Central Plains Summer Resort Secret: Qi River

Who says there’s no cool fairyland in the Central Plains?
This time, I took the road less traveled and found a hidden summer resort in Henan.
Hebi Qi River — the "Central Plains Ink Painting Jiuzhaigou" 🫧
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📍 Qi River Scenic Area is a national 4A-level scenic spot. The river runs through the entire city and is known as the "Mother River" of Hebi. In summer, the average temperature here is 3-5°C lower than surrounding urban areas.
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No crowds, no commercial noise,
only bamboo forests, green waters, waterfalls, and a refreshing coolness.
🚗 Very convenient to reach from Zhengzhou or within the province!
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📌【Classic Activity Recommendations】
📍【Qi River National Wetland Park】
🧭 Main entrance near Lulou Bridge
✨ The most scenic waterside section of Qi River, with crystal-clear water and rich wetland ecology
✨ Vast native dawn redwood forest, reflections in the river create a “mirror aesthetic” perfect for photos
✨ Boardwalk + bird-watching pavilion + lotus pond, ideal for quiet walks and slow sightseeing
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📍【Shijing Cultural Corridor】
🧭 Adjacent to the wetland park, the cultural core of the scenic area
✨ Features poetry reliefs, bronze decorations, ancient-style corridors, and stone stele clusters
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📍【Qishuiguan Ancient Ferry + Ancient Bridge Group】
🧭 Western section of the wetland park, near the old town area
✨ Overlooks Qi River flowing through the city, blending history and nature beautifully
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📍【Huamei Valley Scenic Area】
🧭 About 30 minutes by car from the main Qi River line, a branch scenic spot suitable for afternoon visits
✨ Known as the "Little Taihang Valley," with waterfalls plunging into pools and wooden bridges by the stream
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📷 Must-visit spots:
✨ Glass Bridge over Water: ultra-clear water surface, reflections under sunlight like a mirror
✨ Shijing Corridor: engraved with ancient poetry, full of artistic atmosphere
✨ Small Waterfall Area + Pebble Shallow Beach: perfect for photos and water play
✨ Sunset Cycling Path: golden light through the forest, breeze included, very cinematic
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🏨 About Accommodation
The wetland park and Qi River Valley are a bit remote, so it’s recommended to stay nearby at Qian Na Hotel. It’s a half-hour direct ride to the scenic area, with 200+ fully smart rooms and free Hanfu rental, saving you the cost of renting or buying, offering great value.
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🧭 Special Activity Recommendations:
💦 Boating | Experience a light boat ride on Qi River, rental point near the boardwalk entrance
🌳 Cycling/Walking | Rent a bike and ride through the dawn redwood forest
📸 Hanfu Photoshoot | With Shijing background and mountain-water atmosphere, instantly transport to ancient times
🧺 Camping & Picnic | Plenty of shade, perfect for a barbecue and beer gathering with friends!
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📌 A hidden summer resort secret in the Central Plains, the perfect photo spot is Qi River.
Not only is it scenic with clear mountains and waters, but it’s also one of the birthplaces of the "Book of Songs"!