Zhengyang County Travel

Zhengyang County, Zhumadian City, Henan Province - known as the "Peanut Capital of China" and "Hometown of Jiangguo", integrates the cultural relics of Jiangguo civilization from Shang and Zhou dynasties, the pastoral scenery of ten thousand mu of peanuts, and the ecological landscape of Huaihe Wetland. The 2-day & 1-night in-depth tour unlocks the code of ancient Jiangguo and farming culture, and appreciates the unique charm of the southern Henan plain.

3000+
Years of Jiangguo Cultural History
1
National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit
6+
Core Scenic Spots
7+
Special Foods
Jiangguo Ancient City Ruins in Zhengyang County
Jiangguo Ancient City Ruins - Important Capital of Fang State in Shang and Zhou Dynasties
A national key cultural relic protection unit, it is the remains of the capital of Jiangguo during the Shang and Zhou dynasties. The existing residual sections of city walls and rammed earth relics, with a large number of bronze ritual vessels and pottery unearthed, witness the historical status of the "Hometown of Jiang Clan".

2-Day & 1-Night Jiangguo Farming Tour in Zhengyang County

Explore Jiangguo Ancient City Ruins to find relics of Shang and Zhou dynasties, visit Peanut Town to taste farming customs, admire Huaihe Wetland to view ecological beauty, and visit Yuan Family Courtyard to feel the charm of ancient residences

Trip Duration
2 Days & 1 Night
Main Destinations
Jiangguo Ancient City Ruins, Peanut Town, Huaihe Wetland, Yuan Family Courtyard, Zhengyang County Town
Suitable For
History Enthusiasts, Family with Kids, Farming Experience Seekers, Ecological Sightseers
Per Capita Budget
¥260-¥580
01
Tracing Jiangguo Origins
Jiangguo Ancient City Ruins · Zhengyang County Museum · Yuan Family Courtyard
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Jiangguo Ancient City Ruins in the morning to touch the relics of the capital of Fang State in Shang and Zhou dynasties; visit the county museum in the afternoon to systematically understand the historical context of Jiangguo; visit Yuan Family Courtyard in the evening to experience the charm of Qing Dynasty residential architecture.

Attractions Arrangement
Jiangguo Ancient City Ruins
A national key cultural relic protection unit, founded in the Shang and Zhou dynasties, it was the capital of the ancient Jiangguo. Jiangguo was an important Fang State from the Western Zhou to the Spring and Autumn Period. The existing residual city walls are 3-5 meters high, with a circumference of about 3.5 kilometers. A large number of bronze ritual vessels such as "Jiang Shu Zuo Bao Ding" have been unearthed, making it the birthplace of the Jiang clan.
Zhengyang County Museum
The museum has a collection of more than 1,200 cultural relics, featuring Shang and Zhou bronze wares, Han Dynasty pottery, and folk cultural relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties. It focuses on displaying Jiangguo history, peanut culture and local folk customs. Among them, the "Shang Dynasty Bronze Jue" and the "Replica of Jiangguo Bronze Chime Bells" are the treasure of the museum.
Yuan Family Courtyard
A complex of residential buildings from the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty, consisting of 6 courtyards with brick and wood structure, blue bricks and gray tiles, and exquisite carvings. It combines the heaviness of northern architecture with the delicacy of southern gardens, and is a representative of well-preserved ancient dwellings in southern Henan.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Zhengyang Junyue Hotel
  • Express Hotel in the County Center
  • Peanut Town Homestay
Food Recommendations
  • Dougou Handmade Noodles
  • Zhengyang Braised Peanuts
  • Steamed Vegetables
  • Peanut Cake
Travel Tips
  • Professional explanation can be booked for Jiangguo Ancient City Ruins (¥50/time)
  • The museum holds "Jiangguo Stories" children's experience activities on weekends
  • Yuan Family Courtyard is 20 kilometers away from the county seat, self-driving is recommended
02
Farming & Ecology
Peanut Town · Huaihe Wetland Park · Zhengyang Botanical Garden
Itinerary Highlights

Wander around Peanut Town in the morning to experience the fun of peanut planting and processing; stroll through Huaihe Wetland Park in the afternoon to enjoy wetland ecology and migratory bird habitats; visit Zhengyang Botanical Garden in the evening to experience the beauty of urban gardens.

