2026 Baofeng Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Don’t miss the hidden gem of central Henan, Pingdingshan! Here you’ll find the fairyland-like Yao Mountain Sea of Clouds, the serene time at a thousand-year-old ancient temple, and the healing lake and mountain scenery. Whether you’re on a deep tour or a one-day budget trip, you’ll have an amazing time. Save this nanny-level guide now～😆 🌄 Pingdingshan’s 9 Must-Visit Attractions Checklist (Collector’s Edition) 1. Yao Mountain Scenic Area (Ticket 65 RMB, 08:00-16:00) The peaks are steep and shrouded in mist. For an easy route: ticket + round-trip shuttle bus in the scenic area + cable car → walk 1500 meters to the Jade Emperor Peak → take the slide down the mountain (30 RMB for 2000 meters, excellent value)! The Qinglongbei section is the highlight, with thrilling cliff ladders perfect for photos. In summer, there’s the exciting Yao Mountain rafting; on rainy days, the mist creates a fairyland atmosphere, and on sunny days, the view is wide and you can see the endless mountain ranges. 2. Baigui Lake National Wetland Park (Free, open all day) The lake shimmers and the water plants flourish, making it an ecological paradise for migratory birds. In autumn, stroll along the reed boardwalk where the reed flowers look like snow, creating a full atmosphere; the waterside platform offers a view blending water and sky, and the popular lake-view swing is perfect for artsy photos. Walking along the lake and feeling the breeze is very healing. 3. Jiufeng Mountain Scenic Area (Ticket about 50 RMB, 08:00-17:30) Nine main peaks with different shapes, nestled among lush green mountains with strange rocks. Climb to the top to overlook the magnificent mountain ranges; every photo is a masterpiece. 4. Xiangshan Temple Scenic Area (Ticket about 20 RMB, 07:30-17:30) A sacred place where the Han Chinese Guanyin attained enlightenment, this thousand-year-old ancient temple is bustling with incense. The Northern Song Dynasty Great Compassion Guanyin Pagoda is simple and solemn. Morning light filters through ancient trees onto red walls and black tiles, perfect for photos; from the high point, you can also overlook the cityscape, full of Zen charm. 5. Yexian County Government Office (Ticket about 40 RMB, 08:00-18:00) The only existing Ming Dynasty county government ancient building complex in China, with a rigorous five-courtyard layout, known as the “Ancient Official Museum.” A tour here helps you understand ancient officialdom culture. 6. Fengxue Temple (Ticket about 30 RMB, 08:00-17:00) One of the four famous temples in Central China, built against the mountain, with ancient pagodas and many stone inscriptions. The temple is surrounded by towering ancient trees, and walking here feels like traveling through a thousand years. 7. Pingdingshan Summit Park (Free, open all day) The city’s highest point, perfect for watching the sunrise in the morning and city lights at night. Lazy visitors can take a taxi to the top, while those seeking a challenge can climb 666 steps; the summit trail winds around, suitable for leisure and fitness. A blood-and-tears reminder: bring mosquito repellent, as there are many mosquitoes on the mountain! 8. Erlang Mountain (Ticket about 60 RMB, 08:00-17:00) Steep terrain and lush forests, with ancient temples and waterfalls complementing each other. Legend says Erlang Shen once stopped here while carrying a mountain and chasing the sun. Surprises await throughout the hike. 9. Pingdingshan Museum (Free, 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays) The collection features Chu and Han culture and ceramic art. The museum’s treasure is the Western Zhou “Zuobo” gui vessel with incredible craftsmanship and a long inscription inside, a blessing for bronze enthusiasts; the Ying State jade is warm and exquisite, and the Ru kiln sky-blue glazed porcelain shows the Chinese aesthetic of “sky after rain.” The immersive exhibits tell the thousand-year history of Eagle City. 