Xixian Travel

Xixian County, Xinyang City, Henan Province — historically known as Xizhou, hailed as the "First County of China". It has retained its name since the establishment of the county in the Spring and Autumn Period, integrating Xiguo Ancient City, the millennium-old Qiaolou Tower, Longhu Wetland, and Pugong Mountain scenery. Experience the unique charm of "Xiguo legacy and ancient county new charm" with a 3-day/2-night in-depth tour.

2700+

Years of County Establishment History

AAA-Level Scenic Spots

11+

Core Attractions

16+

Specialty Foods

Scenery of Xiguo Ancient City Ruins in Xixian

Xiguo Ancient City - The Spring and Autumn Imprint of China's First County

A cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province, the site of the capital of the Xiguo State during the Spring and Autumn Period. It retains relics such as residual city walls and rammed earth platforms, and unearthed cultural relics including bronze ritual vessels and jade artifacts. It is the core witness of Xixian's historical status as the "First County of China".

3-Day/2-Night Tour of Xixian: A Millennium-Old County

Explore Xiguo to trace the Spring and Autumn Period, climb Qiaolou Tower to read through ancient and modern times, visit Longhu to view wetlands, hike Pugong Mountain to admire exotic rocks, and unlock the historical and ecological beauty of the 'First County of China' in southern Henan

                    
Itinerary Duration
3 Days & 2 Nights

                    
Main Destinations
Xiguo Ancient City, Qiaolou Tower, Longhu Park, Pugong Mountain, Xixian Museum, Ancient Lai State Ruins (Xixian Section), Xixian Old Street

                    
Suitable For
History and culture enthusiasts, archaeological research travelers, ecological sightseers, photography lovers, family travelers with kids

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥580-¥1050

Exploring Xiguo's Ancient History

Xiguo Ancient City · Xixian Museum · Qiaolou Tower · Madame Xi Memorial Hall

Itinerary Highlights

Trace the history of Xiguo State throughout the day: explore the Xiguo Ancient City ruins to feel the vicissitudes of the Spring and Autumn Period, systematically understand the changes of the ancient county at Xixian Museum, climb Qiaolou Tower to overlook the old town style, and visit Madame Xi Memorial Hall to listen to the legend of the "Peach Blossom Lady".

Attraction Arrangement

Xiguo Ancient City

A cultural relic protection unit of Henan Province, the site of the capital of the Xiguo State during the Spring and Autumn Period, covering a total area of about 1 million square meters. The residual west city wall is 5-7 meters high with clear rammed earth layers. Precious cultural relics such as bronze tripods and chime bells from the Spring and Autumn Period have been unearthed in the city, making it an important relic for studying the culture of ancient states in the Central Plains.

Qiaolou Tower

The landmark building of Xixian County, first built in the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The tower is 16 meters high with blue bricks, gray tiles, and overhanging eaves. Originally the Qiaolou (Bell Tower) of the Xizhou Prefecture Yamen, it retains the "Xizhou" plaque. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the old urban area of Xixian County, witnessing the historical changes of Xixian.

Xixian Museum

A comprehensive museum with a collection of more than 800 cultural relics, featuring Xiguo bronze wares, ceramics of past dynasties, and ancient coins. It has exhibition halls such as "Xiguo Spring and Autumn", "Ancient County Evolution", and "Folk Customs", systematically showing the 2700-year history of Xixian as a county.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Business hotels in Xixian urban area
Themed homestays around Qiaolou Tower
Boutique inns on the bank of Longhu Lake

Food Recommendations

Xixian Braised Chicken with Noodles
Xixian Fragrant Rice Balls
Crispy Fried Fire Cakes
Braised Xi Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata)

Travel Tips

Guided tours by archaeological experts can be booked for Xiguo Ancient City (¥100/time)
The best time to take photos of Qiaolou Tower is early morning (soft light)
Free guided tours at the museum at 10:00

Longhu Lake & Ecology

Longhu National Wetland Park · Ruyi Island · Water Forest · Xixian Botanical Garden

Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, wander around Longhu National Wetland Park to enjoy wetland scenery, climb Ruyi Island to watch birds and appreciate lotus flowers, stroll through the Water Forest to experience ecological beauty; in the afternoon, visit Xixian Botanical Garden to get to know local plants; in the evening, take a cruise on Longhu Lake to enjoy the sunset.

Attraction Arrangement

Longhu National Wetland Park

A national-level wetland park covering a total area of 12000 mu, composed of waters such as Longhu Lake and Wulonggang. The wetland rate reaches 85%, and it is inhabited by more than 80 species of birds such as egrets and grey cranes. Known as the "Pearl of Southern Henan", it is an ideal place for bird watching, lotus appreciation and leisure.

Ruyi Island

The core island of Longhu Wetland Park, named for its shape like a ruyi (a traditional Chinese auspicious ornament), covering an area of about 200 mu. The island has bird watching platforms, lotus ponds, waterfront platforms, etc. When lotus flowers are in full bloom in summer, "endless lotus leaves stretch to the horizon", making it a landmark landscape of Longhu Lake.

