Gongyi City Travel

Gongyi City, Zhengzhou, Henan Province — the western gateway of Zhengzhou, a millennium-old ancient capital (Western Capital of the Northern Song Dynasty), boasts both cultural treasures such as Kang Baiwan Manor (the "No.1 Mansion in the Central Plains") and Du Fu's Hometown, as well as natural landscapes like Fuxishan and Qinglongshan. It is an important node to decode the civilization of the Central Plains.

5+
National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units
3
World Cultural Heritage Tentative List
12+
Characteristic Traditional Foods
4
National Geoparks
Kang Baiwan Manor and Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Mausoleum Stone Carvings in Gongyi, Zhengzhou
Cultural and Natural Scenery of Gongyi City
The panoramic view of Kang Baiwan Manor and the stone carvings of the Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Mausoleums in Gongyi City, Zhengzhou complement each other, showcasing the profound historical heritage of this millennium-old city

3-Day 2-Night Song Rhythm and Poetic Soul Tour of Gongyi City

Visit the secret realm of mansions, seek the legacy of the Poet-Saint, explore imperial mausoleum stone carvings, tour karst cave wonders, and understand the millennial civilization of the Central Plains

Tour Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Kang Baiwan Manor, Du Fu's Hometown, Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Mausoleums, Fuxishan Snowflake Cave
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, cultural explorers, landscape tourists, parent-child research and study groups
Per Capita Budget
¥700-¥1200
01
Merchant Soul and Poetic Rhyme
Kang Baiwan Manor · Du Fu's Hometown · Twin Cultural Gems
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Kang Baiwan Manor in the morning to experience the mansion style and family governance wisdom of the Yu merchants in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Stroll through Du Fu's Hometown in the afternoon to trace the growth trajectory and poetic life of the "Poet-Saint". Taste Gongyi's characteristic foods in the evening.

Attraction Arrangement
Kang Baiwan Manor
One of the three major manors in China (along with Qiao Family Compound and Mou's Manor), built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. It is the mansion of the Kang family, a prominent merchant in the Central Plains during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With a rigorous layout and exquisite brick and wood carvings, it is known as the "Mansion of the Living God of Wealth in the Central Plains".
Du Fu's Hometown
Built to commemorate Du Fu, the "Poet-Saint", it includes Du Fu's Birth Cave, Du Fu Memorial Hall, and the Poet-Saint Stone Forest. It showcases Du Fu's life story and poetic achievements, with Du Fu's statues and poetry stone carvings complementing each other in the park.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Jianguo Hotel Huayu Gongyi
  • Homestays around Kang Baiwan Manor
  • Songling Building in urban area
Food Recommendations
  • Gongyi Noodle Soup (Huiguozhen Branch)
  • Xiyixing Braised Pork
  • Laojun Braised Chicken
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a tour guide for Kang Baiwan Manor (¥50 per time) to deeply understand the family history
  • The two attractions are about 15 kilometers apart, 25 minutes by car
  • Poetry recitation interactive experience is available at Du Fu's Hometown
02
Northern Song Mausoleum Stone Carvings
Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Mausoleums · Gongyi Grotto Temple · Millennium Stone Carving Art
Itinerary Highlights

Wander through the Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Mausoleums (Yongzhao Mausoleum) in the morning to admire the powerful and exquisite royal stone carvings of the Song Dynasty. Visit Gongyi Grotto Temple in the afternoon to appreciate the Buddhist statue art from the Northern Wei to Tang dynasties and experience the peak achievements of stone carvings in the Central Plains.

Attraction Arrangement
Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Mausoleums (Yongzhao Mausoleum)
A group of mausoleums of seven emperors of the Northern Song Dynasty. Yongzhao Mausoleum is the mausoleum of Emperor Renzong of Song (Zhao Zhen) and the best-preserved one. The stone statues (stone men and stone beasts) on both sides of the sacred road are vividly shaped, showing the characteristics of Song Dynasty sculpture art. Now it is open to the public as Songling Park.
Gongyi Grotto Temple
An important grotto group from the Northern Wei Dynasty, known as the "Two Gems of the Central Plains" together with Longmen Grottoes. It has 5 existing caves and more than 1,000 statues, with the relief of "Emperor and Empress Worshiping Buddha" being the most precious. It is an important relic for studying Buddhist art and Northern Wei history.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take Bus No.1 in urban area to reach Yongzhao Mausoleum
  • It is recommended to drive from Yongzhao Mausoleum to Grotto Temple (about 30 minutes)
  • Ample free parking spaces around Grotto Temple
Ticket Information
  • Yongzhao Mausoleum: Free (park area), ¥20 for museum
  • Gongyi Grotto Temple: ¥30 per person
  • Half price for students with student ID
Travel Tips
  • The stone carvings on the sacred road of Yongzhao Mausoleum are less crowded in the early morning, suitable for photography
  • The "Emperor and Empress Worshiping Buddha" in Grotto Temple is the treasure of the temple, recommended to focus on viewing
  • The stone carvings have weathered for thousands of years, please do not touch or climb
03
Landscape Secret Realm
Fuxishan Snowflake Cave · Return Trip
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Fuxishan Snowflake Cave in the morning to admire the crystal-clear stalactites and underground karst cave wonders. Visit natural landscapes such as Xiaolongchi and Yunvtan in the afternoon. Buy Gongyi's local specialties in the evening and end the trip.

