Tongbai County Travel

Tongbai County, Nanyang, Henan - the source of the Huai River and an old revolutionary base, integrating the ecological beauty of Tongbai Mountain, the profound culture of the Huai River source, and the glorious red history. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour decodes the essence of landscape culture, appreciating the unique charm of the integration of nature and humanities.

Millennium
History of Huaiyuan Culture
3
Nationally Protected Cultural Heritage Sites
10+
Core Attractions
10+
Specialty Foods
Tongbai County Tongbai Mountain Huaiyuan Scenic Area
Tongbai Mountain Huaiyuan Scenic Area - Source of the Huai River
A famous source of the Huai River in China, known for "Da Yu guiding the Huai River", hailed as "one of the seventy-two blessed lands under heaven"

Tongbai County Three-Day Two-Night Huaiyuan Landscape Tour

Explore the source of the Huai River to trace the roots of civilization, admire the natural wonder of the Water Curtain Cave, ascend Taibai Peak to overlook the sea of clouds and sunrise, visit revolutionary sites to recall red history, unlocking the beauty of South Henan's landscapes and culture

Trip Duration
3 days 2 nights
Main Destinations
Tongbai Mountain Huaiyuan, Water Curtain Cave, Taibai Peak, Revolution Memorial Hall, Buddhist Academy
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, outdoor lovers, red tourism followers, family with children
Estimated Budget per Person
¥500-¥800
01
Huaiyuan Root Seeking
Tongbai Mountain Huaiyuan Scenic Area · Huai Shrine · Yu Wang Temple
Trip Highlights

Immerse yourself in Huaiyuan culture for a full day, explore the source of the Huai River to feel the heritage of "the origin of Chinese civilization", visit the Huai Shrine to trace flood control history, learn the story of Da Yu guiding the Huai River at Yu Wang Temple, and enjoy the light show at the source of the Huai River in the evening.

Attraction Arrangements
Tongbai Mountain Huaiyuan Scenic Area
National 4A-level scenic area, the source of the Huai River, integrating natural landscapes and cultural landscapes, famous for legends like "Da Yu controlling floods" and "Huaiyuan culture", an important relic for studying ancient Chinese water conservancy and Huai River culture.
Huai Shrine
Core building of Huaiyuan, said to be the place for worshipping the Huai River deity. The existing structures were rebuilt in the Ming and Qing dynasties, containing flood control inscriptions from various dynasties, an important holy site of Huaiyuan culture.
Yu Wang Temple
A temple commemorating Da Yu's flood control, showcasing the historical process of Da Yu guiding the Huai River through cultural relics, murals, etc., an important place to understand the history of Huai River management.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Huaiyuan Cultural Theme Hotel
  • B&Bs around the scenic area
  • Tongbai County Town Business Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Tongbai Bean Sticks
  • Huai River Fish Banquet
  • Tongbai Preserved Meat
  • Stir-fried Wild Mushrooms with Meat
Travel Tips
  • The scenic area provides audio guide (20 yuan/tour)
  • Huai River source light show at 19:30 every night (summer)
  • Recommend learning about Huai River culture history in advance for better understanding
02
Landscape Wonders
Water Curtain Cave Scenic Area · Taibai Peak · Peach Blossom Cave
Trip Highlights

Visit the Water Curtain Cave in the morning to admire the "First Water Curtain of Central Plains" wonder, walk inside to feel the coolness, climb Taibai Peak in the afternoon to view the magnificent sea of clouds, overlooking the scenery at the Henan-Hubei border, and explore Peach Blossom Cave in the evening for seclusion and mystery.

