Zhecheng County Travel
Henan Shangqiu Zhecheng County - "Hometown of Chinese Celery" and "Millennium Ancient County", integrating Shang-Zhou civilization, water city ecology, and folk culture, possessing core resources like Rong Lake Ecological Tourism Zone, Zhecheng Ancient City, and Mengzhuang Site. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour unlocks the historical heritage and natural beauty of Zhecheng, experiencing the unique charm of this ancient county in eastern Henan.
Zhecheng County Three-Day Two-Night Historical and Ecological Tour
Visit Rong Lake to admire the charm of the water city, explore the ancient city to trace the veins of millennia of culture, visit archaeological sites to touch Shang-Zhou civilization, taste celery to enjoy the flavors on the tip of the tongue, unlocking the beauty of the integration of ancient and modern in Zhecheng
In the morning, stroll around Rong Lake Ecological Zone, admiring the lake scenery, islands, and wetland landscape; in the afternoon, visit Zhecheng Ancient City, tracing the historical lineage of Zhe County established in the Qin Dynasty; in the evening, tour the Thousand Tree Garden, experiencing the beauty of modern garden integration with traditional culture, and visit the Rong Lake Museum along the way.
- Lakeside view hotels by Rong Lake
- Business hotels in the county center
- B&Bs around Thousand Tree Garden
- Stir-fried Zhecheng Celery with Meat
- Stacked Mutton
- Zhecheng Fried Dough Twists
- Steamed Dumplings
- Rong Lake offers boat rides (30 yuan/person) or cycling around the lake (shared bike 2 yuan/hour)
- Best scenery during lotus bloom period (June-August)
- Morning activities at Thousand Tree Garden include tai chi, square dancing, etc.
In the morning, explore Mengzhuang Site, touching the cultural layers and remains from the Shang and Zhou periods; in the afternoon, visit the Jade Emperor Pavilion, feeling the simplicity and solemnity of Ming and Qing Taoist architecture; in the evening, visit Zhecheng County Museum to systematically understand the historical changes of Zhecheng from the Neolithic Age to modern times.
- About 15 km from county town to Mengzhuang Site, take rural bus (3 yuan) or taxi (30 yuan)
- About 20 km from Mengzhuang Site to Jade Emperor Pavilion, recommend self-driving or chartering a car (50 yuan)
- The museum is inside Rong Lake scenic area, reachable by walking or cycling
- Mengzhuang Site: Free
- Jade Emperor Pavilion: 10 yuan
- Museum: Free (ID registration required)
- Rong Lake Boat Ride: 30 yuan/person
- Mengzhuang Site requires guided tour (free, at 10:00 and 15:00)
- Photography is prohibited inside Jade Emperor Pavilion, need to respect religious etiquette
- The museum provides free audio guide (scan QR code)
In the morning, visit the Celery Planting Base to understand the special cultivation techniques of the "Hometown of Chinese Celery"; in the afternoon, visit Zhecheng Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop to experience traditional crafts like paper-cutting and embroidery; in the evening, browse the specialty market to purchase souvenirs like celery and fried dough twists, ending the trip and returning.
- Celery Planting Base picking experience
- Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop paper-cutting DIY
- Specialty Market food tasting
- Rong Lake fishing (need to bring own fishing gear, 50 yuan/day)
- Zhecheng Celery (vacuum-packed, refrigerated storage)
- Stacked Mutton (vacuum-packed)
- Zhecheng Fried Dough Twists (gift box)
- Handmade embroidery ornaments
- Zhecheng Station is about 5 km from the county town, accessible by Bus No. 3 (1 yuan)
- About 75 km from Zhecheng County to Shangqiu city area, 1-hour drive on expressway
- About 220 km from county town to Zhengzhou, need to transfer at Shangqiu Station for high-speed rail
Must-try Foods in Zhecheng County
Zhecheng Celery
A national geographical indication product, a signature specialty of Zhecheng, with a planting history dating back to the Han Dynasty, named after its production in Celery Village, Zhecheng. Characterized by hollow stems, emerald green leaves, crisp and tender texture without residue. When stir-fried, it is fragrant and refreshing, known as the "treasure among celeries".
Stacked Mutton
A traditional meat dish of Zhecheng, made by layering cooked mutton and pressing with heavy objects for several days. Sliced thinly like paper, the meat is firm, savory, and rich. Can be eaten directly or in flatbreads, a classic dish for local banquets and daily meals.
Zhecheng Fried Dough Twists
A traditional snack of Zhecheng, made from flour, sesame, and vegetable oil, fried through multiple steps. Available in sweet and salty flavors, with thin, uniform strips, crispy and tasty, and can be stored for a long time without becoming soft. Commonly used as a gift for visiting relatives and friends.
Zhecheng Steamed Dumplings
A specialty noodle dish of Zhecheng, with fillings of pork, chives, or cabbage. Thin skin with ample filling, becomes translucent after steaming, with a fresh and fragrant taste. Best enjoyed with vinegar or garlic paste, a common breakfast and banquet dish in the area.
- Spring (Apr-May): Willow trees shade Rong Lake banks, suitable for spring outings and flower viewing
- Autumn (Sep-Oct): Celery harvest season, can experience picking and food making
- Summer (Jul-Aug): Lotus flowers bloom at Rong Lake, wetland landscape is beautiful
- Stir-fried Zhecheng Celery with Meat
- Stacked Mutton
- Zhecheng Fried Dough Twists
- Zhecheng Steamed Dumplings
- Sugar Cake
- Tickets: About 30 yuan
- Accommodation: 80-150 yuan/night
- Dining: 30-60 yuan/day
- Transportation: About 50 yuan
- Total: 300-600 yuan
- How to preserve Zhecheng Celery? → Vacuum-packed can be refrigerated for 7 days; blanched and frozen can be stored for 1 month
- Does Mengzhuang Site have guided tours? → Yes, free scheduled tours at 10:00 and 15:00
- How long can you experience at the Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop? → Single experience about 1 hour, need to book by phone in advance
- Can you camp at Rong Lake? → Camping allowed in designated areas (around Moon Viewing Island), need to report to the management office