Pingqiao District Travel

Pingqiao District, Xinyang City, Henan Province — an important birthplace of Chu culture and an ecological pearl in Southern Henan, integrating the ancient charm of Chengyang Yang Ruins, the scenery of Zhenlei Mountain, and the wild interest of Lianghekou Wetland. Experience the unique charm of long-standing Chu rhyme and beautiful landscapes through a 3-day 2-night in-depth tour.

2800+
Years of History (Chengyang Yang)
3
4A-Class Scenic Areas
12+
Core Attractions
15+
Specialty Foods
Chengyang Yang Ruins Scenery in Pingqiao District
Chengyang Yang Ruins - The Most Well-Preserved Chu City Ruins of the Warring States Period in China
With a history of over 2800 years, it was an important northern city of the Chu State during the Warring States Period. Precious cultural relics such as the "Sword of Gou Jian, King of Yue" (the best sword under heaven) were unearthed here, known as the "Underground Museum of Chu Culture".

3-Day 2-Night Chu Rhythm & Landscape Tour in Pingqiao District

Visit Chengyang to explore Chu charm, climb Zhenlei to admire ecology, wander wetland to watch birds, taste tofu and fresh fish, unlock the beauty of the integration of Southern Henan Chu culture and natural ecology

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Chengyang Yang Ruins Museum, Zhenlei Mountain, Lianghekou Wetland, Pingqiao Wetland Park, Pingqiao Branch of Xinyang Museum
Suitable For
History and culture enthusiasts, eco-tourists, family travelers, outdoor hikers
Budget Per Person
¥600-¥1200
01
Exploring Chu Rhythm
Chengyang Yang Ruins Museum · Chengyang Ancient City Wall · Chu Tomb Group Ruins
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Chengyang Yang Ruins all day, visit the museum to appreciate the replica of the Sword of Gou Jian, King of Yue, stroll along the ancient city wall to feel the turmoil of the Warring States Period, and visit the Chu Tomb Group Ruins to learn about ancient funeral culture.

Attraction Arrangement
Chengyang Yang Ruins Museum
A national 4A-level scenic area built on the basis of Chengyang Yang Ruins, housing more than 1000 cultural relics including bronze swords, tripods, ge (dagger-axes) and other Chu cultural relics, systematically displaying the cultural features of the Chu State during the Warring States Period.
Chengyang Ancient City Wall
The core heritage of Chengyang Yang Ruins, the existing city wall is about 5000 meters long and 3-5 meters high, built of rammed earth. It is one of the most well-preserved Chu city walls of the Warring States Period in China, with clear rammed traces visible.
Chu Tomb Group Ruins
A group of Chu tombs from the Warring States Period distributed around Chengyang Yang. More than 20 tombs have been excavated, unearthed thousands of cultural relics, among which the "Sword of Gou Jian, King of Yue" (now collected in Hubei Provincial Museum) unearthed from Tomb No.1 is known as the "Best Sword Under Heaven".
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Boutique Hotels in Pingqiao Urban Area
  • Homestays around Chengyang Yang Ruins
  • Farmhouses in Zhenlei Mountain Scenic Area
Food Recommendations
  • Pingqiao Tofu Soup
  • Bamboo Tube Fermented Fish
  • Steamed Assorted Cured Meats
  • Xinyang Hot Dry Noodles
Travel Tips
  • Free guided tours are provided by the museum (two sessions at 10:00/15:00)
  • Strong sunlight in the ruins area, sunscreen products are recommended
  • Wear comfortable flat shoes for walking visits
02
Ecological Exploration
Zhenlei Mountain Scenic Area · Black Dragon Pool · White Dragon Pool · Leizhao Penyun Viewing Platform
Itinerary Highlights

Climb Zhenlei Mountain in the morning to enjoy natural scenery, explore Black Dragon Pool and White Dragon Pool waterfalls, watch the sea of clouds at Leizhao Penyun Viewing Platform in the afternoon, and experience farm food in mountain villages in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Zhenlei Mountain Scenic Area
A provincial-level scenic spot located in the southeast of Pingqiao District, composed of Zhenlei Mountain, Ma'anshan and other mountain bodies. The main peak is 338 meters above sea level, famous for the natural wonder of "Leizhao Penyun" (Thunder Marsh Spouting Clouds), with a forest coverage rate of 85%.
Black Dragon Pool
The core water scenic spot of Zhenlei Mountain, the pool is about 5 meters deep, surrounded by steep cliffs. The waterfall falls from a cliff more than 10 meters high with roaring water sound. The pool water is clear to the bottom, cool and pleasant in summer, making it a perfect summer resort for swimming and playing in water.
Leizhao Penyun Viewing Platform
Located on the west side of the main peak of Zhenlei Mountain, named for the frequent spouting of clouds and mist from the mountain col in the early morning. It is the best position to watch the "Leizhao Penyun" wonder, with a panoramic view of Pingqiao urban area and Shihe River scenery.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take Bus No.18 from urban area to Zhenlei Mountain Scenic Area directly
  • Sightseeing cars are available in the scenic area (¥30 per person, round trip)
  • Self-driving can park at the scenic area parking lot (¥10 per day)
Ticket Information
  • Chengyang Yang Ruins Museum: ¥40
  • Zhenlei Mountain Scenic Area: Free (Some experience projects charge fees)
  • Black Dragon Pool Trail: ¥10
Travel Tips
  • The best time to watch the "Leizhao Penyun" wonder is 6:30-8:00 in the morning
  • The mountainous area has frequent rains, rain gear is recommended
  • The whole hiking route is about 5 kilometers, taking 3-4 hours
03
Leisurely Wetland Tour
Lianghekou National Wetland Park · Pingqiao Wetland Park · Pingqiao Branch of Xinyang Museum · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Stroll through Lianghekou Wetland in the morning to watch birds and enjoy scenery, visit Pingqiao Wetland Park in the afternoon to experience urban ecology, visit the museum to learn about the changes of Pingqiao, purchase special local products and return.

