Sui County

Sui County, under the jurisdiction of Shangqiu City, Henan Province, is located in the Eastern Henan Plain on the south bank of the Yellow River. It covers an area of approximately 926 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 800,000 (2023). Its history dates back to the Xiangyi of the Spring and Autumn period. Xiangyi County was established in the Qin Dynasty, renamed multiple times, and finally named Suizhou in the Jin Dynasty. In the second year of the Republic of China (1913), it was changed from a prefecture to a county, making it a millennium-old county in the Central Plains. Sui County is known as the "Water City of the Central Plains," with about 100,000 mu of urban lake surface, of which North Lake covers nearly 5,000 mu, making it one of the largest inland urban lakes in China. It was also the place where Song Dynasty writer Su Shi lived in exile and the hometown of Qing Dynasty official Tang Bin, giving it profound cultural heritage. Sui County is also known as the Hometown of Longevity in China and the Best Eco-Tourism County in China, featuring ecological wetlands, historical sites, and folk culture, making it an important tourist destination integrating natural scenery and cultural landscapes on the Eastern Henan Plain.

[1. Core Attractions]

1. North Lake Scenic Area (National AAAA) Located in the northern part of the county, the lake covers about 4,800 mu and is the landmark of Sui County. On the lakeside, there is Su Shi Cultural Park, featuring Dongpo Pavilion and a stele forest, displaying Su Shi's poems and essays during his exile in Suizhou. The scenic area is free to enter, with boat rides available (30 yuan/person). The lakeside trail is about 8 km long, suitable for cycling and hiking. Best time to visit: Spring (March-May) when peach blossoms bloom along the lake, and autumn (September-November) when reeds turn golden.

2. Suizhou Ancient City Ruins Located 2 km southwest of the county seat, it is the site of the Ming and Qing Suizhou city. The remaining city wall is about 1.5 km long with three gates (East, West, South). The wall is about 8 m high and 12 m wide at the base, made of rammed earth, with some brick and stone parts well preserved. Inside the ruins, you can visit the restored Suizhou Yamen to learn about ancient prefecture culture. Ticket: 20 yuan, open 8:00-17:30.

3. Tang Bin Memorial Hall Located in the eastern part of the county, it was converted from the former residence of Qing Dynasty official Tang Bin. Tang Bin was a famous Neo-Confucian official in the early Qing Dynasty, serving as Minister of Works. The memorial hall covers about 2,000 square meters, displaying Tang Bin's life artifacts and manuscripts. Free admission, closed on Mondays.

4. Yuanjia Mountain (Lüzu Temple) Located in the northern part of the county, built in the late Ming Dynasty, it is a Taoist sacred site. The mountain is artificially piled, about 30 m high, with Lüzu Hall and Sanqing Hall on top. The temple houses Ming Dynasty murals and steles. A temple fair is held on the third day of the third lunar month. Ticket: 10 yuan.

5. Sui County Wetland Park Located in the southeastern part of the county, covering about 2,000 mu, it is the largest urban wetland in the Eastern Henan Plain. The park has bird-watching platforms and wooden boardwalks, where egrets and wild ducks are commonly seen. Free admission, best bird-watching season is winter (December-February).

[2. Local Cuisine]

1. Suizhou Roasted Chicken: Made from local free-range chickens, slow-cooked in aged marinade, with tender meat and rich flavor. Recommended shop: "Liu's Roasted Chicken Old Shop" at North Lake Road (mid-range, 40 yuan/person).

2. Sui County Fermented Soybeans: Made from fermented soybeans with chili and ginger, a local condiment. Available at supermarkets; recommended brand: "Zhang's Sauce Garden."

3. Suizhou Crispy Pancake: Thin, crispy pancake sprinkled with sesame seeds, can be eaten alone or in soup. Commonly found at breakfast stalls, e.g., "Lao Li Crispy Pancake Shop" at the intersection of Minzhu Road and Jiefang Road.

4. North Lake Fish Feast: Using carp and grass carp from North Lake, prepared steamed, braised, or in soup. Recommended restaurant: "Water City Fishing Port" on Hubin Road (mid-range, 60 yuan/person).

[3. Transportation Guide]

External Transportation: - High-speed rail: Shangqiu High-speed Rail Station is about 60 km from Sui County. Take a shuttle bus from Shangqiu to Sui County (about 1 hour, 20 yuan); or drive via Lianhuo Expressway (about 40 minutes). - Regular train: Minquan Station (30 km from Sui County). Take a rural bus to the county (about 45 minutes, 8 yuan). - Long-distance bus: Direct buses from Zhengzhou Long-distance Bus Center to Sui County (6 daily, about 2.5 hours, 45 yuan).

Internal Transportation: - Bus: Routes 1, 2, and 3 cover major attractions, fare 1 yuan. - Taxi: Starting fare 5 yuan, within county generally under 15 yuan. - Shared bikes: Meituan and Hellobike bikes available around North Lake, suitable for short trips.

[4. Accommodation]

- North Lake Hotel (3-star): Located in North Lake Scenic Area, standard room about 200 yuan/night, Tel: 0370-8112345. - Suizhou Hotel (budget): Near the ancient city ruins, standard room about 100 yuan/night. - Home Inn (Minzhu Road): Chain brand, standard room about 150 yuan/night.

[5. Travel Tips] - Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), pleasant weather, avoid summer heat and winter cold. - Clothing: The plain area is windy and dusty, bring a windbreaker and hat. - Safety: North Lake is deep; be careful when boating or walking by the lake. - Shopping: Suizhou roasted chicken, fermented soybeans, crispy pancakes, North Lake dried fish, etc., available at specialty shops on Jiefang Road.