Baoquan Tourist Area is located in the northwest of Huixian City, Xinxiang, Henan Province, and is a national 5A-level tourist attraction covering a total area of 110 square kilometers. Situated at the southern foot of Taihang Mountains with an average elevation of 1,150 meters and over 95% forest coverage, it's a typical canyon eco-tourism area. Known for its "emerald waters and crimson mountains, secluded valleys and flying waterfalls", it's praised as "Little Jiuzhai of Central Plains", combining landscape scenery, geological wonders, and cultural landscapes.
History and Culture
Baoquan has a long history and profound cultural heritage. Research shows human activities here as early as the Spring and Autumn Period. Ancient plank road relics in the area witness historical commercial travels and military activities. During Ming and Qing dynasties, Baoquan became a Buddhist sanctuary, with several temple ruins and cliff carvings preserved today.
Baoquan is also a revolutionary base area, serving as an important activity zone for the Eighth Route Army during the Anti-Japanese War. Red tourism sites like the Eighth Route Army rear hospital ruins record heroic deeds of revolutionary predecessors.
Main Attractions
Baoquan Lake
The core attraction with water area of 200,000 square meters and maximum depth of 50 meters. The crystal-clear emerald water surrounded by mountains creates beautiful scenery. Visitors can take boat tours to admire peculiar peaks and rocks along the shores.
Flying Dragon Waterfall
A 180-meter-high cascading waterfall with tremendous momentum, resembling a white dragon soaring. The three-tiered falls create roaring sounds and mist, often forming rainbows under sunlight, making it ideal for photography.
Jadeite Pool
Named for its jade-green water, covering about 2,000 square meters with average depth of 8 meters. The transparent water reveals swimming fish and pebbles below, surrounded by quiet cliffs.
Red Stone Canyon
A 3-kilometer-long canyon with red cliffs on both sides, hence the name. The canyon features babbling streams, grotesque rocks, lush vegetation, and exceptionally high negative oxygen ion concentration, serving as a natural oxygen bar.
Glass Viewing Platform
A 300-square-meter suspended platform built on cliffs, 200 meters vertically above the valley bottom. Standing on the transparent glass, visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the canyon with thrilling experience.
Ancient Plank Road Ruins
Well-preserved ancient plank road remains stretching about 1 kilometer, with some sections carved on sheer cliffs, demonstrating the wisdom and courage of ancient laborers.
Cuisine
Huixian Stewed Noodles
A Xinxiang specialty featuring chewy noodles in rich broth with ingredients like lamb and tofu. Delicious and a local staple food.
Taihang Mountain Wild Mushrooms
Various wild mushrooms collected from Taihang Mountains, delicious and nutritious. Common preparations include stir-fried mushrooms and mushroom soup, representing authentic mountain cuisine.
Farmhouse Free-range Chicken
Locally raised free-range chickens with firm texture and delicious taste. Common preparations include stewed chicken and stir-fried chicken, signature dishes at farmhouse restaurants.
Recommended Nearby Cuisine
Other northern Henan specialties worth trying include Xinxiang Braised Lamb, Daokou Braised Chicken, and Huojia Hele noodles, available at restaurants near the scenic area or in downtown Xinxiang.
Ticket Information
Admission is 108 yuan per person (including scenic shuttle bus). Seniors over 60 and students with valid IDs enjoy half-price discounts, while children under 1.4 meters enter free. The Glass Viewing Platform requires an additional 30-yuan ticket.
Opening Hours
Open year-round from 7:30-18:00 during peak season (April 1-October 31) and 8:00-17:30 during off-season (November 1-March 31). Ticket sales stop one hour before closing at each attraction.
Recommended Itinerary
Suggested one-day itinerary: Take the shuttle to Baoquan Lake in the morning for boat sightseeing; then hike to Flying Dragon Waterfall and Jadeite Pool; have lunch at a farmhouse restaurant; experience the Glass Viewing Platform and hike Red Stone Canyon in the afternoon. Visitors with more time can stay overnight to experience Taihang Mountain's night scenery.
Transportation
- By car: From downtown Xinxiang, drive north on Jinxin Expressway for about 60 km, exit at Huixian, and follow signs for about 40 minutes
- By bus: Take Xinxiang-Baoquan tourist shuttle from Xinxiang East Bus Station directly to the scenic area
- By high-speed rail: Take high-speed rail to Xinxiang East Station, then transfer by bus or taxi (about 70 km)
Must-See Attractions
- Baoquan Lake: 200,000-sqm alpine lake with mirror-like emerald water
- Flying Dragon Waterfall: 180-meter cascading waterfall with grand momentum
- Glass Viewing Platform: Thrilling experience 200 meters above the valley
- Red Stone Canyon: 3-km red canyon serving as natural oxygen bar
Travel Tips
- Summer is the best visiting season for escaping heat
- Wear anti-slip hiking shoes as some sections can be slippery
- Temperature varies greatly within the area; bring a jacket
- Waterfalls are most spectacular during rainy season
- Allow at least 5-6 hours for visiting; 1-2 days recommended for thorough exploration
Precautions
- Mountain weather changes frequently; check forecasts in advance
- Areas near waterfalls are slippery; stay away from dangerous zones
- High heels are prohibited on the Glass Viewing Platform
- Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area; observe fire prevention regulations
- Protect the environment; no littering