Huaibin County Travel

Huaibin County, Xinyang City, Henan Province — the "Pearl of the Water Town" on the banks of the Huaihe River, the birthplace of the ancient Lai State and the Lai surname. It integrates Huaihe River culture, ancestral memories, and ecological wetlands. A 3-day & 2-night in-depth tour to experience the unique charm of "a river runs through the city, with beautiful scenery on both banks".

3000+
Years of Ancient Lai State History
2
AAA-Level Scenic Spots
10+
Core Attractions
15+
Specialty Foods
Huaihe Museum Scenery in Huaibin County
Huaihe Museum - Epitome of Huaihe River Culture
The only thematic museum themed on the Huaihe River in China, with a construction area of 8,000 square meters. Through cultural relics, scene restoration, multimedia and other forms, it showcases the natural ecology, historical changes and folk culture of the Huaihe River Basin, serving as a window to understand the Huaihe River.

3-Day & 2-Night Huaihe River Customs Tour in Huaibin County

Explore the Huaihe River to understand ancient and modern history, trace the roots of the Lai State, wander East Lake to admire wetlands, visit the ancient city to recall the Spring and Autumn Period, and unlock the beauty of the integration of water town culture and ecology in southern Henan

Itinerary Duration
3 Days & 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Huaihe Museum, Ancient Lai State Cultural Park, East-West Lake Scenic Area, Qisi Ancient City, Huainan Wetland, Yinma Port, Jiang State Ancient City Ruins
Suitable For
Huaihe River culture enthusiasts, Lai clan relatives seeking roots, ecological tourists, photography enthusiasts, parent-child families
Per Capita Budget
¥550-¥1000
01
Huaihe River & Ancestral Roots
Huaihe Museum · Ancient Lai State Cultural Park · Lai Clan Ancestral Hall · Yinma Port
Itinerary Highlights

Immerse yourself in Huaihe River and ancestral root culture throughout the day. Visit Huaihe Museum to systematically understand Huaihe civilization, walk into Ancient Lai State Cultural Park to trace the roots of the Lai surname, participate in root-seeking ceremonies at Lai Clan Ancestral Hall, and stroll along Yinma Port to admire the sunset over the Huaihe River in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Huaihe Museum
The only thematic museum dedicated to the Huaihe River in China, divided into exhibition areas such as "Huaihe Civilization", "History of Huaihe River Regulation", and "Folk Customs". It houses more than 500 cultural relics, including ancient sunken ships of the Huaihe River and tools for harnessing the Huaihe River in past dynasties, vividly showing the history and culture of the Huaihe River.
Ancient Lai State Cultural Park
A cultural park centered on the "Ancient Lai State Ruins", covering an area of 300 mu (about 20 hectares). It has the Monument of Ancient Lai State City Ruins, the statue of Uncle Ying, the ancestor of the Lai clan, and the Root Culture Square. It is an important place for Lai clan relatives at home and abroad to seek roots and offer sacrifices, and holds the Lai Surname Culture Festival every year.
Yinma Port
A historic harbor on the banks of the Huaihe River. According to legend, King Zhuang of Chu once watered his horses here in the Spring and Autumn Period. It preserves relics of ancient docks, viewing corridors, etc. In the evening, the setting sun sprinkles on the Huaihe River surface, with sparkling waves, making it an excellent place to watch the sunset over the Huaihe River.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Business Hotels in Huaibin Urban Area
  • Featured Homestays on the Banks of Huaihe River
  • Inns Around East-West Lake
Food Recommendations
  • Huaibin Salted Duck
  • Noodle-Kilned Chicken
  • Fried Sanzi (Twisted Dough Sticks)
  • Fenji (Starch-Coated Chicken Soup)
Travel Tips
  • Free guided tour at Huaihe Museum at 10:00
  • Ancient Lai State Cultural Park is about 20 kilometers from the county seat, self-driving is recommended
  • It is windy at Yinma Port in the evening, it is recommended to bring a thin coat
02
Lake Scenery & Wetlands
East-West Lake Scenic Area · Huainan Wetland Nature Reserve · Water Forest Park · Old Course of Huaihe River
Itinerary Highlights

Roam East-West Lake in the morning to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, explore Huainan Wetland in the afternoon to watch birds inhabiting, stroll through Water Forest Park to experience ecological beauty, and take a cruise to visit the old course of the Huaihe River in the evening to admire the scenery on both banks.

