2025 Queshan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

The Queshan Iron Flower Show integrates intangible cultural heritage skills into nighttime tourism. At night, the spectacular iron flower performance dazzles the audience as molten iron blooms in the air like fireworks. Around the show, a themed night market offers local snacks and handicrafts. Cultural exhibitions showcase the history and craftsmanship of the iron flower tradition. Nearby hotels feature iron flower-themed rooms, allowing visitors to fully immerse in Queshan's cultural charm at night. This attracts crowds of nighttime tourists, boosting local dining, accommodation, and other consumption, while promoting the prosperity of nighttime cultural tourism. Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor | Jiang Xunqian: Jiang Xunqian (formerly Liu Yaqing), a native of Hengyang, Hunan, is the first female inheritor of the national intangible cultural heritage "Queshan Iron Flower" and a traditional culture influencer with over 50 million social media followers. Originally an illustrator, she gained attention in 2017 by sharing velvet flower-making videos, embarking on a journey to explore intangible heritage. She has mastered skills like Peking opera, nut carving, and dough figurines. In 2023, she apprenticed under iron flower master Yang Jianjun, overcoming challenges like high-temperature burns to become Queshan Iron Flower's female inheritor. Her related videos garnered over 100 million views, reviving interest in this endangered art. In 2024, she created a -20℃ ice dragon sculpture, amassing 500 million views. Blending "traditional skills + modern media," she has broken cultural barriers, earning a spot as a 2024 "China Intangible Cultural Heritage Annual Figure" candidate and being hailed as a "light chaser" of intangible heritage.

Zhumadian 2-Day Itinerary: Natural Beauty, Cultural Heritage, and Culinary Delights Located in south-central Henan Province, Zhumadian, known as the "heart of Yuzhou and the center of the world," boasts natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Here's a concise two-day itinerary to help you efficiently explore this treasure trove of a city. Day 1: Natural Wonders and Historical Exploration Start your morning at Chaya Mountain (a 5A scenic spot), famous for its granite formations and featured in the classic novel *Journey to the West*. Hike to the summit for breathtaking mountain views and explore the "Wu Gong Cave" to experience the creative inspiration behind the novel. Afterward, head to Boshan Lake, cruise the "Li River of Central Plains," admire the picturesque scenery, and discover another filming location of *Journey to the West*. In the afternoon, visit the Nanhai Zen Temple, whose Grand Hall surpasses the scale of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Forbidden City. Marvel at the majestic complex of 12 granite archways and Buddhist architecture, immersing yourself in the tranquility of Zen. In the evening, visit the Royal Post Station to experience the charm of the ancient post road and enjoy the evening light show and folk performances. Day 2: Cultural Roots and Culinary Experiences In the morning, explore the hometown of Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai (Runan County), stroll through the Hongluo Mountain Academy and Cao Bridge, and relive the poignant legend of their love story. Then, visit the General Yang Jingyu Memorial Hall to learn about the life of the anti-Japanese hero and reflect on the spirit of the Red Army. For lunch, indulge in the three culinary specialties of Zhumadian: the spicy and warming Hu La Soup, the tender and nourishing Zhumadian Stewed Chicken, and the chewy and flavorful Runan Dried Tofu. In the afternoon, ascend Lao Le Mountain for panoramic views of the sea of clouds, participate in the spring temple fair, or challenge yourself on the glass skywalk at Jinding Mountain, overlooking the stunning canyon scenery. Practical Tips Transportation: It takes approximately 40 minutes by car from the city center to Chaya Mountain. Self-driving or hiring a car is recommended. Recommended Side Trips: If time permits, consider visiting Tongshan Mountain (a Taoist holy site) or Suya Lake (Asia's largest plain reservoir). Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather, with April (Peony Festival) and October (autumn foliage season) being particularly recommended. Zhumadian offers a travel experience that combines wilderness adventure and cultural depth with its stunning mountains and waters, millennia-old cultural heritage, and authentic local flavors!

