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The Huaihe River Source Cultural Exhibition Hall, completed and opened at the end of 2003, is located in Gumiao Village, Huaiyuan Town, 15 kilometers west of Tongbai County. Its predecessor was the Huai Temple, built in the 26th year of the reign of Emperor Qin Shihuang and home to my country's earliest institution for the control of the Huai River. Inside the hall, a stone stele stands beside the Huai River Well, inscribed with the characters "Huaiyuan." These characters were written by Gao Shiduo, the Tongbai County Magistrate, in the third autumn of the Dingchou year of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty. The brushstrokes are as powerful as rafters, and the characters are as large as a bucket.
Fifteen kilometers west of Tongbai County lies Gumiao Village in Huaiyuan Town, home to the magnificent Huaihe River Source Cultural Exhibition Hall. Featuring numerous images and historical materials, the museum provides a detailed overview of the Huaihe River's source, as well as the customs, resources, cultural landscape, and water management history of the entire Huaihe River basin. This allows visitors to take in the river's natural beauty while appreciating its historical evolution.
The museum also includes the Ancient Huai River Shrine, a statue of King Yu, the Huai River Well, a Huai River source stele, a miniature "Walking Through the Huai River" exhibit, and a shadow puppetry performance hall. The Ancient Huai River Shrine, renovated and renovated over the generations, continues to thrive. It houses documents and precious historical relics on the Huai River spanning over 4,000 years. These documents clearly document the heroic efforts and brilliant achievements of the people along both sides of the river in harnessing, developing, utilizing, and protecting the river. They are valuable resources for studying Huai River culture and water conservancy history, and constitute an integral part of the comprehensive collection of Chinese water culture and water conservancy history.
In the subtropical monsoon climate, at the source of the thousand-mile Huaihe River - Huaiyuan Town, Tongbai County, there is a magnificent palace-style building complex with red walls and yellow tiles, painted brackets, flying eaves and corners, which is simple and magnificent. This is the location of the China Huaihe Source Folk Museum, which is suitable for travel in all seasons.
In the "Agriculture and Farming" exhibition room in the west wing, there are utensils from the agricultural civilization period. The old and clumsy ornaments seem to be telling the long and difficult transition from traditional agriculture to modern agriculture.
In the exhibition room of "A Harmonious Family Brings Good Fortune", the facilities of the old-style central hall are reproduced. The ancient central hall painting is hung in the middle of the back wall. In the middle are placed the altar cabinet, eight-immortal table, armchair and other objects. At the east end are placed the ancient tooth bed and baby pillow. At the west end are displayed the real objects of folk family life, showing the unique local family customs. It is suitable for sightseeing and understanding history.
It is recommended to play for 2 hours.
10 yuan/person
8:00-17:00
The Huaihe River Source Culture Exhibition Hall showcases the origin of the Huaihe River, emphasizing its historical, cultural, and ecological importance. It highlights the river’s influence on the local economy, agriculture, and civilization development in Henan and surrounding regions.
Located in Nanyang, Henan Province. Visitors can reach it by taxi, private car, or local bus. Walking is the main mode for exploring the exhibition and nearby scenic areas.
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best time to visit is in spring or autumn for pleasant weather.
Entrance fee is usually 30–50 CNY per person. Tickets can be purchased at the hall; online booking may be available through local tourism platforms.
Advance booking is not mandatory but recommended during weekends or holidays, ideally 1–2 days in advance.
1–2 hours is sufficient to explore all exhibitions and outdoor areas.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides in other languages are generally not provided.
Start at the main entrance, follow the chronological exhibition route detailing the river’s source, history, and ecological significance, and conclude with temporary or interactive displays.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available. Special educational or seasonal exhibitions may be offered.
Weekdays are less crowded, while weekends and public holidays see higher visitor traffic.
Facilities include restrooms, water fountains, seating areas, and a small souvenir shop.
Most areas are accessible for elderly and children. Wheelchair access is available in main exhibition halls, though some areas may have stairs.
Both cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted for tickets and purchases.
Nearby restaurants offer local Henan cuisine. Cafes and snack shops are available close to the exhibition hall.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby restaurants. Vegan or halal options may require prior inquiry.
Several hotels and guesthouses in Nanyang city center provide convenient accommodation options within a short drive.
Souvenir items include educational materials, postcards, small models of the Huaihe River, and cultural handicrafts.
Taxi, ride-hailing services, or private car are the most convenient options to reach other attractions or return to the city center.