Attraction Arrangement
Lianghekou National Wetland Park
A national-level wetland park located in Minggang Town, Pingqiao District, at the confluence of Huaihe River and Minghe River, covering a total area of 752 hectares. It is inhabited by more than 100 species of birds such as egrets and grey cranes, making it an excellent place for bird watching and ecological popularization.
Pingqiao Wetland Park
An urban central wetland park covering more than 200 mu, reconstructed on the basis of Pingqiao River. It has waterfront platforms, bird watching houses, popular science corridors and other facilities, serving as an important place for citizens' leisure and natural education.
Pingqiao Branch of Xinyang Museum
A thematic museum displaying the history and culture of Pingqiao area, housing more than 500 cultural relics. With Chu culture and red culture as the themes, it systematically presents the development history of Pingqiao from ancient times to modern times.
Practical Information
Experience Projects
  • Bird watching in Lianghekou Wetland (Binoculars are recommended)
  • Pingqiao River Cruise (¥20 per person)
  • Interactive experience in the museum (Chu-style bronze ware replication)
  • Intangible cultural heritage handmade tea making experience
Specialty Recommendations
  • Pingqiao Tofu (Geographical Indication Product)
  • Southern Henan Black Pig Bacon
  • Xinyang Maojian Tea (Pingqiao Production Area)
  • Chu Embroidery Handicrafts
Return Trip Guide
  • Lianghekou Wetland is about 30 kilometers from Pingqiao urban area, accessible by Minggang-Pingqiao special bus
  • Xinyang Station and Xinyang East Station have trains to all parts of the country
  • Local specialties can be purchased at Pingqiao Central Market, with express delivery service available

Must-Try Foods in Pingqiao District

Pingqiao Tofu Soup

The iconic delicacy of Pingqiao District, made of high-quality local soybean tender tofu cut into small cubes and boiled with agaric, shiitake mushrooms, eggs, etc. It has a smooth and tender taste with a fresh and fragrant flavor, known as the "First Soup of Southern Henan".

Bamboo Tube Fermented Fish

A traditional pickled fish delicacy in Southern Henan. Fresh fish pieces are sealed and fermented with glutinous rice in bamboo tubes for half a month, then taken out and steamed. The meat is tender with bamboo and wine aroma, a characteristic farmhouse dish in Pingqiao.

Steamed Assorted Cured Meats

A winter specialty in Pingqiao. Various cured meats such as bacon, cured fish, cured chicken are sliced and steamed together. The meat is firm, salty and fragrant, rich but not greasy, a must-have dish for local New Year celebrations.

Xinyang Hot Dry Noodles (Pingqiao Version)

A characteristic snack in Pingqiao improved on the basis of Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles. Added with local sesame paste and chili oil, served with mung bean sprouts and coriander, it has a chewy texture and unique aroma, the first choice for Pingqiao people's breakfast.

Pingqiao District Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-May): Zhenlei Mountain is full of blooming flowers, wetland migratory birds migrate
  • Summer (June-August): Summer resort in Lianghekou Wetland, swimming in Black Dragon Pool
  • Autumn (September-November): Clear sky and fresh air, suitable for mountain climbing and outdoor hiking
Must-Try Foods
  • Pingqiao Tofu Soup
  • Bamboo Tube Fermented Fish
  • Steamed Assorted Cured Meats
  • Xinyang Hot Dry Noodles (Pingqiao Version)
  • Gushi Goose Cubes (Pingqiao Improved Version)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥100
  • Accommodation: ¥120-260 per night
  • Catering: ¥60-100 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥80
  • Total: ¥600-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can I see the authentic Sword of Gou Jian, King of Yue at Chengyang Yang Ruins? → The authentic one is collected in Hubei Provincial Museum, and the museum has high-precision replicas
  • Best time for bird watching in Lianghekou Wetland? → Migratory bird seasons: March-April and October-November every year
  • Is Zhenlei Mountain hiking difficult? → There are gentle trails suitable for family trips, the summit section is slightly steep
  • Where to taste the most authentic Pingqiao Tofu Soup? → "Time-honored Tofu Restaurant" in Pingqiao Old Street with a century-old craftsmanship

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