Luoshan County Tourism

Luoshan County, Xinyang, Henan Province — a sacred land of Buddhism in southern Henan and an ecological treasure trove, integrating the millennium-old Buddhist charm of Lingshan Temple, the bird paradise of Dongzhai, the red memory of Hejiachong, and the intangible cultural heritage of shadow puppetry art. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour to experience the unique charm of the coexistence of Buddhism and Taoism, the integration of red and green culture.

1500+
Years of History of Lingshan Temple
2
AAAA-level Scenic Areas
14+
Core Attractions
18+
Specialty Foods
Scenery of Lingshan Temple in Luoshan County
Lingshan Temple - One of the Four Ancient Temples in Central Plains
Founded during the reign of Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty, with a history of more than 1500 years, it is famous for "answering prayers and being extremely efficacious". The temple has scenic spots such as a millennium-old ginkgo tree and Rhinoceros Watching the Moon Stone, and is an important Buddhist sacred place in southern Henan.

3-Day 2-Night Buddhist Ecological Tour in Luoshan County

Pray for blessings at Lingshan, explore Dongzhai to watch rare birds, visit Hechong to recall glorious past, appreciate shadow puppetry and taste thick soup, unlock the beauty of the integration of Buddhist and Taoist culture, ecological secrets and red history in southern Henan

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Lingshan Temple, Dongzhai Nature Reserve, Hejiachong, Luoshan Shadow Puppetry Cultural Park, Shishan Lake Scenic Area
Suitable for
Buddhist believers, ecological enthusiasts, photography lovers, red culture followers, family with children
Per Capita Budget
¥700-¥1300
01
Seeking Buddhist Charm
Lingshan Temple Scenic Area · Millennium Ginkgo · Rhinoceros Watching the Moon Stone · Golden Summit
Itinerary Highlights

Spend the whole day touring Lingshan Temple, admire the architecture of the millennium-old temple, appreciate the vicissitudes of the millennium-old ginkgo tree, climb the Golden Summit to overlook the mountains, listen to legends in front of the Rhinoceros Watching the Moon Stone, and participate in the evening class of the temple to experience Zen in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Lingshan Temple Scenic Area
A national 4A-level scenic area, one of the four ancient temples in the Central Plains, consisting of Lingshan Temple, Golden Summit, Jiulong Waterfall, etc. The temple buildings integrate Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian cultures, and the temple fair on the 19th day of the second lunar month is prosperous with incense.
Millennium Ginkgo Tree
A landmark ancient tree in Lingshan Temple, with a tree age of about 1300 years, a height of 28 meters and a chest diameter of 3.2 meters. It is full of golden yellow leaves in autumn, contrasting with the red walls of the ancient temple. It is known as the "Wishing Tree" among the people with many efficacious legends.
Lingshan Golden Summit
The main peak of Lingshan, with an altitude of 827 meters. The Yuhuang Pavilion is built on the top of the peak. Climbing to the top, you can overlook the scenery at the junction of Henan and Hubei provinces. You can watch the sunrise and sea of clouds in the early morning. It is known as the "Little Wudang" because of its high terrain and surrounding clouds and mist.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Zen-style Homestays around Lingshan Temple
  • Characteristic Farmhouses in Lingshan Town
  • Business Hotels in Luoshan County Seat
Food Recommendations
  • Luoshan Large Intestine Soup
  • Lingshan Vegetarian Meal
  • Braised Pot Meat
  • Stone Jelly
Travel Tips
  • Respect religious etiquette in the temple, do not enter with shorts or short skirts
  • The trail to the Golden Summit is steep, it is recommended to wear non-slip shoes
  • There is a large flow of people during the temple fair, it is recommended to travel during off-peak hours
02
Ecological Exploration
Dongzhai National Nature Reserve · White-crowned Long-tailed Pheasant Observation Station · Shishan Lake Scenic Area
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, go deep into Dongzhai Nature Reserve to watch rare birds and visit the White-crowned Long-tailed Pheasant Observation Station. In the afternoon, tour Shishan Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and experience a fisherman's feast by the lake in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Dongzhai National Nature Reserve
A national nature reserve with a total area of 46,800 hectares, famous for protecting rare birds such as the white-crowned long-tailed pheasant. Known as the "Bird Paradise", it has recorded 237 species of birds and is a paradise for bird watching and ecological photography.
White-crowned Long-tailed Pheasant Observation Station
The core observation point of Dongzhai Nature Reserve, equipped with professional observation equipment, allows close observation of the living habits of the national first-class protected animal white-crowned long-tailed pheasant, with professional guides explaining bird knowledge.
Shishan Lake Scenic Area
The largest natural lake in Luoshan, with a water area of 11 square kilometers. There are 8 large and small islands in the lake, rich in crucian carp, silver carp, etc. There is a 10,000-mu reed marsh by the lake, which is a good place for bird watching, fishing and leisure.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take a bus from Luoshan County Seat to Lingshan to reach Dongzhai (about 40 minutes)
  • Transportation in the reserve requires transfer to scenic sightseeing bus (40 yuan/person)
  • Shishan Lake is about 25 kilometers from Dongzhai, self-driving or chartered car is recommended
Ticket Information
  • Lingshan Temple Scenic Area: 65 yuan
  • Dongzhai Nature Reserve: 40 yuan (Bird watching guide fee 50 yuan extra)
  • Shishan Lake Cruise Ship: 30 yuan/person
Travel Tips
  • Bring a telephoto camera for bird watching, wear plain-colored clothes to avoid disturbing birds
  • UAV use is prohibited in Dongzhai Nature Reserve
  • There are many mosquitoes in Shishan Lake in summer, it is recommended to prepare mosquito repellent supplies
03
Red Culture & Intangible Heritage
Hejiachong Red Tourism Area · Luoshan Shadow Puppetry Cultural Park · Luoshan Museum · Return
Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, walk into Hejiachong to revisit the history of the Red Army's Long March, in the afternoon visit the Shadow Puppetry Cultural Park to experience the charm of intangible cultural heritage, visit the museum to understand the changes of Luoshan, purchase special local products and return.

