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The Tongbai Mountains (or Tongbai Range) are located on the border of Henan and Hubei provinces in China. Most of the northern side of its main ridge lies within Henan Province. It is part of the western section of the Huaiyang Mountains (or, more broadly, the Dabie Mountains), running northwest-southeast. Experts describe it as "higher and more dangerous than Mount Hua, and rivaling Mount Huang in beauty."
The Tongbai Mountains boast not only the unique Huaiyuan culture, but also Pangu culture, Buddhist and Taoist culture, geological heritage, and Soviet culture. Former President Li Xiannian inscribed the Tongbai Heroes Monument and the Tongbai Revolutionary Memorial Hall. Tongbai Mountains serve as a crucial base for revolutionary education for future generations.
The Tongbai Mountain-Dabie Mountain dividing line: in the area of Xinyang Nanwan Reservoir-Feisha River and Yingshan River.
In September 2016, the Henan Provincial Department of Land and Resources discovered a massive gold deposit, containing nearly 105 tons and sufficient for 80 years of mining, during a survey of the deep and peripheral areas of the Laowan Gold Mine in Tongbai County, within the Tongbai Mountains of Henan Province. This area will become another important gold exploration base in Henan Province, following the Xiaoqinling Mountains and Waifangshan Mountains.
Tongbai Mountain is a transition zone between the north and south climates. It is located in the northern subtropical and warm temperate zones, with a mild climate, sufficient sunshine and abundant rainfall.
Its climate is characterized by: First, a distinct transition and significant differences. The geographical dividing line between my country's warm temperate and subtropical zones lies along the Qinling Mountains and the Huaihe River. North of this line lies the warm temperate semi-humid and semi-arid zone, while south of this line lies the subtropical humid and semi-humid zone.
Second, it is moderately warm, combining the strengths of both the north and south. Tongbai Mountain boasts a mild climate, with an average annual temperature of approximately 15°C (using data from Tongbai County). Winters are cold, summers are hot, and four distinct seasons are characterized by long, cold winters with little rain or snow; springs are short, dry, and sandy; summers are hot and rainy; and autumns are sunny and sunny. This climate combines the advantages of both northern and southern climate zones, benefiting the growth of a wide variety of plants.
Tongbai Mountain Huaiyuan Scenic Area
Tongbai Mountain Huaiyuan Scenic Area is located in the middle section of the northern foot of the Tongbai Mountains at the junction of southern Henan and northern Hubei. The specific coordinates are: 112°47′-113°11′ east longitude, 32°17′-32°29′ north latitude. The total area of the scenic area is 266 square kilometers, with a core area of 108 square kilometers. It is 3 kilometers away from Tongbai County. It is divided into four distinctive scenic areas: Huaiyuan, Taibaiding, Taohua Cave, and Shuilian Cave, with more than 100 landscapes of various types.
Source of the Huai River
The Tongbai County Chronicle states: "The Huai River originates at Dafu, flows underground, and emerges at Yangkou." The Huai River, also known as the Huaishui River, was one of the ancient "Four Rivers" and a Fengshui River in China. The Erya records: "The Huai River and the Lishui River share the same source and flow eastward as the Huai River, while the westward as the Li River," suggesting the "Yangtze River and Huai River share a common source." The Yangtze River and Huai River divide from Xiling, located at the foot of the northern slope of the main peak, to Xinpoling, located in Tumen Village, Dahe Town, Tongbai County. The Huai River system in the eastern part of the Huaihe River basin and the Tangbai River system in the western part of the Yangtze River basin are located there.
Buddhist and Taoist holy places
Yuntai Zen Temple
Yuntai Temple, a famous temple in southern Henan, is located at the summit of Taibai Peak, the main peak of Tongbai Mountain, at an altitude of 1,140 meters. The temple has five halls and four courtyards, covering an area of 22,000 square meters. It houses 39 halls and rooms, and 108 Buddha statues of various sizes.
Water Curtain Temple
Shuilian Zen Temple is located in a mountain gorge approximately 6 kilometers southwest of Tongbai County. Behind the temple, a hundred-meter-high cliff abruptly rises. A mountain spring cascades down from the clifftop, resembling a crystal curtain suspended in the air. This spring conceals a natural grotto atop the cliff, known as Shuilian Cave, from which the temple takes its name. Shuilian Temple, covering an area of 7,300 square meters, is unknown.