Attraction Arrangement
East-West Lake Scenic Area
A AAA-level scenic area composed of East Lake and West Lake, with a water area of 12,000 mu (about 800 hectares), known as the "Little Jiangnan in Southern Henan". There are 3 islands in the lake, and pavilions, terraces, towers and waterfront platforms on the banks. You can fish, take a cruise, admire lotus flowers, and it is a leisure resort for citizens.
Huainan Wetland Nature Reserve
A provincial-level nature reserve with a total area of 3,400 hectares, dominated by Huaihe River wetlands. It is inhabited by more than 100 species of birds such as egrets, grey cranes and swans. When migratory birds migrate in spring, thousands of birds fly together, making it an excellent place for bird watching and photography.
Water Forest Park
An ecological landscape in the East-West Lake Scenic Area, planted with more than 5,000 water-tolerant tree species such as pond cypress and metasequoia. The trees grow in water, forming a unique landscape of "trees in water, birds on trees". There are wooden plank roads running through it, allowing you to experience wetland ecology up close.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take Bus No. 3 from the county seat to East-West Lake Scenic Area directly (about 10 minutes)
  • East-West Lake to Huainan Wetland is about 15 kilometers, rural buses are available
  • Cruise ship in the scenic area: ¥20 per person, bicycle rental: ¥15 per hour
Ticket Information
  • Huaihe Museum: Free (ID card registration required)
  • Ancient Lai State Cultural Park: ¥20
  • East-West Lake Scenic Area: Free (Cruise ship charged separately)
  • Huainan Wetland: Free (Bird Watching Platform: ¥10)
Travel Tips
  • A telephoto lens is recommended for bird watching in Huainan Wetland
  • There are many mosquitoes in Water Forest Park in summer, bring mosquito repellent
  • The best time to admire lotus flowers in East-West Lake is July-August
03
Ancient Cities & Customs
Qisi Ancient City · Jiang State Ancient City Ruins · Huaibin Old Street · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Qisi Ancient City in the morning to experience the relics of the Spring and Autumn Period, visit Jiang State Ancient City Ruins in the afternoon to supplement historical memories, wander around Huaibin Old Street to experience the folk customs, purchase special local products and return.

Attraction Arrangement
Qisi Ancient City
A cultural relic protection unit in Henan Province, the site of the capital of the ancient Lai State in the Spring and Autumn Period. It preserves relics such as residual city walls and rammed earth platforms, and cultural relics such as bronze swords and pottery have been unearthed. It is an important relic for studying the history of ancient states in the Huaihe River Basin, adjacent to the Ancient Lai State Cultural Park.
Jiang State Ancient City Ruins
The site of the capital of the Jiang State from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Spring and Autumn Period. It preserves relics such as city wall remains and moat outlines, and cultural relics such as Zhou Dynasty bronze wares and pottery have been unearthed. It is an important ancient state site in the Huaihe River Basin, showing the city-state civilization at that time.
Huaibin Old Street
A historical and cultural block in Huaibin County, preserving shops and dwellings from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the Republic of China. It features stone slab roads, old teahouses, and handicraft workshops. You can taste authentic snacks, buy traditional handcrafts, and experience the folk customs of Huaibin.
Practical Information
Experience Projects
  • Archaeological research and study in Qisi Ancient City (reservation required)
  • Experience of making hand-made Sanzi in Old Street
  • Experience of fishing by Huaihe River fishermen (seasonal)
  • Cycling around East-West Lake
Specialty Recommendations
  • Huaibin Salted Duck (vacuum-packed)
  • Huaihe River Whitebait
  • Fried Sanzi
  • Huaibin Paper-cutting
Return Trip Guide
  • Qisi Town is about 25 kilometers from Huaibin Station, township buses are available
  • Huaibin Station has trains to Xinyang, Zhengzhou, Hefei
  • Special products can be purchased in Old Street or supermarkets in the county seat, express delivery is supported

Must-Try Foods in Huaibin County

Huaibin Salted Duck

The iconic food of Huaibin County, made from locally raised spot-billed ducks through processes such as salting, sun-drying, and smoking. It has firm meat and a rich salty flavor, can be steamed or stir-fried. It is a premium gift for entertaining guests and gifting in Huaibin, known as the "Unique Delicacy of the Huaihe River".

Noodle-Kilned Chicken

A traditional farmhouse dish in Huaibin. Cut local free-range chicken into pieces, mix with flour and pan-fry until golden, then stew with green peppers and potatoes. The meat is tender, and the flour becomes soft and flavorful after absorbing the soup, with a salty and slightly spicy taste. It is a common dish at farmhouse banquets along the Huaihe River.

Fried Sanzi (Twisted Dough Sticks)

A traditional snack in Huaibin, made from flour and sesame seeds. Rub into thin strips, wrap into rings, and fry until golden. It has a crispy texture and a salty flavor, can be eaten directly or soaked in soup. It is a special food for festivals and daily life.

Fenji (Starch-Coated Chicken Soup)

A special soup in Huaibin, made by cutting chicken into pieces and coating with starch, then boiling with vermicelli and green vegetables. The meat is tender and smooth, and the soup is delicious. It is a common choice for breakfast and late-night snacks in the local area, warming the body and satisfying hunger.

Huaibin County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-April): Migratory birds migrate in Huainan Wetland, suitable for bird watching
  • Summer (June-August): Lotus flowers bloom in East-West Lake, suitable for enjoying lotus and escaping the heat
  • Autumn (September-October): The autumn scenery on both banks of the Huaihe River is charming, suitable for visiting ancient cities
Must-Try Foods
  • Huaibin Salted Duck
  • Noodle-Kilned Chicken
  • Fried Sanzi
  • Fenji
  • Huaihe River Mixed Fish Pot
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥50
  • Accommodation: ¥100-220 per night
  • Catering: ¥55-85 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥60
  • Total: ¥550-1000
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What to prepare for Lai clan relatives to offer sacrifices to ancestors? → You can bring genealogy and contact the cultural park in advance to arrange the ceremony
  • Are there interactive projects in Huaihe Museum? → Yes, there is free VR experience of Huaihe River shipping
  • Can I camp in East-West Lake? → Camping is allowed in designated areas, and it is necessary to report to the scenic area management office
  • How long is the shelf life of Huaibin Salted Duck? → About 3 months for vacuum-packed, refrigerated storage is recommended