Xiping County Tourism

Xiping County, Zhumadian, Henan - the birthplace of Chinese Leizu culture and an important Warring States iron smelting center, integrating the cultural heritage of Leizu's hometown, the natural beauty of Tangxiyuan, and the historical significance of iron smelting sites. A 2-day, 1-night in-depth tour to unlock cultural codes and natural beauty, experiencing the thousand-year charm of southern Henan.

5000+
Years of Leizu Culture History
2
National Cultural Heritage Protection Units
7+
Core Attractions
8+
Specialty Foods
Xiping County Tangxiyuan Scenery
Tangxiyuan Scenic Area - Hidden Landscape of the Central Plains
A natural scenic area centered around Tangxi sword culture, featuring interwoven canyons and streams, combining historical relics with ecological landscapes, known as the "Cradle of Central Plains Sword Culture"

Xiping County Two-Day One-Night Cultural and Landscape Tour

Explore Leizu's heritage to trace cultural origins, visit ancient pagodas and temples to feel a millennium of history, wander Tangxiyuan valleys to appreciate sword culture, and view iron smelting sites to recall Warring States history

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Hometown of Leizu, Baoyan Temple Pagoda, Tangxiyuan, Warring States Iron Smelting Site, Xiping County Town
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, history researchers, families with children, nature explorers
Budget Per Person
¥350-¥700
01
Cultural Tracing
Hometown of Leizu Scenic Area · Baoyan Temple Pagoda · Xiping Museum
Highlights

Morning: Explore the Hometown of Leizu, trace the origins of Chinese sericulture culture. Afternoon: Visit Baoyan Temple Pagoda to appreciate Song Dynasty architectural charm. Evening: Visit Xiping Museum to systematically understand the local historical context.

Attractions
Hometown of Leizu Scenic Area
Birthplace of the national intangible cultural heritage "Leizu Ceremony." The scenic area includes Leizu Temple, Silkworm God Hall, Leizu Cultural Square, etc., showcasing Leizu's historical achievements in teaching people silkworm raising and silk reeling.
Baoyan Temple Pagoda
A seven-story pavilion-style brick pagoda originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty, a national cultural heritage protection unit. The hexagonal pagoda body features exquisite structure with Song Dynasty relief patterns, serving as an important physical artifact for studying Song Dynasty architecture.
Xiping Museum
Collection of over 3,000 cultural relics, featuring Warring States iron smelting artifacts and Han Dynasty pottery. Systematically displays Xiping's historical changes from the Neolithic period to Ming-Qing dynasties. The "Tangxi Sword" replica is the museum's treasure.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Xiping International Hotel
  • Convenience hotels in county center
  • Homestays around Hometown of Leizu
Food Recommendations
  • Xiping Savory Tofu Pudding
  • Gangzi Steamed Bun
  • Fermented Rice Noodles
  • Oil Spiral Bun
Travel Tips
  • Timed guided tours at Hometown of Leizu (10:00/14:00)
  • Area around Baoyan Temple Pagoda features old town streets, good for experiencing local atmosphere
  • Museum requires advance reservation via official WeChat account
02
Mountain Water Exploration
Tangxiyuan Scenic Area · Warring States Iron Smelting Site · People's Park
Highlights

Morning: Enjoy Tangxiyuan, explore the ancient sword-making site among canyons and streams. Afternoon: Visit the Warring States Iron Smelting Site to learn about ancient metallurgical technology. Evening: Experience local life atmosphere at People's Park.

Attractions
Tangxiyuan Scenic Area
Natural scenic area centered around the culture of "China's First Sword" - Tangxi Sword, featuring Tangxi Lake, Jade Maiden Pond, Sword Pool, etc. Canyons have numerous waterfalls, and ancient sword-making furnace sites remain.
Warring States Iron Smelting Site
National key cultural heritage protection unit, an important iron smelting base from Warring States to Han Dynasty. Large quantities of smelting furnaces, iron blocks, casting molds, etc. discovered at the site, witnessing Xiping's historical status as the "Hometown of Iron Smelting."
Xiping People's Park
Comprehensive park in the county town, featuring lakes, green spaces, fitness areas, etc. A popular place for local leisure and entertainment. The "Iron Smelting Culture Sculpture Garden" vividly recreates ancient iron smelting scenes.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Take tourist bus from county town to Tangxiyuan (daily 8:00/13:00 departures)
  • Iron Smelting Site 30 km from Tangxiyuan; recommended to drive or hire car
  • People's Park located in county center, accessible by walking or taxi
Ticket Information
  • Hometown of Leizu Scenic Area: 40 yuan
  • Baoyan Temple Pagoda: 15 yuan
  • Tangxiyuan Scenic Area: 50 yuan
  • Warring States Iron Smelting Site: 20 yuan
  • Xiping Museum: Free
Travel Tips
  • Tangxiyuan canyon hiking requires anti-slip shoes; bring sunscreen in summer
  • Recommended to hire a guide at Iron Smelting Site (50 yuan/tour) for deeper historical understanding
  • "Old Street Snack Street" in county town operates in the evening, good for sampling local specialties

Must-Try Foods in Xiping County

Xiping Savory Tofu Pudding

Signature Xiping breakfast, made from soybean milk curdled with gypsum, served with over ten seasonings including sesame paste, chili oil, leek flower paste, pickled vegetables. Savory and rich flavor, smooth and tender texture, the preferred breakfast choice for locals.

Gangzi Steamed Bun

Traditional Xiping bread, made with special wooden pole to press and repeatedly knead the dough. Buns are firm and chewy with rich wheat aroma, can be eaten directly or paired with dishes, an essential food for local festivals.

Fermented Rice Noodles

Classic southern Henan snack, made with Xiping's local mung bean fermented rice soup boiled with noodles, served with celery, sesame leaves, peanuts, etc. Sour and fragrant, appetizing and refreshing, with unique local flavor.

Oil Spiral Bun

Common Xiping street snack, dough repeatedly rolled and oiled then baked, crispy crust with soft interior, distinct layers, can be sweet or savory, fragrant when eaten hot.

Xiping County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-April): "Leizu Culture Festival" held at Hometown of Leizu, can participate in ceremonial activities
  • Autumn (October-November): Pleasant weather, suitable for Tangxiyuan hiking
  • Winter (December-February): Can experience Xiping traditional New Year customs, taste festival foods
Must-Try Foods
  • Xiping Savory Tofu Pudding
  • Gangzi Steamed Bun
  • Fermented Rice Noodles
  • Oil Spiral Bun
  • Braised Pig Head Meat
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About 125 yuan
  • Accommodation: 80-180 yuan/night
  • Dining: 40-70 yuan/day
  • Transportation: About 50 yuan
  • Total: 350-700 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • When is Leizu Culture Festival? → March 6th of the lunar calendar (Leizu's birthday) each year
  • Can pets be brought to Tangxiyuan? → Pets are prohibited in the scenic area
  • Which shop has the most authentic Xiping Savory Tofu Pudding? → "Old Ma's Tofu Pudding" in county town (century-old shop)
  • Are attractions far apart? → About 40 km from county town to farthest attraction; driving recommended

Explore All Districts and Counties of Zhumadian City