Bo'ai County Travel

Bo'ai County, Jiaozuo City, Henan Province — a pearl of landscapes at the southern foot of Taihang Mountain, one of the seclusion places of the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove". It integrates Taihang clear water, thousand-year-old ancient temples and Ming-Qing ancient villages, and boasts well-known scenic spots such as Qingtianhe and Yueshan Temple. This 2-day 1-night tour will take you to appreciate the blend of landscapes and humanities.

10+
Natural Scenic Spots
5
Cultural Relic Protection Units (Provincial Level and Above)
4
A-Class Scenic Areas
16+
Special Local Foods
Panoramic view of Qingtianhe Scenic Area in Bo'ai County, Jiaozuo
Bo'ai County - Qingtianhe
National 5A-level scenic area, known as the "Northern Three Gorges", with beautiful lakes and mountains, combining the grandeur of Taihang Mountain and the elegance of Jiangnan scenery. It is a iconic representative of the landscape scenery of Bo'ai County.

2-Day 1-Night Landscape and Zen Tour of Bo'ai County

Admire the clear water of Tianhe, comprehend the Zen heart of ancient temples, explore the legacy of ancient villages, taste Huai Prefecture flavors, and experience the natural and cultural charm of the southern foot of Taihang Mountain

Trip Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Qingtianhe, Yueshan Temple, Zhaibuchang Ancient Village, Xingfu Lake Park
Suitable For
Landscape lovers, Zen practitioners, history and culture enthusiasts, family with kids
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥900
01
Landscape & Zen
Qingtianhe · Yueshan Temple · Urban Night View
Itinerary Highlights

Go to Qingtianhe in the early morning and enjoy the scenery of the "Northern Three Gorges" by cruise ship; visit Yueshan Temple in the afternoon to experience the Zen charm of the thousand-year-old ancient temple; stroll around Bo'ai urban area in the evening and taste local delicacies such as Bo'ai Water Banquet.

Attraction Arrangement
Qingtianhe
National 5A-level scenic area and part of the World Geopark, known for "beautiful mountains and clear waters, strange rocks and secluded caves". It has scenic spots such as Daquan Lake, Sangu Spring and Jinjialing. In autumn, red leaves cover the mountains, earning it the reputation of "the first gorge of Taihang red leaves". You can enjoy the lake and mountain scenery by cruise ship.
Yueshan Temple
A thousand-year-old ancient temple built in the Tang Dynasty, known as one of the "Three Great Ancient Temples in Central Plains" together with Shaolin Temple and White Horse Temple. It is named after its location on Mingyue Mountain. The existing buildings include the Mahavira Hall, Octagonal Pavilion and Pagoda Forest. It is one of the ancestral courts of the Caodong Sect of Zen Buddhism and the birthplace of "Baji Quan".
Bo'ai County Downtown Night View
The core area of Bo'ai County town, with bright lights at night and numerous street food stalls. You can experience the night market culture of Bo'ai, taste local special snacks and feel the vitality of the county town.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Qingtianhe Scenic Area Homestay
  • Yueshan Town Hot Spring Hotel
  • Zhongshan Road Hotel in County Town
Food Recommendations
  • Bo'ai Water Banquet
  • Naotang Donkey Meat
  • Beef Ball Soup
  • Soybean Milk Noodles
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to combine cruise ship and walking in Qingtianhe (Cruise ship: ¥40)
  • No loud talking in Yueshan Temple, respect religious etiquette
  • The best viewing period for red leaves in Jinjialing in autumn is mid-October to early November
02
Ancient Village & New Vibe
Zhaibuchang Ancient Village · Xingfu Lake Park · Return
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Zhaibuchang Ancient Village in the morning to experience the charm of Ming and Qing architecture; stroll around Xingfu Lake Park in the afternoon to experience urban leisure; end the trip after purchasing Bo'ai specialties.