🚶‍♀️ Budget Traveler’s Delight! Pingdingshan 1-Day Highlights Route (Bus + Taxi Tour) Route: Xiangshan Temple → Pingdingshan Museum → Baigui Lake National Wetland Park → Summit Park - Accommodation suggestion: Choose hotels near the city government for proximity to attractions, or near Heping Road for food and shopping, both with great value. - Travel tips: Pingdingshan has no shared bikes, so rely on buses + walking + taxis. Driving yourself is more convenient. 🌟 Attraction Check-in Guide 1. Xiangshan Temple (Morning Light Edition) Arrive around 7 AM. The ancient temple in the morning light is quiet and solemn, with red walls and ancient trees casting shadows. Take panoramic photos of the Great Bodhisattva Pagoda and close-ups of the stele corridor for great texture. Dress modestly and speak softly to feel the Zen atmosphere. You can buy incense at the entrance for blessings. 2. Pingdingshan Museum (History Edition) Take a 15 RMB taxi directly there. Focus on the Western Zhou “Zuobo” gui, Ying State jade, and Ru kiln porcelain exhibits. Immerse yourself in Eagle City’s thousand-year history. Remember to bring your ID for entry. Closed on Mondays, so don’t go empty-handed. 3. Baigui Lake National Wetland Park (Healing Edition) In the afternoon, stroll along the lake, check in at the reed boardwalk and lake-view swing, feel the lake breeze and watch water birds play. Fatigue disappears instantly. 4. Summit Park (Sunset Edition) Climb to the top at dusk for a romantic sunset, watch the sun dye the horizon red, and after nightfall, enjoy the city’s myriad lights. The atmosphere is perfect. 💡 Extra Surprise If you have more time, be sure to visit Ruzhou for Ru porcelain, Jia County for the Confucian Temple, Yexian for the county government office, and Yao Mountain for the Great Buddha. The counties outside Pingdingshan city hide more niche treasure spots! Pingdingshan lacks the hustle and bustle of popular cities but offers mountain and water scenery and cultural heritage that rival other places. Whether climbing mountains to enjoy the view, praying at ancient temples, strolling by the lake, or exploring museums, you can find your own leisurely time. Hurry and set off～

Family and friends! Found a treasure! Pingdingshan is truly an underrated gem for family trips! Natural beauty + cultural heritage + divine food, three days and two nights with kids is not enough at all. Here’s a super practical guide, just copy it👇 Day 1️⃣ City Stroll + Ancient Temple Serenity 🌄【Morning】Arrive in Pingdingshan and head straight to the Mountain Top Park! The panoramic city view from the summit is stunning. Kids excitedly point at distant buildings, and the historical relics in the park are perfect for some educational moments. A win-win for fun and learning~ 🍜【Noon】Carb lovers rejoice! Near the park, rush to Jia County’s Heluo Noodles. The chewy noodles soaked in rich broth, paired with Lushan’s Lan Guo vegetable dish, a perfect meat and veggie combo that even the kids can finish a big bowl! 🛕【Afternoon】Take the kids to visit Xiangshan Temple. The ancient architecture is picture-perfect, and the incense smoke creates a peaceful atmosphere. Teach the kids to respect religious beliefs and be kind-hearted little ones~ 🌃【Evening】Try the vegetarian dishes near the temple! Light, refreshing, and healthy, with fresh ingredients that let you taste the original flavors. The kids’ first time eating vegetarian food and they actually said it was delicious—what a pleasant surprise! Day 2️⃣ Immersive Nature Experience 🌳【Morning】Head to Yaoshan Scenic Area! Majestic peaks, babbling streams, and a super soothing waterfall. Let the kids splash in the water, admire the mountains, breathe fresh air, and escape the city noise—so relaxing~ 🍲【Noon】The mountain delicacies in the scenic area are amazing! Fresh mushrooms, wild vegetables, and local farmhouse specialties with delicious flavors. The kids eat happily, recharging for more fun~ 🌼【Afternoon】Choose one! Either continue exploring Yaoshan in depth or visit Huamei Valley/Longtan Gorge. Beautiful scenery all along the way, every snapshot is a family photo masterpiece. Kids chasing butterflies, happiness maxed out! 