Shangcheng County Travel

Shangcheng County, Xinyang City, Henan Province — the ecological pearl of southern Henan and the hometown of hot springs in the Central Plains. It integrates Huangbai Mountain's red leaves, Jingangtai's exotic rocks, Tangquan Pool's warm springs, and Xihe Ancient Village. Experience the unique charm of "Northern Jiangnan, Southern North China" with a 3-day 2-night in-depth tour.

97%
Forest Coverage Rate of Huangbai Mountain
3
AAAA-Level Scenic Areas
15+
Core Scenic Spots
22+
Specialty Foods
Scenery of Huangbai Mountain National Forest Park in Shangcheng County
Huangbai Mountain National Forest Park - The No.1 Mountain for Red Leaves in Southern Henan
A national 4A-level scenic area with a total area of 4010.6 hectares and a forest coverage rate of 97%. In autumn, the mountain is covered with red leaves like colorful clouds, known as the "Red Leaf Resort in the Central Plains". It features landscapes such as Fayan Temple, Grand Canyon, and Tianchi Lake.

3-Day 2-Night Ecological Hot Spring Tour in Shangcheng County

Climb Huangbai Mountain to admire red leaves, explore Jingangtai to find secret realms, soak in Tangquan Hot Spring to enjoy warm baths, visit Xihe to taste hometown nostalgia, and unlock the beauty of the integration of southern Henan's landscapes, hot springs and ancient villages

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Huangbai Mountain, Jingangtai, Tangquan Pool, Xihe Ancient Village, Chicheng Old Street, Guanyin Mountain
Suitable For
Eco-lovers, hot spring recuperators, photography enthusiasts, family travelers with kids, outdoor hikers
Per Capita Budget
¥800-¥1500
01
Seeking Serenity in Huangbai Mountain
Huangbai Mountain National Forest Park · Fayan Temple · Grand Canyon · Tianchi Lake
Trip Highlights

Spend the whole day exploring Huangbai Mountain: climb the Wangyuan Platform to admire the rolling mountains, visit the millennium-old Fayan Temple to experience Zen culture, hike the Grand Canyon to watch waterfalls and flowing springs, enjoy the reflection of mountains and waters by Tianchi Lake, and watch the sunset and sunset glow over the mountains in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Huangbai Mountain National Forest Park
A national 4A-level scenic area spanning Henan and Hubei provinces, famous for "strange mountains, exotic rocks, ancient temples, and red leaves". Its main peak, Daniu Mountain, is 1352 meters above sea level, known as "Rooster Crowing Heard in Three Provinces", and is an important ecological barrier and summer resort in southern Henan.
Fayan Temple
The core cultural landscape of Huangbai Mountain, first built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt by the eminent monk Wunian of the Linji School of the Southern Zen Sect. It preserves buildings such as the Mahavira Hall and Guanyin Hall, with millennium-old ginkgo and cypress trees in the temple, and incense has been burning for thousands of years.
Huangbai Mountain Grand Canyon
The iconic natural landscape of Huangbai Mountain, 5 kilometers long. The canyon has gurgling streams and numerous waterfalls, with exotic rock landscapes such as "Three Pools Reflecting the Moon" and "Peacock Spreading Its Tail". The two banks are covered with lush forests, and the average temperature in summer is 22℃, making it a summer resort.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Huangbai Mountain Forest Hotel
  • Zen-style Homestays around the Scenic Area
  • Fayan Temple Lay Buddhist Forest (Reservation Required)
Food Recommendations
  • Shangcheng Braised Dishes
  • Huangbai Mountain Gastrodia Elata Braised Chicken
  • Wild Kiwi Wine
  • Cold Mixed Wild Mountain Vegetables
Travel Tips
  • The scenic area is large, it is recommended to take a sightseeing bus (¥60 per person, all-inclusive ticket)
  • The best time to view red leaves in autumn is from mid-to-late October to early November
  • Wear non-slip shoes for hiking and prepare mosquito repellent
02
Exploring Jingangtai and Hot Spring Experience
Jingangtai National Geopark · Mao'er Stone · Red Army Cave Group · Tangquan Pool Hot Spring Resort
Trip Highlights

In the morning, explore Jingangtai: climb Mao'er Stone to admire exotic rocks and dangerous peaks, visit the Red Army Cave Group to review red history; in the afternoon, go to Tangquan Pool to soak in hot springs to relax, enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and taste hot spring health feast in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Jingangtai National Geopark
A national 4A-level scenic area with a total area of 138 square kilometers, named for its mountain shape resembling a diamond. Its main peak, Pingdingpu, is 1584 meters above sea level, the highest peak in southern Henan, famous for "exotic rocks, sea of clouds, and red relics", known as the "Natural Geology Museum".
Red Army Cave Group
The core red scenic spot of Jingangtai, composed of more than 20 natural caves, was the base of the Red Army guerrillas during the Agrarian Revolutionary War. The caves retain relics such as weapons and daily necessities of that year, showing the struggle course of revolutionary martyrs.
Tangquan Pool Hot Spring Resort
A famous hot spring resort in Henan Province, known as the "No.1 Spring in the Central Plains". The hot spring water temperature is 58℃-60℃, rich in fluorine, sulfur and other minerals, with medical and health care effects. The resort has hot spring hotels, sanatoriums, Nianyu Mountain Reservoir and other landscapes.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take the Jingangtai special bus from Shangcheng County to the scenic area (about 40 minutes, ¥10 per person)
  • Jingangtai to Tangquan Pool is about 30 kilometers, self-driving or chartered car is recommended
  • Tangquan Pool is 12 kilometers from the county seat, take No.5 bus directly
Ticket Information
  • Huangbai Mountain National Forest Park: ¥70
  • Jingangtai National Geopark: ¥60
  • Tangquan Pool Hot Spring: ¥80-150 per person (according to hotel grade)
Travel Tips
  • The Mao'er Stone trail in Jingangtai is relatively dangerous, wear professional mountaineering shoes
  • It is recommended to soak in hot springs for no more than 30 minutes, take breaks at intervals
  • You can experience the characteristic project of "Boiled Eggs in Hot Spring" in Tangquan Pool (¥5 per serving)
03
Ancient Villages and Urban Charm
Xihe Ancient Village · Chicheng Old Street · Guanyin Mountain · Return Trip
Trip Highlights

