Xinzheng | Huangdi's Hometown | Journey Through 5,000 Years | Pilgrimage to Chinese Civilization
Originally built during the Han Dynasty, the Huangdi Hometown scenic area in Xinzheng is a 4A-rated tourist attraction centered around the theme of "Root of China." Covering over 100 mu, it comprises three main sections: the Chinese Surname Plaza, the Hometown Ancestral Hall area, and the Ding Altar area. In the spring of 2025, the Jishui River shimmered beneath the Xuan Yuan Bridge, with 960 metasequoia trees and 56 ethnic totem poles weaving a "connected roots" spatiotemporal code, receiving over 20,000 visitors daily.
🔍Must-See Attractions & In-Depth Experiences
Core Buildings:
• Hometown Ancestral Hall: The main hall, built in Han Dynasty style, houses a golden statue of Huangdi. The side halls showcase the stories of Leizu raising silkworms and Momu making clothes. Eight murals depict the epic journey of Huangdi unifying China.
• Huangdi Treasure Ding Altar: The 24-ton "First Ding of China" stands in the center, surrounded by eight auxiliary dings arranged in a Bagua formation. The dings are engraved with oracle bone script alongside modern Chinese characters, and the bluestone paths are inscribed with tens of thousands of years of history.
• Xuan Yuan Mound: This 19-meter-high earth-covered building features light and shadow projections, blending reality and illusion to showcase Huangdi's wisdom of "traveling a thousand miles a day and observing the stars at night." The glass floor reflects root patterns, symbolizing the inheritance of civilization.
Special Activities:
• Surname Tracing: The Chinese Surname Wall allows visitors to explore the origins of over 3,000 surnames. Tie a yellow silk scarf and make a wish at the Wishing Wall. The annual Global Chinese Ancestor Worship Ceremony is held on the third day of the third lunar month.
• Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: Workshops offer bronze rubbing and ancient weaving techniques for ¥50 per person (Trip.com price), allowing participants to take home a customized surname badge.
🍜Food Guide & Accommodation Recommendations
Local Flavors:
• Ding Family Steamed Pork: Made with a secret recipe from a late Qing Dynasty imperial chef, this dish features melt-in-your-mouth streaky pork wrapped in sweet potato flour. Trip.com price: ¥15 per box.
• Lotus Pod Fish: Fish shaped into lotus pods, prepared with a century-old Ding Family Restaurant secret recipe. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. All-you-can-eat for ¥35 per person.
• Xinzheng Roasted Chicken: Crispy skin and tender meat, served with a special five-spice sauce. Available fresh from the stalls at the scenic area's east gate.
Recommended Accommodation:
• High-end Experience: Yinji International Tourism Resort (from ¥800/night on Trip.com), adjacent to the scenic area, offers helicopter sightseeing and an infinity pool facing Xuan Yuan Mound.
💰Tickets & Opening Hours
• Free Admission: The main scenic area is free. Tickets for Ding Altar area, Xuan Yuan Palace, and other attractions are ¥20 each.
• Opening Hours: 08:00–17:30 (extended to 18:00 in winter). Last entry at 16:30.
🚌Transportation Guide
• By Car: Navigate to "Huangdi Hometown Scenic Area East Gate." Parking lot fee: ¥10 per entry. It is recommended to arrive before 09:00.
• By Bus: Take Subway Line 2 to Huanancheng Station, then transfer to Xinzheng Bus No. 208. The journey takes approximately 1 hour.
• By High-Speed Rail: From Zhengzhou East Railway Station, take the intercity train to Xinzheng Airport Station, then transfer to Xinzheng Bus No. 323 for direct access.
This place embodies both the solemnity of "three legs standing firm, stabilizing the four directions" and the warmth of "blood ties connecting ancient and modern times." This spring, take the hometown as your canvas, measure the depth of Chinese civilization with your footsteps, and capture the eternity of the national spirit with your lens. 🌸🎨