Attraction Arrangement
Hejiachong Red Tourism Area
A national classic red tourism scenic area, one of the departure places of the 25th Red Army's Long March. There are relics such as the former site of the Long March departure, the military hospital, and ginkgo trees. A Long March Memorial Hall is built to display revolutionary history.
Luoshan Shadow Puppetry Cultural Park
A cultural park centered on the national intangible cultural heritage "Luoshan Shadow Puppetry". You can watch shadow puppetry performances, visit shadow puppet making workshops, experience shadow puppet operation, and understand this "living folk art".
Luoshan Museum
A comprehensive museum displaying the historical culture of Luoshan, with a collection of more than 800 cultural relics, covering from the Neolithic Age to the Ming and Qing dynasties, focusing on displaying Lingshan culture, red history and folk customs.
Practical Information
Experience Projects
  • Retrace the Long March Road in Hejiachong (5km hiking)
  • Shadow puppetry DIY making experience
  • VR historical scene interaction in the museum
  • Listen to folk stories in Luoshan Old Teahouse
Specialty Recommendations
  • Luoshan Large Intestine Soup Seasoning Pack
  • Hollow Tribute Noodles (National Geographical Indication Product)
  • Dongzhai Wild Mountain Tea
  • Shadow Puppetry Crafts
Return Guide
  • Hejiachong is about 50 kilometers from Luoshan County Seat, with special tourist buses
  • Luoshan Station has trains to Xinyang and Zhengzhou
  • The local specialty market in the county seat is concentrated on Baocheng West Road, supporting express delivery

Must-Try Foods in Luoshan County

Luoshan Large Intestine Soup

The iconic food of Luoshan County, made with fresh pork large intestine, stewed with pig blood, tofu, bean sprouts and secret spices. The soup is bright red in color, mellow in taste, spicy but not dry, known as the "First Soup in Southern Henan".

Hollow Tribute Noodles

Traditional handmade noodles in Luoshan, named for their hair-thin thickness and hollow interior. They were tributes in the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a smooth and chewy taste, suitable for soup noodles or cold mixed noodles, and a must-have food for local festivals.

Steamed Loach with Rice Flour

A characteristic farmhouse dish in Luoshan, made by mixing fresh loach with rice flour, chili, ginger shreds and steaming. The meat is tender, fresh and slightly spicy, with a rural flavor, and is a representative dish of the water town in southern Henan.

Luoshan Glutinous Rice Cake

A traditional snack in Luoshan, made by steaming glutinous rice and beating it. It can be fried or deep-fried, eaten with white sugar or honey, with a soft and sweet taste, and is a must-have food for festivals such as Spring Festival and Lantern Festival.

Luoshan County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Birds are active in Dongzhai, azaleas are in bloom in Lingshan
  • Autumn (September-October): Ginkgo trees in Lingshan are golden yellow, fish and crabs in Shishan Lake are fat
  • Winter (December-February): Experience making Luoshan glutinous rice cakes and participate in New Year prayers at Lingshan Temple
Must-Try Foods
  • Luoshan Large Intestine Soup
  • Hollow Tribute Noodles
  • Steamed Loach with Rice Flour
  • Luoshan Glutinous Rice Cake
  • Lingshan Vegetarian Meal
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About 150 yuan
  • Accommodation: 130-280 yuan/night
  • Catering: 70-110 yuan/day
  • Transportation: About 90 yuan
  • Total: 700-1300 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the specific time of Lingshan Temple Fair? → Three days before and after the 19th day of the second lunar month (Guanyin's Birthday)
  • Can I see white-crowned long-tailed pheasants in Dongzhai? → The probability is high, the best season is the spring breeding period
  • Do I need to make an appointment for Hejiachong? → No appointment required for individual visits, teams need to report 1 day in advance
  • How long is the Luoshan shadow puppetry performance? → Each performance is about 40 minutes, mostly featuring folk stories and historical legends

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