Seeking Dreams in Xichuan: A Beautiful Journey of Mountains, Rivers and Humanities In the southwest corner of the Central Plains, Xichuan in Nanyang, Henan, is like a dusty heart covered by time.

Seeking Dreams in Xichuan: A Beautiful Journey of Mountains, Rivers and Humanities In the southwestern corner of the Central Plains, Xichuan in Nanyang, Henan, is like a pearl covered in dust by time, exuding a unique and charming charm. Not only does this place have breathtaking natural scenery, but it also has a profound cultural heritage. In the new year, you may as well pack your bags and head to this feast of mountains, rivers, and culture. Make thorough preparations before going to Xichuan. In terms of documents, a mainland China ID card is essential. If you meet the requirements, bringing preferential documents such as a student ID and senior citizen ID can save money on your trip. Clothes need to be selected according to the season. When traveling in spring and autumn, you need to bring a jacket to protect against the temperature difference between morning and evening. Sun protection equipment is essential for summer travel, and in winter, you must take measures to keep warm. Don't forget to bring your mobile phone and camera to record the beautiful moments. At the same time, prepare chargers and power banks in case of low power. Toiletries and common medicines can also add more convenience and peace of mind to your journey. When you come to Xichuan, you must visit Danjiang Grand View Garden. As a national 4A-level scenic spot, it is like an unfolding landscape painting. There are many small islands deep into the Danjiang Reservoir, surrounded by mountains and water, with natural and cultural landscapes perfectly integrated. Climbing up the Fan Li Pavilion, you seem to be able to touch Fan Li's magnificent life; standing in the Guanyin Square and looking up at the 108-meter-high Guanyin statue, your heart is filled with awe of the solemnity and sacredness. Ticket price is 128 yuan per person and opening hours are 08:00 - 18:00. The headworks of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project's middle route is located in Taocha Village, Jiuchong Town, Xichuan County, and enjoys the reputation of "the best headworks in the world". Standing on the dam and witnessing the clear water of the Danjiang River rushing northward, one is shocked by the grandeur of this great national project and the wisdom and responsibility of the builders. Moreover, it is open to the public free of charge all year round, and tourists are always welcome to come and experience the charm of this great project. Xiangyan Temple, first built in the Tang Dynasty, is one of the four famous temples in Zhongzhou. As you step into the temple, you will see ancient trees towering into the sky, ancient buildings with carved beams and painted rafters, and the solemn and majestic Main Hall, all of which demonstrate the pinnacle of ancient architectural art. Ticket price is 80 yuan per person and opening hours are 08:00-17:30. The Zen Valley is another world, with gurgling streams, splashing waterfalls, and peculiar rock landscapes scattered all over the valley, like a work of art carefully carved by nature. Walking through it, the fresh air is refreshing and a sense of tranquility and beauty arises spontaneously. Ticket price is 60 yuan/person and opening hours are 08:00-17:00. The ancient town of Jingziguan is also unique and charming because of its unique geographical location of "three provinces in one place". The ancient town has well preserved a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the ancient streets and docks silently tell of its past glory. Strolling along the ancient street, you will see shops lining both sides, selling all kinds of specialty goods and all kinds of mouth-watering delicacies, and they are open free of charge all day. In addition to popular attractions, Xichuan also has niche treasures worth exploring. Tangshan Wetland Park is the core of the southern park of Danyang Lake National Wetland Park, connected to the canal head in the south and Beijing Town in the north. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can see the majesty of the headworks dam and the beauty of the Danjiang Reservoir. The spectacular relief wall of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the touching story behind the project. Songgang Wharf is an important wharf in Danjiang Scenic Area. From November to March of the following year, a large number of red-billed gulls come here to spend the winter. Tourists can interact closely with these lively elves here, and every shot will be a beautiful blockbuster. When you are tired of playing, you must try the Xichuan cuisine. The tender and smooth Xichuan tofu, whether eaten cold, stewed or fried, every bite will make you intoxicated; the uniquely pickled Xichuan bacon is fat but not greasy, and has a mellow taste; and the Xichuan grilled fish with golden and crispy skin and tender and juicy fish meat, paired with a special sauce, is unforgettable. In terms of itinerary, if you have three days, you can arrive in Xichuan in the morning of the first day and go to Danjiang Grand View Garden, and go to Songgang Wharf to watch the gulls in the afternoon; on the second day, visit the headworks of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project's middle route in the morning, and go to Xiangyan Temple in the afternoon; on the third day, visit the Zen Valley in the morning, and go to Jingziguan Ancient Town in the afternoon. If time is limited, you can visit Danjiang Grand View Garden, Canal Head and Tangshan Wetland Park on the first day of a two-day tour, and visit Zuochan Valley and Jingziguan Ancient Town on the second day. In terms of transportation, it takes about 4 hours to drive from Zhengzhou and about 2-3 hours from Nanyang. If you choose public transportation, you can first go to Nanyang and then take a shuttle bus to Xichuan. For accommodation, you can choose resort hotels and homestays with beautiful environments near Danjiang Grand View Garden, or you can choose various hotels with complete facilities in Xichuan County. When shopping, the delicate and exquisite Xichuan jade and the artistic Xichuan embroidery are both great souvenirs. Xichuan, this charming land, is waiting for people to unveil its mysterious veil and start an unforgettable journey.