Pingdingshan City Travel

Pingdingshan, Henan — historically known as "Eagle City," located in the heart of the Central Plains. It governs districts including Ruzhou and is home to famous attractions such as Yaoshan, the Central Plains Giant Buddha, and Ruzhou Fengxue Temple. It is a tourist city integrating mountain scenery, Buddhist culture, historical sites, and Ru porcelain culture.

3000+
Years of City History
30+
A-Level Scenic Spots
7882
Square Kilometers Area
5.5M+
Permanent Population

Pingdingshan City Travel by District/County

Xinhua District

Central urban area of Pingdingshan, commercial and cultural center

Eagle City PlazaPingdingshan MuseumEgret Island National Urban Wetland Park
Weidong District

Central urban area of Pingdingshan, industrial culture characteristic area

Hebin ParkPuchengdian SiteEast Workers' TownZhanhe Park
Shilong District

Industrial core area of Pingdingshan, transformation and development demonstration zone

Niangniang Mountain Scenic AreaQingcaoling ParkShilong MountainLongtan Gorge
Zhanhe District

Central urban area of Pingdingshan, ecological livable district

Baigui Lake National Wetland ParkMatuta'er TombZhanhe Scenic AreaPingxi Lake
Baofeng County

Hometown of Chinese folk art, birthplace of liquor culture

Baofeng Liquor Culture MuseumXiangshan TempleMajie Storytelling SiteWenbifeng Pagoda
Ye County

Site of the ancient Ye State, famous historical and cultural city

Ye County Government OfficeLord Ye CemeteryWangfu Stone MountainYanshan Reservoir
Lushan County

Core area of mountain tourism, hot spring resort destination

YaoshanCentral Plains Giant BuddhaHuamei ValleyYaoshan Hot SpringHaoyun Valley
Jia County

Birthplace of Sansu culture, site of ancient Jia Prefecture

Sansu GardenYaoshan Holy Mother TempleZiyun MountainLinfeng Fortress
Wugang City

Landscape garden city, leisure resort destination

Erlang MountainDengtai FrameXianglong ValleyShimantan Reservoir
Ruzhou City

Historical and cultural city, birthplace of Ru porcelain, combining historical sites and natural scenery

Fengxue TempleRu Official Kiln SiteStrange SlopeRuzhou Confucian SchoolJiufeng Mountain

Pingdingshan City Three-Day Mountain and Buddha Journey

Climb Yaoshan to view seas of clouds and pine forests, worship the Buddha to understand compassion and Zen, visit Ruzhou to experience thousand years of porcelain charm, explore Erlang Mountain to enjoy lake and mountain scenery

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Yaoshan, Central Plains Giant Buddha, Huamei Valley, Erlang Mountain, Ruzhou Fengxue Temple
Suitable For
Nature lovers, Buddhist culture researchers, ceramic culture enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, families
Budget per Person
¥800 - ¥2000
01
Yaoshan Panorama
Yaoshan Sea of Clouds & Hot Spring Experience Tour
Highlights

In the morning, climb Yaoshan to enjoy the unique peaks and sea of clouds. In the afternoon, experience the Yaoshan Hot Spring to relax your body and mind. In the evening, taste local Lushan specialties.

Attractions
Yaoshan
A national 5A-level scenic spot and one of the main peaks of the Funiu Mountains. Combining majesty, danger, beauty, wonder, and seclusion, it features "36 famous sites and 72 scenic spots." Seas of clouds, sunrises, Buddha's light, and rime are its four wonders.
Yaoshan Hot Spring
Located at the foot of Yaoshan Mountain, the hot spring water temperature is 63°C, rich in various minerals, known as "Divine Spring." It is a famous hot spring wellness resort in the Central Plains region, surrounded by well-equipped resort hotels.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Guesthouses in Yaoshan Scenic Area
  • Xiatang Hot Spring Hotel
  • Hotels in Lushan County Town
Food Recommendations
  • Lushan Mixed Pot Dish
  • Yaoshan Mushroom Stewed Chicken
  • Jia County Huluo Noodles
  • Pearl Milk Tea Tangyuan
Travel Tips
  • Taking the cable car up the mountain is recommended
  • Mountain weather is changeable, bring rain gear
  • Drink plenty of water before and after soaking in the hot spring
02
Buddha Charm & Stream Valley
Central Plains Giant Buddha & Huamei Valley Eco Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Central Plains Giant Buddha to experience Buddhist culture. In the afternoon, explore Huamei Valley to enjoy streams and waterfalls. In the evening, taste farmhouse cuisine.

Attractions
Central Plains Giant Buddha
A national 5A-level scenic spot, standing 208 meters tall, the tallest copper-cast standing Buddha in the world. The scenic area includes Foquan Temple, Yuanxin Platform, and Fuhui Avenue, making it a sacred place for prayer and wishes.
Huamei Valley
A national 4A-level scenic spot, named for the many thrushes that inhabit the area. The valley features babbling streams, cascading waterfalls, and blooming mountain flowers. Known as "Little Three Gorges," it is an ideal place for leisure and summer escape.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 30 minutes drive from Yaoshan to Central Plains Giant Buddha
  • About 20 minutes drive from Central Plains Giant Buddha to Huamei Valley
  • Self-driving or chartering a car is recommended
Ticket Information
  • Central Plains Giant Buddha ticket: 120 yuan
  • Huamei Valley ticket: 60 yuan
  • Scenic area sightseeing car: 20 yuan/person
Visit Tips
  • You may bring incense candles when visiting the Buddha (available at the scenic area)
  • Trails in Huamei Valley can be slippery, wear non-slip shoes
  • Protect against mosquitoes in summer
03
Culture & Landscape
Ruzhou Culture & Erlang Mountain Eco Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit Ruzhou Fengxue Temple and the Ru Official Kiln Site to experience thousand-year-old culture. In the afternoon, explore Erlang Mountain and Shimantan Reservoir to enjoy lake and mountain scenery. Purchase local specialties before departure.

