Six Eco-Tourism Spots in Henan: Fewer People, Beautiful Scenery, and No Entrance Fees!
Luoyang – Jingchi Gulch
Jingchi Gulch is one of the core ecological tourism areas of the (Fu-niu Shan) foothills. It's accessible from Baiyunshan (White Cloud Mountain) in a car ride of no more than 20 minutes. Locals say that if you follow this gorge all the way, you'll reach the territory of Nanyang.
Entering Jingchi Gulch, you ascend along the stream, with the babbling of the stream and waterfalls cascading down the ravines, the water flow is quite rapid. Especially in the rain, Jingchi Gulch becomes spectacular with waterfalls cascading down, a breathtaking sight.
Scenic Area Address: Henan Province, Luoyang City, Song County, Caruzhutuan (Chucun) South of Taohua Mountain
Anyang – Shiqanggou (Stone Plate Gulch)
Shiqanggou is located in the border area between Henan and Shanxi provinces. It's composed of 13 scattered natural villages in the gully slopes. Surrounded by the Taihang Mountains, it features cliffs, rock formations, and dense vegetation within the deep ravines, with perennial, clear springs flowing.
The scenic area has dozens of small and medium-sized attractions. Starting from Chaifan (Rice Grain) and Zhuang (Farm), you can climb north to Pingan County's Jinlitang (Golden Lamp Temple). West of the gorge, you can descend to Snowlight Temple with a rare Qingstone (Jade Stone) Buddha. Along the way, there are also perilous and exciting canyons like Monkey Ladder and Lohan Ladder.
Scenic Area Address: Henan Province, Anyang City, Linzhou District, Northwest 10 kilometers from Hejizhutang (Jiazhutun)
Hebi – Wangjiatang Village
Wangjiatang Village is an ancient village nestled in the depths of the Taihang Mountains, on the banks of the Huanhe River (River). It's a legendary village, built in the early years of the Ming Dynasty. All the houses are built of stone, with a quiet and elegant style, and a well-planned layout. Over the past centuries, it has been almost isolated from the world.
In 2013, Wangjiatang Village was jointly announced by multiple departments of China as 'China's Traditional Village'. In 2015, it was selected together with Xinxiang Shixian Bridge Village, Ruyang Pai Road Village, and Lucu E Tai Pingxicun (Lu County Tai Ping West Village) in the 'Most Beautiful Leisure Country' competition organized by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Scenic Area Address: Henan Province, Hebi City, Hebei District, Jikashanxiang (Jiajiasxiang) within the territory of Hukeshantang (Keshantang)
Jiaozuo – Yudushu Village
Yudushu Village is located on the 1000-meter-high Yuanjin (Yun Jin) Pass, on the top of the Taihang Mountains, on one of the ancient routes of the Qinghe (Qing He) Ancient Road and the Eight Routes of the Taihang. According to records, this ancient village has a history of more than 400 years. Now it's classified as 'A Chinese Historical and Cultural Village'.
Entering Yudushu Village, houses made of stone are scattered along the road in a well-arranged manner. Combined with the terraced fields and seasonal flowers, it's like a layered landscape painting.
Scenic Area Address: Henan Province, Jiaozuo City, Xiuwu County, Cloud Mountain Town within the territory
Nanyang – Xiulongtan (Show Dragon Pond)
Xiulongtan was discovered by outdoor travelers in Nanyang in recent years and gradually known to tourists after exposure. Here, the mountains are covered with primitive woods, deep and quiet, with many streams and ponds in the valley, you can ascend along the streams, and there are waterfalls connected to waterfalls and ponds, primitive and beautiful.
Besides this, in the valley, different seasons have (mi-hou tao – apricot), (pu tao – grape), (mao tao – peach), (ban li – chestnut), (shan zha – hawthorn) and many other wild fruits that are hard to name. These add to the wild charm of Xiulongtan and give it a unique charm.
Scenic Area Address: Henan Province, Nanyang City, Nanxun County, Cuizhuangxiang (Cuzhuangxiang) within the territory of Cangfangcun (Cangfangcun)
Xinxiang – Xihucun (West River Village)
Xihucun is a well-known ancient village in Henan. It has successively obtained multiple honors such as 'Chinese Landscape Village', 'Henan Most Beautiful Historical and Cultural Village', and 'China's Best Rural Tourism Destination'.
Compared to the hustle and bustle of Lijiang and Fenghuang, Xihucun has more tranquility and simplicity. Every brick and every tile, every tree in the village has experienced hundreds of years of wind and rain, which is an important witness to historical milestones.
Scenic Area Address: Henan Province, Xinxiang City, Zhouhexiang (Zhouhexiang) in the territory of Xihuancun (Xihuancun)