Attraction Arrangement
Zhaibuchang Ancient Village
An ancient village from the Ming and Qing dynasties, famous for its architectural scale of "72 streets and 81 buildings". More than 100 Ming and Qing dwellings remain, with exquisite brick and wood carvings. It is one of the most well-preserved ancient villages in northern Henan and a national-level cultural relic protection unit.
Xingfu Lake Park
The core urban park of Bo'ai County, centered on an artificial lake, with waterfront platforms, fitness trails, landscape bridges, etc. It is the main place for citizens to relax, exercise and entertain, showing the modern vitality of Bo'ai County town.
Baishan Vat Kiln Site
An ancient kiln site dating back to the Song Dynasty, famous for producing daily-use ceramics such as vats and urns. The existing sites include dragon kiln ruins and ancient kiln workshops, showing the development history of Bo'ai's traditional ceramic craftsmanship. It is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take Bus No.2 from the county town to reach Yueshan Temple
  • Take the special minibus to Sujiazuo Township to reach Zhaibuchang Ancient Village
  • There is a tourist through train to Qingtianhe Scenic Area (Departs at 8:00 every day)
Ticket Information
  • Qingtianhe: ¥60 (Including scenic area transportation)
  • Yueshan Temple: ¥25
  • Zhaibuchang Ancient Village: Free (Explanation fee: ¥30)
  • Baishan Vat Kiln Site: ¥10
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a commentator in Zhaibuchang Ancient Village to learn the stories behind the buildings
  • Xingfu Lake Park is suitable for walking in the evening to enjoy the lake view and sunset
  • You can buy ceramic specialties at shops around Baishan Vat Kiln Site

Must-Try Foods in Bo'ai County

Bo'ai Water Banquet

Bo'ai's traditional banquet, named because most dishes are soup-based and served one after another like flowing water. It consists of 24 dishes (8 cold and 16 hot), with exquisite ingredients and a mix of meat and vegetables. Representative dishes include "Eight Bowls and Eight Plates" and "Sour and Spicy Fish Soup". It is the highest courtesy for entertaining distinguished guests locally.

Naotang Donkey Meat

A century-old inherited food of Bo'ai, using local Taihang donkey meat braised with old soup and more than 20 kinds of spices. The meat is tender and served with "Naotang" (boiling soup) made from donkey bones and spices. It has a rich and delicious taste and is one of the "Eight Wonders of Huai Prefecture".

Beef Ball Soup

A classic street snack in Bo'ai. Beef balls are made by hand beating fresh yellow beef, tender and chewy. Served with bone soup, vermicelli and coriander, the soup is clear, fresh and not greasy. It is a popular choice for breakfast and supper.

Soybean Milk Noodles

Bo'ai's traditional pasta, made with fermented mung bean milk as soup and noodles, served with celery, peanuts, chili oil, etc. It is sour and appetizing with a unique taste, and is a common staple food for relieving summer heat locally in summer.

Bo'ai County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Qingtianhe is full of blooming flowers, suitable for spring outing and flower viewing
  • Autumn (October-November): Jinjialing is covered with red leaves, and Qingtianhe has the best scenery
  • Summer (June-August): You can go to Qingtianhe to escape the heat and experience the coolness of the canyon
  • Winter (December-February): Yueshan Temple has a quiet snow scene, suitable for Zen experience
Must-Try Foods
  • Bo'ai Water Banquet (Time-honored restaurants in the county town)
  • Naotang Donkey Meat (Headquarters in Yueshan Town)
  • Beef Ball Soup (Zhongshan Road Night Market)
  • Soybean Milk Noodles (Specialty of farmyards)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥120
  • Accommodation: ¥120-200 per night
  • Catering: ¥70-100 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥60
  • Total: ¥500-900
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do I need to buy a separate ticket for the cruise ship in Qingtianhe? → Yes, one-way ¥40, round-trip ¥70
  • Can I experience Baji Quan in Yueshan Temple? → There are Baji Quan performances on weekends (10:00/15:00)
  • Are there homestays to stay in Zhaibuchang Ancient Village? → Currently only a small number of farmyards are available, it is recommended to return to the county town for accommodation
  • Transportation from Bo'ai to Jiaozuo urban area? → Bus No.3 departs every 15 minutes, about 40 minutes' drive

Explore Travel in Each District and County of Jiaozuo City