Fangcheng County Travel

Fangcheng County, Nanyang, Henan – One of the sources of the Silk Road and a landscape secret in southwest Henan, integrating the grandeur of Qifeng Mountain, the elegance of Seventy-Two Pools, the profound culture of Zhang Qian, and the delicious flavor of braised noodles. Unlock natural wonders and cultural heritage with a 2-day 1-night in-depth tour.

2000+
Years of Historical Evolution
3
National-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units
10+
Core Scenic Spots
8+
Specialty Foods
Qifeng Mountain Scenery in Fangcheng County
Qifeng Mountain - The No.1 Majestic Peak in Southwest Henan
A national 4A-level scenic area, famous for its "danger, wonder, and beauty". The main peak is 768 meters above sea level. Climbing to the top, you can admire the sea of clouds and sunrise, known as the "Little Huangshan in the Central Plains".

2-Day 1-Night Landscape & Cultural Tour of Fangcheng County

Climb Qifeng Mountain to enjoy the sea of clouds, explore deep pools to watch waterfalls, trace Zhang Qian's relics, taste Fangcheng braised noodles, and experience the blend of landscapes and history in southwest Henan

Trip Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Qifeng Mountain, Seventy-Two Pools, Zhang Qian Square, Lianzhen Palace, Fangcheng Museum
Suitable For
Outdoor enthusiasts, history and culture lovers, food lovers, family with kids
Per Capita Budget
¥400-¥700
01
Natural Wonders
Qifeng Mountain Ecotourism Area · Seventy-Two Pools Scenic Area
Itinerary Highlights

Climb Qifeng Mountain in the morning, challenge the hanging plank road, and admire the sea of clouds; explore Seventy-Two Pools in the afternoon, watch the No.1 waterfall group in the Central Plains, experience the high-altitude glass bridge, and feel the uncanny craftsmanship of nature.

Attraction Arrangement
Qifeng Mountain Ecotourism Area
A national 4A-level scenic area composed of seven peaks, with the main peak at an altitude of 768 meters. The scenic area features high-altitude glass bridges, hanging plank roads, Chu Great Wall relics, etc., famous for its "grandeur, danger, seclusion, and beauty".
Seventy-Two Pools Scenic Area
A national 4A-level scenic area named after 72 pools and waterfalls of varying sizes distributed in the canyon. It is the core area of the Funiu Mountain Global Geopark, known as the "No.1 Stone River in China", with an average summer temperature of 25℃.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Qifeng Mountain Scenic Area Resort Hotel
  • Farmhouses around Seventy-Two Pools
  • Business hotels in Fangcheng County
Food Recommendations
  • Fangcheng Braised Noodles
  • Bowang Guokui (Bread)
  • Camellia Oleifera Soup
  • Braised Lamb
Travel Tips
  • The best time to watch the sea of clouds at Qifeng Mountain is 6:00-7:30 in the morning
  • It is recommended to wear non-slip sports shoes (mountain roads are steep)
  • The glass bridge at Seventy-Two Pools charges an additional 30 yuan per person
02
Cultural Tracing
Zhang Qian Square · Lianzhen Palace · Fangcheng Museum · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Zhang Qian Square in the morning to learn about the story of the pioneer of the Silk Road; visit Lianzhen Palace to experience Taoist culture; systematically understand local history at Fangcheng Museum in the afternoon, and return after tasting special foods in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Zhang Qian Square
Built to commemorate Zhang Qian, a diplomat of the Western Han Dynasty. A statue of Zhang Qian stands in the center of the square, and the surrounding area displays relief sculptures of historical scenes of Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions, serving as an important window to understand the Silk Road culture.
Lianzhen Palace
Founded in the Eastern Han Dynasty, it is a sacred place of Taoism. It is said to be the place where Emperor Wu of Han's daughter practiced to attain immortality. The existing ancient building complex was rebuilt in the Ming and Qing dynasties. A large number of stone inscriptions and wood carvings are preserved in the palace, which is a provincial-level cultural relic protection unit.
Fangcheng Museum
A comprehensive museum with a collection of more than 3,000 cultural relics, featuring Neolithic artifacts, Han Dynasty portrait stones, and cultural relics related to Zhang Qian. It systematically displays the historical changes of Fangcheng from ancient times to modern times.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take Bus No.1 in the county to reach Zhang Qian Square
  • Lianzhen Palace is 3 kilometers from the county center, about 10 yuan by taxi
  • The museum is located in the core area of the county, accessible on foot
Ticket Information
  • Qifeng Mountain Scenic Area: 65 yuan (100 yuan including glass bridge)
  • Seventy-Two Pools Scenic Area: 60 yuan
  • Lianzhen Palace: 20 yuan
  • Fangcheng Museum: Free (Reservation required)
Return Guide
  • Fangcheng Station has high-speed trains to Zhengzhou and Nanyang
  • The county bus station has long-distance buses to surrounding cities
  • It is recommended to buy instant Fangcheng braised noodles gift boxes as souvenirs before returning

Must-Try Foods in Fangcheng County

Fangcheng Braised Noodles

The iconic food of Fangcheng, known for its "tenderness, toughness, smoothness, and crispness". It is hand-pulled with high-gluten flour, served with mutton soup and secret spices, supplemented with kelp, tofu skin and other side dishes, and is known as the "No.1 Noodle in China".

Bowang Guokui (Bread)

Originating from Bowang Town, Fangcheng County, it is said to be invented by Zhuge Liang. It is made with flour as the main ingredient and baked with charcoal fire. It is characterized by crispy outer skin and soft inner flesh, which can be stored for a long time without spoiling, with a history of more than 1,800 years.

Fangcheng Camellia Oleifera Soup

A traditional breakfast local to the area, made from flour, peanuts, sesame, walnuts and other raw materials, stir-fried and then boiled with water. It has a rich and mellow taste, with the effect of warming the stomach and dispelling cold, and is a must-have food in winter.

Huangshi Inkstone Banquet

A special banquet created inspired by the cultural connotation of Huangshi Inkstone, a local specialty of Fangcheng. It combines local ingredients with inkstone culture, with representative dishes such as "Ink Pool Reflecting the Moon" and "Ink-Fragrant Tofu", which are both ornamental and delicious.

Travel Tips for Fangcheng County
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Qifeng Mountain is covered with wild flowers, and the climate is pleasant
  • Summer (June-August): Seventy-Two Pools is a great place to escape the heat and play in water, cool and comfortable
  • Autumn (September-October): The mountains are covered with colorful forests, suitable for hiking and sightseeing
Must-Try Foods
  • Fangcheng Braised Noodles (Recommended "Yang Fengxiang Braised Noodles" old store)
  • Bowang Guokui (Bread)
  • Braised Lamb with Fire Cake
  • Fangcheng Camellia Oleifera Soup
  • Sesame Leaf Noodles
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About 150 yuan
  • Accommodation: 100-200 yuan/night
  • Catering: 50-80 yuan/day
  • Transportation: About 50 yuan
  • Total: 400-700 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What's the difference between Fangcheng braised noodles and braised noodles from other places? → Fangcheng braised noodles focus more on the soup base, and the dough is more chewy when hand-pulled
  • Which is more suitable for the elderly, Qifeng Mountain or Seventy-Two Pools? → Seventy-Two Pools has a gentler slope, more suitable for the elderly
  • Where can I buy Huangshi Inkstone? → "Fangcheng Huangshi Inkstone Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop" on Culture Road in the county
  • Is there a light show at Zhang Qian Square on weekends? → Normally staged every Friday and Saturday night