Attractions Arrangement
Peanut Town
A farming cultural tourism complex themed on the "Peanut Capital of China", with a ten-thousand-mu peanut planting sightseeing area, Peanut Science and Technology Museum, intangible cultural heritage workshops, etc. Visitors can participate in peanut picking, peanut oil pressing, peanut food making and other experience activities. The "Peanut Culture Festival" is held every year.
Huaihe Wetland Park
An ecological wetland park built relying on the tributaries of the Huaihe River, covering a total area of 18,000 mu, with landscapes such as reed marshes, shoals and swamps. It is inhabited by more than 50 species of water birds such as egrets and cranes, making it an ideal place for bird watching, photography and ecological research.
Zhengyang Botanical Garden
A comprehensive botanical garden in the county seat, planted with local native tree species and rare plants, with a flower garden, a hundred fruit garden, a science popularization corridor, etc. It is an important place for citizens' leisure and plant science popularization. The "Peanut Culture Sculpture Garden" in the park shows the development history of Zhengyang's peanut industry.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Rural buses from the county seat to Peanut Town (depart at 7:30/13:00 every day)
  • Huaihe Wetland Park is 35 kilometers away from the county seat, self-driving or chartered car is recommended
  • Botanical Garden is located in the urban area, accessible on foot or by bike
Ticket Information
  • Jiangguo Ancient City Ruins: ¥20
  • Yuan Family Courtyard: ¥15
  • Peanut Town: ¥25 (experience projects charged separately)
  • Huaihe Wetland Park: Free
  • Zhengyang County Museum: Free
Travel Tips
  • The best time to visit Peanut Town is the peanut harvest season (September-October)
  • Binoculars are recommended for bird watching in Huaihe Wetland, spring is the migratory bird migration period
  • Authentic handmade noodles can be purchased in Dougou Town, which is a special souvenir of Zhengyang

Must-Try Foods in Zhengyang County

Dougou Handmade Noodles

A landmark specialty of Zhengyang, produced in Dougou Town, originated in the Ming Dynasty. Made from high-quality wheat flour through 28 manual processes, it is as thin as hair, white and flexible, not mushy after long cooking, and easy to digest. It was a tribute in the Ming and Qing dynasties, known as the "treasure among noodles".

Zhengyang Braised Peanuts

Made from Zhengyang's specialty "pearl bean peanuts", soaked in salt water and then braised with star anise, cinnamon and other spices. It has a soft and glutinous taste, salty and flavorful, and is eaten with shells. It is the first choice for cold dishes at local banquets and leisure snacks, known as the "first flavor of the Peanut Capital".

Zhengyang Steamed Vegetables

A traditional folk food in Zhengyang, made of wild vegetables in spring (shepherd's purse, purslane, etc.) or vegetables (celery, radish, etc.), mixed with flour and steamed, then dipped in mashed garlic and sesame oil. It retains the original flavor of the ingredients, is light and refreshing, and is a typical healthy diet in southern Henan.

Peanut Cake

A special dessert of Zhengyang, made from local peanut kernels and white sugar through rolling, sugar boiling, pressing and other processes. It has a golden color, crispy taste, rich peanut aroma, sweet but not greasy, and is an excellent choice for festival gifts and daily snacks.

Travel Tips for Zhengyang County
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (March-April): Migratory birds migrate in Huaihe Wetland, abundant ingredients for steamed vegetables
  • Autumn (September-October): Harvest season in Peanut Town, can participate in picking activities
  • Ninth day of the ninth lunar month: "Jiangguo Culture Festival" is held, with sacrifices and folk performances
Must-Try Foods
  • Dougou Handmade Noodles
  • Zhengyang Braised Peanuts
  • Zhengyang Steamed Vegetables
  • Peanut Cake
  • Zhengyang Black Pork
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About ¥60
  • Accommodation: ¥60-130/night
  • Catering: ¥25-50/day
  • Transportation: About ¥40
  • Total: ¥260-580
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the specific time of Peanut Culture Festival? → Every year on September 28th (Peanut Harvest Day)
  • How long is the shelf life of Dougou handmade noodles? → 6 months in vacuum packaging
  • Are there Jiang clan root-seeking activities in Jiangguo Ancient City? → "Jiang Clan Ancestor Worship Ceremony" is held every Qingming Festival
  • Can I camp in Huaihe Wetland Park? → Camping is allowed in designated areas, application in advance is required

Explore Tourism in Each District and County of Zhumadian City