Jinding Mountain in Zhumadian is a national forest park that combines natural beauty with rich historical and cultural heritage. It is located in Yifeng Town, Yicheng District, Zhumadian City, Henan Province, and is only 20 km from downtown Zhumadian, the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway, the Beijing-Zhuhai Expressway, and National Highway 107. The park covers a total area of 71 square kilometers. Jinding Mountain is known as a "natural oxygen bar" and "green home" due to its vegetation coverage rate of over 95%. It is also a national 4A-level tourist attraction due to its rich natural scenery and cultural resources. Geography and Climate Jinding Mountain is located in the transition zone between the subtropical and warm temperate zones, with a humid climate and abundant water resources. The mountains here are undulating and steep, with a round and open main peak and majestic mountain scenery. The lower part of the mountain is relatively gentle, while the middle and upper parts are mostly cliffs, making the natural scenery of Jinding Mountain particularly unique. Of particular note is the purple mist of Jinding Mountain, a unique natural phenomenon that often occurs on clear mornings after rain in spring and summer. The mist appears purple under the sunlight, floating above the main peak, as if surrounded by a purple halo, resembling the light of Buddha. This is how Jinding Mountain got its name. Historical Background Jinding Mountain has a long history and rich cultural heritage. It is said that Bodhidharma preached here during the Northern Wei Dynasty, adding a strong religious flavor to Jinding Mountain. Bamboo Forest Temple, surrounded by dense bamboo forests, was built in the Eastern Han Dynasty and has a history of over 1,850 years. It is one of the important historical sites of Jinding Mountain. In addition, there are legends that Li Zicheng, the leader of the peasant uprising in the late Ming Dynasty, once hid and broke through here, and stories of Li Zicheng's treasure, adding a touch of mystery to Jinding Mountain.

A hidden gem - Zhumadian Laoyue Mountain Scenic Area!!! 👋Hey guys, today I have to share with you the Laoyue Mountain Scenic Area in Zhumadian, it's so beautiful that it will take your breath away! 🏞Laoyue Mountain is like a natural landscape painting, with rolling hills, lush trees, and crystal-clear lakes. 🌳Stroll along the winding mountain paths, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the embrace of nature. Every step reveals a different beauty, whether it's the vibrant flowers or the unique rocks. 🎢There are also thrilling rides on the mountain, allowing you to enjoy the scenery while experiencing the thrill of an adrenaline rush. 🌟In the evening, the afterglow of the sunset bathes the mountain in a golden hue, turning the entire scenic area into a dreamlike wonderland. 💖At Laoyue Mountain Scenic Area, you can relax and unwind while appreciating the charm of nature. Come and embark on an unforgettable journey!

Explore the hidden gem of Zhumadian Queshan County - Boshang Lake Scenic Area, an excellent spot for self-driving camping and family trips! 🌟 📍 Locate Boshang Lake Scenic Area, follow the navigation guide, and after reaching the entrance of the scenic area, proceed straight on the wide avenue, pay attention to the blue signs on the roadside, then turn slightly left, and follow the main road leisurely, as shown in the path of P2. 💰 Free to explore, no tickets required. We emphasize this benefit repeatedly, just to let you enjoy the beauty of nature without any burden! (Free, free, still free!) 🚗 Self-driving travel, go as you please; set up a tent, camp by the lake, and enjoy leisurely time. On weekends, bring your kids here to play, let laughter fill this unspoiled land. The surrounding lush trees form a natural oxygen bar, but please remember, fire safety is everyone's responsibility. ⚠️ Environmental protection starts with me. While enjoying the gifts of nature, please be sure to take away your trash, so that this pure land can be preserved for a long time. Given that the scenic area is currently free and still in an undeveloped state, lacking a professional management team, we need to work together to protect this beauty. Boshang Lake, where mountains and waters blend, the picturesque scenery and uncarved natural beauty are refreshing. On weekends, why not bring family and friends, or a few close friends, to stroll here, let your mind relax, and enjoy a period of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle.

Banshan Reservoir, the drinking water source for Zhumadian and Queshan County, has been featured in 'Journey to the West' and 'The Long March'. A few years ago, the reservoir was open for tourism, allowing visitors to take boat rides to the islands. Now, the main gate is closed, and many people navigate there only to turn back based on the signs, heading instead to the Jinshan Scenic Area of Banshan Lake. It was the first time I saw such beautiful lake and mountain scenery in Zhumadian, reminiscent of Lijiang. I really wish I could travel back to those years and spend a day close to the reservoir... Panlong Mountain is a park in Queshan County, also very beautiful. Locals say the aerial night view is stunning.

There are many famous mountains and rivers in Henan, but the Laole Mountain in Zhumadian is definitely a special existence because its altitude is not high, but the floor space is very large. This time I came here and strolled in the drizzle, but I didnt have any fun. It is a natural and natural oxygen bar for health and leisure vacations. It is also a famous Taoist mountain. Although many amusement facilities cannot be played, it is also good to feel the Taoist culture in the Taoist temple here.

Lao Leshan can be seen from the name of the mountain as a Taoist mountain. It used to be the famous Taoist mountain in the Central Plains. According to historical records, Leshan had built a Taoist temple during the Sui and Tang Dynasties. It reached its peak in the Northern Song Dynasty and built the "eight palaces and two views and one worship platform". This shows that the scale of Leshan Taoism is great.

When I arrived in Zhumadian City, the weather began to become gloomy and rainy. It rained all night, and there was no sign of stopping after the daylighted up. Although the weather is not good, it does not affect my interest in traveling. In the morning we drove to the Laole Mountain Scenic Area. Old Leshan is more like a large ecological park, perfect for weekend trips or regular stays.