Zhumadian

Zhumadian is situated in the south of Henan province on the upper reaches of the Huai River, surrounded by hilly plains. The city was used as a resting post by messengers and officials and was subsequently named Zhumadian (literally 'horse stables'). It is one of the most important centers of Chinese civilization – the Chinese god of creation Pangu is believed to have visited here, and the city was an important weapons manufacturing center during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Chaya Mountain is situated nearby, where the Ming dynasty novelist Wu Cheng-en wrote the famous Chinese novel 'Journey to the West'. The TV adaptation of the novel was also filmed here. Visitors can enjoy the picturesque scenery and explore the areas mentioned in the novel.