Attraction Arrangement
Fuxishan Snowflake Cave Scenic Area
A national geopark featuring karst caves and Danxia landforms. The core attraction, Snowflake Cave, is filled with snow-white stalactites. Landscapes such as "Snowflake Corridor" and "Stone Grapes" are unique, with both scientific research and ornamental value.
Qinglongshan Ciyun Temple
Located in the remaining veins of Fuxishan, named after the mountain resembling a green dragon. Ciyun Temple in the mountain was built in the Eastern Han Dynasty, one of the earliest Buddhist temples in China, known as the "Ancestral Court of Buddhism". Ancient cypresses tower around the temple, and streams gurgle by.
Practical Information
Visiting Guide
  • The constant temperature in Snowflake Cave is 15℃, it is recommended to prepare a thin coat
  • Touring the cave requires following a guide (free of charge), the whole journey is about 1 hour
  • Qinglongshan is suitable for hiking, with a hiking trail of about 3 kilometers in total length
Specialty Recommendations
  • Gongyi Acorn Jelly
  • Vacuum-packed Xiyixing Braised Pork
  • Cultural and Creative Poetry Collection from Du Fu's Hometown
  • Wild Mountain Mushrooms from Fuxishan
Return Trip Guide
  • Fuxishan is about 40 minutes' drive from downtown Gongyi
  • About 1.5 hours' drive from Zhengzhou Railway Station
  • There are intercity buses from urban area to Zhengzhou (every 20 minutes)

Must-Try Foods in Gongyi City

Gongyi Noodle Soup

A characteristic pasta of Gongyi, different from Zhengzhou Noodle Soup. The noodles are wider and chewier, the soup is slowly simmered with lamb and lamb bones, served with kelp, shredded tofu, and lamb slices, finally sprinkled with coriander, mellow and flavorful. The noodle soup in Huiguozhen is particularly famous.

Xiyixing Braised Pork

A century-old famous brand in Gongyi, founded in the Qing Dynasty. It uses local native pork, braised with more than 20 kinds of spices, with tender meat, salty and tasty, fat but not greasy. It is a good choice for banquets and gifts in the local area.

Laojun Braised Chicken

A traditional famous food in Gongyi, named after its production in Laojuntang Village. It uses free-range local chickens, made through 12 processes, with golden chicken skin, tender meat, rich braised flavor, easy to carry and preserve.

Acorn Jelly

A specialty snack of Fuxishan, made from wild acorn starch, with a smooth taste. Served with mashed garlic, balsamic vinegar, and chili oil, it is cool and relieves summer heat, a common summer food for farmers in mountainous areas.

Gongyi City Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Qinglongshan and Fuxishan are covered with blooming flowers, suitable for spring outings
  • Autumn (September-November): Cool weather, suitable for visiting historical sites and mountain climbing
  • Summer (June-August): Snowflake Cave is cool and pleasant, a good summer resort
Must-Try Foods
  • Huiguozhen Noodle Soup (with lamb slices)
  • Xiyixing Braised Pork with sesame seed cake
  • Laojun Braised Chicken (vacuum-packed as specialty)
  • Acorn Jelly with chili oil
  • Gongyi Fried Buns
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥180 (Kang Baiwan Manor ¥60 + Grotto Temple ¥30 + Snowflake Cave ¥65 + others)
  • Accommodation: ¥120-260 per night
  • Catering: ¥60-100 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥100 (including urban and inter-scenic transportation)
  • Total: ¥700-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Which is worth visiting, Kang Baiwan Manor or Qiao Family Compound? → Kang Baiwan Manor is larger, focusing on merchant culture, each has its own characteristics
  • How long does it take to visit Fuxishan Snowflake Cave? → About 3-4 hours in total (including the cave and surrounding landscapes)
  • How many of the Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Mausoleums are open? → Mainly Yongzhao Mausoleum is open, other mausoleum areas are mostly in fields, free to visit
  • Are the attractions in Gongyi far from each other? → It is recommended to drive, the attractions are scattered, with most driving times between 20-40 minutes

Explore Travel in Districts and Counties of Zhengzhou City