Xinyang sits in the far south of Henan, on the south bank of the Huai River and against the Dabie Mountains. The climate is humid and subtropical, with cold, damp winters and hot, humid summers, and the months from April to June are cooler here than in much of the rest of the province. Spring is also when the city's tea culture festival takes place.
For a visitor, the practical geography is simple: the built-up city is made up of two urban districts, Shihe and Pingqiao, and this is where the hotels, shops and services are concentrated. Beyond the city, the prefecture stretches out to counties such as Guangshan, Luoshan, Xin County and Gushi, where the mountain and temple sights lie. This guide covers where to base yourself in the city and in the surrounding area, and what each choice means for getting to the sights.
Best areas to stay in Xinyang
1. Shihe District
Shihe is one of the two urban districts that make up the built-up city, and it is the most straightforward base for a first visit. The city centre has a range of hotels, convenient for staying after business, shopping and visits to attractions in the downtown area. If you want to be within walking distance of shops and restaurants rather than dependent on transport, this is the area to choose.
It suits first-time visitors and business travellers in particular. Note that the city has no metro, so your movements will be by taxi, bus or car regardless of where you stay.
2. Pingqiao District
Pingqiao is the second of the two urban districts forming the built-up area, and it offers the same practical advantages as Shihe: city-centre hotels, shops and services within reach. It is a reasonable alternative if you find nothing suitable in Shihe, or if your onward transport links better from this side of the city.
It suits the same kinds of travellers as Shihe, including those who want a downtown base without a long commute to the sights.
3. Guangshan County
Guangshan lies outside the city proper and is the base to consider if the Jingju Temple is central to your trip. The temple was the source of the first Chinese section of the Buddhist Tiantai school, and it still conserves the "Emperor entitled Brahma Temple" bestowed by Emperor Shenzong of Song.
Staying here suits travellers whose priority is the temple and the surrounding county rather than city conveniences. Expect a quieter setting and plan your transport into the city in advance.
4. Jigong Mountain and Nanwan Lake
Jigong Mountain and Nanwan Lake are the city's main recreation areas, and both are listed among its sights. Basing yourself near them puts you closer to walking and scenery rather than downtown streets.
This suits travellers who want a quieter stay focused on the outdoors. The trade-off is distance from the city centre, so you will rely on road transport for shopping, dining and connections.
5. Lingshan Temple area
Lingshan Temple is another of Xinyang's recreation sights, and staying in its vicinity is an option for those who want to visit it without a long day trip from the city.
It suits travellers building an itinerary around temples and the Dabie mountain terrain. As with the other outlying options, a car or arranged transport makes the stay practical.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: minsu (民宿) can be booked on your mobile phone and are usually much cheaper than hotels; staying in one also lets you experience local accommodation habits. This is the most distinctive budget option in Xinyang.
- Mid-range: the city centre has various hotels, convenient for business, shopping and visiting downtown attractions.
- Splurge: the source material does not describe a luxury tier in Xinyang, so treat any higher-priced option as a city-centre hotel choice rather than a separate category.
Best area for a first visit
For a first visit, base yourself in Shihe District. It is part of the built-up city, and the city centre offers various hotels convenient for business, shopping and visiting downtown attractions. From there you can arrange day trips to Jigong Mountain, Nanwan Lake and the temples without committing to a remote base.
Frequently asked questions
Which districts make up central Xinyang?
The built-up area is made up of two urban districts, Shihe and Pingqiao. Both are where you will find the city-centre hotels and services.
Is a minsu cheaper than a hotel in Xinyang?
Yes. Minsu can be booked on your mobile phone, and the price is usually much cheaper than a hotel, while also giving you a sense of local accommodation habits.
When is the best time of year to visit Xinyang?
The climate is humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. April through June is slightly cooler here than much of the rest of the province, while summers are hot and humid and winters cold and damp. The tea culture festival is held from April 28 to 30.
How do I reach the mountain and temple sights from the city?
Jigong Mountain, Nanwan Lake, Lingshan Temple and Jingju Temple are all outside the central districts, and Xinyang has no metro. Plan on road transport, and consider staying in Guangshan County if the Jingju Temple is your priority.
Compare live prices for the areas above with the booking tools on this page before you decide.