5 Recommended Tourist Attractions in Nanyang City, Henan Province – Sites Linked to the Heroes of the Three Kingdoms

Nanyang is a city in Henan Province, located in inland China. For fans of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this area may evoke a particularly fitting name. It is a region deeply connected with the heroes of the Three Kingdoms, such as Cao Cao and Liu Bei. With the Nanyang Basin—a vast plain along the Baihe River—sprawling between Xiangyang in the south and Luoyang and Xuchang in the north, Nanyang has long served as a center of regional economic and cultural activity. Today, the expansive area of Nanyang is dotted with historical sites, cultural attractions related to the Three Kingdoms, and natural scenic spots. Here, we have carefully selected five recommended tourist attractions in Nanyang City.

1. Wolonggang

In the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, many illustrious figures appear, among them the renowned strategists Sima Yi (who served Cao Cao) and Zhuge Liang (who served Liu Bei). Zhuge Liang, also known as Kongming, had once secluded himself in a thatched hut, until Liu Bei, desperate for capable strategists, visited him three times before finally winning his consent to become a retainer.

The stage for this legendary tale of "Three Visits" is traditionally identified with Wolonggang, located in the southwest part of Nanyang’s urban area.

Over time, Zhuge Liang has been deified, and at Wolonggang the "Wuhou Shrine" dedicated to him stands as a popular tourist attraction.

2. Jingziguanzhen

Jingziguanzhen is a small town located near the western edge of Nanyang City, near the border with Shangluo City (which connects to Xi’an). Nestled in a valley formed by the Danjiang River, this town has prospered through waterborne trade since the Spring and Autumn or even earlier periods.

Although water transportation declined in modern times, its detachment from the main economic routes has preserved its ancient streets and architecture. Thanks to its many traditional buildings, Jingziguanzhen has been selected as one of China’s “Historic and Cultural Towns.”

Highlights here include grand palace-style structures such as Pinglang Palace, Yuhuang Palace, and Wanshou Palace, as well as historical relics like the ancient gate of Jingziguang, Xichuan Fahai Temple, and the Shanxian Association Hall. Since it is located about 100 km from the center of Nanyang, joining a guided tour is recommended.

3. Xinye

Xinye should resonate with any fan of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. When Liu Bei, who had been relying on Liu Biao in Xiangyang after losing his own territory, was sent to Xinye as a sort of scapegoat, it was there that he eventually welcomed Zhuge Liang through the famous "Three Visits."

Consequently, Xinye is home to several attractions related to the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. These include the Han Conference Platform, where Liu Bei is said to have discussed future strategy with Zhuge Liang; the so-called “world’s smallest castle,” Han Sangcheng, allegedly built by Liu Bei’s sworn brother Guan Yu; and the “Burned-Xinye Site,” where legend has it that Kongming used a fire attack to repel Cao Cao’s massive army. No wonder Xinye has been selected as a key point on the “Three Kingdoms Tourism Line” and offers a wealth of fascinating historical sites.

4. Xiangyan Temple

Xiangyan Temple is a Tang Dynasty temple built on the Baiya Mountain in the southwestern part of Nanyang City. It is counted among China’s four great famous temples alongside the Shaolin Temple, Baima Temple, and Da Xiangguo Temple in Kaifeng. Also known as Changshou Temple or Xiantong Zen Temple, it was founded by Nanyang Huizhong, one of China’s most renowned Zen masters.

Though the expansive temple grounds are not lavish, their simplicity bestows a serene atmosphere upon visitors. Numerous exquisite murals adorn the halls of each temple building, and notable structures such as the mountain gate, the Mahavira Hall, the Xuan Zong Emperor Hall, and the Sutra Repository are also worth seeing.

5. China Xixia Dinosaur Fossil Park

In the western part of Nanyang City, along the Dan Shui River at the southern foot of Funiu Mountain, dinosaur egg fossils have been discovered. This area is designated as a national-level nature reserve known as the Nanyang Dinosaur Egg Fossil Group. Surrounding the area are various dinosaur-themed tourist facilities that capture the essence of China’s prehistoric past.

China Xixia Dinosaur Fossil Park, located slightly into the mountains from the town center, is the best-maintained attraction among these sites. It features giant dinosaur models, a recreation of a site where dinosaur egg fossils are found, and, for a more in-depth experience, a Dinosaur Egg Museum. This theme park, with its multiple attractions, is a must-visit for those fascinated by ancient history.

◎ Summary

We have introduced five recommended tourist attractions in Nanyang City, Henan Province, where you can feel history up close. The story of Liu Bei welcoming Zhuge Liang is one of the pivotal moments in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Additionally, the old name “Wan” for Nanyang recalls the legend of Cao Cao’s defeat after falling for Jia Xu’s schemes. Nanyang is home to many historical sites related to legendary heroes, and even if you’re not a hardcore Three Kingdoms fan, you’ve likely heard of these heroic figures.