Minquan County Travel

Henan Shangqiu Minquan County - "Zhuangzi Hometown" and "Hometown of Wine", integrating Taoist culture, Buddhist culture, ecological wetlands, and red memories, with core resources like Zhuangzi Hometown, White Cloud Temple, and Autumn Water Lake. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour unlocks the diverse charm of Minquan, experiencing the blend of culture and nature.

2400+
Years of Zhuangzi Culture History
3
Nationally Protected Cultural Heritage Sites
12+
Core Attractions
8+
Specialty Foods
Minquan County Zhuangzi Hometown Archway
Zhuangzi Hometown - One of the Birthplaces of Taoist Culture
Said to be the birthplace of the Warring States period philosopher Zhuangzi, with existing sites like Zhuangzi Well and Zhuangzi Alley, an important site for studying Zhuangzi culture and Taoist thought.

Minquan County Three-Day Two-Night Cultural and Ecological Tour

Seek Zhuangzi Hometown to comprehend Taoist wisdom, visit White Cloud Ancient Temple to appreciate Zen tranquility, tour Autumn Water Lake to enjoy wetland scenery, explore tunnel warfare site to recall arduous years, taste Minquan local flavors

Trip Duration
3 days 2 nights
Main Destinations
Zhuangzi Hometown, White Cloud Temple, Autumn Water Lake, Liguan Tunnel Warfare, Minquan Winery
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, religious study tours, ecological experience seekers, red education participants
Estimated Budget per Person
¥400-¥700
01
Taoist and Buddhist Exploration
Zhuangzi Hometown Scenic Area · White Cloud Temple · Minquan Museum
Trip Highlights

Explore Zhuangzi Hometown in the morning, trace the roots of Taoist thought, visit Zhuangzi Well and Zhuangzi Alley to feel historical remains; visit White Cloud Temple in the afternoon, appreciate the architecture of a thousand-year-old temple and Buddhist art; walk into Minquan Museum in the evening to systematically understand the historical context of Minquan.

Attraction Arrangements
Zhuangzi Hometown Scenic Area
National 3A-level scenic area, said to be the birthplace of Zhuangzi, core attractions include Zhuangzi Well, Zhuangzi Alley, Zhuangzi Temple (reconstructed), etc., with existing stone inscriptions from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The "Nanhua Sutra Tower" inside the scenic area displays the full text of "Zhuangzi" and annotations, an important base for Taoist culture study.
White Cloud Temple
National 3A-level scenic area, one of the four major ancient temples in Henan Province, originally built during the Tang Zhenguan period, existing structures were rebuilt in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Inside the temple are wonders like "Iron Pot Locust" (millennium-old locust tree growing through a pot) and Multi-treasure Buddha Pagoda, preserving precious stone inscriptions like the Ming Dynasty "Repair of White Cloud Temple Stele".
Minquan Museum
A comprehensive museum housing over 1,500 cultural relics, themed around Zhuangzi culture, Buddhist art, and modern folk customs, with "Zhuangzi Culture Exhibition Hall", "White Cloud Temple Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall", and "Minquan Development History Hall", systematically showcasing Minquan's history and culture.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Business hotels in the county town
  • Zen-style B&Bs around White Cloud Temple
  • Farm stays near Zhuangzi Hometown
Food Recommendations
  • Minquan Fried Dough Twists
  • Wine-Marinated Fish
  • Braised Donkey Meat
  • Crystal Hawthorn Cake
Travel Tips
  • Loud noise is prohibited inside White Cloud Temple, need to respect religious etiquette
  • Free guided tours at Zhuangzi Hometown scenic area (10:00, 15:00)
  • No flash photography allowed in the museum
02
Ecological Leisure
Autumn Water Lake National Wetland Park · Longze Lake Scenic Area · Minquan Winery
Trip Highlights

Stroll around Autumn Water Lake National Wetland Park in the morning, birdwatching and enjoying scenery to feel wetland ecology; visit Longze Lake in the afternoon, take a boat ride to experience the lake and sky; visit Minquan Winery in the evening, taste the "Eastern Bordeaux" fine wine, learn about winemaking techniques.

Attraction Arrangements
Autumn Water Lake National Wetland Park
National-level wetland park, total area about 1,200 hectares, composed of lakes, marshes, and shoals, inhabited by over 200 species of birds like egrets and gray cranes. Equipped with birdwatching platforms, wooden walkways, and a wetland science museum, an ideal place for ecological sightseeing and science education.
Longze Lake Scenic Area
Provincial-level water conservancy scenic area, known as the "sister lake" to Autumn Water Lake, total area about 800 hectares, with winding lake shores and dense vegetation. Activities like fishing, boating, and fruit picking are available. Surrounded by ten thousand mu of lotus ponds, the scenery is stunning when lotuses bloom in summer.
Minquan Winery
An industrial tourism attraction built based on Minquan's advantage as the "Hometown of Chinese Wine", featuring ten thousand mu of vineyards, underground wine cellars, brewing workshops, etc. Visitors can watch the winemaking process, taste original wine. Minquan wine has won the "National Famous Wine" title.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 25 km from county town to Autumn Water Lake, take rural bus (4 yuan) or taxi (about 50 yuan)
  • About 15 km from Autumn Water Lake to Longze Lake, recommend self-driving or chartering a car
  • Winery is 3 km from the county town, accessible by Bus No. 3
Ticket Information
  • Autumn Water Lake Wetland Park: Free
  • Longze Lake boat ride: 30 yuan/person
  • Winery visit: 50 yuan (includes tasting)
  • Wetland Science Museum: 10 yuan
Travel Tips
  • Best season for birdwatching is autumn (Oct-Nov), recommend bringing binoculars
  • Can taste freshly caught lake fish at farm stays around Longze Lake
  • Must be 18 or older for wine tasting at the winery
03
Red Memory
Liguan Tunnel Warfare Site · Wugang Henan Provincial Committee Site of CPC · Return Trip
Trip Highlights

