Located in Suiping County, Zhumadian City, Henan Province, Chaya Mountain is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, national geopark, and national forest park. Covering 148 square kilometers with its main peak at 786m, it's renowned for unique granite landforms, honored as "Central China's Bonsai," "Chinese Totem Forest," and "Geological Museum." It inspired the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West" and served as a major filming location for CCTV's "Journey to the West" sequel.
History and Culture
Formed 120 million years ago during the Yanshanian orogeny, its distinctive granite peak forest is a rare geological wonder. Ming Dynasty writer Wu Cheng'en visited, drawing inspiration from its bizarre rocks for "Journey to the West."
The area preserves historical sites like King Wu's Tomb (Spring and Autumn Period), Chaya Temple (Tang Dynasty), and Chaoyang Taoist Temple (Ming Dynasty). Poets like Li Bai and Ouyang Xiu left verses here.
Designated a national geopark in 2004, it became a AAAAA site in 2015.
Main Attractions
South Mountain Gate
The main entrance features "Journey to the West"-themed sculptures of Sun Wukong (Monkey King) and Zhu Bajie (Pigsy). The square showcases the iconic "Pilgrimage" rock formation resembling the novel's four travelers.
Stone Monkey Garden
Displays monkey-shaped rocks, most notably the 30m-tall "Wukong Stone" resembling the Monkey King gazing into distance - the park's signature sight.
Thread of Sky
A narrow passage between two 100m-high boulders, its tightest section allows only sideways movement. Looking up reveals just a sliver of sky - thrilling yet safe.
Flying Rock
A hundreds-ton boulder seemingly suspended between cliffs, miraculously balanced for millennia - a geological marvel.
Tianmo Lake
A 150,000㎡ alpine lake with crystal-clear water surrounded by fantastical peaks reflecting on its surface like fairyland. Boat rides available.
Cuisine
Suiping Stewed Noodles
Local specialty featuring hand-pulled wheat noodles with mutton, tofu shreds, and vermicelli in savory broth, served at park restaurants.
Chaya Wild Mushrooms
Mountain-grown delicacies like matsutake and boletus, prepared stir-fried, in soups, or as fillings with distinctive flavors.
Sesame Leaf Tofu
Zhumadian's unique dish combining fresh sesame leaves with tofu, fragrant and believed to have heat-relieving properties.
Local Delicacies
Suiping County (15-minute drive) offers southern Henan specialties like spicy soup, mutton soup, and pan-fried buns.
Ticket Information
Admission: 70 yuan (peak season March 1-November 30), 50 yuan (off-season). Shuttle bus 30 yuan round-trip. Seniors (60+) and students get 50% discount with ID. Children under 1.4m free.
Opening Hours
Open year-round: 7:30-18:00 (peak season), 8:00-17:30 (off-season). Allow 4-6 hours (full day recommended).
Recommended Tour Route
South Gate → Shuttle to Stone Monkey Garden → Thread of Sky → Flying Rock → Tianmo Lake (boat) → Chaya Temple → Return. Fit visitors can hike instead.
Transportation
- Self-drive: From Zhengzhou via Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway to Suiping exit, then 10km on Sui-Cha Road
- Bus: Tourist shuttles from Zhumadian Bus Station
- High-speed rail: To Zhumadian West Station, then transfer to park shuttle (~40 minutes)
- Air: Nearest airport is Zhengzhou Xinzheng (~2 hours by car)
Must-See Attractions
- Stone Monkey Garden: Monkey King-shaped rock formations
- Thread of Sky: Thrilling narrow passage experience
- Flying Rock: Marvel at gravity-defying boulder
- Tianmo Lake: Boat amid mountain reflections
- South Gate: "Journey to the West"-themed photo spot
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable anti-slip hiking shoes
- Spring/autumn offer ideal weather
- Photographers: bring wide-angle lenses for rock formations
- On-site restaurants available (or bring snacks)
- Visit weekdays to avoid holiday crowds
- Enhance experience with "Journey to the West" lore
Precautions
- Caution on steep sections
- No climbing rocks - protect geological heritage
- No smoking within park
- Secure personal belongings
- Suspend hiking during thunderstorms
- Stay in designated areas