Pingdingshan

Pingdingshan is an underrated gem of a city, with breathtaking natural landscapes, deep cultural and historical heritage, and a hidden food scene in Henan! Here is a 2-3 day itinerary that is relaxed yet fulfilling.

Recommended Itinerary

• Day 1: Urban Culture and Leisure
  • Morning: Head to the Pingdingshan Museum to learn about Chu-Han culture and ceramic art. The collection is rich, and the exhibitions are immersive.
  • Afternoon: Visit Xiangshan Temple, an ancient temple with 1,800 years of history that enshrines the true-body relics of Guanyin. Admission is only 5 yuan, making it very worth a visit.
  • Evening: Climb to Pingdingshan Mountain Top Park for a panoramic view of the city. Both sunrise and the night view are spectacular; afterward, take a walk in Baigui Lake Wetland Park and enjoy the relaxed feeling of an “inland little seaside.”
• Day 2: Natural Scenery and Buddhist Spirit
  • Morning: Go to Yaoshan Scenic Area, where you will find striking peaks, clouds, mist, and waterfalls. It is recommended to take the cable car up to Yuhuang Peak; it requires considerable physical effort, but the scenery is superb.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Zhongyuan Giant Buddha and experience the awe of the world’s tallest Buddhist statue, standing 208 meters high.
  • Evening: Return to the city to try authentic noodles and specialty stir-fried dishes.

Must-Visit Attractions

In addition to the core attractions in the itinerary, there are many places around Pingdingshan worth exploring:

Local Food Guide

Pingdingshan is a paradise for carb lovers, and its noodles and specialty stews are not to be missed:

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: Attractions in the city are relatively concentrated, so taxis or buses are enough. If you plan to visit surrounding counties and districts such as Yaoshan or Lushan, self-driving is recommended, or you can take a shuttle bus from Pingdingshan Trade Square Bus Station.
• Accommodation: Staying near Wanda Plaza is recommended. It is convenient for food and drinks, not far from Trade Square Bus Station, and easy for getting around.

Pitfalls and Things to Note

• Zhongyuan Giant Buddha: There are a lot of steps, so comfortable athletic shoes are recommended. Maintenance in the scenic area is average, so keep expectations modest and focus mainly on the impact of seeing the Giant Buddha.
• Yaoshan Rafting: It gets very crowded on weekends, with long queues, so weekdays are recommended. Be sure to buy tickets online one day in advance, and bring your own water scoop, waterproof bag, and other water-play gear.
• Baigui Lake: Go on a bright sunny day; with blue skies and white clouds, every casual shot looks great. It is best to go before 10 a.m. or after 4:30 p.m. to avoid strong sun.