Xincai County Travel

Xincai County, Zhumadian, Henan Province — the former capital of the ancient Lü State and Cai State, known as the "Millennium-Old Lü". It integrates the Spring and Autumn Ancient City ruins, Ming and Qing Confucian Temple architecture, and North Lake Wetland ecology. A 2-day 1-night in-depth tour unlocks the pre-Qin historical codes and natural beauty, and appreciates the ancient charm of southeastern Henan.

2700+
Years of Ancient Lü History
2
National-Level Cultural Relic Protection Units
7+
Core Scenic Spots
8+
Specialty Foods
Spring and Autumn Ancient City Ruins in Xincai County
Spring and Autumn Ancient City Ruins in Xincai - Important Pre-Qin Capital Relics
A key national cultural relic protection unit, with existing remaining city wall sections and moat relics. It is the site of the capital of the Lü State during the Spring and Autumn Period. A large number of bronze ritual vessels and pottery have been unearthed, witnessing the rise and fall of the "Ancient Lü Culture".

2-Day 1-Night Ancient Lü Culture Tour in Xincai County

Explore the Spring and Autumn Ancient City to find relics of ancient Lü, visit the Ming and Qing Confucian Temple to understand Confucian cultural context, tour North Lake Wetland to admire ecological scenery, and remember the martyrs of the 1911 Revolution to inherit patriotic spirit

Itinerary Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Spring and Autumn Ancient City, Xincai Confucian Temple, North Lake Park, 1911 Revolution Memorial Shrine, Xincai County Town
Suitable for
History enthusiasts, cultural researchers, family travelers, ecological sightseers
Per Capita Budget
¥280-¥600
01
Tracing the Roots of Ancient Lü
Spring and Autumn Ancient City Ruins · Xincai Confucian Temple · Xincai County Museum
Itinerary Highlights

Explore the Spring and Autumn Ancient City Ruins in the morning to touch the relics of the pre-Qin capital; pay homage to the Xincai Confucian Temple in the afternoon to experience the inheritance of Confucian culture; visit the county museum in the evening to systematically sort out the historical context of ancient Lü.

Attraction Arrangement
Spring and Autumn Ancient City Ruins
A key national cultural relic protection unit, first built in the Western Zhou Dynasty as the capital of the ancient Lü State, and later the relocation place of the Cai State. The existing city wall is 3-7 meters high in residual height, with a circumference of about 5.6 kilometers. Remains of the palace area and handicraft workshop area have been found in the city, and precious cultural relics such as the "Duke Lü Bronze Tripod" have been unearthed.
Xincai Confucian Temple
First built in the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt many times in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it retains buildings such as the Dacheng Hall, Lingxing Gate, and Pan Pool. It is one of the most well-preserved Confucian temples in southeastern Henan. The hall enshrines the memorial tablets of Confucius and his disciples, and hangs plaques such as "Teacher of All Ages", which is an important physical object for studying the spread of Confucian culture.
Xincai County Museum
It has a collection of more than 1,800 cultural relics, featuring Spring and Autumn bronze wares, Han Dynasty pottery, and Ming and Qing calligraphy and paintings. It systematically displays the historical changes of Xincai from the pre-Qin period to modern times, among which the "Spring and Autumn Bronze Sword" and "Han Dynasty Painted Pottery Building" are the treasures of the museum.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Xincai Huaxing International Hotel
  • Express Hotels in the County Center
  • Homestays around North Lake Park
Food Recommendations
  • Xincai Tacai Mo
  • Salty Tofu Pudding
  • Fen Ji (Noodle Chicken Soup)
  • Crispy Scallion Pancake
Travel Tips
  • Audio guide rental is available at the Spring and Autumn Ancient City Ruins (¥15 per unit)
  • "Sinology Lecture" is held every Saturday morning at the Confucian Temple
  • Advance reservation on the official WeChat account is required for the museum
02
Ecology & Humanities
North Lake Park · 1911 Revolution Memorial Shrine · Moon Bay Park
Itinerary Highlights

Roam North Lake Park in the morning to enjoy wetland ecology and lake scenery; visit the 1911 Revolution Memorial Shrine in the afternoon to cherish the memory of revolutionary martyrs; stroll in Moon Bay Park in the evening to experience modern urban style.