🌙【Evening】Back to the city to show off the food! Sanlang noodles with firm beef, Xiao He’s beer duck so tasty you’ll lick the plate clean. All this for just a few dozen yuan per person, the whole family leaves super satisfied~ Day 3️⃣ Cultural Enrichment + Souvenir Shopping 🏛【Morning】Check out Pingdingshan Museum! Vivid artifacts and illustrated explanations let kids intuitively understand the city’s history. There’s also an interactive exhibition area where kids have a blast and learn a lot without realizing it~ 🍱【Noon】Find a local restaurant near the museum to try some specialty snacks. Light and not greasy, perfect for kids’ tastes. Eat well and get ready to go! 🛍【Afternoon】Time for souvenir shopping! Visit a shopping center or local market, pick some specialties and keepsakes, let the kids choose their favorite little items, and bring home wonderful memories of Pingdingshan~ 🌙【Evening】End the joyful trip! With plenty of photos and souvenirs, plus the kids’ laughter, head home and look forward to the next visit~ 📌 Family Trip Essential Tips ✅ Check the weather in advance and bring comfortable clothes and sneakers for the kids to move around easily~ ✅ Book hotels early during peak season, preferably close to scenic spots or with convenient city transport. Comfort for the kids is key! ✅ Scenic spots can be crowded, always hold the kids’ hands, follow rules, and avoid climbing dangerous areas~ ✅ Respect local customs, especially in temples. Guide kids to stay quiet~ ✅ Pay attention to food hygiene, choose fresh and light meals for the kids to avoid stomach issues~ ✅ Carry common children’s medicine, band-aids, and disinfectants for emergencies~ ✅ Teach kids to protect the environment, don’t litter, be little eco-guardians~ ✅ Don’t rush the itinerary, leave enough rest time to avoid tired and crying kids~ 🍜 Family-Friendly Snack Old Shops Recommendations 🌟 Lushan Old Brand Lamb Offal and Braised Meat: About 23 yuan per person. The braised lamb is tender and flavorful, perfect mixed with rice for kids. Located at No. 57-9 Kuangong Road, Hongying Street, Weidong District~ 🌟 Old Brand (Yang’s Heluo Noodle Shop): About 15 yuan per person. The Heluo noodles are chewy with rich broth, can make a non-spicy version for kids. Address: No. 158, Naodian Town, Pingjia Road, Baofeng County~ 🌟 Cheng’s Old Brand Tofu Dish: About 14 yuan per person. Soft tofu with rich ingredients, nutritionally balanced and suitable for kids. Located 50 meters west of the intersection of Wenhua Road and Jing Third Road, Jia County, south side~ Pingdingshan is really perfect for family trips! Few people, beautiful scenery, and affordable. Kids have fun, parents can relax. Hurry and plan your trip now~

Here is a customized 7-day in-depth travel guide for Pingdingshan, with a total budget controlled within 7,000 RMB, balancing cultural history, natural scenery, and local specialty experiences: --- 【Itinerary Overview】 Day 1: Arrive in Pingdingshan → Yaoshan Scenic Area (Overnight in scenic area) Day 2: In-depth Yaoshan tour → Central Plains Buddha (Overnight at Foquan Temple) Day 3: Sansu Garden → Xiangshan Temple → City night view (Overnight in city center) Day 4: Huamei Valley → Lushan Secret Cave Scenic Area (Overnight in Lushan) Day 5: Yexian County Yamen → Majie Book Fair Folk Garden (Overnight in Baofeng) Day 6: Ruzhou Fengxue Temple → Ru Porcelain Museum (Overnight in Ruzhou) Day 7: Baigui Lake Wetland → Return trip --- 【Detailed Daily Itinerary】 ✅ Day 1 • Morning: Arrive in Pingdingshan, head to Yaoshan Scenic Area (Entrance fee 65 RMB) • Afternoon: Take the cable car (120 RMB round trip) to visit Shiren Gorge, Jiugu Waterfall • Overnight: Yaoshan Banshan Homestay (280 