Shenqiu County Travel
Shenqiu County, Zhoukou City, Henan Province — an eco-garden city in eastern Henan and a melting pot of diverse cultures, integrating the 10,000-mu greenery of China Sophora Garden, the architectural art of the Islamic Grand Mosque, the historical legends of Hua Tuo's Tomb, and the water town style of the Shaying River. A 2-day & 1-night in-depth tour to encounter the collision of nature and humanity.
2-Day & 1-Night Eco-Cultural Tour of Shenqiu County
Visit China Sophora Garden to admire sophora flower sea, explore the Islamic Grand Mosque to view architectural art, wander around the old town of Shenqiu to seek folk memory, and visit Hua Tuo's Tomb to recall the legend of the divine doctor
Wander through China Sophora Garden in the morning to admire the lush 10,000-mu sophora forest; visit the Islamic Grand Mosque in the afternoon to experience the beauty of Islamic architecture; stroll around Shenqiu Old Town in the evening to explore ancient street folk customs and visit Li Mingzhong Former Residence to learn about modern history.
- Hotels in the county center
- Homestays around China Sophora Garden
- Inns along the Shaying River
- Huaidian Beef
- Shenqiu Zao Fish (Marinated Fish)
- Gu Family Steamed Buns
- Fried Sanzi (Twisted Dough Sticks)
- During the Sophora Flower Festival in China Sophora Garden, you can participate in picking sophora flowers and tasting sophora honey
- When visiting the Islamic Grand Mosque, respect religious customs and do not wear shorts or short skirts
- The ancient street of the old town has good light and shadow in the evening, suitable for shooting humanistic photos
Visit Hua Tuo's Tomb in the morning to trace the legend of the divine doctor's benevolence; visit Huangmiao Ancient Bridge in the afternoon to admire the Qing Dynasty stone arch architecture; stroll around Shaying River Wetland Park in the evening to enjoy the river view and sunset, purchase local specialties and return.
- Take No.6 bus from the county seat to China Sophora Garden directly
- The Islamic Grand Mosque can be reached on foot or by shared bike (1km from the county center)
- Self-driving is recommended for Huangmiao Ancient Bridge (about 25km from the county seat)
- China Sophora Garden: Free
- Islamic Grand Mosque: ¥20
- Li Mingzhong Former Residence: ¥15
- Hua Tuo's Tomb: ¥10
- Shaying River National Wetland Park: Free
- Chinese medicinal materials are sold around Hua Tuo's Tomb, and you can buy local specialty honeysuckle
- Pay attention to sun protection in summer in Shaying River National Wetland Park, and autumn is the best time for bird watching
- The deck of Huangmiao Ancient Bridge is narrow, pay attention to safety when taking photos
Must-Try Cuisines in Shenqiu County
Huaidian Beef
A specialty of Huaidian Hui Ethnic Town, Shenqiu County, which originated in the Xianfeng reign of the Qing Dynasty. Selected local yellow cattle are processed through multiple procedures such as salting, marinating and boiling, seasoned with more than 20 kinds of spices. The finished product is ruddy in color, firm in meat quality and mellow in flavor, being a national geographical indication product and a China Time-Honored Brand.
Shenqiu Zao Fish (Marinated Fish)
A traditional flavor in eastern Henan, made from crucian carp produced in the Shaying River. After scaling, marinating and frying, it is marinated with rice wine, Chinese prickly ash, etc. The fish bones are crispy and soft, the fish meat is flavorful, and the wine fragrance is rich, being a must-have food for local festivals.
Gu Family Steamed Buns
An intangible cultural heritage cuisine of Shenqiu County, made from high-quality flour, manually kneaded into various animal and flower shapes, fermented, steamed and then painted and decorated. It has a soft taste and auspicious meanings, being both a food and a folk artwork.
Fried Sanzi (Twisted Dough Sticks)
A traditional snack of the Hui ethnic group, made into thin strips with flour, sesame, salt, etc., coiled and fried until golden yellow. It has a crispy taste and salty flavor, which can be eaten directly or soaked in spicy soup, being a common street food in Shenqiu.
- Spring (April-May): Sophora flowers bloom in China Sophora Garden, filling the garden with delicate fragrance
- Autumn (September-October): The weather is cool, and Shaying River National Wetland Park is suitable for bird watching
- Important Festival: On the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, Hua Tuo's birthday, there are sacrificial activities at Hua Tuo's Tomb
- Huaidian Beef (Vacuum-packed can be used as a specialty)
- Shenqiu Zao Fish (Marinated Fish) (Better to eat hot)
- Gu Family Steamed Buns (Zodiac shapes are the most distinctive)
- Fried Sanzi (Twisted Dough Sticks) (Served with spicy soup)
- Shenqiu Cold Noodles
- Tickets: About ¥45
- Accommodation: ¥80-¥150 per night
- Catering: ¥60-¥90 per day
- Transportation: About ¥50
- Total: ¥320-¥580
- Which brand of Huaidian Beef is the most authentic? → "Mayuxing" (Century-old store, central store in Huaidian Town)
- What activities are there during the Sophora Flower Festival in China Sophora Garden? → Sophora flower picking, sophora honey tasting, folk performances
- What are the taboos for visiting the Islamic Grand Mosque? → No loud talking, women need to wear headscarves (can be borrowed on site)
- Can I fish in Shaying River National Wetland Park? → Fishing is allowed in designated areas, and management regulations must be observed