Yexian Travel

Yexian County, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province — historically known as "Kunyang", is the "Capital of Rock Salt in China". It integrates the official culture of Yexian County Government, the historical legends of Ye Gong's Hometown, and the ecological scenery of Yanshan Reservoir. This 2-day 1-night in-depth tour decodes the historical accumulation of the millennium-old county and experiences the integration of Central Plains culture and natural landscapes.

2000+
Years of County Establishment History
3
National-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units
15+
Core Scenic Spots
20+
Special Local Foods and Products
Main Hall of Yexian County Government
Yexian County Government - Living Fossil of Ming and Qing Official Buildings
The only existing well-preserved complex of both Ming and Qing Dynasty county government buildings in China, known as "One Yexian County Government, Half of Official Culture". It retains buildings such as the Main Hall, Second Hall, and Prison, with stone inscriptions and plaques carrying the administrative wisdom of ancient times.

2-Day 1-Night Exploration Tour of the Ancient County of Yexian

Admire official culture at Yexian County Government, explore historical legends at Ye Gong's Hometown, enjoy lake and mountain scenery at Yanshan Reservoir, taste authentic Yexian Huimian Noodles, and unlock the cultural codes and natural charm of millennium-old Kunyang

Trip Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Yexian County Government, Ye Gong's Hometown, Yanshan Reservoir, Wangfushi Mountain, Rock Salt Museum
Suitable for
History and culture enthusiasts, family travelers with kids, nature sightseers, food explorers
Per Capita Budget
¥350-¥700
01
Ancient County Cultural Heritage
Yexian County Government · Ye Gong's Hometown · Rock Salt Museum
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Yexian County Government in the morning to interpret ancient official culture; visit Ye Gong's Hometown in the afternoon to restore the historical truth of "Ye Gong Loved Dragons"; visit the Rock Salt Museum in the evening to learn about the underground treasures of the "Capital of Rock Salt".

Attraction Arrangement
Yexian County Government
A national-level cultural relic protection unit, first built in the second year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1369 AD). It is the only existing complex of both Ming and Qing Dynasty county government buildings in China, covering an area of 16,848 square meters, known as "the No.1 County Government under Heaven". It retains precious cultural relics such as the "Jieshi Ming" stone tablet and couplets, systematically showing the ancient administrative system.
Ye Gong's Hometown (Ye Gong Cemetery)
Built to commemorate Shen Zhuliang (Ye Gong) of the Spring and Autumn Period, it retains relics such as Ye Gong's Tomb, Ye Gong's Shrine, and the Governance Inquiry Site. Through cultural relics and historical materials, it restores the historical original appearance of the allusion "Ye Gong Loved Dragons" and shows his political achievements in water conservancy construction and agricultural development during his governance of Ye.
Yexian Rock Salt Museum
A thematic museum displaying Yexian's rock salt resources. Through simulated mines, interactive devices and other methods, it shows the formation process of the rock salt deposit with reserves of 330 billion tons, introduces the mining, processing of rock salt and its application in chemical industry, food and other fields, highlighting the industrial characteristics of the "Capital of Rock Salt in China".
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Inns around Yexian County Government
  • Hotels in the county center
  • Salt Capital Theme Homestays
Food Recommendations
  • Yexian Huimian Noodles
  • Quezi Huimian Noodles
  • Mawan White Peach
  • Yexian Zao Yu (Fermented Fish)
Travel Tips
  • Yexian County Government provides electronic explanation (¥20 per device)
  • Ancient costume experience is available at Ye Gong's Hometown (¥30 per set)
  • Follow the staff's guidance for interactive experiences at the Rock Salt Museum
02
Natural Scenery and Charm
Yanshan Reservoir · Wangfushi Mountain · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Enjoy the scenery of Yanshan Reservoir in the morning, admire the beauty of the lake, mountains and water conservancy projects; climb Wangfushi Mountain in the afternoon, listen to folk legends and watch stone carving art; visit Yexian Specialty Street in the evening to purchase rock salt products and local snacks, then end the trip and return.