RMB/night, including breakfast) • Dining: Mountain specialty hanging pot (60 RMB per person) ✅ Day 2 • Morning: Watch the sea of clouds at Yaoshan Yuhuangding, visit Qinglongbei Peak • Afternoon: Head to the world's tallest bronze standing Buddha – Central Plains Buddha (120 RMB) • Overnight: Foquan Temple Zen Inn (320 RMB/night) • Special experience: Participate in a meditation class at the temple in the evening (Free) ✅ Day 3 • Morning: Sansu Garden (40 RMB) to learn about the stories of Su Shi and his son in Pingdingshan • Afternoon: Millennium ancient temple Xiangshan Temple (30 RMB) to see the Song Dynasty pagoda forest • Evening: Taste Hu La Tang (spicy soup) and Huidian (stewed noodles) at Jianshe Road Pedestrian Street (35 RMB per person) • Overnight: Caesar Dynasty Hotel in the city center (260 RMB/night) ✅ Day 4 • Full day: Huamei Valley (60 RMB) ecological tourism + Lushan Secret Cave (45 RMB) to explore military relics • Transportation: Chartered car for one day (300 RMB/car) • Overnight: Lushan Hot Spring Resort (380 RMB including hot spring) ✅ Day 5 • Morning: Yexian County Yamen (35 RMB), the only existing Ming Dynasty county yamen in China • Afternoon: Baofeng Majie Book Fair Folk Garden (Free) to listen to Henan Zhuizi (a form of folk art) • Overnight: Baofeng Winery Cultural Hotel (300 RMB/night) • Experience: Brew Baofeng wine by hand (100 RMB/person) ✅ Day 6 • Morning: Fengxue Temple (Free) to see the Tang Dynasty Seven Ancestors Pagoda • Afternoon: Ru Porcelain Museum (Free) to experience pottery making (80 RMB) • Evening: Explore Ruzhou Old Alley to find intangible cultural heritage Ru porcelain tea sets • Overnight: Ruzhou Yunzen Hotel (320 RMB/night) ✅ Day 7 • Morning: Baigui Lake National Wetland Park (Free) cycling • Afternoon: Purchase souvenirs (Ru porcelain teacup 200 RMB + Yaoshan wild tea 150 RMB) • Dinner before return trip: Jiaxian Helao Noodles (25 RMB) --- 【Budget Details】 1️⃣ Total Entrance Fees: 65+120+120+40+30+60+45+35=515 RMB 2️⃣ Total Accommodation: 280+320+260+380+300+320=1860 RMB 3️⃣ Total Transportation: • Round-trip high-speed rail to/from Pingdingshan 400 RMB • Shared chartered car 150 RMB • Bus/taxi budget 350 RMB 4️⃣ Total Dining: 7 days × 120 RMB/day = 840 RMB 5️⃣ Experience Activities: Meditation + Wine brewing + Pottery = 180 RMB 6️⃣ Souvenirs: 350 RMB 💰 Total Expenditure: 515+1860+900+840+180+350=4645 RMB (Remaining 2355 RMB can be used to upgrade accommodation/add gourmet experiences/extend the trip) --- 【Special Experiences】 1. Watch the rolling sea of clouds at Yaoshan Yuhuangding in the early morning 2. Listen to the 108 bell tolls at Foquan Temple in the evening 3. Interact with wild Hwamei birds in Huamei Valley 4. Hand-throw pottery to make a tea set at the Ru Porcelain Museum 5. Cycle on the overwater boardwalk at Baigui Lake at sunset --- 【Practical Tips】 • Best season: April-October (avoid rainy season) • Must-try foods: Lushan Langguo Cai (stewed dishes), Jiaxian Doufu Cai (tofu dishes), Yexian Huidian (stewed noodles) • Recommended purchases: Ru porcelain tea sets, Baofeng wine, Lushan silk • Transportation advice: Use the "Yuzhouxing" mini-program to book intercity buses

Really amazed by Xiangshan Temple in Pingdingshan!! 🤩 Strongly recommended by a local expert 💁‍♂️ On the enthusiastic recommendation of a local uncle who said, "You must come here and see!" Didn't expect Henan to hide such a treasure temple. Spent the whole afternoon exploring and gained so much! ✨ 🏯 The awe of a thousand-year-old ancient temple Xiangshan Temple was founded at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, older than many well-known temples. Its age makes you say, "Truly a veteran!" 🙏 📍 Address: Xiangshan Road, Xincheng District, Pingdingshan City, Henan Province 🗓 Tips for visiting: It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and walk slowly. The afternoon light is best for photos and check-ins. About 3 hours is the ideal time to spend.

