Nuwa City

What are the most recommended things to do in Nuwa City?

  • Visit the ceremonial halls dedicated to the legend of the goddess Nüwa, including the Archway Gate, Nüwa Mausoleum, Butian Palace, and Fuxi Palace.
  • Explore the archaeological remains of the ancient city-site: city walls, moat, rammed earth foundations and relics from the Eastern Zhou period.
  • Observe the ornate statues, murals and sculptures depicting Nüwa creating humanity and repairing the heavens inside the temple complex.
  • Participate in local ritual culture: incense-burning, offering prayers at the Nüwa tomb and temples, especially during temple-fair days.
  • Walk the scenic grounds around the ancient city-site and take photos of the temple architecture, ceremonial courtyards and traditional ornamentation.

Introducing Nuwa City

Nuwa City is located in Endugang Village, Niedai Town, Xihua County. Xihua was the main activity area and the only capital of Nuwa, the ancestor of mankind in ancient times. Nuwa City is only more than 30 kilometers away from the Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum. Many wonderful stories about Fuxi and Nuwa are widely circulated here.

The temple is composed of archway gate, Nüwa Mausoleum, Bu Tian Hall, Nüwa Palace, Fuxi Hall, Sanhuang Hall, Sanqing Hall and corridors on both sides. Each hall and corridor houses statues of Nüwa, Fuxi and other gods, as well as sculptures and murals depicting Nüwa's achievements in creating humans and mending the sky.

Climate and best time to travel

Nuwa City is always shrouded in smoke and incense. On the first and fifteenth day of the lunar calendar, a temple fair is held, and people from all over the country flock to it.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Recommended play time: 1-2 hours

Tickets

10 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

All day


Most Popular FAQs for Nuwa City

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

This site commemorates Nüwa, a major figure in Chinese mythology credited with creating humanity and repairing the sky. The ancient city-site nearby is dated to the Eastern Zhou era and was excavated to reveal city walls and relics. The modern ceremonial complex was built to honour Nüwa and related legendary figures like Fuxi. It is regarded as a major pilgrimage and cultural tourism destination in Henan.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Nuwa City is located in Sidugang Village, Niedui Town (聂堆镇思都岗村), about 7.5 km north of Xihua County seat, Zhoukou, Henan Province. You can reach it by:

  • Local bus or minibus from Xihua County town to the village area.
  • Taxi or ride-sharing from Xihua (or from Zhoukou) is more direct.
  • Walking around the site once you arrive is easy, with flat paths in the ceremonial grounds.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Typical opening hours are from about 08:00 AM to 18:00 PM (check locally for current times). Best times to visit:

  • Weekdays (to avoid crowds).
  • During off-peak seasons (not major festival days) for a quieter experience.
  • Early morning or late afternoon for softer light and fewer visitors.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The ticket price is around ¥20 per person in recent visitor accounts. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the entrance; online booking may also be available via travel apps. It is wise to check the official site or local tourism bureau for up-to-date pricing and promotions.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not absolutely required on regular days. However, during temple-fair days (e.g., lunar first and fifteenth) when attendance is high, booking a few days ahead is recommended.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to see the main halls and grounds. If you also explore the ancient city-site excavations, relics and do a slower walk, plan for 2–3 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • The Archway Gate and ceremonial entrance structure.
  • The Nüwa Mausoleum and Butian Palace (depicting Nüwa’s myth of “repairing the heavens”).
  • The Fuxi Palace and halls (since Fuxi is paired mythologically with Nüwa).
  • The ancient city-site remains: rammed earth walls, moat outline, relics from Spring & Autumn and Eastern Zhou periods.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

There is no widely advertised multilingual audio guide system. Guided tours may exist in Chinese; English language resources might be limited. It’s best to bring a translation app or guide if you require English commentary.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • The front gate framed by a broad avenue of trees.
  • The steps up to the Butian Palace with its ornate architecture and murals of Nüwa.
  • The remains of the ancient city wall and moat outline in the afternoon light.
  • Any incense-smoke filled courtyard at the Mausoleum for atmospheric shots.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

  • Enter via the main gate → visit the Archway/entrance area → proceed to Butian Palace and Nüwa Mausoleum → then explore the Fuxi Palace → take the walkway to the ancient city-site section → finish at any souvenir stalls or rest area near the exit.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits may be possible but the core temple halls and ruins are best seen in daylight. There’s no well-publicised light show or special night tour currently advertised.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The site becomes very busy on festival days (especially the lunar calendar first and fifteenth), and many tourists come. Least crowded: Weekday mornings (Tuesday–Thursday) outside of holiday peaks.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include toilets, small snack/refreshment stalls, benches and rest areas near the temple halls. There are souvenir shops near the entrance/exit. – Based on visitor reports.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The grounds around major halls are relatively flat and accessible for elderly and children. Some steps may be present at temple entrances, and the ancient city-wall area may involve minor uneven terrain. Wheelchair access may be limited to main pathways; check onsite for full access.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Most vendors and the ticket office accept mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards. Carrying a small amount of cash is still wise for incidental purchases.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Small local eateries near the entrance offer Henan-style snacks (e.g., wheat-based breads, soups). Cafes are limited; better food options are in Xihua town nearby.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, vegetarian dishes can be found in local restaurants (e.g., tofu, vegetable noodles). Halal food might be less common in this immediate rural area – visitors should inquire in town if needed.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodations are mostly in Xihua County town. You can stay in a local guesthouse or a mid-range hotel in Xihua for easy access to the site by taxi or bus.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
  • The nearby ancient city-site of the legendary figure Fuxi (Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum Cultural Tourism Area) in Zhoukou region.
  • Other cultural sites in Xihua County tied to Nüwa myths and archaeological remains.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes – souvenir stalls sell small statues of Nüwa and Fuxi, decorative plaques, calligraphy scrolls depicting the myth of “repairing the sky,” postcards of the site, and local craft items.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

From the site you can take a taxi or bus back to Xihua County town, then onward to Zhoukou city by bus or train. Ride-sharing apps work well. If travelling further in Henan, return to Zhoukou Railway Station for high-speed connections.