Xinmi Qinwei Water City Guide: Encountering a Millennium of Elegance in the Book of Songs

Just 40 minutes from Zhengzhou, there lies a poetic Qinwei Water City. Here, the themes of "Feng, Ya, Song" from the Book of Songs weave together ancient sites, light and shadow, and lively scenes. You can explore the grandeur of the ancient county office by day and enjoy the flowing lantern lights by night—perfect for a weekend getaway.

1. 📝 Basic Information (Essential Guide)

• 📍 Location: Old Town, Chengguan Town, Xinmi City, Zhengzhou. For more precise navigation, search for "Qinwei Water City East Gate."

• 🚘 Transportation:

◦ 🚗 By car: About 40 minutes from downtown, free parking in the underground garage with ample spaces.

◦ 🚌 Public transport: Direct buses from Zhengzhou Central Station (operates on holidays), or take a bus to Xinmi East Station then a taxi to the site.

• 🎫 Admission: Free entry

• 🕐 Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM. It’s recommended to enter after 4 PM to avoid crowds and enjoy both daytime and nighttime views.

2. 👍 Core Experiences: Unlock the Triple Experience of "Feng, Ya, Song"

1. ✅ Feng Area · Explore the Ancient County Office Splendor

Here hides the "First County Office of China," the Mì County Office, featuring the "Goulian Da" roof style from the Sui Dynasty and an ancient prison used until 2003. Every brick and tile bears the marks of time. Don’t miss the 12 daily interactive court case performances; the 3:00 PM show is the most engaging, with the "County Magistrate" judging cases in a highly immersive way. Nearby, the Song Dynasty inscriptions at Fahai Temple and the 11-meter-high Ming Dynasty glazed tile shadow wall at the City God Temple are must-visit spots for history lovers.

2. ✅ Ya Area · Enjoy a Poetic Lifestyle

• Hanfu Stroll: Rent Hanfu (50 RMB/2 hours) at Zijinli, wear wide-sleeved silk skirts, and walk on the bluestone paths framed by red lanterns and flowing water bridges, instantly turning into a traditional Chinese painting.

• Cultural Experiences: At Yuzhaoli, try Song Dynasty tea art by making tea foam paintings; Xunchifang displays intangible cultural heritage jade carvings, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship in translucent jade; at the Book of Songs Shadow Pursuit Pavilion, stepping on "vine grass" triggers poetry recitations, and the water curtain light show creates a deeply artistic atmosphere.

3. ✅ Song Area · Chase the Lantern Light Feast

The East Gate is the heart of the night tour! At 7:30 PM, the "Qinwei Welcome Ode" light and shadow show starts on time, projecting thousands of lights to create a dynamic Book of Songs scene, as if "the scholar and the lady, holding the fragrant herb" come alive. Buy a peony hairpin by Huizheng Bridge, listen to wind chimes with poetry recitations, and feel the romantic atmosphere in the evening breeze. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is also the "Long Street Banquet," featuring twelve "Qinwei" flavors that require advance reservation.

3. 🍽️ Food List: A Flavor Journey from Water City to Night Market

• Must-try in the Water City: Hu’s braised beef is tender and flavorful; Huangbaijie’s royal medicinal vinegar is sweet and sour to cut the richness; Yangbigong’s pear syrup candy brings childhood memories; "Queyin" tea art lets you create tea foam paintings yourself, adding a full sense of ceremony.

• Night Market Ultimate Treat: After touring, head straight to Qiaotou Night Market. Xinmi fried shrimp tails are a must-order—bright red sauce coats tender shrimp meat, with a spicy and numbing aftertaste that’s unforgettable. Paired with local baked flatbread stuffed with tofu pudding, it’s the perfect ending.

4. 🌟 Practical Tips (Avoid Pitfalls & Preparation)

1. ✅ Route Tips: Playing against the afternoon flow is more efficient—start in the Feng Area to watch performances, then head to the Ya Area for cultural experiences, and finally go to the Song Area East Gate for the light show, avoiding crowds and saving energy.

2. ✅ Gear Suggestions: Wear comfortable cloth shoes (lots of stone paths), bring a camera to capture reflections of lights; in summer, bring mosquito repellent as there are many insects by the lake at dusk.

3. ✅ Accommodation Recommendations: For an elegant stay, choose Xingyun Courtyard, a Su-style garden 1.5 km from the Water City; for convenience, Qian Na Hotel is a ten-minute drive away.

When the lanterns light up and the East Gate’s light and shadow flow on the water, the "green collar" from the Book of Songs takes on a tangible form. Pick a weekend to come here and let the millennium of poetry and everyday life soothe your fatigue～