Pingdingshan is located in the south-central part of Henan Province, at the junction of the Funiu Mountains and the Huanghuai Plain. It has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, an average annual temperature of about 15°C, and pleasant spring and autumn.
Pingdingshan rose due to coal, and the city was established in 1957 for the development of the Pingdingshan coalfield. Historically, it was the site of the Ying State during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, known as Yingcheng in ancient times, with rich underground cultural relics.
Pingdingshan is a major center for folk art culture. The Majie Storytelling Festival has a history of over 700 years and is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. Local cuisine is represented by Jiaxian Huluo Noodles, Lushan Mixed Stew, and Wugang Hot Tofu, known for their rich flavors.
Today, Pingdingshan is transforming from a resource-based city, developing industries such as nylon chemicals, cultural tourism, and health care. Attractions like Baigui Lake Wetland Park and Xiangshan Temple have become new landmarks.
The best time to visit 平顶山 is Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November).
Spring (March-May): Temperatures rise, flowers bloom everywhere, suitable for mountain climbing and flower viewing.
Autumn (September-November): Clear and crisp weather, red leaves cover the mountains, the best time for photography and outdoor activities.
Summer is hot and rainy, winter is cold and dry, but attractions like Xiangshan Temple are suitable all year round.
King Wu of Zhou enfeoffed his son in Ying, establishing the Ying state with its capital at present-day Zhiyang Town, Pingdingshan, where many bronzes have been unearthed.
Approved by the State Council to exploit the Pingdingshan coalfield, Pingdingshan was established as a new industrial city.
Baofeng's Mas Street Book Fair was listed as a pilot project of China's ethnic folk culture protection project, later selected as a national intangible cultural heritage.
Recommended places to visit
A national 5A scenic area, integrating majesty, peril, beauty, wonder, and seclusion, known as the 'Outstanding of Central Plains', especially spectacular with autumn red leaves.
Located at the foot of Yao Mountain, with a total height of 208 meters, it is the tallest standing bronze Buddha in the world. The scenic area includes the Tianrui Auspicious Bell.
Explore rich intangible cultural heritage and traditional crafts
Held annually on the 13th day of the first lunar month in Majie Village, Baofeng County, where folk artists from all over the country gather to perform storytelling, with a history of over 700 years.
Ru porcelain is the top of the five famous porcelains of the Song Dynasty, produced in Ruzhou (now Ruzhou City, Pingdingshan), with sky-blue glaze and exquisite craftsmanship.
Must-know transportation for exploring the city
Currently no civilian airport. You can fly to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, then transfer by high-speed rail or bus to Pingdingshan, about 1.5 hours drive.
High-speed rail second class from Zhengzhou to Pingdingshan about 60 RMB
On the Zhengzhou-Wanzhou high-speed railway, providing direct access to major cities like Zhengzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, with convenient transfers.
To Zhengzhou East Station about 50 RMB (second class)
Bus routes cover main urban areas and attractions, fare 1-2 RMB, some scenic spots have tourist shuttle lines.
1-2 RMB
Taste the most authentic and popular local specialties
Pressed with a hele bed, the noodles are chewy. The soup is made from lamb and lamb bones, served with chili oil and chopped green onions, spicy and delicious.
A stew of various vegetables, meat, and tofu in one pot, with a rich flavor, representative of local home cooking.
The first dojo of sinicized Guanyin, built in the Eastern Han Dynasty, one of the origins of Guanyin culture, with simple and solemn architecture.
Centered on Baiguishan Reservoir, with beautiful ecology, it is the green lung of the city, suitable for bird watching, cycling, and leisure.
Located in Wugang City, named after the legend of Erlang Shen, with mountains and waters reflecting each other, offering bamboo rafting, mountain climbing, etc.
Fresh tofu cut into pieces, topped with special chili sauce and chive flower sauce, smooth when hot, chewy when cold.
One of China's famous liquors, a light-flavor Baijiu made from high-quality sorghum, with a mellow, sweet, and clean taste.
Wide and thin noodles in a rich and fresh soup, with lamb, vermicelli, daylily, etc., a local specialty noodle dish.