Xincai County

Xincai County is located in the southeastern part of Henan Province, under the jurisdiction of Zhumadian City, at the confluence of the Honghe and Ruhe rivers in the upper reaches of the Huaihe River. It covers a total area of 1,453 square kilometers and has a registered population of approximately 1.15 million (2023). Known as Caizhou in ancient times, it is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization. It was named after Marquis Ping of Cai moved the capital here during the Spring and Autumn period, with a history of over 2,700 years. It is a nationally renowned grain production county, a major pig transfer county, and also a hometown of Chinese folk culture and art (famous for intangible cultural heritage items such as shoulder pole opera and elbow pavilion). Xincai County boasts unique ancient Cai cultural relics, such as the Cai State Ancient City Site, Dalu Academy, and the Memorial Shrine for Martyrs of the Xinhai Revolution. Relying on the Honghe and Ruhe wetlands, it has created a water system ecological landscape, known as the 'water town of southeastern Henan'. As one of the few plain water network counties in the Central Plains, its urban landscape of 'water-city integration' complements the historical heritage of the millennium-old county, forming a unique tourism appeal.

I. Must-Visit Attractions

1. Cai State Ancient City Site (National Cultural Heritage Protection Unit) Located in the northwest of the county seat, it was the capital of the Cai State during the Spring and Autumn period. The existing city wall has a circumference of about 10 kilometers and a height of 2-4 meters, with clear rammed earth traces. A large number of bronze and pottery artifacts have been unearthed, among which the 'Cai Hou Bronze Tripod' is the treasure of the museum. Free admission, recommended visit time 1-2 hours.

2. Dalu Academy (Provincial Cultural Heritage Protection Unit) Located in Gulu Town, it was first built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty to commemorate the famous Northern Song official Lü Gongzhu. The academy covers an area of 2,000 square meters, with a three-courtyard layout, blue bricks and gray tiles, retaining Ming and Qing architectural styles. It houses an exhibition on the history and culture of Caizhou, allowing visitors to learn about the thousand-year cultural lineage of Xincai. Ticket price 20 yuan, opening hours 8:00-17:30.

3. Honghe-Ruhe Wetland Park Built at the confluence of the Honghe and Ruhe rivers, it covers an area of about 10 square kilometers. The park features bird-watching towers, ecological trails, and lotus ponds. The best viewing periods are the spring rape flower sea (March-April) and the summer lotus pond under moonlight (June-August). Free admission, boat ride 30 yuan/person.

4. Memorial Shrine for Martyrs of the Xinhai Revolution Located on South Street of the county seat, it was built to commemorate Xincai-born Xinhai Revolution martyrs Liu Jixue and Zhang Zhongduan. The shrine displays historical photos and documents and is a patriotic education base in Henan Province. Free admission, reservation required.

5. Liqiao Hui Ethnic Town Ethnic Customs Area 15 kilometers from the county seat, it is one of the largest Hui ethnic settlements in southern Henan. Visitors can visit mosques, taste Hui cuisine (beef pulled noodles, oil incense, hand-grabbed lamb), and enjoy special folk activities during Eid al-Fitr.

II. Special Cuisine

1. Xincai Sour Noodles: Made from fermented mung bean juice, served with celery, soybeans, and sesame paste, sour and appetizing. Recommended restaurant: 'Old City Sour Noodle House' (Address: Shengli Street, Gulu Subdistrict). 2. Honghe-Ruhe River Carp: Caught from the Honghe and Ruhe rivers, tender meat, suitable for braising or steaming. 'Caizhou Fish Village' (Middle Renmin Road) is a time-honored restaurant. 3. Caizhou Roast Chicken: Made from local free-range chickens, marinated with over a dozen spices, golden in color. Recommended purchase: 'Liu's Roast Chicken Shop' (Jiankang Road). 4. Hui Ethnic Oil Incense: Specialty of Liqiao Town, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, freshly fried.

III. Transportation Guide

External Transportation: - High-speed rail: Take to Zhumadian West Station (70 km from Xincai County), then transfer to bus (about 1.5 hours) or taxi (about 1 hour, cost 150 yuan). - Train: Regular trains to Xincai Station (eastern suburb of the county seat), with K and T series trains stopping. - Self-driving: Daguang Expressway and Xinyang Expressway intersect in Xincai, with multiple exits in the county.

Internal Transportation: - Bus: 12 bus routes in the urban area, fare 1 yuan, covering major attractions. - Taxi: Starting fare 5 yuan, generally within 10 yuan within the county. - Shared e-bikes: Operated by Meituan, Hellobike, etc., scan to use.

IV. Accommodation Recommendations

- Caizhou Welcome Hotel (4-star): Located on Renmin Road, 1 km from Cai State Ancient City Site, standard room 280 yuan/night. - Honghe-Ruhe Ecological Hotel (3-star): Near the wetland park, with water views, standard room 220 yuan/night. - Liqiao Town Hui Ethnic Homestay: Experience ethnic customs, price 80-150 yuan/night.

V. Best Itinerary

One-day tour: Morning: Cai State Ancient City Site + Dalu Academy; Afternoon: Honghe-Ruhe Wetland Park; Dinner: taste sour noodles. Two-day tour: Day 1 same as above; Day 2: Liqiao Hui Ethnic Town + Memorial Shrine for Martyrs of the Xinhai Revolution; before returning, buy Caizhou roast chicken.