The "Little Moganshan" of Central Plains! Xijiuhua Mountain Summer Escape Guide in Xinyang

【Introduction】
Located at the border of Henan and Anhui (in Gushi County, Xinyang), Xijiuhua Mountain is a rare scenic area in Central Plains renowned for its "Zen, Tea, and Bamboo" trio. Key highlights include the **10,000-acre bamboo forest** (the largest in Central Plains), **Miaogao Zen Temple** (an ancient temple from the Sui Dynasty), and the **tea mountain sightseeing zone** (a major production area of Xinyang Maojian tea). Legend says the Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha once meditated here, hence the name "Xijiuhua." With an average summer temperature of 22°C, it’s a popular summer retreat near Wuhan and Zhengzhou.

🕘 **Opening Hours**
**Entire Scenic Area:**
Peak season (Mar-Nov): 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry 4:00 PM)
Off-season (Dec-Feb): 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 3:30 PM)
**Attraction-specific:**
Miaogao Zen Temple: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (morning bell/evening drum ceremony at 6:30 AM/5:30 PM daily)
Tea-picking experience: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (requires 1-day advance booking).
Recommended visit: 2 days & 1 night (stay in bamboo forest homestay); prioritize bamboo forest + temple for day trips.

💴 **Ticket Prices**
**Basic Tickets:**
Adult: ¥90 (new "Youth Discount" ¥45 for ages 7-18 starting 2025)
Senior/Student: ¥50 (with valid ID).
**Combo Tickets:**
Entry + Bamboo Rafting + Glass Walkway: ¥168 (summer limited offer)
Zen Experience Combo (with vegetarian meal + scripture copying): ¥128.
**Free Entry:** Children under 1.2m, monks, seniors over 70.

⛺ **Attractions**
**Three Core Zones:**
1. **Bamboo Forest Zone (Must-visit):**
- Bamboo rafting: 2km gentle stream through bamboo sea (¥60/person, half-price for kids)
- Glass Viewing Platform: 150m high overlook of bamboo waves (included in basic ticket)
- Bamboo Pet Garden: Feed deer and peacocks (family-friendly).
2. **Zen Culture Zone:**
- Miaogao Zen Temple: Sui Dynasty temple, join morning chanting (6:30 AM)
- Ksitigarbha Cave: Natural cool cave with Buddha statue, ideal for summer
- Zen Tea Workshop: Try tea-frying and Song Dynasty tea ceremony (¥38/person).
3. **Tea Mountain Zone:**
- Vast tea fields: Pick spring tea (Apr-May, ¥100 includes 1kg fresh leaves)
- Tea Museum: Sample Xinyang Maojian from core "Wuyun-Liangtan" area.
**Recommended Itinerary:**
1-Day: Entrance → Bamboo Rafting → Glass Platform → Vegetarian Lunch at Temple → Tea Museum
2-Day: Day 1 Bamboo + Temple → Overnight in Bamboo Lodge → Day 2 Tea-Picking + Cave Exploration

🚌 **Transport Guide**
**DIY Travel:**
From Xinyang: Take "Xinyang-Gushi" bus (¥25) at Xinyun Station → Transfer to scenic shuttle (¥10, 30-min intervals)
From Wuhan/Zhengzhou: Drive to "Xijiuhua South Gate," exit at Chenlinzi Town (2.5h/4h).
**Internal Transport:**
Sightseeing shuttle: ¥20/unlimited rides (recommended due to large distances).

👉 **Trip Planning**
**In-Depth 2-Day Zen Escape:**
Day 1: Bamboo Rafting → Temple Meal → Stay at "Bamboo Retreat" (starry sky room + private bamboo hot spring)
Day 2: Tea-Picking → Ksitigarbha Cave → Stop by Huayang Lake (free hidden gem).
**Accommodation:**
Zen-style: "Miaogao Zen Lodge" (¥300+/night, includes morning chanting)
Bamboo-themed: "Jianshan Homestay" (cliffside bamboo house, ¥500+/night, includes rafting ticket).

🧡 **Pre-Trip Tips**
**Essentials:**
- Non-slip hiking shoes (wet stone paths), jacket (temperature drops in bamboo forest)
- Mosquito repellent (bamboo area has bugs), water bottle (free temple tea).
**Etiquette:**
- Keep quiet in temples; ask monks before photographing Buddha statues
- Avoid trampling tea rows; rent a sun hat (¥10 on-site).
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