Attraction Arrangement
Yanshan Reservoir
A large national water conservancy project spanning Yexian County and Fangcheng County. The water area of Yexian section covers more than 10 square kilometers, with small islands in the lake and dense vegetation on the bank. It has viewing platforms, hydrophilic plank roads, etc., and is a good place for fishing, boating and bird watching, showing the ecological landscape of "a flat lake emerging from high gorges".
Wangfushi Mountain
A provincial-level cultural relic protection unit, named after the folk legend of "Meng Jiangnu Waiting for Her Husband". There are Han Dynasty stone carvings, ancient temple ruins, etc. on the mountain. The main peak is more than 300 meters above sea level. Climbing to the top, you can overlook the surrounding pastoral scenery, and the stone carving art and natural landscape complement each other.
Yexian Specialty Street
A block focusing on selling Yexian's special products, mainly operating rock salt series products (low-sodium salt, bath salt, etc.), Mawan white peach derivatives, Yexian Huimian noodle seasonings, etc. You can taste local snacks on site and experience the integration of local industries and food culture.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take Bus No.10 from the county seat to the entrance of Yanshan Reservoir Scenic Area
  • Self-driving is recommended for Wangfushi Mountain (about 25 kilometers from the urban area)
  • Take Bus No.2 or No.5 to Kunyang Avenue Station to reach the Specialty Street
Ticket Information
  • Yexian County Government: ¥40
  • Ye Gong's Hometown: ¥20
  • Rock Salt Museum: Free (ID card registration required)
  • Yanshan Reservoir: Free (boat tickets charged separately)
  • Wangfushi Mountain: ¥15
Travel Tips
  • Water bicycle experience is available at Yanshan Reservoir in summer (¥50 per hour)
  • Wear non-slip shoes for climbing Wangfushi Mountain as the mountain road is steep
  • "Yexian Huimian Noodle Gift Box" at the Specialty Street is suitable as a souvenir

Must-Try Foods in Yexian

Yexian Huimian Noodles

Yexian's signature food, made of high-gluten flour with hand-pulled noodles, served with mutton soup, mutton slices, green vegetables, etc. The noodles are wide and chewy, and the soup is fresh and rich. Named after its origin in Yexian, the "Quezi Huimian Noodles" brand has a history of nearly 40 years and is a local food card.

Mawan White Peach

A national geographical indication product, produced in Mawan Village, Yexian County. Due to the natural minerals in the local soil, the white peaches have delicate flesh, high sweetness and rich fruity flavor. They ripen from July to August every year and are a must-try seasonal fruit in summer.

Yexian Zao Yu (Fermented Fish)

A traditional local snack, made of freshwater fish from Yexian County. After processing, it is marinated with distiller's yeast and spices, then fermented in a jar. The meat is tender, with a mellow wine aroma and no fishy smell, making it an excellent dish for local banquets and drinking.

Zhangwugang Sweet Potato

A specialty of Zhangwugang Village, Yexian County. Planted in sandy soil, the sweet potatoes have a soft and sweet taste, rich in starch and vitamins. They can be eaten steamed, boiled, or processed into sweet potato vermicelli. They are a common winter ingredient for local farmers and are known as "ginseng underground".

Yexian Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Wangfushi Mountain is covered with wild flowers, suitable for mountain climbing and spring outing
  • Summer (July-August): Summer resort at Yanshan Reservoir, Mawan white peach picking season
  • Autumn (September-October): Cool climate, suitable for visiting the county government and historical relics
Must-Try Foods
  • Yexian Huimian Noodles (Quezi Huimian Noodle Shop)
  • Mawan White Peach (July-August)
  • Yexian Zao Yu (Fermented Fish)
  • Zhangwugang Sweet Potato Vermicelli
  • Yexian Braised Beef
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥75
  • Accommodation: ¥120-200 per night
  • Catering: ¥60-100 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥80 (including short-distance self-driving fuel costs)
  • Total: ¥350-700
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Are Chinese and English explanations available at Yexian County Government? → Chinese and English electronic explanations are provided
  • Can I camp at Yanshan Reservoir? → Camping is allowed in designated areas (advance reporting required)
  • Is there a detailed introduction to the legend of Ye Gong's Hometown? → The scenic area has graphic display boards and audio guides
  • Can rock salt products be delivered by express? → Shops on the Specialty Street support national express delivery

Explore Travel in Each District and County of Pingdingshan City