Attraction Arrangement
North Lake Park
A landmark ecological park in Xincai County, built based on the ancient Lü Lake wetland, with a water area of 1.2 square kilometers. It has facilities such as a bird watching platform, waterfront platform, and lake-circling trail. Dozens of water birds such as egrets and wild ducks inhabit here, making it a good place for ecological sightseeing and leisure fitness.
1911 Revolution Memorial Shrine
Built to commemorate Yan Zigu and other martyrs of the 1911 Revolution from Xincai. The shrine houses martyr statues, life story exhibitions, historical documents, etc., showing the contributions of Xincai people in the 1911 Revolution, and is a patriotic education base.
Moon Bay Park
Located in the southern part of Xincai County Town, named after the crescent-shaped river course. It integrates modern landscape and waterfront scenery, with music fountains, fitness squares, children's playgrounds, etc. It is an important place for citizens' leisure and entertainment, with bright lights and charming scenery at night.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Scenic spots in the county can be reached directly by bus No.2/5
  • North Lake Park is 3 kilometers away from the urban area, about ¥10 by taxi
  • Moon Bay Park is 4 kilometers away from the 1911 Revolution Memorial Shrine, self-driving is recommended
Ticket Information
  • Spring and Autumn Ancient City Ruins: ¥25
  • Xincai Confucian Temple: ¥20
  • North Lake Park: Free
  • 1911 Revolution Memorial Shrine: Free
  • Xincai County Museum: Free
Travel Tips
  • The best time for bird watching in North Lake Park is 6:30-8:00 in the morning
  • Group explanation can be reserved for the 1911 Revolution Memorial Shrine (1 day in advance required)
  • "Laocheng Street Night Market" in the county opens in the evening, where you can taste special snacks centrally

Must-Try Foods in Xincai County

Xincai Tacai Mo

A signature delicacy of Xincai, made with flour as the wrapper, filled with chives, eggs, vermicelli and other fillings, and pan-fried on an iron griddle. The outer skin is crispy, and the inner filling is tender. It is named because the vegetable filling needs to be repeatedly pressed to be fully cooked, and it is a popular choice for breakfast and night market in the local area.

Xincai Salty Tofu Pudding

A traditional breakfast in Xincai, made by curdling soybean milk into tofu pudding, served with sesame paste, Chinese toon sprouts, preserved mustard, chili oil and other seasonings. It is rich in salty flavor and smooth in taste. Eaten with Tacai Mo, it is an authentic Xincai flavor.

Xincai Fen Ji (Noodle Chicken Soup)

A classic soup dish in southeastern Henan. Local three-yellow chicken is cut into pieces and cooked with sweet potato vermicelli and green vegetables. The soup base is slowly simmered with chicken bones and spices, with a rich fresh flavor, tender chicken, and chewy vermicelli. Eating it in winter warms the body and dispels cold, and there is a saying that "a bowl of Fen Ji warms three winters".

Crispy Scallion Pancake

A characteristic street snack in Xincai. The dough is rolled multiple times, brushed with oil and then baked, with distinct layers, crispy outer skin and soft inner core. It can be sweet or salty, dotted with sesame seeds, and has a fragrant smell. It is a favorite snack and staple food of local people.

Xincai County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-April): Willows germinate and water birds gather in North Lake Park, suitable for spring outing and bird watching
  • Autumn (September-October): The weather is cool, suitable for visiting the ancient city ruins and Confucian temple
  • Lantern Festival (15th day of the first lunar month): The county holds a Lantern Festival, and Moon Bay Park is the most lively
Must-Try Foods
  • Xincai Tacai Mo
  • Salty Tofu Pudding
  • Fen Ji (Noodle Chicken Soup)
  • Crispy Scallion Pancake
  • Braised Dog Meat (Note: Consumption must comply with relevant regulations)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥45
  • Accommodation: ¥60-140 per night
  • Catering: ¥25-50 per day
  • Transportation: About ¥30
  • Total: ¥280-600
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long does it take to visit the Spring and Autumn Ancient City Ruins? → 2-3 hours recommended
  • Which one is the most authentic Xincai Tacai Mo? → "Li's Tacai Mo" on Laocheng Street (20-year-old shop)
  • Can I row a boat in North Lake Park? → Boat rental service available (¥30 per hour)
  • Are there sacrificial activities in the Confucian Temple? → Confucius Memorial Ceremony is held every year on Confucius' birthday (September 28th)

Explore Travel in Each District and County of Zhumadian City