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Zhenlei Mountain is located in the southeastern suburbs of Xinyang City and on the south bank of the Xi River, about 6 kilometers away from the city center. It is roughly oriented east-west, with high in the west and low in the east, and gradually sinking into the Huainan Hills in the east. The main peak is 338 meters above sea level, stretching 14 kilometers from east to west and 1 to 5 kilometers wide from north to south, covering an area of about 50 square kilometers.
Zhenlei Mountain is located between the Yangtze River and the Longhai Economic Development Zone, directly receiving the radiation of the two major development zones. It is the junction of the eastern and western economies and the intersection of the northern and southern cultures. It is the forefront of the development of the central and western regions and has the advantage of a "lowland".
The superior water and soil resources and good ecological environment make Zhenlei Mountain beautiful in the Central Plains. It has been successively named "Provincial Scenic Spot", "Provincial Forest Park" and "Henan Province's First Wetland Park". It is a comprehensive scenic spot integrating business, sightseeing, leisure, residence, vacation, science and education.
The scenic area is located in the transition zone from the northern subtropical zone to the warm temperate zone, with distinct transitional monsoon climate characteristics and pleasant weather all year round. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Zhenlei Mountain is part of Henan Province's "One Belt, Three Zones" tourism development initiative, encompassing the Southwest Henan Comprehensive Tourism Area for Scenic Spots and Cultural Relics. It is home to "Thunder Marsh Spouting Clouds" and "Shihe River Floating Moon," two of Xinyang's Eight Scenic Spots. Leifeng Temple, atop Zhenlei Mountain, boasts a history exceeding a thousand years. Scenic spots such as Jinhuazhai, Shengxian Temple, and Zhenlei Villa are rich in historical anecdotes. The Red Army Bridge and Red Army Cave serve as educational bases for local revolutionary traditions.
It is recommended to play for about 5 hours.
free
Open all day
Thunder Mountain in Xinyang is known for its natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage. It has historical temples and has been a local site for religious and cultural activities for centuries.
Located in Xinyang, Henan Province. Visitors can reach Thunder Mountain by taxi or private car from Xinyang city. Some local buses connect nearby towns, and hiking paths provide access to various points within the mountain.
Open generally from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and vibrant scenery.
Entrance fees are modest and tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance. Some local travel websites may offer online booking options.
Advance booking is not typically required except during holidays or weekends, when tickets may sell out.
2–4 hours are recommended to cover the main trails, viewpoints, and temple areas.
Guided tours are occasionally available in Chinese. Audio guides are limited and foreign-language options are rare.
Start from the main entrance, hike through the lower forest trails to reach temples, then continue to the summit viewpoints, and return via scenic downhill paths.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special tours or festivals may occur during local events, primarily in daylight hours.
Weekdays and non-holiday periods are the least crowded. Weekends and national holidays attract more visitors.
Basic facilities include restrooms, drinking water stations, small snack stalls, and benches along trails.
Hiking trails can be steep, making some areas challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy shorter paths safely.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are commonly available at ticket counters and shops.
Nearby village eateries and small cafes offer local Xinyang cuisine and refreshments.
Vegetarian options are generally available; vegan and halal options may be limited and require inquiry.
Several hotels and guesthouses in Xinyang city or near the mountain base provide convenient accommodation.
Souvenir shops sell local crafts, tea, postcards, and small Buddhist-themed items.
Taxi, ride-hailing services, or local buses are convenient to return to Xinyang city center or reach nearby attractions.
