Xiangcheng County Travel

Xiangcheng County, Xuchang City, Henan Province – a millennium-old county and an important cultural town in the Central Plains, boasting both natural landscapes and cultural heritage, with numerous attractions such as Ziyun Mountain, Confucian Temple, and Qianming Temple. This 3-day 2-night in-depth tour includes historical exploration, natural sightseeing, and food experience.

2000+
Years of City-Building History
5
National-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units
20+
Cultural Attractions
15+
Local Special Foods
Panoramic view of Ziyun Mountain in Xiangcheng County
Ziyun Mountain - Layered Mountains
The iconic natural landscape of Xiangcheng County, integrating grandeur, wonder, and beauty, is a famous summer resort in the Central Plains region

3-Day 2-Night Cultural & Ecological Tour of Xiangcheng County

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of mountains, explore the thousand-year cultural context, visit ancient temples for Zen charm, taste Xiangcheng's flavors, and experience the unique charm of this ancient county in Central Plains

Trip Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Ziyun Mountain, Xiangcheng Confucian Temple, Qianming Temple, Ru River Beach Park
Suitable For
Culture Lovers, Family Travelers, Nature Sightseers
Per Capita Budget
¥600-¥1000
01
Ziyun Mountain Exploration
Ziyun Mountain Scenic Area · Natural Wonders · Hiking Experience
Itinerary Highlights

After arriving in Xiangcheng County, head to Ziyun Mountain Scenic Area to climb mountains and admire strange peaks and rocks, explore the millennium-old Taoist temple, and overlook the scenery of the Central Plains Plain. Return to the county seat in the evening to taste local special dinner.

Attraction Arrangement
Ziyun Mountain Scenic Area
A national forest park, famous for its "wonder, beauty, seclusion, and antiquity". The main peak Ziyun Peak is 412 meters above sea level, with scenic spots such as Ziyun Cave and academy ruins in the mountains.
Ziyun Academy
A famous academy founded in the Ming Dynasty, it is an important cultural and educational site in the Central Plains region, with existing archways, lecture halls and other buildings.
Quercus Dentata Forest Scenic Area
A characteristic landscape of Ziyun Mountain, with a large area of Quercus dentata forest covered with red leaves in autumn, it is a famous red leaf viewing spot in the Central Plains region.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Xiangcheng Hotel
  • Ziyun Villa
  • Budget Hotels in County Seat
Food Recommendations
  • Xiangcheng Braised Noodles
  • Wangluo Braised Pig's Trotters
  • Tofu Soup
Travel Tips
  • Wear comfortable sports shoes for hiking
  • Temperature difference in mountainous areas, prepare a coat
  • Pay attention to sun protection and hydration in summer
02
Cultural Heritage Exploration
Xiangcheng Confucian Temple · Qianming Temple · Ancient Street Style
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Xiangcheng Confucian Temple in the morning to appreciate ancient architectural art and stele culture. In the afternoon, go to Qianming Temple to experience Buddhist culture, and stroll along the Ming and Qing Ancient Street in the evening to experience the style of the ancient city.

Attraction Arrangement
Xiangcheng Confucian Temple
Founded in the Tang Dynasty, the existing buildings are in the Ming and Qing styles. It is one of the best-preserved Confucian Temples in Henan Province, famous for the Dacheng Hall and Confucius statue.
Qianming Temple
A millennium-old temple founded in the Sui Dynasty, it is an important Buddhist temple in central Henan. It has many existing Ming and Qing buildings, including a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree in the temple.
Xiangcheng Ming and Qing Ancient Street
A well-preserved commercial street from the Ming and Qing dynasties, about 1500 meters long, with a large number of ancient shop buildings, now a characteristic commercial street.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Attractions in county seat can be reached by bus or taxi
  • About 8 km from Confucian Temple to Qianming Temple, 15 minutes by taxi
  • Ancient Street is in the county center, accessible on foot
Ticket Information
  • Xiangcheng Confucian Temple: ¥30
  • Qianming Temple: ¥20
  • Ming and Qing Ancient Street: Free
Travel Tips
  • Professional explanation available in Confucian Temple (¥50/time)
  • Comply with no-photography regulations in Qianming Temple
  • Ancient Street has beautiful night lighting, suitable for night tour
03
Water Charm of Xiangcheng
Ru River Beach Park · Local Specialty Shopping · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Ru River Beach Park in the morning to experience the unique scenery of "Little Sanya in Central Plains" and participate in water leisure activities. In the afternoon, purchase local specialties of Xiangcheng and end the pleasant trip.

Attraction Arrangement
Ru River Beach Park
A large-scale leisure park built along the Ru River channel, with artificial beaches, water-friendly platforms, children's playgrounds and other facilities, it is a good place for citizens to relax and vacation.
Xiangcheng Museum
A comprehensive museum displaying the history and culture of Xiangcheng, with a collection of more than 3,000 cultural relics, systematically introducing the development of Xiangcheng from the Neolithic Age to the present.
Xiangcheng Local Specialty Market
A professional market focusing on the sale of Xiangcheng's characteristic products, covering food, handicrafts and other categories.
Practical Information
Experience Projects
  • Beach parent-child games
  • Ru River cruise
  • Museum research study
  • Specialty making experience
Recommended Specialties
  • Xiangcheng Tobacco (Gift Box)
  • Wangluo Braised Pig's Trotters
  • Xiangcheng Sweet Potato Vermicelli
  • Ziyun Stone Inkstone
Return Trip Guide
  • About 40 minutes' drive from Xuchang East Railway Station
  • Specialty market supports express delivery service
  • Last bus from county bus station departs at 18:00

Must-Try Foods in Xiangcheng County

Xiangcheng Braised Noodles

A characteristic pasta of Xiangcheng, made by braising refined noodles with pork belly, cowpeas and other ingredients layer by layer, with rich aroma and chewy taste, it is a must-have food for local banquets.

Wangluo Braised Pig's Trotters

A traditional famous food originating from Wangluo Town of Xiangcheng, selected high-quality pig's trotters are marinated through multiple processes, with bright red color, crispy and tender meat, fat but not greasy.

Xiangcheng Tofu Soup

A traditional folk breakfast in Xiangcheng, boiled with tofu, vermicelli, blood clots and other ingredients, served with chili oil, spicy and delicious, warming the stomach and dispelling cold.

Sesame Seed Cake

A characteristic pasta of Xiangcheng, baked with flour and sesame seeds as the main raw materials, crispy outside and soft inside, can be eaten directly or with meat, with unique flavor.

Xiangcheng County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-April): Blooming flowers, suitable for hiking
  • Autumn (October-November): Pleasant climate, red leaves on Ziyun Mountain
  • Summer (July-August): Playing in water and cooling off at Ru River Beach
Must-Try Foods
  • Xiangcheng Braised Noodles
  • Wangluo Braised Pig's Trotters
  • Tofu Soup
  • Sesame Seed Cake
  • Mung Bean Jelly
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥100
  • Accommodation: ¥120-260/night
  • Catering: ¥60-100/day
  • Transportation: About ¥80
  • Total: ¥600-¥1000
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Best time to view red leaves on Ziyun Mountain? → Late October to early November
  • Which restaurant has the most authentic Xiangcheng braised noodles? → Braised Noodle Restaurant at Old Cross Street in county seat
  • Is Ru River Beach Park charged? → Free to open, some projects are charged
  • Best time to view the thousand-year-old ginkgo in Qianming Temple? → Mid-November

Explore Travel in Districts and Counties of Xuchang City

Weidu District
Jian'an District
Yuzhou City
Changge City
Yanling County
Xiangcheng County