3-Day Tour in Zhoukou | Classic Combo of Taihao Mausoleum and Guan Di Temple・Suitable for All Groups

Zhoukou, an ancient city by the Shaying River with a history of thousands of years, boasts the cultural depth of Taihao Mausoleum, the ornate carvings of Guan Di Temple, and the enduring Taoist charm of Luyi Taiqing Palace. Listen to stories by the Longhu Lake with the elderly, accompany children to explore ancient relics at Taihao Mausoleum—here, every day offers a serene resonance of history and nature. 🗓️ Itinerary Overview D1: Arrive in Zhoukou → Taihao Mausoleum → Longhu Scenic Area → Chen Chu Ancient Street D2: Zhoukou Guan Di Temple → Shaying River Scenic Area → Yuan Shikai Former Residence D3: Luyi Taiqing Palace → Return trip ⛩️ Day 1: Seeking Roots of Emperor Xi · Strolling Longhu Lake 📍 Taihao Mausoleum (4A, Admission 40 RMB) Highlights: Known as "The World's Number One Mausoleum," it commemorates the cultural ancestor Fuxi, featuring the Xiantian Bagua Altar and Tongtian Hall. Among ancient cypress trees stands the millennium-old "Cypress Embracing Sandalwood" wonder. Elderly visitors can listen to the legend of "Fuxi Drawing the Bagua," while children find their surnames on the "Surname Wall." During temple fairs (from the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month to the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month), lively intangible cultural heritage performances take place. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended 9:00-12:00 💰 Fees: Adults 40 RMB, free for seniors over 60, free for children under 1.4 meters 📸 Photo Spot: In front of the Taihao Mausoleum archway (capture the full view of the ancient architecture, stand on the central steps) 💡 Tips: Free guided tours at 10:00 and 14:00; do not let children climb on stone statues. 📍 Longhu Scenic Area (Free) Highlights: The largest inland ring lake in China, boat rides available (50 RMB/person) to enjoy lake views. Summer features vast lotus blooms; autumn brings flocks of birds over reed beds. Elderly can rest in lakeside pavilions, children can play in the "Beach Bathing Area" (free). Watching the sunset over the lake in the evening is stunning. 🕙 Recommended Visit Time: 14:00-16:00 📍 Chen Chu Ancient Street (Free) Highlights: A reconstructed Chu-Han style street with intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting shops and specialty snack stalls. Elderly can enjoy storytelling performances (10 RMB/person), children can buy "Nini Dogs" (20 RMB each, Huaiyang specialty clay sculptures). At night, lanterns light up the street, creating a time-travel atmosphere. 🕙 Best Time to Visit: 18:00-20:00 🍜 Recommended Dining: "Old Huaiyang Restaurant" on the ancient street, must-try Longhu stewed fish (40 RMB/portion, fresh and not fishy) and compressed steamed buns (5 RMB/bag, soft). Average cost per person 35 RMB. 🏨 Recommended Accommodation: "Huaiyang Guesthouse" near Taihao Mausoleum (family rooms available, 10-minute walk to the scenic area), priced 200-300 RMB/night, convenient parking. 🎑 Day 2: Guan Di Pilgrimage · Exploring Shaying River 📍 Zhoukou Guan Di Temple (4A, Admission 30 RMB) Highlights: Qing Dynasty Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, famous for its brick, wood, and stone carvings. The "Guan Sheng Hall" features magnificent dragon-patterned glazed tiles. Elderly can view the "Guan Gong Reading Spring and Autumn Annals" statue, children can count the 108 auspicious beasts on the opera stage, and the stele corridor contains commercial historical materials from the Ming and Qing dynasties. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30, recommended 9:00-11:00 📸 Photo Spot: Main gate of Guan Di Temple (capture the "Righteousness Reaches the Sky" plaque, stand to the side) 📍 Shaying River Scenic Area (Free) Highlights: Known as the "Mother River" of Zhoukou, featuring riverside trails and sightseeing docks. Take a painted boat (60 RMB/person) to view both banks. Elderly can sunbathe on the waterside platform, children can play on slides in the "Children's Playground." The cherry blossom path in spring is perfect for a stroll. 🕙 Recommended Visit Time: 14:00-16:00 📍 Yuan Shikai Former Residence (3A, Admission 20 RMB) Highlights: Late Qing and early Republic architectural complex, featuring "Yuan Shikai Life Exhibition" and "Ming and Qing Furniture Exhibition." Elderly can observe the layout of the "Council Hall," children can chase butterflies in the garden. The blue bricks and gray tiles reflect historical vicissitudes. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00, recommended 16:30-17:30 💡 Tips: The residence is somewhat remote; taking a taxi is more convenient. Audio guides available for 10 RMB each to help understand the history. 🏯 Day 3: Taoist Origins Exploration · Trip Conclusion 📍 Luyi Taiqing Palace (4A, Admission 40 RMB) Highlights: The hometown of Laozi, featuring the "Xiantian Taihou Inscription" stele (calligraphy by Emperor Zhenzong of Song), Taiji Hall, and ancient cypress trees including the "Laozi Hand-Planted Cypress" over 2,500 years old. Elderly can read classics in front of the "Tao Te Ching Stele," children can play the Bagua puzzle in the "Taiji Square" (free). Taoist music performances (10:00, free) are very atmospheric. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended 9:00-12:00 📸 Photo Spot: Taiqing Palace archway (capture the "Tao Origin" inscription, wear plain-colored clothes) 💡 Tips: One hour drive from Zhoukou city center, recommend an early start; electric carts available (10 RMB/person), suitable for elderly. ✨ Zhoukou Survival Guide 1️⃣ Transportation: City buses No. 3 and 9 to Guan Di Temple (1 RMB); to Taihao Mausoleum take intercity bus (5 RMB/person, 40 minutes), taxi about 30 RMB; for Luyi Taiqing Palace, car rental recommended (round trip 100 RMB, suitable for families). 2️⃣ Clothing: Wear light jackets in spring and autumn (windy at Longhu and Shaying River), short sleeves plus sun protection in summer (outdoor scenic spots), down jackets and non-slip shoes in winter (many old building steps), bring comfortable sports shoes. 3️⃣ Taboos: No loud noises or photography inside temples and mausoleums; do not let children play alone by Longhu Lake; avoid wasting stewed fish (portions are generous). 4️⃣ Accommodation: Stay in Huaiyang District or Zhoukou city center for the first two days, choose hotels near scenic spots; families with children should pick rooms with electric kettles, elderly should choose rooms with good heating (in winter). 🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs ① Huaiyang Nini Dog (gift box 50 RMB/set, intangible cultural heritage clay sculpture, unique design) ② Luyi Laozi Hometown Cultural Creations (Tao Te Ching bookmarks 20 RMB each, Taiji diagram ornaments 30 RMB each) ③ Zhoukou Spicy Pepper Soup Instant Pack (25 RMB/bag, 4 bowls, spicy and appetizing) ④ Longhu Lotus Seeds (30 RMB/jin, dried goods, suitable for porridge and soup) The stories of Zhoukou are engraved on the ancient cypresses of Taihao Mausoleum, flow in the clear waves of the Shaying River, and are hidden in the aroma of a bowl of spicy pepper soup. Whether you bring your parents to contemplate Taoism at Taiqing Palace, accompany children chasing dragonflies by Longhu Lake, or savor snacks with friends on the ancient street, here you will find profoundness and warmth that soothe your heart. If you come to Zhoukou, would you first seek roots at Taihao Mausoleum or go see the lotus flowers at Longhu Lake?