Hero Tongbai
Tongbai Mountain is where the Chinese Communist Party led the earliest revolutionary activities. Tongbai County is one of the nine counties in Henan Province that were once revolutionary bases (Soviet areas) and is one of the 100 classic red tourism scenic spots in China.
(1) During the 22 years from 1925 to 1947, three central-level, six provincial-level, nine prefecture-level, and 12 county-level Party, government, and military leadership organizations were established in Tongbai County.
(2) Liu Shaoqi, Li Xiannian, He Long, Wang Zhen, Peng Xuefeng, Zheng Weisan, Wang Shoudao and other older generation proletarian revolutionaries once worked and fought here. The Third Red Army, the 25th Red Army and the 28th Red Army were stationed and fought here, and more than 20 local revolutionary armed forces were established.
(3) The main sites of revolutionary activities include: the former sites of the Central Plains Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Plains Military Region, the Central Plains Administrative Office, the former site of the Henan-Hubei Border Provincial Committee, the former site of the 77th Working Group, the former site of the Tongbai Military Region, etc.
Tongbai Mountain Taibaiding Scenic Area
The Tongbai Mountain Taibaiding Scenic Area in Suizhou was approved by Hubei Province as a provincial-level scenic area in 1997. However, due to various reasons, the area lacked a dedicated management agency, and planning and construction stalled, leaving the area in name only and even facing the embarrassing situation of losing its provincial-level scenic area designation. In 2007, the Hubei Provincial Forestry Bureau approved the establishment of the Hubei Qijianfeng Provincial Forest Park in Suizhou. The park, with a total planned area of 3,869.7 hectares and developed by the Qijianfeng Forest Farm, is a key component of the Tongbai Mountain Taibaiding Scenic Area in Suizhou. On December 14, 2009, the Sui County Tongbai Mountain Taibaiding Scenic Area Management Committee was established. On the 28th of the same month, leaders from Hubei Province and the city unveiled the scenic area, marking the beginning of its construction. The Taibaiding Scenic Area, centered on Taibaiding, the main peak of Tongbai Mountain, extends north to Moyun Mountain Village, south to Tianwang Village, and east to Huaiyuan Scenic Area in Henan Province, covering a total area of 75 square kilometers. The scenic area is renowned for its deep ravines, steep cliffs, majestic peaks, ancient temples and villages, and picturesque mountain valleys. It boasts four second-level scenic spots, including Qingshui Temple and Tianwangzhai, and over 400 third- and fourth-level scenic spots, including the Pagoda Forest and Taibai Red Leaves.
In the 1960s, the southern slopes of Taibai Peak, once a densely forested mountain, suffered from vegetation loss and severe forest damage due to historical reasons. To complement the scenic area's natural beauty, the Sui County government planned a large-scale afforestation program, aiming to have one million trees established by 2013.
Qijianfeng Forest Park
Qijian Peak, formerly known as Qifeng Mountain, is located in Wanhe Town, more than 70 kilometers north of Suizhou City. Long renowned in Hubei and Henan provinces for its picturesque mountains, secluded forests, limpid pools, mellow springs, wondrous clouds, and stunning waterfalls, Qijian Peak remains an undeveloped virgin land.
Qijianfeng Forest Park combines mountains, water, forests, springs, unique features, secluded areas, dangerous terrain, unique characteristics, and ancient history, creating a harmonious coexistence of biodiversity. It boasts over 160 species of flora and fauna. Orchids are widespread and diverse; edible plants such as pearl flowers and ferns are abundant, and kiwifruit is a premium fruit. The four medicinal treasures, golden fork, stone bean, sorghum, and gastrodia elata, are found only in the park. Wild azaleas, maples, and sandalwoods abound throughout the mountains. Rare animals such as badgers, pheasants, pigs, rabbits, wolves, snakes, and sheep roam the forests. The ancient Yunchan Temple boasts a long history and enduring veneration. The pristine forest centered on the temple is well-preserved, with lush vegetation and towering ancient trees. The entire forest offers pleasant scenery, rich cultural heritage, and great development potential.
