Nanyang

Understand

Nanyang, formerly known as Wan, is located in the southwest of Henan Province, bordering Hubei and Shaanxi provinces. It is named after its location south of Funiu Mountain and north of the Han River. Nanyang is a horseshoe-shaped basin surrounded by mountains on three sides, with an opening in the south, known as the Nanyang Basin. The city governs 10 counties, 2 districts, and 1 county-level city.

History

Nanyang has a long history. As early as four to five hundred thousand years ago, the "Nanzhao Ape Man" had been thriving and thriving in the upper reaches of the Bai River. About five or six thousand years ago, villages and houses emerged here, giving rise to handicrafts such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and pottery making. During the Western Zhou Dynasty, Nanyang belonged to Jingzhou and was called "Zhou Tu" by the Zhou people because it was located in the southern part of the Zhou Dynasty. In the early 35th year of King Zhao of Qin (272 BC), Nanyang Commandery was established. During the Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period, Nanyang had become one of the eight major cities in China, and iron tools had already been used. There were handicrafts and commerce such as iron smelting and silk production, especially the rapid development of the copper casting industry with a high level of craftsmanship. After the unification of the six states by Qin, the migration of unscrupulous people to Nanyang led to the gathering of wealthy and skilled merchants and artisans from the six states, promoting the economic development of Nanyang. During the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty, the construction industry was particularly developed, with ancient buildings such as Wuhou and Shanshan Guild Hall towering and magnificent. Nanyang was a transportation hub from Beijing to Huguang and Yunguichuan, and the land post road connected to the waterway dock, earning it the nickname of "South Ship and North Horse". On November 4, 1948, the entire territory of Nanyang was liberated, and the rule of the Kuomintang came to an end. In March 1949, the newly established Henan Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China decided to establish the Nanyang District Committee. In July 1994, the State Council approved the revocation of the Nanyang region and the establishment of a prefecture level Nanyang city, implementing a leadership system of cities leading counties. Nanyang entered a new historical development period.

Climate

Henan Province is located in the transitional zone between warm temperate and subtropical regions, mainly controlled by t

Getting there

By plane 1 Nanyang Jiangying Airport (南阳姜营机场), Wancheng District (宛城区) (Bus no. K4 links the airport to the city center and the Nanyang Railway Station), ☏ +86 377 62232053 (general enquiries), +86 377 63801345 (ticket enquiries). As of late 2019, flights to Nanyang were available from 20 different cities in China, including Beijing, Tianjin, Dalian, Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Jieyang, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guiyang, Guilin, Nanning, Haikou, Hohhot, Lanzhou and Urumqi. There are plans to move the airport to a new location in the near future. (updated Apr 2020)

By train There are two railway stations in Nanyang's main urban area:

2 Nanyang Railway Station (南阳站), 3 Tiedong Street, Wolong District (卧龙区铁东街3号) (In the city center). Serves regular-speed trains. (updated Apr 2020) 3 Nanyang East Railway Station (南阳东站), Cha'an Township, Wancheng District (宛城区茶庵乡) (in the city's east; there is a bus stop outside the station, which is served by bus nos. 35, g11, g25, g35, g39, g40, k11, k25, k39, k40, y1 and y2. All of these buses can take you to the city center). Serves high-speed trains. (updated Apr 2020)

See

1 Zhang Heng's Tomb (张衡墓 Zhāng Héng mù), Intersection of S231 and Guobao Road, Shiqiao Town, Wolong District (卧龙区石桥镇S231与国宝路交叉口) (the nearest bus stop is the Shiqiao (石桥) bus stop, which is served by bus nos. S202, S203 and the Yahe Bus (鸭河公交)), ☏ +86 377 68028353. Summer: 08:00-18:30; winter: 08:00-17:00. Zhang Heng (78-139 AD) was a famous writer, scientist and inventor who lived during the Eastern Han Dynasty. There is a museum about Zhang Heng next to the tomb. Free. (updated Jun 2024) 2 Fusheng Temple Pagoda (福胜寺塔 Fúshèngsì Tǎ), Intersection of Gucheng Road and Tuanjie West Road, Dengzhou (邓州市古城路与团结西路交汇处) (take a long-distance bus to Dengzhou (a 90-minute journey), then take a no. 16 bus and get off at the Gucheng Road Intersection), ☏ +86 377 62287596. 08:00-17:00. Founded in the Northern Song Dynasty, the pagoda was built with 13 levels and stood more than 66 meters high. But during the late Yuan Dynasty, the upper 6 levels were destroyed during a battle. The temple that the pagoda once belonged to also no longer exists, though the government reportedly plans to rebuild it. During the restoration of the pagoda in 1988, many valuable Buddhist artefacts were discovered in an underground basement. These artefacts are on display at the Henan Provincial Museum in Zhengzhou. Access is free but visitors are not allowed inside the pagoda. (updated Jun 2024) 3 Nanyang Museum (南阳市博物馆 Nányángshì Bówùguǎn), 369 Dingsheng Avenue, Wancheng District (宛城区鼎盛大道369号) (about 1.2 km southeast of Guangwu Bridge (光武大桥) and about 2.56 km northeast of the airport; the nearest bus stop is the Jiangying (jiang'ying bus stop; the nearest bus stop is the Jiangying (姜营) bus stop, which is served by bus nos. 14, 25, k14, k25 and k39), ☏ +86 377 60327999. Summer: 09:00-17:30; winter: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. The new Nanyang Museum opened at this site on 1 January 2021. The old Nanyang Museum is at the Nanyang Memorial Temple of Marquis Wu. Free. (updated Jan 2021) 4 Nanyang Memorial Temple of Marquis Wu (南阳武侯祠 Nányáng Wǔhóucí), 766 Wolong Road, Wolong District (卧龙区卧龙路766号) (take bus no. S201), ☏ +86 377 63512907. May-Sep: 08:00-18:00; Oct-Apr: 08:00-17:30. ¥60. (updated Jan 2021) 5 Official Residence of the Nanyang Prefect (南阳府衙 Nányáng Fǔ Yá), 100 Minzhu Street, Wancheng District (宛城区民主街100号) (bus nos. 13, 35, g11, g35, k3, k6, k11, k13, k14, k27 and k34), ☏ +86 0377-63232861 (office), +86 377 61381235 (ticket sales). 08:00-18:00. ¥40. (updated Jan 2021) 6 Memorial Temple of the Medical Sage (医圣祠 Yī shèng cí), 7 Yichengci Street, Wancheng District (宛城区医圣祠街7号) (bu