Attraction Arrangements
Water Curtain Cave Scenic Area
National 4A-level scenic area, named for the perennial water curtain hanging inside the cave. The cave has rich murals, said to be where Sun Wukong practiced cultivation, known as the "First Water Curtain Cave of Central Plains".
Taibai Peak
Main peak of Tongbai Mountain, altitude 1140 meters, boundary mountain between Henan and Hubei provinces. The summit has Yuntai Zen Temple. Climbing to the top allows viewing natural landscapes like sea of clouds and sunrise, known as "First Peak of Chu North Sky".
Peach Blossom Cave
Natural karst cave, named for stalactites resembling peach blossoms inside. The cave has unique landscapes, with attractions like "Immortal Bed" and "Peach Blossom Pond", a good place for summer retreat and leisure.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take tourist shuttle from county town to Water Curtain Cave scenic area
  • Recommended to take scenic area sightseeing vehicle for Taibai Peak (round trip 30 yuan)
  • Peach Blossom Cave is about 40 km from county town, about 1 hour drive
Ticket Information
  • Huaiyuan Scenic Area: 70 yuan
  • Water Curtain Cave Scenic Area: 60 yuan
  • Taibai Peak: Included in Huaiyuan scenic area ticket
  • Peach Blossom Cave: 40 yuan
Travel Tips
  • Best time to view sea of clouds at Taibai Peak: 6:00-7:30 AM
  • Water Curtain Cave interior is slippery, recommend wearing anti-slip shoes
  • Prepare sufficient drinking water and dry food for mountain climbing
03
Red Memory
Tongbai Revolution Memorial Hall · Buddhist Academy · Return Trip
Trip Highlights

Visit Tongbai Revolution Memorial Hall in the morning, cherish the deeds of revolutionary martyrs, feel the red culture, explore Tongbai Buddhist Academy in the afternoon, appreciate the charm of Buddhist culture, and purchase Tongbai specialties in the evening for the return journey.

Attraction Arrangements
Tongbai Revolution Memorial Hall
National patriotic education demonstration base, showcasing the revolutionary history of the Tongbai area from the Great Revolution period to the Liberation War period, housing over a thousand revolutionary cultural relics, an important red tourism attraction.
Tongbai Buddhist Academy
The only Buddhist academy in Henan Province, with unique architectural style, integrating teaching, practice, and research, an important window to understand Buddhist culture.
Tongbai Specialty Exhibition and Sales Center
A venue that centrally displays and sells various Tongbai specialties, with products like Tongbai Black Tea, bean sticks, mushrooms, etc., a good place to purchase souvenirs.
Practical Information
Experience Activities
  • Red story explanation at Revolution Memorial Hall
  • Cultural experience activities at Buddhist Academy
  • Visit to Tongbai Black Tea production process
  • Specialty DIY packaging experience
Specialty Recommendations
  • Tongbai Black Tea (National Geographical Indication Product)
  • Tongbai Bean Sticks
  • Tongbai Mushrooms
  • Wild Kiwifruit
Return Trip Guide
  • Revolution Memorial Hall is about 3 km from county town, about 10 minutes by taxi
  • Tongbai Railway Station has trains to Nanyang and Xinyang
  • County Bus Station has long-distance buses directly to Zhengzhou and Wuhan

Must-try Foods in Tongbai County

Tongbai Bean Sticks

A signature delicacy of Tongbai, made from high-quality soybeans through traditional craftsmanship, with a chewy texture and rich nutrition, can be served cold or stir-fried, hailed as a "vegetarian treasure".

Huai River Fish Banquet

A traditional delicacy of Tongbai, using wild fish from the Huai River as ingredients, prepared with various cooking methods to create a full table fish banquet, with tender meat and delicious taste, a local specialty banquet for entertaining distinguished guests.

Tongbai Preserved Meat

A classic preserved meat of Tongbai, made from local free-range pork through curing and smoking, with bright red color and rich aroma, a delicious dish on winter dining tables.

Tongbai Black Tea

Made from high-quality tea leaves from Tongbai Mountain area through fermentation, with bright red liquor, mellow and sweet taste, has effects like refreshing the mind and nourishing the stomach, a local specialty beverage.

Tongbai County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Apr-May): Mountain flowers bloom on Tongbai Mountain, pleasant climate
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Escape summer heat, best Water Curtain Cave scenery
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear autumn weather, suitable for mountain climbing and sightseeing
Must-try Foods
  • Tongbai Bean Sticks
  • Huai River Fish Banquet
  • Tongbai Preserved Meat
  • Tongbai Black Tea
  • Stir-fried Wild Mushrooms with Meat
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About 170 yuan
  • Accommodation: 100-200 yuan/night
  • Dining: 50-80 yuan/day
  • Transportation: About 60 yuan
  • Total: 500-800 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Is climbing Taibai Peak difficult? → Medium difficulty, sightseeing vehicle available
  • Best place to buy Tongbai Black Tea? → County specialty exhibition and sales center
  • Need reservation for Revolution Memorial Hall? → Free admission, no reservation needed
  • Does Water Curtain Cave have water curtain in winter? → Less water in winter, but still has characteristics