Treasure Temple
Qijianfeng Yuntang Zen Temple
Qijianfeng Yuntang Zen Temple, located 150 li (150 km) from Suizhou City, Hubei Province, boasts a main peak at an elevation of 996.6 meters. Standing tall, it is surrounded by mountains, a place steeped in the north and blessed with exceptional natural resources and a vibrant locale. From the summit, one can gaze upon the Yellow River to the north and the Yangtze River to the south. To the east, one can reach the Dabie Mountains, a crisscrossing expanse of mountains, rivers, and fields, and to the west, the Funiu Mountains. The mountains rise and fall, winding and intertwining, swirling and reconnecting like a moving dragon. Stunning rock formations create a natural boundary. Beneath the peaks, towering mountains, towering ancient trees, and dense shade blanket the ground, surrounded by water. Clouds and mist permeate the valley, creating a breathtaking aura of auspicious colors and a breathtakingly beautiful scenery, a truly hidden gem. This enchanting place is a haven for hidden talents and crouching tigers. It is a magical, celestial realm, a place for monks and Taoists to practice fasting and spiritual cultivation. With a mild climate, fertile soil, and clean water, it is a truly rare Buddhist sanctuary. During the Tang Dynasty, a remarkable monk, known as Zhiqin and known by his secular name Zhu Qishi, was revered as Bodhi Patriarch. A native of Dengzhou, Henan Province, he became a monk at Daxingguo Temple on Sheli Island. During the Zhenguan period, he preached Buddhism and traveled here. He gazed down upon the peak, revealing the vast belly of Maitreya Buddha. Stone windows gathered the essence of the sun and moon, capturing the spirit of the mountains and rivers. This was the site of the Miaojue Temple, a monastery built over 1,300 years ago. Bodhi Patriarch, as recorded in the "Biography of the Divine Monk," maintained the original temple during the Kaiyuan period of the Tang Dynasty, but it was later destroyed by war.
During the Xuande reign of the Ming Dynasty, Master Zhenkong presided over Miaojue Temple. In the 18th year of the Chenghua reign, Master Zhao, a disciple of Master Zhao, from Shifo Temple in Yidu County, Qingzhou Prefecture, Eastern Shandong Province, ascended the Qianfeng Temple in Funiu Mountain to consult Bodhidharma. Like a dazed man, he then traveled to Wuzhong Mountain in Sichuan for a seven-day Buddhist retreat during the summer. Suddenly, he realized the emptiness of his mind and realized his true nature. He then paid homage to Shimen Zen Temple on Baofeng Mountain. Master Xing Wujin, while traveling and admiring the surrounding mountains and rivers, noticed the remarkable presence of white stone cliffs and green pines on Suiyang's Seven Peaks. He decided to expand the monastery and renamed it "Ancient Temple Yuntang Zen Forest," also known as Yuntang Zen Temple. As its popularity grew, it was rebuilt in the seventh year of the Tianqi reign of the Ming Dynasty.
During the 48th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign in the Qing Dynasty, a large-scale renovation project was undertaken, resulting in a magnificent and imposing structure. It earned the reputation of "Little Jiuhua" (Little Jiuhua), often referred to as the "Southern Jiuhua" and the "Northern Seven Peaks," a legendary achievement. With a growing number of monks, Yuntang Temple reached its peak, becoming renowned throughout China for its numerous scenic spots and historical sites, such as the unique White Dragon Pond. The self-ringing wooden bells beneath the eaves of the Main Hall, the sweeping ginkgo trees, the self-opening stone gates, the towering poplars, the flags tugged by the wind, and the Maitreya Peak at the summit. The lookout tower on the main peak, Hongshi Village, Tianbao Village, Monkey Stone, Paoshi Rock, Huanglongtan, Huanglong Temple, Black Dragon Pool, the natural Sleeping Dragon Buddha, the Welcoming Pine in the Stone Forest, the towering Foyun Cave, Laoma Tomb, Daxianduo, Xiaoxianduo, the seven peaks arching in a row and other historical sites, the magnificent scenery has always attracted poets and writers, as well as a large number of tourists, who are fascinated by it and forget to leave. It is known as a paradise on earth and a Buddhist paradise.
During the Republic of China era, prominent monks such as Zhenkong, Haiyuan, Tiguang, Zhenkuo, Haimo, and Dahei resided on this mountain, cultivating their meditation skills for three years. In 1949, Yinhui presided over Yuntang Temple's affairs. During the Anti-Japanese War, Communist Party members Xu Sanduo and Dong Debao conducted underground activities here. During the same period, Zhou Baixun, the former head of Wanhe District in Sui County, established the district office within the temple. On the eve of liberation, rampant bandits seized the temple. Authorities dispatched troops to suppress the bandits, and the temple was once again destroyed by war. Yuntang Zen Temple boasts a history of over 1,300 years, dating back to the Zhenguan era, when Bodhi Patriarch Zhu Zhiqin founded it. It has undergone a millennium of vicissitudes, undergoing the rise and fall of dynasties, expansions, and repeated destruction and reconstruction. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by war, leaving the original site we see today. During the Cultural Revolution, the temple's cultural relics and monuments were destroyed, leaving only the ruins of its walls.
