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, where the ancient cypress trees of Taihao Mausoleum hold the wisdom of Fuxi’s divination, the clear waters of Longhu reflect the charm of the old Chen and Chu lands, and the carved beams and painted rafters of Guan Di Temple tell stories of the old commercial port. Listen to traditional storytelling with elders in an old teahouse, accompany children to mold small clay sculptures at the Nini Dog Workshop—here, every day lets you touch the warmth of history and the poetry of nature. 🗓️ Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Zhoukou → Taihao Mausoleum → Longhu Scenic Area → Chen Chu Ancient Street Day 2: Zhoukou Guan Di Temple → Shaying River Scenic Area → Yuan Shikai Former Residence Day 3: Luyi Taiqing Palace → Return trip ⛩️ Day 1: Tracing the Roots of Emperor Xi · Boating on Longhu 📍 Taihao Mausoleum (4A, Admission 40 RMB) Highlights: Known as the "World’s Number One Mausoleum," it is the sacred site honoring the cultural ancestor Fuxi. The Xiantian Bagua Altar and Tongtian Hall are magnificent, and the thousand-year-old cypress “Cypress Embracing Sandalwood” is a marvel. Elders can listen to the guide tell the legend of “Fuxi Creating the World,” while children can find their family surname on the “Surname Wall” for a rubbing (10 RMB each). During the temple fair in the second lunar month, dragon and lion dances and intangible cultural heritage performances create a lively atmosphere. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended visit 9:00-12:00 💰 Fees: Adults 40 RMB, free for seniors over 60, free for children under 1.4 meters 📸 Photo Spot: Taihao Mausoleum Archway (take a family photo with the ancient architecture under the “Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum” plaque) 💡 Tips: Wheelchair rental available (30 RMB/day); do not let children climb statues or touch cultural relics. 📍 Longhu Scenic Area (Free, Boat Ride 50 RMB/person) Highlights: China’s largest ring-shaped city lake, with a water area three times that of Hangzhou’s West Lake. In summer, thousands of lotus flowers bloom; in autumn, flocks of migratory birds gather among the reeds. Elders can enjoy a one-hour round-trip boat ride to admire the lake view, children can feed koi fish in the “Lotus Grand View Garden” (5 RMB per pack), and the wooden boardwalk along the shore is perfect for a stroll. At sunset, the lake surface glistens like scattered gold. 🕙 Recommended Visit Time: 14:00-16:30 📍 Chen Chu Ancient Street (Free) Highlights: A reconstructed street in Chu and Han style, with blue bricks and gray tiles hiding intangible cultural heritage craft shops and specialty snack stalls. Elders can listen to Henan Zhuizi storytelling in the “Old Teahouse” (15 RMB/person, includes tea and snacks), children can learn to mold clay sculptures at the “Nini Dog Workshop” (30 RMB each, take-home allowed). When lanterns light up at night, the ancient street becomes even more charming. 🕙 Suitable Time: 18:00-20:00 🍜 Recommended Dining: “Longhu Fish Restaurant” on the ancient street, must-try clear stewed Longhu crucian carp (45 RMB per serving, fresh and not fishy), compressed steamed buns (5 RMB per bag, soft with sesame aroma), average cost 40 RMB per person. 🏨 Recommended Accommodation: “Huaiyang Zhongzhou International Hotel” near Taihao Mausoleum (family rooms available, 10-minute walk to the scenic area), prices 260-380 RMB/night, includes buffet breakfast. 🎑 Day 2: Guan Di Pilgrimage · Strolling Along the Sha River 📍 Zhoukou Guan Di Temple (4A, Admission 30 RMB) Highlights: Qing Dynasty Shanxi-Shaanxi Guild Hall, stunning brick, wood, and stone carvings, the dragon-patterned glazed tiles of the Guan Sheng Hall shine brilliantly in the sun, and the stele corridor records the prosperity of Ming and Qing commercial trade. Elders can closely observe the wood carving “Guan Gong Reading the Spring and Autumn Annals at Night,” children can count the auspicious beasts (108 in total) on the railings of the opera stage, and the guide will share interesting stories about “Jin Merchants in Zhoukou.” 