Explore Liguan Tunnel Warfare Site in the morning, experience the hardship of underground struggles during the anti-Japanese war; visit Wugang Henan Provincial Committee Site of CPC in the afternoon, recall revolutionary history; purchase Minquan specialties in the evening, end the trip and return.

Attraction Arrangements
Liguan Tunnel Warfare Site
Provincial-level cultural heritage protection unit, an important underground struggle site in the Hebei-Shandong-Henan border area during the anti-Japanese war. The total tunnel length is about 5 kilometers, equipped with command posts, rest rooms, weapon storage, etc. About 1 kilometer of existing tunnels can be visited, serving as a patriotic education base.
Wugang Henan Provincial Committee Site of CPC
The office site of the Henan Provincial Committee of CPC during the anti-Japanese war, with 12 existing blue brick tile houses, displaying documents, weapons, daily necessities from that time, recording the struggle process of Henan's party organization during the war.
Minquan Specialty Market
A market that centrally sells Minquan specialty products, mainly including Minquan wine, Minquan fried dough twists, crystal hawthorn cake, braised donkey meat, etc. Prices are reasonable, can taste on-site before purchasing.
Practical Information
Experience Activities
  • Liguan Tunnel Warfare simulated combat experience
  • Red story explanations (free)
  • Winery DIY winemaking experience (need to book)
Specialty Recommendations
  • Minquan Dry White/Dry Red Wine
  • Minquan Fried Dough Twists (gift box)
  • Crystal Hawthorn Cake
  • Braised Donkey Meat (vacuum-packed)
Return Trip Guide
  • Liguan Village is about 30 km from Minquan Station, accessible by township bus (5 yuan)
  • Trains from Minquan Station to Shangqiu, Zhengzhou, and Xuzhou
  • About 80 km from county town to Shangqiu urban area, 1-hour drive on expressway

Must-try Foods in Minquan County

Minquan Fried Dough Twists

A traditional snack of Minquan, made from flour, sesame, and vegetable oil, fried through multiple steps. Thin as threads, crispy and tasty, available in sweet and salty flavors, easy to carry, commonly used as a gift for visiting friends and relatives.

Crystal Hawthorn Cake

A classic dessert of Minquan, made from local hawthorn through boiling and solidifying. Bright red color, smooth texture, moderately sweet and sour, has the effect of invigorating the spleen and stimulating appetite. Said to have a production history of over 200 years.

Minquan Wine

A flagship product of Minquan as the "Hometown of Chinese Wine", started in 1958, using locally grown grapes as raw materials, made with traditional brewing techniques. Dry white wine has a refreshing taste, dry red wine is mellow and long-lasting, has won the "National Quality Gold Award".

Braised Donkey Meat

A specialty meat dish of Beiguan Town, Minquan. Made from local donkey meat, braised with over ten kinds of spices like star anise and cinnamon. Tender meat, rich braised aroma, can be eaten sliced directly or in flatbreads, a local delicacy for entertaining guests.

Minquan County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Apr-May): Wetland flowers bloom, suitable for ecological sightseeing
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Grapes ripen, can participate in picking and winemaking experience
  • Summer (Jul-Aug): Longze Lake lotus flowers bloom, beautiful scenery
Must-try Foods
  • Minquan Fried Dough Twists
  • Crystal Hawthorn Cake
  • Braised Donkey Meat
  • Autumn Water Lake Braised Fish
  • Minquan Wine
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About 150 yuan
  • Accommodation: 100-200 yuan/night
  • Dining: 40-70 yuan/day
  • Transportation: About 60 yuan
  • Total: 400-700 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Does White Cloud Temple require tickets? → 20 yuan/person, free for seniors over 60
  • Is Liguan Tunnel Warfare suitable for children? → Suitable, but requires adult accompaniment, some sections are narrow
  • Can Minquan Winery be visited for free? → No, tickets include tasting experience
  • Can you camp at Autumn Water Lake? → Camping allowed in designated areas, need to apply to management office in advance

Explore Shangqiu City District and County Tourism

Liangyuan District
Suiyang District
Yongcheng City
Minquan County
Suixian County
Ningling County
Zhecheng County
Yucheng County
Xiayi County