📅 Highlights of the itinerary: Natural wonders (Yaoshan Mountain, Central Plains Giant Buddha) Cultural exploration (Xiangshan Temple, Yexian County Government Office) Taste of Pingdingshan (Jia County Heluo Noodles, Lushan Lan Guo Dish) 🗓️ Day 1: Pilgrimage to the Central Plains Giant Buddha, climb Yaoshan Mountain 🌞 Morning 📍 Central Plains Giant Buddha Scenic Area (Ticket 120 RMB, includes Foquan Temple) ✅ Must-experience: Worship the world's tallest bronze Buddha (208 meters tall) Touch the Buddha’s foot for blessings (additional 30 RMB elevator ticket required) Listen to Zen sounds and admire the thousand-year-old ginkgo at Foquan Temple 🕘 Suggested duration: 2-3 hours 🌙 Afternoon to evening 📍 Yaoshan Scenic Area (Ticket 65 RMB, round-trip cable car 100 RMB) ✅ Must-visit routes: Feiyun Valley plank road (suspended glass viewing platform) Yuhuang Peak (altitude 2153 meters, overlook the sea of clouds) Autumn red leaves covering the mountain (best in October-November) 🍜 Dinner: Farmhouse restaurant at the foot of Yaoshan (recommended acorn jelly, wild mountain vegetables) 🗓️ Day 2: Visit ancient temples, explore the millennium-old county government office 🌞 Morning 📍 Xiangshan Temple (Ticket 40 RMB) The ancestral hall of Han Chinese Buddhism “Guanyin,” with Song Dynasty pagoda and numerous steles Climb the Great Compassion Guanyin Pavilion for a panoramic view of Pingdingshan 📍 Baigui Lake National Wetland Park (Free) Stroll along the lakeside boardwalk, perfect for photos among autumn reeds 🌙 Afternoon to evening 📍 Yexian County Government Office (Ticket 50 RMB) The existing Ming Dynasty county government office in China, live performance “County Magistrate’s Judgment” 📍 Pingdingshan Museum (Free, closed on Mondays) Focus on Ying State bronze ware and Su Shi’s “Battle of Kunyang” stele 🍢 Dinner: City’s “Old Brand Jia County Heluo Noodles” (better with lamb offal soup) 🗓️ Day 3: Lushan secret spots and hot spring relaxation 🌞 Morning 📍 Huamei Valley (Ticket 60 RMB) Southern Henan’s Little Jiuzhaigou, hike through the valley and waterfalls (summer cooling spot) Experience cliff swings and rainbow slides (extra charge) 🌙 Afternoon before departure 📍 Lushan Hot Spring Resort (starting from 150 RMB per person) Recommended Huanggu Bath Hot Spring or Xiangtang Hot Spring for soaking and relaxation 🍜 Before leaving, try: Lushan Lan Guo Dish (braised pork belly + tofu + vermicelli) 🍜 Food recommendations and warnings ✅ Must-try list: Jia County Heluo Noodles: freshly pressed buckwheat noodles with lamb soup Lushan Lan Guo Dish: Henan-style “mixed stew,” spicy and flavorful Yexian Braised Chicken: farmhouse chicken with secret sauce ❌ Avoid: “Mountain delicacies and wild game” at scenic area entrances (mostly frozen goods) 🚗 Transportation tips Within the city: taxi starting fare 5 RMB, limited bus routes Yaoshan/Huamei Valley: recommended to charter a car (about 200 RMB/day) or self-drive From Zhengzhou: high-speed train 40 minutes to Pingdingshan West Station (closer to Yaoshan) 🏨 Accommodation suggestions High-end: Yaoshan Fuquan Hotel (hot spring in-room) Cost-effective: Chain hotels in Zhanhe District downtown (e.g., Jinjiang Inn) 💡 Tips: Big temperature difference at Yaoshan, bring a windbreaker Many steps at Xiangshan Temple, wear comfortable shoes Bring your own swimsuit for hot springs (onsite ones are expensive and unattractive) Bring this guide and start your hidden journey in Pingdingshan!

