Live Your Best Lives
Enjoy hiking through forested mountains, explore karst caves, walk along streams and reservoirs, view autumn foliage, and photograph scenic peaks and cliffs.
Dahongzhai Scenic Area is located in Jiushan Town, a renowned historical and cultural city and an excellent tourist destination in Yuzhou City, Henan Province, northwest of the city. The scenic area covers 36 square kilometers and is part of the Song-Ji Mountain system, a remnant of the Funiu Mountain Range. The area boasts complex geological features, diverse cultural attractions, and breathtaking natural landscapes. It is a National AAAA-level tourist attraction and a National Forest Park. Located 100 kilometers north of the provincial capital, Zhengzhou, and 70 kilometers from Xinzheng International Airport, the area is traversed by Provincial Highway S325, offering convenient transportation and a distinct locational advantage. Yongquan River, a major tributary of the Ying River in Yuzhou, originates here.
Clear springs and streams abound throughout the scenic area, dotted with dams and reservoirs like mirrors. From west to east, there's Mingdong Spring nestled on the mountainside of Dahongzhai, Chenjiao Spring nestled among old ginger trees, Haiyan Spring nestled in the limestone crevices, and Bailongtan and Heilongtan nestled beneath the cliffs. These springs and pools boast pure, spotless water. Also nestled within the mountains are Jinpen Reservoir, Wuhe Reservoir, and Shimen Reservoir. Year-round, the waters are abundant, crystal clear, and shimmering, with ducks and gulls flying and fish and shrimp swimming.
Recently, a 1,200-meter-long karst cave was discovered here. Within the cave (within 100 meters), you can see typical carbon-dissolved landscapes such as stalactites, stalagmites, stone curtains, and stone curtains. It is truly a natural creation and mysterious. Experts have hailed it as "the best cave in Jiangbei."
Warm temperate continental monsoon climate; Dahongzhai Scenic Area integrates nature, mountains, water, caves and forests. It is one of the rare natural ecological tourist areas in Henan Province and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Bojizhang, Zuantiandong, Fengwangtai, Yixiantian, Baiguoshu, Shuiliandong, Foye Temple, Fanlihuatai, Laoyangshan, Zhuzhushan, Liyuanshan, Lanhuashan, Manjushan, etc.
It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours
32 yuan/person
08:00-17:30
Dahongzhai is a mountain-forest scenic area on the remnant of the Funiu Mountain range, with an altitude up to about 1,156 m. It features forests, caves, waterfalls and ridges, making it one of Henan’s natural-eco tourism destinations.
The area is located in Jiushan Town, Yuzhou City, Xuchang Prefecture, Henan Province. To get there:
Opening hours are not precisely listed, but the area is suitable for visits in spring, summer, and autumn when the scenery is best. Autumn (for red leaves) and early morning visits are recommended.
According to visitor information, tickets can be purchased at the entrance; for example one listing shows “Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours” and implies standard ticketing. The exact fee may vary by season and project; check online or at the box office.
Advance booking is not strictly required, but during peak seasons or holiday periods it is safer to purchase online a few days in advance.
A visit of 3–4 hours allows exploration of main paths, waterfalls, and caves; a half-day (4–5 hours) is better if you hike deeper.
There’s no widely advertised multilingual guided tours; primarily Chinese tours may be available. Visitors should check with the scenic area service centre.
Night visits are not typical; there are no widely noted light shows in the publicity. Best to visit during daylight.
The area can be busier during weekends, autumn foliage season and holidays. Visiting on a weekday morning will likely be quieter.
Facilities include toilets, snack/food stalls near the entrance, rest areas along major paths, and souvenir or refreshment points.
Main transportation and flatter paths are suitable for children or elderly; however, hikes to summit or narrow ridges may require sturdy footwear and some physical ability. Disabled access may be limited in steeper areas.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are commonly accepted; it’s still wise to carry some cash for small vendors in more remote sections.
There are local restaurants near the entrance offering Henan regional cuisine; small snack stalls and basic cafés exist within the scenic zone.
Vegetarian options are available at local eateries; halal options may be limited—ask locally for availability.
Accommodations are available in Yuzhou City and nearby towns; visitors staying overnight may choose guesthouses close to the scenic area for early access.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, mountain herbal teas, nature-theme items (e.g., wood carvings, forest gifts) and postcards/photographs of the scenery.
After your visit you can return via taxi or local bus to Yuzhou or Xuchang city for onward train or bus travel. Ride-share apps are also useful.