After the reform and opening up, with the support of the Suizhou government and the concerted efforts of monks and laypeople, in 1997, Abbot Shi Yinguo resolved to rebuild the temple and revitalize Buddhism. He led the monks and laypeople in diligent labor, and the temple finally opened majestically. The temple's majestic and ancient architecture, with its lifelike Buddha statues, attracted a steady stream of monks, laypeople, and poets. The temple became increasingly renovated, with morning bells and evening drums, and a vibrant incense-filled atmosphere, a truly remarkable achievement. Shi Yinguo was deeply gratified. The reconstruction work was immense, and the descendants of Yan and Huang enjoyed greater prosperity and enlightenment, a legacy for the world.
Yuntai Zen Temple
Built in 1784, during the 49th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign, it enjoyed the reputation of "Putuo Temple in the South and Yuntai Temple in the North" during the Jiaqing period. It is a sacred Buddhist site and the ancestral home of the Baiyun School of the Linji Sect, one of the five schools of Zen Buddhism. Renovation began in 1989. Spanning Hubei and Henan provinces, with the Main Hall located in Hubei and the Dining Hall in Henan, the temple is known as "Visiting the temple in Hubei and dining in Henan." The ancient well next to the temple is the first well at the source of the Huai River. The current abbot is Venerable Qingyuan, Director of the Temple Affairs Office of the Buddhist Association of China.
Wolong Temple
It was built in the third year of the Tongzhi reign (1864) and was originally a branch of Yuntai Zen Temple, belonging to the Baiyun lineage of the Linji sect. The abbot was Master Miaotong.
Jade Emperor Pavilion
Located at Yuhuangding (also known as Taiyiding) in Huaihe Town, it was built in the 21st year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty (1841).
Kiyomizudera Temple
Originally built during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, Kiyomizu Temple boasts a history of nearly 400 years. Over the years, excessive logging and fire have severely damaged the surrounding mountains and forests, transforming the once lush green hills into barren hills. In October 2007, Kiyomizu Temple reached an agreement with the local village committee to contract over 10,000 mu (approximately 16,000 acres) of mountain land surrounding the temple and opened a nearly seven-kilometer (approximately 16,000 acres) mountain road to prepare for large-scale tree planting. The temple also implemented a 10-year reforestation plan, aiming to plant 500,000 trees over the next 10 years, restoring greenery to the surrounding barren hills. To date, the temple has purchased seedlings and planted over 20,000 pine trees on the contracted hills, cultivating 50,000 seedlings and covering an area of 200 mu (approximately 16,000 acres). While planting trees, Kiyomizu Temple also prioritizes forest conservation, using religious ceremonies and other activities to raise awareness and awareness among local residents about environmental protection and encourage them to participate in forest conservation.
Zifang Temple
According to the "Book of Han: Zhang Liang," Zhang Liang assisted Emperor Gaozu of Han in unifying the empire. Overwork left him frail and ill, and seeking a long and peaceful life, he retreated to the mountains and rivers. He said, "...with my three-inch tongue...I have been granted the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households, a rank among the highest marquises...This is enough for me. I wish to abandon worldly affairs and follow Chisongzi." He then said, intending to take a light journey. Thus, he traveled extensively, reaching the vast expanse of the world. He found a natural cave on the main peak of Mount Taibai, where he lived in seclusion and cultivated himself, hence the name Zhang Liang Cave.
There is also a Zhang Liang Temple in Taibai Peak Scenic Area of Tongbai Mountain in Sui County today.
Baoan Zen Temple
It was built in the 49th year of Emperor Qianlong's reign (1784) and inherited the Linji Sect.
Huilong Temple
Located in Hanjiawan, it was built in the early Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty. It was damaged during the Cultural Revolution and reconstruction began in 2008.
Haihui Temple
Located in Chedian, it was built in the Tang Dynasty, destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and rebuilt in 1994. The abbot is Master Yinkui.
Chaoyang Temple
Located in Jiekou Village, Chaoshan, Xincheng, it was rebuilt in 1995. The abbot is Master Yin Fan.
Twin Temples
Located in Shahe Village, it was damaged during the Cultural Revolution. Renovation work began in 2009 and is scheduled to be completed on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month. The abbot is Venerable Siming.
