Runan County Travel
Runan County, Zhumadian City, Henan Province — known as the "Hometown of Liangzhu in China", integrating Nanhai Zen Temple (a Buddhist sacred site), Suya Lake (Asia's largest artificial lake), and Tianzhong Mountain ("Center of the World"). Unlock the millennium cultural codes and ecological beauty with a 2-day 1-night in-depth tour, and appreciate the ancient charm and natural elegance of southern Henan.
2-Day 1-Night Cultural & Ecological Tour of Runan County
Pay homage to Nanhai Zen Temple to experience the ethereal Zen spirit, visit Suya Lake to watch wetland birds, climb Tianzhong Mountain to explore the Central Plains landmark, and seek the Hometown of Liangzhu to taste the legendary love story
Pay homage to Nanhai Zen Temple in the morning to experience the grand momentum of Buddhist architecture; climb Tianzhong Mountain in the afternoon to explore the historical origin of the "Center of the World"; visit Runan Museum in the evening to systematically understand the millennium cultural context of the local area.
- Hongchang International Hotel Runan
- Zen-style Homestays around Nanhai Zen Temple
- Budget Hotels in the County Center
- Runan Chicken Meat Balls
- Boiled Beef Tripe
- Runan Vermicelli Chicken Soup
- Horseshoe Sanzi (Fried Dough Twist)
- Photography is prohibited in Nanhai Zen Temple; please abide by Buddhist etiquette
- Calligraphy rubbing experience is available in Tianzhong Mountain Cultural Park (¥30 per copy)
- Free electronic explainers can be collected at the museum
Visit Suya Lake in the morning to watch the wonder of thousands of birds flying over the wetland ecosystem; explore Liangzhu Hometown in the afternoon to listen to the eternal love legend; stroll in Xiaonanhai Wetland Park in the evening to experience the urban ecological beauty.
- Bus No.5 from the county town to Suya Lake (about 30 minutes)
- Liangzhu Hometown is 15 km from the county town; self-driving or taxi is recommended
- Xiaonanhai Wetland Park is 1 km from Nanhai Zen Temple; accessible on foot
- Nanhai Zen Temple: ¥40
- Tianzhong Mountain Cultural Park: ¥15
- Suya Lake Scenic Area: Free (boat tickets charged separately)
- Liangzhu Hometown: ¥30
- Runan Museum: Free
- The best bird watching season at Suya Lake is from November to March of the next year; binoculars are recommended
- Ancient costume photo experience is available in Liangzhu Hometown (¥50 per set)
- A variety of Runan specialty snacks can be tasted at the "Old Cross Street" night market in the county town
Must-Try Cuisines in Runan County
Runan Chicken Meat Balls
A traditional famous food in Runan, made from chicken breast meat of local free-range chickens, chopped into puree, seasoned with starch, egg white, etc., made into balls and fried until golden. It can be braised or fried, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fresh and delicious, and is a must-have dish for local banquets.
Runan Boiled Beef Tripe
A characteristic street snack in Runan, made of fresh beef tripe cut into strips, strung with bamboo sticks, blanched in secret soup, then dipped in sesame paste, chili oil and other seasonings. It has a crisp and tender taste, spicy and flavorful, and is one of the most popular foods at night markets.
Runan Vermicelli Chicken Soup
A classic soup in Runan, made with three-yellow chicken cut into pieces, cooked with vermicelli and green vegetables. The soup is delicious, the chicken is tender, and the vermicelli is smooth. It is the first choice for locals for breakfast and warming up in winter, with the saying "A bowl of vermicelli chicken soup warms the whole body".
Horseshoe Sanzi (Fried Dough Twist)
A characteristic fried food in Runan, named for its shape like a horseshoe. Made with flour, sesame, salt, etc., fried until golden and crispy. It can be eaten directly or soaked in mutton soup, and is a traditional food for local festivals and receiving guests.
- Spring (March-April): Rapeseed flowers bloom in Liangzhu Hometown, echoing the love theme
- Autumn (October-November): Migratory birds arrive at Suya Lake initially, with pleasant climate for bird watching
- Lunar March 3rd: Large-scale Buddhist activities are held at Nanhai Zen Temple
- Runan Chicken Meat Balls
- Boiled Beef Tripe
- Runan Vermicelli Chicken Soup
- Horseshoe Sanzi (Fried Dough Twist)
- Spiced Dog Meat (Note: Consumption must comply with relevant regulations)
- Tickets: About ¥85
- Accommodation: ¥80-180 per night
- Catering: ¥40-70 per day
- Transportation: About ¥50
- Total: ¥350-700
- Do I need to make an appointment for Nanhai Zen Temple? → No appointment needed, tickets can be purchased on site
- Can I camp at Suya Lake? → Camping is allowed in designated areas, subject to prior reporting
- What is the specific time of Liangzhu Cultural Festival? → 16th day of the 8th lunar month every year (the legendary day of Liangzhu's butterfly transformation)
- Which restaurant has the most authentic Runan Vermicelli Chicken Soup? → "Laoma's Vermicelli Chicken Restaurant" in the county town (30-year-old established store)