October 10 - Baofeng Lake is located quite close to me, just 4 kilometers from Wulingyuan Village. You can get there by taxi for 10 yuan, and the ride takes about 10 minutes. The entrance ticket costs 112 yuan, and I paid 3 yuan for my child as insurance. The visit takes about 2 hours. The waterfall is 100 meters high, but unfortunately, there is no access to it. A boat ride and transfer are included in the ticket price. The observation tower is not operational. The fish in the pond have died due to the heat (34 degrees Celsius). Half of the park is closed off. The lake itself is artificial, created in the 1970s by damming a mountain river, with a depth of about 72 meters. As for the so-called 'Island of Love,' no one is allowed to disembark there. The route is easy-going, and overall, I recommend visiting.

Travel through the "Ancestral Temple of Guanyin" Xiangshan Temple and appreciate the heritage of more than 1,800 years Xiangshan Temple When I stood on the top of the mountain and looked back at the city, my mind was filled with the words in the title. This royal temple, which was built in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and has a history of more than 1,800 years, is recognized as the "Ancestral Temple of Guanyin" by the world. Nowadays, there are many temples here, and the momentum is magnificent. Just standing in front of the first stone archway of Xiangshan can make people look up and feel awe. Although the first few halls of Xiangshan Temple have been rebuilt beautifully, I still recommend that you must step over the 118 steps to the ancient tower of the Song Dynasty to have a look. Although some murals have been lost with the years The passage of time is mottled, but the warmth left by history is real and moving. I can't tell why. This is the temple that makes me feel the most awe among all the temples I have visited. The awe that comes from the bottom of my heart is especially when you are next to the ancient tower. If you want to overlook Yingcheng, you can see the old city at Pingdingshan and the new city at Xiangshan Temple. ♥Note♥ ☞Tickets are five yuan, which can be purchased directly on site. ☞The vegetarian meals in the temple are not available to the public. ☞If you want to experience it well, it is recommended to reserve 3 hours. ☞Wear comfortable shoes, and you need to climb a lot of steps to enter each hall. ☞If you are predestined, you can ask the master or layperson to introduce it, and you should have a deeper feeling.

Pingdingshan Xiangshan Temple is an ancient and sacred Buddhist site in Pingdingshan, located in the central region of Henan Province, known as the 'Pearl of the Central Plains'. It hides an ancient and sacred Buddhist site. Xiangshan Temple is located in Xiangshan Street, Xinhua District, Pingdingshan City, and is one of the most important religious cultural heritages in Pingdingshan City. It is said that Xiangshan Temple was built during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and has a history of nearly 1600 years. The temple is located by the mountain and the water, with a quiet environment and pleasant scenery, providing a precious place for the majority of believers and tourists to meditate and appreciate Buddhist culture. The architectural complex in Xiangshan Temple is mainly in classical style, among which the most representative are the Bell Tower and the Daxiong Hall. The bell tower is towering into the clouds, solemn and solemn, and is one of the iconic buildings of Xiangshan Temple. The Daxiong Hall is the main building of Xiangshan Temple, with three golden Buddha statues enshrined in it, which is magnificent and awe-inspiring. In Xiangshan Temple, there is also an ancient pagoda named Wufang'an, which is one of the long-standing relics of Xiangshan Temple. The Wufang'an ancient pagoda has a unique architectural style and has undergone multiple repairs and reconstructions, and it is still well preserved. Standing next to the ancient pagoda, it seems to feel the heaviness of history and the vicissitudes of life. In addition to the temple itself, the natural landscape around Xiangshan Temple is also intoxicating. There are dense trees and fresh air on the mountain behind the temple, which is an ideal place for hiking and climbing. The Xiangshan Lake under the mountain is a beautiful scene with rippling blue waves. The lake is clear and bottomless, attracting many tourists to come and relax. Not only that, Xiangshan Temple also holds Buddhist ceremonies and cultural activities all year round, attracting a large number of believers and tourists to come for blessings, prayers, Buddha, and Tao. Here, people can personally feel the wisdom and tolerance of Buddhism and experience the power of quiet meditation. In short, Xiangshan Temple is a shining cultural pearl in Pingdingshan. With its profound historical background, solemn architectural style, and pleasant natural environment, it attracts many believers and tourists to seek inner peace and tranquility. Whether you are interested in Buddhist beliefs or pursue spiritual relaxation and peace, Xiangshan Temple is an excellent choice. Let us embark on the journey of Xiangshan Temple together and experience the power of ancient wisdom and spirit.