There are also Tiefu Temple, Tianqiao Temple, Foshan Temple, Huanglong Temple (next to Huanglongtan at Qijian Peak), Longhua Temple (rebuilt in 2000), Chedian Shifang Temple, etc., some of which only have ruins left.
Tianwangzhai
Tianwangzhai is located on Gucheng Mountain in the Tongbai Mountains, on the border of Henan and Hubei provinces. It is a branch of the Dabie Mountains, part of the western section of the Huaiyang Mountains. As the third highest peak in the Tongbai Mountains, it boasts a precipitous terrain and striking peaks. The village, with its nine peaks and undulating walls, resembles the Great Wall. The village covers approximately 1.5 square kilometers.
The main peak housed the "Golden Palace" (its ruins still exist), a high-water spring known as the "Drinking Horse Pond," which offers an inexhaustible supply. To the east, a thousand-foot-high cliff reveals a moon-like opening, known as "Yue'er Rock." To the northeast stands the "Leigutai," a massive rock leaning outwards from the village. To the west stands the "Yingzizui," resembling a giant eagle spreading its wings. Northwest of the village, Feiyun Peak, at 1,018 meters, is the highest peak within the village. Atop it lies the "Dragon Pond," which never dries up, and halfway up the mountain lies a cave that no one dares to explore. A small stream flows year-round within the village, beneath which lies a deep pool, where, according to locals, there are giant salamanders.
20 kilometers northwest of the village is Taibai Peak, the main peak of Tongbai Mountain, 8 kilometers northeast is the Shuiliandong Scenic Area, and 4 kilometers north is the horse farm, where Tian Wang used to raise horses.
Wufengduo, in the west valley of Tianwangzhai, is surrounded by steep cliffs on three sides, accessible only by a bird's-eye path. Amidst the cliffs lies a rock several feet tall, with a crack less than two feet long. Visitors must traverse the narrow passage sideways. The narrow passage is incredibly dangerous. During the Sino-Japanese War, the wealthy Dai Lieshan hid all his valuables here, guarding it with a gun daily. Bandits, swarming in the mountains at the time, dared not invade. It's a case of one man guarding the pass, keeping ten thousand at bay. Whenever strong winds blow against the mountain, the lights on the summit remain unlit. Ancient legend holds that the peak contains a precious pearl offering shelter from the elements, and its solitary, tranquil peak is a perfect place for Taoist practice (see "Baiyun Mountain Records"). To the east of the village lies the mountain stream where, according to folklore, the Suihou Pearl, a treasure from the Spring and Autumn Period, was lost. (The entry for "Suihe" in the old Cihai dictionary notes: "The Suihou Pearl and the Bian He Jade Jade are both treasures, hence the term 'Suihe').
Free (attractions charge extra fees)
All day
Tongbai Mountain is part of the Tongbai mountain range in southern Henan, historically significant as a natural barrier and rich in biodiversity. It is known for its scenic beauty, ecological importance, and cultural sites.
Located in Xinyang, Henan Province. Accessible by taxi or private car from Xinyang city center. Local buses connect nearby towns, with short walks to trailheads.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Best visited in spring and autumn for pleasant weather and colorful foliage.
Entrance fees are generally affordable and can be purchased at the park entrance or via local online tourism platforms.
Advance booking is optional but recommended during weekends and public holidays, ideally 1–2 days ahead.
Allow 4–6 hours to explore main trails, viewpoints, and scenic spots.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. English-speaking guides may be arranged on request.
Start at the main entrance, hike through the forest trails to waterfalls, then ascend to key peaks for panoramic views, finishing with a return via scenic paths or rest areas.
Night visits are generally not allowed. Special events may occur during festivals or local holidays.
Less crowded on weekdays and early mornings. Peak visitor times are weekends and holidays.
Facilities include restrooms, small cafes or kiosks, rest areas, and souvenir shops at key points near the entrance and main trails.
Some trails are steep and challenging; elderly visitors and children should take precautions. Accessibility for disabled visitors is limited.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely supported.
Restaurants and cafes near the park entrance serve local cuisine and snacks.
Vegetarian options are generally available; vegan and halal options may be limited.
Hotels and guesthouses in Xinyang city are within 30–40 minutes by car, providing convenient access to Tongbai Mountain.
Souvenir shops sell local handicrafts, mountain-themed memorabilia, and snacks.
Taxis or private cars are most convenient for continuing to Xinyang city or nearby attractions. Local buses may connect to surrounding scenic areas.