Do

Festivals

1 Nanyang Zhuge Liang Cultural Tourism Festival (南阳诸葛亮文化旅游节), Wolonggang in the southwest of Nanyang City, ☏ +88 377-63512907. In order to vigorously promote the cultural spirit of Zhuge Liang and inherit the essence contained in it as a cultural ancient city, Nanyang City regularly holds the "Nanyang Zhuge Liang Cultural Tourism Festival". During the festival, people who have participated in the Nanyang Zhuge Liang Cultural Theme Series activities have been deeply influenced by culture, and at the same time, tourists who come to Nanyang for tourism are also returning with excitement. (updated Dec 2023) 2 Jade Carving Festival (玉雕节), Zhenping County, Nanyang City, ☏ +88 371-65508110. As one of the birthplaces of Chinese jade carving culture, Nanyang City holds regular jade carving festivals every year to promote the transformation, upgrading, and high-quality development of the jade culture industry. The Jade Carving Festival is usually held on September 25th. (updated Dec 2023)

Eat

Nanyang Sugar Roast (南阳糖火烧): This is a traditional pastry with a crispy outer layer and a sweet filling, representing one of the distinctive snacks in the Nanyang region. Henan Stewed Beef (河南炖牛肉): Stewed beef in Nanyang is known for its fresh beef and unique seasoning, slow-cooked to achieve a tender and flavorful texture. Bówàng Guōkuī (博望锅盔)：Bówàng Guōkuī is a traditional flatbread from Nanyang. The dough is kneaded and fermented before being baked in a clay oven, resulting in a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. It's commonly enjoyed with pickled vegetables or as a snack on its own. This bread is a staple in local bakeries and street food stalls. Nányáng Yóuchá (南阳油茶)：Nányáng Yóuchá is a savory porridge made from a blend of ground peanuts, sesame seeds, and walnuts, simmered into a thick, aromatic paste. It's typically served hot, offering a comforting and nutritious start to the day. This dish has been a part of local cuisine since the Qing Dynasty. Fāngchéng Huìmiàn (方城烩面)：Fāngchéng Huìmiàn is a noodle dish from Fangcheng County, known for its rich, flavorful broth and tender hand-pulled noodles. The soup is often accompanied by vegetables and meat, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. It's a popular choice among locals and visitors alike. Huánghé Kǒushuǐ Jiānbāo (黄河口水煎包)：Huánghé Kǒushuǐ Jiānbāo are pan-fried buns filled with a mixture of pork and vegetables. The buns are crispy on the bottom and soft on top, offering a delightful contrast in textures. They are typically served with a side of dipping sauce and are a favorite street food in the region. Tánghé Liángfěn (唐河凉粉)：Tánghé Liángfěn is a cold dish made from mung bean starch, resulting in a jelly-like texture. It's often served with chili oil, garlic, and vinegar, garnished with cilantro and peanuts. This refreshing dish is especially popular during the warmer months and is a common sight at local markets.

Drink & nightlife

Sweet Soups (糖水): South Yang may feature traditional sweet soups, crafted with various ingredients and syrups, resulting in a variety of sweet and refreshing beverages.

Sleep

Sunlight Hotel (南阳金阳光大酒店), 500 meters east of the intersection of the National Road 312 and East Binhe Road. Standard rooms, deluxe rooms and deluxe suites The on-site restaurants serve Cantonese, Hunan and Henan dishes. Additionally, there are private dining rooms ready for booking. Sauna, karaoke hall, ping-pong.