Zhumadian + Comprehensive Guide to Explore Stunning Scenic Spots
🗺️3-Day Zhumadian Tour | Chawei Mountain and Nanhai Temple Classic Combination - Suitable for All Ages
I. Introduction
3 Days to Explore Zhumadian! Take your parents to climb Chawei Mountain to see its unique rock formations and peaks, accompany friends to visit the Nanhai Temple to experience Zen, and let the kids run wild in Laoleshan. The itinerary is relaxed and not rushed, with plenty of delicious local specialties like spicy soup and Runan hot pot. The whole family can enjoy themselves!
II. 🗓️Itinerary Overview
D1: Arrive in Zhumadian → Chawei Mountain → Overnight near the scenic area
D2: Nanhai Temple → Suyahu Lake → Overnight in the city center
D3: Laoleshan Tourist Resort → Return trip
III. Daily Detailed Itinerary
⛰️Day 1: Exploring the Rocks and Enjoying the Mountain Fun
📍Chawei Mountain (5A)
Key Highlights: Known as the "Central Plains Bonsai," a filming location for "Journey to the West," with lifelike rock formations like the Stone Monkey and the One-Line Sky. Seniors can take a sightseeing bus (25 RMB/person), while children love climbing gentle rocks and listening to stories from "Journey to the West."
🕙8:00-18:00 (Recommended) Arrive at 9 AM to avoid the scorching sun. 💰65 RMB (Free admission for seniors over 60 and children under 1.4 meters).
📸Photo Spot: Stone Monkey Viewing Platform (For panoramic views of "Stone Monkey Gazing at the Moon," stand to the side for unobstructed views).
🍖Lunch: "Shanlixiang" farmhouse restaurant in the scenic area (40 RMB per person; must-try: stewed chicken with mushrooms + steamed sweet potato, light and flavorful, suitable for the whole family).
💡Tips: There are gentle trails on the mountain path; choose the "Journey to the West Cultural Route" for seniors. Don't let children climb steep rocks; safety personnel patrol the scenic area.
🏯Day 2: Zen Meditation & Lakeside Stroll
📍Nanhai Zen Temple (4A)
Key Highlights: One of the largest Buddhist temples in Asia, the magnificent Mahavira Hall, the sacred and solemn white jade Guanyin statue, where seniors can sit quietly and listen to Zen chants, and children can watch the pigeons being fed in the square.
🕙8:00-17:30 💰40 RMB (Half price for seniors/children)
📸Photo Spot: In front of the temple archway (symmetrical composition, best for panoramic views of the ancient architectural complex; wearing plain clothes will result in better photos)
📍Suyahu Lake
Key Highlights: Henan's largest artificial lake, known as the "Man-made Dongting Lake." Enjoy a boat trip (50 RMB/person) for bird watching, leisurely walks along the lake for seniors, and free play on the beach for children.
🕙Open all day 💰Free (Boat ride extra)
🍜Dinner: "Old Zhumadian Restaurant" in the city center (45 RMB per person, recommended: Runan-style hot pot with beef tripe + spicy soup, mildly spicy for kids)
💡Tips: Keep quiet inside Nanhai Temple; bring a light jacket as it gets windy at Suyahu Lake in the evening.
🎡Day 3: Play in the Park & Breathe in the Fresh Air
📍Laoleshan Tourist Resort (4A)
Key Highlights: Scenic mountain and water area + family-friendly park. Seniors can enjoy bamboo forests and tea gardens, children can ride the carousel and mini train (20 RMB per ride), and friends can challenge themselves on the glass walkway (30 RMB per person).
🕙8:30-18:00 💰60 RMB (Half price for seniors/children)
📸Photo Spot: Mountain Top Viewing Platform (Overlooking the entire mountain forest, the misty sky is like a fairyland)
🍖Lunch: "Leshan Restaurant" within the scenic area (35 RMB per person, stewed chicken + vegetables and tofu, generous portions)
💡Tips: Those afraid of heights can take a detour on the glass walkway; family-friendly activities are concentrated at the foot of the mountain, so you don't need to climb with children.
IV. ✨Zhumadian Survival Guide
1️⃣Transportation: Taxi fare starts at 6 RMB in the city center. Chawei Mountain is a 1-hour drive from the city center, accessible directly by bus route 1 (10 yuan). Nanhai Temple and Suyahu Lake can be reached by taxi (round trip 80 yuan). For families with elderly members or children, hiring a car is recommended (180 yuan/day).
2️⃣ Clothing: In spring, wear a light sweatshirt and jacket (cool in the mornings and evenings); in summer, wear short sleeves and a sun-protective shirt (strong UV rays in the mountains); in autumn, wear a knitted sweater and long pants. Choose non-slip sports shoes (many paths in the scenic area are gravel).
3️⃣ Taboos: Nanhai... Do not touch Buddha statues or scribble on them inside the Zen temple; fishing is prohibited in Suyahu Lake (to protect the ecosystem); do not litter in the scenic area.
4️⃣ Accommodation: Day 1: Stay at a guesthouse in Chaweishan (200-300 RMB/night, mountain view from the window); Day 2: Stay near Jiefang Avenue in the city center (such as Baiman Hotel, 300-400 RMB/night, close to the business district + family rooms available).
V. 🛍️ Must-buy souvenirs: ① Zhumadian Hulatang instant food pack (20 RMB/box) ① Served with fried dough sticks, super convenient for breakfast!
② Runan water chestnut steamed buns (15 yuan/bag, crispy and savory, loved by both the elderly and children)
③ Chawei Mountain strange stone cultural and creative ornaments (40 yuan/piece, printed with Journey to the West patterns, a souvenir)
④ Queshan chestnuts (25 yuan/jin, vacuum-packed, sweet and delicious)
VI. Concluding Interaction
The beauty of Zhumadian lies in the rugged rocks of Chawei Mountain, the tranquil solemnity of Nanhai Temple, and the heartwarming comfort of Hulatang (spicy soup). If you come, would you most like to take your parents to listen to Zen music, or play wildly with your children at Laoleshan?