Attractions
Fengxue Temple
A national 4A-level scenic spot, founded in the Eastern Han Dynasty, over 1,800 years old. Along with Shaolin Temple, White Horse Temple, and Xiangguo Temple, it is known as one of the "Four Great Temples of the Central Plains." Famous for its three national treasures: the Seven Ancestor Pagoda, Sweet Dew Spring, and Suspended Bell Pavilion.
Ru Official Kiln Site
The core site of "Ru Kiln," the foremost of the five great kilns of the Song Dynasty. Large quantities of imperial porcelain fragments and kiln tools have been unearthed here, showcasing the pinnacle of Song Dynasty porcelain craftsmanship. It is an important material resource for studying the history of Chinese ceramics.
Erlang Mountain
A national 4A-level scenic spot, traditionally believed to be the residence of Erlang God. The scenic area integrates mountain and water landscapes, cultural attractions, and recreational facilities, including Erlang Temple, Observation Deck, and Water Park.
Shimantan Reservoir
The first large-scale reservoir built after the founding of New China, with a water area of 8.6 square kilometers. The lake and mountains complement each other beautifully, making it an ideal place for boating, fishing, and bird watching. Known as "Northern Jiangnan."
Practical Information
Itinerary Planning
  • Ruzhou attractions visit: about 3 hours
  • Ruzhou to Erlang Mountain: about 2 hours drive
  • Recommended to arrive at Erlang Mountain before 1:00 PM
  • Depart for return journey before 4:00 PM
Food Map
  • Ruzhou Vermicelli Stewed Chicken
  • Wugang Hot Tofu
  • Baofeng Liquor
  • Ye County Braised Noodles
  • Lushan Silk Noodles
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Ru Porcelain Crafts
  • Baofeng Liquor
  • Lushan Silk
  • Jia County Red Beef
  • Yaoshan Mushrooms

Must-Try Foods in Pingdingshan

Lushan Mixed Pot Dish

A specialty of Lushan County, Pingdingshan. Meat, vegetables, tofu products and other ingredients are stewed together in one pot with secret seasonings. Delicious and flavorful, with a balanced mix of meat and vegetables. It is a beloved home-style dish among locals.

Jia County Huluo Noodles

A traditional snack of Jia County. Noodles are pressed using a special Huluo press, served with mutton soup and various seasonings. The noodles are chewy and the broth is delicious. It is one of Henan's famous noodle dishes, honored as a "Chinese Famous Snack."

Wugang Hot Tofu

A specialty of Wugang City. Made from high-quality soybeans, the texture is delicate and smooth. Served hot with a special dipping sauce, it has a silky mouthfeel and rich soybean aroma. It is a classic choice for local breakfast.

Ruzhou Vermicelli Stewed Chicken

A signature dish of Ruzhou City. Made with locally raised free-range chicken and Ruzhou's specialty vermicelli, stewed together. The chicken is tender, the vermicelli is smooth, and the broth is rich. Both nutritious and flavorful, it is an essential dish at local banquets.

Baofeng Liquor

A specialty of Baofeng County and one of China's famous liquors. Originating in the Shang and Zhou dynasties and flourishing in the Tang and Song dynasties, it is known for its "pure and clean fragrance, soft and sweet taste, refreshing and smooth finish, and lingering aftertaste." It is an excellent choice for entertaining guests.

Pingdingshan Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • April-May: Mountain flowers in full bloom, ideal for hiking and flower viewing
  • June-August: Summer escape, suitable for lake tours and water play
  • September-October: Clear autumn skies, perfect for panoramic tours
  • December-February: Winter hot springs, enjoy Yaoshan snow scenery
Must-Do Experiences
  • Watch the sea of clouds and sunrise at Yaoshan
  • Pray and make wishes at the Central Plains Giant Buddha
  • Hands-on Ru porcelain making experience in Ruzhou
  • Listen to streams and birdsong in Huamei Valley
  • Relax your body and mind at Yaoshan Hot Spring
  • Go boating on Shimantan Reservoir
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 200-400 yuan
  • Accommodation: 200-400 yuan/night
  • Meals: 100-200 yuan/day
  • Transportation: 150-350 yuan (including inter-county travel)
  • Total: 800-2000 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long does it take to visit Yaoshan? → Recommended 1 day
  • Are there any etiquette requirements at the Central Plains Giant Buddha? → Dress neatly and keep quiet
  • Where can I experience Ru porcelain making? → Multiple workshops at Ruzhou Ru Porcelain Town offer the experience
  • Who is suitable for Yaoshan Hot Spring? → Suitable for all ages; pregnant women should consult a doctor
  • Can I fish at Shimantan Reservoir? → Fishing is allowed in designated areas; please inquire in advance

Explore Pingdingshan Districts and Counties