Xixian Botanical Garden

A specialized garden featuring local plants, covering an area of 500 mu. It has planted more than 300 species of plants such as ginkgo, metasequoia, and sweet osmanthus, with rare plant areas and medicinal plant areas (including Xi Ban Xia). It is a good place for popular science education and leisure walks.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Take Bus No.1 from the county seat to Longhu Park directly (about 15 minutes)
Bicycles can be rented in the park (¥10/hour) or take sightseeing cars (¥20/person)
The Botanical Garden is 3km from Longhu Lake, accessible on foot or by shared bike

Ticket Information

Xiguo Ancient City: ¥30
Qiaolou Tower: ¥10
Longhu Wetland Park: Free (Cruise: ¥25/person)
Botanical Garden: Free

Travel Tips

The best time for bird watching at Longhu Lake is 6:30-8:30 in the morning
It is recommended to wear light-colored clothes for appreciating lotus in summer (better for photos)
Picking is prohibited in the medicinal plant area of the Botanical Garden

Pugong Mountain & Old Street

Pugong Mountain Mine Park · Ancient Lai State Ruins (Xixian Section) · Xixian Old Street · Return

Itinerary Highlights

In the morning, climb Pugong Mountain Mine Park to admire exotic rocks and dangerous peaks, visit Ancient Lai State Ruins to supplement historical memories; in the afternoon, wander around Xixian Old Street to experience folk customs, purchase special local products and return.

Attraction Arrangement

Pugong Mountain Mine Park

A provincial-level mine park, named after Taoist Priest Pugong who made alchemy here in the Tang Dynasty. The mountain is composed of limestone, and unique "tiankeng (sinkhole)" and "stone forest" landscapes have formed after thousands of years of mining. It has scenic spots such as viewing platforms and alchemy caves. Climbing to the top offers a view of the Huaihe River and Xixian urban area.

Ancient Lai State Ruins (Xixian Section)

Part of the site of the capital of the Lai State during the Spring and Autumn Period, retaining rammed earth city walls and tomb areas. Bronze ritual vessels and pottery have been unearthed, making it an important relic for studying the distribution of ancient states in the Huaihe River Basin. Together with Xiguo Ancient City, it constitutes the core of Xixian's "ancient state culture".

Xixian Old Street

A historical and cultural block in Xixian County, retaining shops and dwellings from the Ming, Qing to the Republic of China periods. It features blue bricks, black tiles, stone roads, and time-honored shops (such as "Centennial Braised Chicken with Noodles"). You can taste authentic snacks and buy traditional handcrafts here.

Practical Information

Experience Programs

Hiking on Pugong Mountain hiking trails
Xixian Braised Chicken with Noodles making experience (reservation required)
Longhu Lake fisherman's life experience (seasonal)
Xi Ban Xia medicinal diet making demonstration

Specialty Recommendations

Xixian Fragrant Rice Balls (National Geographical Indication Product)
Xi Ban Xia (Chinese medicinal material)
Crispy Fried Fire Cakes
Xixian Preserved Eggs

Return Guide

Pugong Mountain is about 10km from Xixian Station, accessible by Bus No.2
Xixian Station has trains to Xinyang, Zhengzhou, Wuhan
Specialties can be purchased in bulk on Old Street, with express delivery available

Must-Try Foods in Xixian

Xixian Braised Chicken with Noodles

The iconic delicacy of Xixian County. Local free-range chickens are cut into pieces, mixed with flour and pan-fried until golden, then stewed with chili peppers and ginger slices. The meat is tender and not dry, and the flour becomes soft and flavorful after absorbing the soup, with a salty and slightly spicy taste. It is a "must-have dish" for Xixian people to entertain guests.

Xixian Fragrant Rice Balls

A National Geographical Indication Product, a traditional rice variety in Xixian County. The rice grains are round and plump, with a strong rice aroma, thick when cooked into porridge, and sweet when steamed into rice. It was a tribute during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, also known as "Fragrant Rice Tribute", representing the grain culture of Xixian.

Crispy Fried Fire Cakes

A traditional snack in Xixian County, made with flour, layered with oil and baked. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a salty and delicious taste. It can be eaten directly or with side dishes. It is a common breakfast and snack on the streets of Xixian, known as the "Xixian Hamburger".

Braised Xi Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata)

A special medicinal diet in Xixian County. Local specialty Chinese medicinal material Xi Ban Xia (processed to remove toxicity) is stewed with old hens. The soup is clear and delicious, with the effects of resolving phlegm, relieving cough, invigorating the spleen and nourishing the stomach. It is a traditional tonic combined with local medicinal materials.

Xixian Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Spring (March-April): Migratory birds migrate north at Longhu Wetland, and the Botanical Garden is in full bloom
Summer (June-August): Lotus flowers bloom at Longhu Lake, and Pugong Mountain is cool for summer escape
Autumn (September-October): Fragrant Rice Balls harvest, and the autumn scenery of the ancient county is pleasant

Must-Try Foods

Xixian Braised Chicken with Noodles
Xixian Fragrant Rice Balls
Crispy Fried Fire Cakes
Braised Xi Ban Xia
Xixian Preserved Eggs

Budget Reference

Tickets: About ¥60
Accommodation: ¥105-210/night
Catering: ¥55-90/day
Transportation: About ¥65
Total: ¥580-1050

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Xiguo Ancient open all year round? → Open all year without holidays
Where to taste authentic Xixian braised chicken noodles? → Old shop on Xixian Old Street
Best viewing period for Longhu lotus? → Mid-June to late July annually
Can I customize handmade rice cake? → Need half-day reservation at Xihe Village

All Counties & Districts Travel Navigation of Xinyang