In the morning, stroll through Xihe Ancient Village to experience southern Henan folk customs; in the afternoon, visit Chicheng Old Street to explore Shangcheng's memories, climb Guanyin Mountain to enjoy pastoral scenery, purchase special local products and return.

Attraction Arrangement
Xihe Ancient Village
A traditional Chinese village with a history of more than 800 years. Built along the Xihe River, the village preserves ancient dwellings, bridges, and ancestral halls from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stone roads wind and turn, and traditional farm tools such as waterwheels and stone mills can be seen everywhere, known as the "Living Fossil of Southern Henan Folk Customs".
Chicheng Old Street
A historical and cultural block in Shangcheng County, 1.5 kilometers long, preserving buildings such as shops, workshops, and dwellings from the Republic of China period. Now restored as a cultural block integrating characteristic catering, handicrafts, and folk custom displays, reproducing the former prosperity of Shangcheng.
Guanyin Mountain
The iconic mountain of Shangcheng County, 428 meters above sea level, named after the Guanyin Temple on the top. There are stone steps and viewing platforms on the mountain, and you can overlook the scenery of Shangcheng County and Nianyu Mountain Reservoir from the top. The scenery is particularly charming when pear blossoms are in full bloom in spring.
Practical Information
Experience Projects
  • Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience in Xihe Ancient Village (Shadow Puppetry, Huagu Opera)
  • Handmade Noodle Making in Chicheng Old Street
  • Prayer Ceremony on Guanyin Mountain
  • Cruise on Nianyu Mountain Reservoir (¥30 per person)
Specialty Recommendations
  • Shangcheng Tongxian Fish (National Geographical Indication Product)
  • Suxianshi Preserved Duck Egg Tofu
  • Shangcheng Gastrodia Elata
  • Huangbai Mountain Wild Tea
Return Guide
  • Xihe Ancient Village is 25 kilometers from the county seat, with rural tourism special lines
  • Shangcheng Station has trains to Xinyang, Zhengzhou, Hefei
  • The local specialty market is around Chicheng Old Street, supporting express delivery

Must-Try Foods in Shangcheng County

Shangcheng Braised Dishes

The iconic food of Shangcheng County, cooked in clay pots with local ingredients such as native chicken, native pork, and mountain delicacies, stewed slowly for several hours. The meat is tender and the soup is rich, emphasizing "stewing the original taste in one pot", which is a model of southern Henan braised dishes.

Tongxian Fish

A traditional preserved fish delicacy in Shangcheng. Fresh fish is cut into pieces, sealed and fermented with glutinous rice in bamboo tubes, then steamed after half a month. The meat is tender with bamboo and wine aroma, listed as a national geographical indication product for its unique production and excellent flavor.

Suxianshi Preserved Duck Egg Tofu

A characteristic bean product of Shangcheng, made from local duck eggs and soybeans through more than ten processes. It has a bright red color, chewy texture, salty and slightly spicy taste. It is said to be created by a Taoist priest in Suxianshi, with a history of more than 300 years.

Shangcheng Marinated Dishes

A characteristic street food in Shangcheng, made by marinating ingredients such as pig ears, beef, and chicken feet with more than 20 kinds of spices such as star anise, cinnamon, and amomum tsao-ko. It has an attractive color and rich marinade aroma, and is a favorite side dish and snack for locals to go with wine.

Travel Tips for Shangcheng County
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-April): Pear blossoms bloom on Guanyin Mountain, rapeseed flower sea in Xihe Ancient Village
  • Summer (June-August): Summer resort in Huangbai Mountain and Jingangtai, average temperature 23℃
  • Autumn (October-November): Best time to view red leaves in Huangbai Mountain, forests are dyed in layers of color
Must-Try Foods
  • Shangcheng Braised Dishes
  • Tongxian Fish
  • Suxianshi Preserved Duck Egg Tofu
  • Shangcheng Marinated Dishes
  • Hot Spring Health Feast
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥200
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300 per night
  • Catering: ¥80-120 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥100
  • Hot Spring Experience: ¥100-150
  • Total: ¥800-1500
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What’s the best leaf viewing window at Huangbai Mountain? Mid-October to early November every year
  • Is Tangquan open all year round? Constant-temperature hot spring, available every day including holidays
  • Can we join rural handmade activities at Xihe Ancient Village? Book one day ahead for rice cake making experience
  • Where to eat authentic Shangcheng braised dishes? Time-honored shops along Chicheng Old Street