Nanyang

Nanyang is an ancient city filled with Three Kingdoms stories and the refined spirit of Han culture. The food is tasty and affordable, the pace of life is relaxed, and it is perfect for slow wandering. Here is a 2-3 day travel guide for you to follow directly!

Itinerary

• Day 1 (Urban Culture): In the morning, head to Wuhou Temple on Wolonggang to experience Three Kingdoms culture. In the afternoon, visit the Nanyang Han Painting Gallery to admire Han dynasty stone carvings. Around dusk, explore Nanyang Government Office, then eat your way through the night market on Government Office Snack Street.
• Day 2 (Urban History and Leisure): In the morning, visit Nanyang Museum and take in the long history of the Southern Capital. In the afternoon, go to the Memorial Temple of the Medical Sage to experience traditional Chinese medicine culture. At dusk, stroll through Baihe Wetland Park and watch the sunset.
• Day 3 (In-Depth Trip Around Nanyang): Drive or hire a car to Xixia County. Visit Laojieling for cool mountain air and fresh oxygen, then in the afternoon go to Xixia Dinosaur Relics Park to touch dinosaur eggs; alternatively, head to Neixiang County Government Office to see ancient official architecture.

Must-Visit Attractions

Nanyang’s attractions are divided into two main areas: the city center and the surrounding counties. It is best to explore by area to avoid unnecessary backtracking.

Nearby destinations also include Laojieling (cool summer retreat and fresh air), Neixiang County Government Office (often described as “the Forbidden City in the north and the county office in the south”), and Shedian Ancient Town (a Ming-Qing commercial ancient town), all suitable for an in-depth self-driving trip.

Must-Try Local Food

Nanyang food comes in generous, filling portions. You can eat until full for just a few dozen yuan per person, and many long-running restaurants are in the old city.

For night markets, try Government Office Snack Street or Zhongjing Market, where you will find everything from grilled cold noodles and milk tofu pancakes to giant fried squid.

Where to Stay

• Old City (Zhongjing Road / Renmin Road): Close to Nanyang Government Office and People’s Park, with many shopping malls and snack streets nearby and well-developed daily amenities. Best for travelers who want to visit cultural and historic sites and value convenience.
• Wolong District (near Wolonggang): Rich in Three Kingdoms atmosphere, with many universities nearby and plenty of affordable dining options. Baihe Wetland Park is within walking distance, making it suitable for slower-paced trips.
• High-Tech Zone (near Nanyang East Railway Station): Close to the high-speed railway station, with many newer hotels that offer good value and a modern environment. Best for travelers catching a train or those who prefer modern facilities.

Practical Tips

• Closure Days: Nanyang Museum and the Han Painting Gallery are usually closed on Mondays. In summer, the Han Painting Gallery may sometimes extend its opening hours until 7 p.m., so be sure to confirm before setting out.
• Getting Around: The city center is not large. Buses cost 1 yuan, and most taxi rides take only around ten minutes. If you are not driving, shared bikes are also very convenient. For surrounding counties, driving yourself or hiring a car is recommended.
• Opening Hours: Many long-running local restaurants take an afternoon break, so plan your sightseeing and meal times carefully to avoid arriving when they are closed.
• Sun and Mosquito Protection: Outdoor areas such as Baihe Wetland Park have quite a few mosquitoes, so bring repellent. On sunny days, the midday light can be harsh; going in the evening is better for photos.