effect creates visible shafts of light among the trees.

• Xingxiuchuan Beach Campsite: With white sand, palm groves and white tents, this campsite is nicknamed “Henan’s Maldives.” The sand is soft and fine. In the evening, ride the small train to watch the sunset and the water turn orange.

Suggested Three-Day, Two-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Xinyang and explore the tea hills
  • Morning: Arrive at Xinyang East Railway Station, then take a taxi or bus to your hotel in the city center to check in.
  • Afternoon: Visit Wenxin Tea Village and walk through its extensive tea fields. Then enjoy Maojian tea at the hilltop tea pavilion while taking in the autumn scenery.
  • Evening: Eat and browse at Shihe Night Market or Xinshenhe Night Market. Try grilled skewers and shi liangfen, a chilled jelly snack, while enjoying the riverside breeze and local nightlife.

• Day 2: Visit Jigong Mountain and walk through the forest
  • Morning: Drive or take a taxi to Jigong Mountain, then transfer to a sightseeing shuttle up the mountain. Visit Baoxiao Peak and the international collection of historic villas. On foggy days, enjoy the mist drifting through the woods.

• Afternoon: After descending Jigong Mountain, head to Borden Forest Park. Walk among the century-old bald cypress trees, enjoy the forest air and photograph the woodland scenery.

• Evening: Return to the city center and try Luoshan pork intestine soup or Gushi goose pieces for dinner.
• Day 3: Take a lake cruise and relax on the beach
  • Morning: Take a boat on Nanwan Lake to Tea Island. Enjoy the lake and mountain views, and try tea picking or tea tasting.

• Afternoon: Head to Xingxiuchuan Beach Campsite to dig in the sand, enjoy the breeze and relax on the beach while waiting for sunset. Watch the orange evening sky reflected on the water before heading home.

What to Eat in Xinyang

Xinyang cuisine reflects the local flavors of southern Henan and often uses fresh ingredients. Dishes tend to be salty, mildly spicy and fairly oily, making them a good accompaniment to staple foods.

• Nanwan Fish Head Soup: Made by simmering bighead carp from Nanwan Lake, this signature local dish has a milky broth and rich, delicately sweet fish with little muddy taste.

• Luoshan Pork Intestine Soup: Thoroughly cleaned pork intestines are simmered with tofu and pork blood curd. The intestines become tender, and the broth is fragrant and spicy, with a distinctive local flavor.

• Gushi Goose Pieces: The goose meat is firm and chewy, served in a savory, slightly spicy broth with a rich goose-fat aroma. Dip handmade steamed buns into the broth to eat alongside it.

• Xinyang Jar-Braised Pork: Pork belly is marinated, stir-fried to render out some fat, then sealed in jars for storage. To serve, it is simmered with radish and thin tofu sheets, producing richly flavored meat with fatty portions that taste less greasy.

• Xinyang Hot Dry Noodles with Chili Oil: While Wuhan hot dry noodles are seasoned with sesame paste, the Xinyang version uses a seasoned braising liquid and chili oil. The noodles are springy and glossy with oil, and are often paired with an egg-filled flatbread for breakfast.

Accommodation and Transport

• Where to Stay: The areas around Xinyang Railway Station and Xinyang East Railway Station make convenient bases for visits to attractions and night markets. Travelers who prefer natural surroundings can consider guesthouses near Jigong Mountain or Nanwan Lake, typically costing RMB 200–400 per night.

• Getting Around: Attractions are spread out, with most more than 20 km from the city center, so driving or renting a car is convenient. After arriving by high-speed train at Xinyang East Railway Station, a taxi to the city center takes about 20–30 minutes. Bus L3 also serves attractions such as Wenxin Tea Village, but allow extra travel time.

Autumn Travel Tips

• Clothing and Footwear: Jigong Mountain and the forest parks are cooler and windier than the city center in autumn. Bring a windproof down jacket or a light jacket, and wear comfortable shoes with good grip.
• Insect Repellent and Sun Protection: Mosquitoes and other insects are common in the tea fields and mountain forests, so carry insect repellent. UV levels can be high during the day, so bring sunscreen and a sun hat.
• Ordering Food: Local dishes tend to be salty and spicy. If you prefer lighter food or have a low tolerance for spice, ask for less salt and only mild spice when ordering.
• Booking Tickets: Popular attractions such as Nanwan Lake may limit visitor numbers during public holidays. Consider buying admission and boat tickets online a day in advance.