Xinxiang Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Xinxiang, China with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, food and drink, lodging recommendations, cultural insights, safety information, and transportation options.


Introduction to Xinxiang

Xinxiang is a charming city located in North Henan province, situated in North China. It lies 80 kilometers south of Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan province, and has a population of over five million people. Xinxiang is a city that is growing fast with rapid development and modernization. However, it has also preserved its culture and heritage, making it an interesting destination for both business and leisure travelers.

As a major transportation hub in Henan province, traveling to Xinxiang is easy. The city has convenient connectivity via railway and roads, and the nearest airport is Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. The city of Xinxiang has something to offer every traveler, from historical landmarks to natural attractions, and delicious local cuisine.

Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your visit to Xinxiang:

List of Places to Visit in Xinxiang

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Xinxiang Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Xinxiang. It features exhibits of ancient artifacts, pottery, and Chinese calligraphy.

  • Gushi Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of the Gushi culture, which dates back to the Warring States period.

  • Tianjie Ancient City: This walled city was established during the Han dynasty and is a well-preserved example of an ancient Chinese town. It also features the last remaining city gate from the Ming dynasty.

  • Zhongshan Park: This park is a tribute to Sun Yat-sen, the father of modern China. It has a museum that exhibits his life and accomplishments.

  • The Zheng Family Mansion: This ancient mansion is one of the largest and most well-preserved in China. It was built in the Qing dynasty and is a testament to the architectural excellence of the period.

Natural Attractions of Xinxiang: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Jigong Mountain: This scenic mountain range offers hiking trails, amazing views of the city, and an abundance of natural beauty.

  • Yellow River Scenic Area: This area is rich in culture and history and is also one of the most beautiful spots in Xinxiang. It has many attractions, including scenic spots, ancient buildings, and local cultural experiences.

  • Jiulong Lake: This beautiful lake is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The serene surroundings also make it a great location for a peaceful walk or picnic.

  • Xinxiang Forest Park: This park has beautiful gardens, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It also features a museum of forestry history.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Xinxiang

  • Jigong Mountain: This mountain is a favorite among hikers and offers stunning views of the city. It has an established hiking trail that takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

  • Guliang Valley: This beautiful valley is a popular location for hiking and cycling tours but is also an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll. The valley is full of beautiful scenery with lush forests and winding streams.

Best Things to Do in Xinxiang: Activities and Tours

  • Explore the Night Markets: Xinxiang is renowned for its night markets, where visitors can find local street food and market stalls selling a range of items that range from clothing to electronics.

  • Attend a Chinese Opera: The city of Xinxiang is home to the Chinese Opera, a traditional form of Chinese theater. The shows are held at the Opera House, and visitors can experience the excitement of live performance in a cultural setting.

  • Visit the Local Parks: Xinxiang is known for its beautiful parks. Tianjie Park is a popular location for a leisurely stroll, and Dongye Park is an excellent place for a picnic or to watch a cultural performance.

Week-Long Itinerary for Xinxiang

Day Activity
1 Visit Tianjie Ancient City and the Zheng Family Mansion
2 Explore the Gushi Museum and the Xinxiang Museum
3 Hike the Jigong Mountain trail and explore the Yellow River area
4 Visit Jiulong Lake and the Forest Park
5 Venture into the Guliang Valley and take a cycling tour
6 Attend a Chinese Opera performance and enjoy the night market
7 Spend a relaxing day in the city’s beautiful parks

Food and Drink Scene of Xinxiang

Must-Try Dishes

  • Zhengzhou Yellow River Fish: The fish is slow-cooked in a broth of various spices, including Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, and ginger.

  • Xinxiang Bitter Noodles: These noodles are a mix of yellow noodles and bitter vegetables, and the locals have loved this recipe for decades.

  • Liangpi: A cold noodle dish made by steaming rice flour, then spreading it out into thin sheets and slicing them into noodles.

  • Shahe Fen: A popular dish made with rice noodles that are pan-fried and then cooked with vegetables and meat.

Local Beverages

  • Fenjiu: This is a local variety of Baijiu that is produced in Shanxi province and is one of China’s most famous liquors.

  • Xinxiang Gao Tang: This local drink is made from fermented grapes and is often served at formal occasions and ceremonies.

Where to Stay in Xinxiang: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Jinjiang Inn Zhongyuan Road: This hotel chain is a popular option for budget travelers. It’s located in the downtown area of Xinxiang, just a short walk from the city’s main attractions.

  • Jingang Hotel: This is a mid-range hotel that is located in the urban area of Xinxiang. It’s ideal for business travelers, as it has excellent conference facilities.

  • Tianma Hotel Xinxiang: This is a luxury hotel located in the city center of Xinxiang. It’s well-appointed and offers excellent amenities for visitors.

What to Buy in Xinxiang: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Zhaoge Brocade: This is a unique textile art form that has been declared as a national intangible cultural heritage by the Chinese government.

  • Gushi Bajiao Candy: This candy is a specialty of the city of Gushi and is made of high-quality honey and wheat flour.

Local Culture and Customs of Xinxiang

Xinxiang is a city that has a long and rich cultural heritage. The people of Xinxiang are proud of their history and traditions, and they take great care to preserve them. One of the most important traditional customs of the city is the Dragon Boat Festival, which is celebrated in June each year. This festival marks the beginning of summer and honors the Chinese poet Qu Yuan.

Best Time to Visit Xinxiang

The best time to visit Xinxiang is during spring (April - May) and autumn (September - November). During these periods, the weather is mild, and rainfall is low, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Xinxiang

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

  • Try the local cuisine.

  • Visit the local parks and temples.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.

  • Enter temples without permission.

  • Wear shorts and tank tops in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Xinxiang

The city is generally safe for tourists, and violent crime is rare. Visitors should, however, be mindful of pickpockets and use caution when carrying valuable items.

Health in Xinxiang

Visitors should take precautions against the thin air and pollution by wearing a mask in the high traffic areas. Due to the country’s regulations and security measures and to get local help, tourists can use VPN services such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Getting to Xinxiang: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Xinxiang

The nearest airport to Xinxiang is Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, which is approximately 80 kilometers away from the city center.

Bus Stations Near Xinxiang

Xinxiang has two main bus stations - the Xinxiang Bus Station and the Xinxiang East Bus Station. Both stations offer regular services to cities in Henan and the surrounding provinces.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Xinxiang via rail. The city has two railway stations, the Xinxiang Railway Station and Xinxiang East Railway Station.

How to Get Around in Xinxiang

The easiest way to get around in Xinxiang is by taxi. There are several taxi companies operating in the city, and fares are reasonable. Visitors can also use the bus as a cheap alternative to taxis, but bus services are limited in some areas.

Where to Go Next from Xinxiang: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Zhengzhou: A modern metropolis and the capital city of Henan province, located just 80 kilometers to the north of Xinxiang.

  • Luoyang: A historic city located in western Henan province, just 150 kilometers away from Xinxiang.

  • Kaifeng: An ancient capital of China, located in eastern Henan province, just 250 kilometers away from Xinxiang.

Conclusion

Xinxiang is a fascinating city that offers visitors a perfect mix of traditional culture, natural beauty, and modern amenities. It’s a great destination for anyone looking to experience the rich history and culture of China. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can plan your trip to Xinxiang with ease, knowing what to do and see, where to eat and sleep, and how to get around.