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30, recommended visit 9:00-11:00 📸 Photo Spot: Guan Di Temple Main Gate (take a panoramic photo standing sideways in front of the “Great Righteousness Reaches the Sky” plaque) 📍 Shaying River Scenic Area (Free) Highlights: Known as Zhoukou’s “Mother River,” the riverside walkway is shaded by trees, and sightseeing boats are available at the dock (60 RMB/person, 1 hour). Elders can sunbathe on the “Sunshine Beach,” children can play on slides in the “Children’s Playground.” The cherry blossom avenue in spring and ginkgo forest in autumn are perfect for photos. The evening lights on both banks are stunning. 🕙 Recommended Visit Time: 14:00-16:00 📍 Yuan Shikai Former Residence (3A, Admission 20 RMB) Highlights: Late Qing and early Republic architectural complex with a “Five-door Zhaozhao” layout of blue bricks and gray tiles. Exhibits include Yuan Shikai’s life and Ming-Qing furniture. Elders can admire the rosewood tables and chairs in the “Council Hall,” children can chase butterflies in the garden, and the guide will explain the historical connection between Yuan Shikai and Zhoukou. Suitable for families interested in modern history. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00, recommended visit 16:30-17:30 💡 Tips: The residence is about 15 km from the city center, taxi fare about 50 RMB round trip; instant “Xiaoyao Town Spicy Soup” packs are sold at the entrance, good for souvenirs. 🏯 Day 3: Exploring the Source of Taoism · Trip Conclusion 📍 Luyi Taiqing Palace (4A, Admission 40 RMB) Highlights: The hometown of Laozi, the “Source of Tao,” with the Taiji Hall and the Xiantian Taihou Praise Stele (calligraphy by Emperor Zhenzong of Song) witnessing a millennium of Taoist charm. The 2,500-year-old “Laozi’s Hand-Planted Cypress” is still lush. Elders can read classics on the “Tao Te Ching Stele Wall,” children can play the Bagua puzzle in the “Taiji Square” (free). Taoist music performances (10:00, 15:00, free) are ethereal and melodious. 🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended visit 9:00-12:00 📸 Photo Spot: Taiqing Palace Archway (under the “Taoism Ancestral Court” inscription, wearing plain-colored clothes for better photos) 💡 Tips: About 1 hour drive from Zhoukou city center, recommend departing at 8 AM; electric carts available for 10 RMB/person, suitable for elders. ✨ Zhoukou Survival Guide 1️⃣ Transportation: Intercity bus from city center to Taihao Mausoleum (5 RMB/person, 40 minutes), taxi 30 RMB; for Luyi Taiqing Palace, car rental recommended (round trip 120 RMB, seats 4); city bus 1 RMB, taxi starting fare 6 RMB. 2️⃣ Clothing: Wear light jackets in spring and autumn (windy at Longhu and Sha River), short sleeves plus sun protection in summer (many outdoor areas), down jackets and non-slip shoes in winter (old building steps can be slippery), bring comfortable sports shoes. 3️⃣ Taboos: Keep quiet in mausoleums and temples, no random photography; watch children carefully by Longhu, avoid deep water areas; don’t waste crucian carp, portions are generous. 4️⃣ Accommodation: Stay in Huaiyang District (near Taihao Mausoleum) or Zhoukou city center (near Guan Di Temple) for the first two days, choose hotels with elevators, families with children should prioritize those with electric kettles and children’s slippers. 🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs ① Huaiyang Nini Dog (gift box 45 RMB/set, intangible cultural heritage clay sculpture, rustic style with protective symbolism) ② Luyi Laozi Cultural Creations (Tao Te Ching bamboo bookmark 25 RMB each, Taiji ceramic ornaments 35 RMB each) ③ Xiaoyao Town Spicy Soup Instant Pack (28 RMB/bag, 4 bowls, spicy and appetizing, easy to prepare) ④ Longhu Lotus Seeds (32 RMB/jin, sulfur-free, suitable for porridge and soup, good for elders and children) The story of Zhoukou is the growth rings of the ancient cypress at Taihao Mausoleum, the fragrance of lotus flowers on Longhu, and the lively spirit in the spicy soup. Whether you are taking your parents to Taiqing Palace to understand “Tao follows nature,” accompanying children chasing dragonflies by Longhu, or tasting snacks with friends on the ancient street, here you will find warmth that comforts your heart. If you come to Zhoukou, would you first want to trace your roots at Taihao Mausoleum or watch a sunset at Longhu?