01Shangcai County is loc…
Shangcai County is located in the southeast of Henan Province, northeast of Zhumadian City, in the hinterland of the Huanghuai Plain. It covers an area of approximately 1,529 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 1.15 million (2023). Shangcai is an ancient county established in the Qin Dynasty, with a long history and profound cultural heritage. It is famous for the 'Cai State Ancient City', 'Li Si's Hometown', and 'the birthplace of Double Ninth Festival culture'. It is the hometown of Li Si, a representative of the Legalist school, and one of the important origins of China's Double Ninth Festival folk customs. Shangcai County boasts rich cultural heritage, such as the Cai State Ancient City site, Chanhu Temple, and Baigui Temple. Folk activities represented by the 'Shangcai Double Ninth Festival Cultural Festival' are deeply loved by tourists. As a major agricultural county, Shangcai mainly grows wheat, corn, and peanuts. In recent years, it has developed specialty tourism and agricultural product processing, becoming a tourist destination in southern Henan that combines history and pastoral scenery.
Shangcai County Travel Guide
I. Detailed Introduction to Core Attractions
1. Cai State Ancient City Site: Located in the southwest of the county, about 3 km from the city center, it is the site of the Cai State capital during the Spring and Autumn Period and a national key cultural relic protection unit. The remaining city walls are about 2-5 meters high with a circumference of about 10 km, showing rammed earth traces. Free admission, recommended visit time: 2 hours. Best visiting season: spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), avoid rainy season.
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2. Li Si's Hometown: Located in Lisilou Village, about 5 km east of Shangcai County, it is the birthplace of Li Si, the Prime Minister of the Qin Dynasty. The scenic area includes Li Si's Tomb, Li Si Ancestral Hall, and a forest of steles. Ticket: 30 yuan, opening hours: 8:00-17:30. There is a memorial ceremony on the third day of the third lunar month, where you can experience traditional rituals.
3. Chanhu Temple: Located on Wolonggang, 10 km north of the county, it was first built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, famous for the 'Chanhu Legend'. The temple features ancient cypresses, stone pagodas, and Ming Dynasty murals. Ticket: 20 yuan, recommended visit time: 1.5 hours. There are farm stays nearby where you can taste local vegetarian meals.
4. Baigui Temple: Located in Baigui Town, 15 km south of the county, it was built to commemorate Bai Gui, the originator of trade during the Warring States period. The temple has a Qing Dynasty stage and ancient steles. There is a temple fair on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, featuring traditional opera and handicraft performances. Free admission.
II. Special Foods and Shopping
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1. Shangcai Gangzi Steamed Bread: The most authentic is at 'Wang's Gangzi Steamed Bread' in the old town. It is made with hard dough and steamed, known for its chewy texture. Each costs about 2 yuan, available in vacuum packaging for takeaway.
2. Caidu Tofu Pudding: Recommended 'Yang's Tofu Pudding' (at the middle of Caidu Avenue), served with chili oil and coriander, 5 yuan per bowl. Best enjoyed at breakfast time.
3. Double Ninth Cake: During the Double Ninth Festival, various pastry shops in the county sell it. Made with glutinous rice, red dates, and bean paste, symbolizing longevity. You can buy it at 'Xiangji Pastry' (east section of Caihou Road).
4. Local Specialties: Shangcai sesame oil, peanuts, and small mill sesame oil. You can purchase them at the 'Agricultural Specialty Street' (intersection of Caidu Avenue and Caihou Road) at affordable prices.
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III. Transportation Guide
External Transportation: - High-speed rail: Zhumadian West Station (about 60 km from Shangcai), take a bus (about 1 hour, 20 yuan) directly to Shangcai Bus Station. - Regular train: Zhumadian Station (about 55 km from Shangcai), take a bus to the bus station and transfer. - Self-driving: Exit at Zhumadian North on the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway, then drive along S206 Provincial Road for 50 km.
Internal Transportation: - Within the county, take bus routes 1, 2, or 5, fare 1 yuan, covering major attractions. - Taxi starting fare 5 yuan, from the county to Li Si's Hometown about 15 yuan. - It is recommended to rent a bicycle (shared bikes available in the county, scan to use) for convenient travel in the old town.
IV. Itinerary Suggestions One-day tour: Morning: Cai State Ancient City (2 hours) → Li Si's Hometown (1.5 hours) → Lunch in the county with Gangzi Steamed Bread and Tofu Pudding → Afternoon: Chanhu Temple (1.5 hours) → Baigui Temple (1 hour) → Return. Two-day tour: Day 1 same as one-day tour; Day 2: Visit surrounding farm stays (e.g., Wolonggang Village) for pastoral picking (strawberries, watermelons, seasonal), afternoon visit Shangcai County Museum (free, on Caidu Avenue).