Xinyang

Xinyang is an underrated small gem of a city, with the lake-and-mountain scenery of “Jiangnan in the North” as well as the rich, everyday food culture of southern Henan. Here is a classic 2-day, 1-night travel guide with a comfortable pace and no rushing around!

Must-Visit Attractions

Xinyang’s attractions are fairly spread out, so it’s best to choose based on your interests rather than trying to see too much.

• ​​Jigong Mountain​​: One of China’s four major summer resorts, it is 5-10°C cooler than the city in summer. The key photo stops are Baoxiaofeng Peak and the International Buildings Complex. Walking along the forest trails is very cool and comfortable, making it ideal for travelers who love natural scenery and summer retreats.
• ​​Wenxin Tea Village​​: A landscape of vast tea plantations, perfect for photos. A light-colored long dress is recommended, as it looks especially beautiful against the tea mountain backdrop. You can also enjoy tea tasting and try Maojian tea ice cream.
• ​​Bolden Forest Park​​: A forest hideaway that feels like something out of a fairy tale, with towering dawn redwoods and bamboo groves. You can hike and enjoy the fresh air, then take the retro forest mini train downhill. It’s great for a relaxing weekend escape.
• ​​Nanwan Lake​​: Known as the “Thousand-Island Lake of the Central Plains,” it requires a boat ride to tour the lake. However, it can be quite sunny on the water in summer, so it’s best to go when the weather is clear but not too hot. Be sure to try the Nanwan fish head soup.

Must-Try Local Foods

Xinyang cuisine tends to be salty, fragrant, and spicy, with flavors close to those of Hubei, making it perfect with rice.

For night markets, head to ​​Xinshenhe Road Night Market​​ or ​​Shihe Night Market​​. Stalls usually start setting up around 5 p.m., with a wide variety of snacks at affordable prices.

Classic 2-Day Itinerary

• ​​Day 1​​: In the morning, go to Wenxin Tea Village to see the tea plantations and take photos, then have farmhouse dishes nearby for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Jianshan Coffee for a relaxing afternoon tea. In the evening, stroll through Xinshenhe Road Night Market for snacks, then walk along the Shihe River after dinner.
• ​​Day 2​​: Get up early and head to Jigong Mountain for a cool summer hike, then visit the International Buildings Complex. In the afternoon, descend the mountain and go to Bolden Forest Park to ride the mini train. Return to the city in the evening for an authentic meal of Gushi goose chunks to end the trip.

If you have 3 days and 2 nights, you can go to Xinxian County on the second evening and check in at Dingliwan or Xihe Ancient Village to experience Hui-style architecture and slow village life.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• ​​Transportation​​: The attractions are quite spread out, so self-driving is most recommended. If you arrive by high-speed rail at Xinyang East Station, it is easy to take taxis or ride shared electric scooters in the city, but for surrounding scenic areas, carpooling or taking a tourist bus is recommended.
• ​​Accommodation​​: Shihe District, the city center, is the top choice and the most convenient for food and lodging. If you want to experience mountain accommodation, you can stay in a guesthouse on Jigong Mountain or by Nanwan Lake, though the conditions are not as good as in the city.
• ​​Pitfalls to Avoid​​: Try not to visit Nanwan Lake in summer, as it is too sunny and the experience is average. Don’t buy Xinyang Maojian tea from roadside shops; brand specialty stores are recommended. The temperature difference in the mountains at Jigong Mountain is large, so even in summer, it’s best to bring a light jacket.