Jigongshan Scenic Area is located in Shihe District, Xinyang City, Henan Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and one of China's four major summer resorts. The scenic area covers a total area of 287 square kilometers, with the main peak at an altitude of 814 meters. It is named after the mountain's shape, which resembles a rooster stretching its neck to announce the dawn. Jigongshan lies on the north-south dividing line, with a pleasant climate and an average annual temperature of 15.2°C. The average summer temperature is 24°C, and it has long been known by the praise, "Green divides Chu and Yu, its pressure rivals Song and Heng."
Historical Culture
Jigongshan has a long history and profound cultural heritage. It was recorded in writing as early as the Northern Wei Dynasty more than 1,400 years ago, and during the Ming and Qing dynasties it became a Buddhist holy site. In the early 20th century, missionaries and merchants from 23 countries successively built more than 300 villas of various styles here, forming a unique international architectural complex known as the "Museum of International Architecture."
Jigongshan is also an important witness to modern Chinese history. In 1902, after the Beijing-Hankou Railway opened to traffic, Jigongshan became a summer resort for Chinese and foreign visitors. In 1938, during the Battle of Wuhan, Chiang Kai-shek once established a field headquarters here to direct the resistance against Japan.
Main Attractions
Baoxiao Peak
The main peak of Jigongshan, at an altitude of 814 meters, is shaped like a rooster's head and is the best place to watch the sunrise. At the summit, there is a huge rock resembling a rooster's comb, inscribed with the three characters "Baoxiao Feng." From the top, visitors can overlook the magnificent scenery of surrounding mountains and surging seas of clouds.
International Architectural Complex
A well-preserved complex of modern buildings in the scenic area, including more than 300 villas in the styles of 23 countries, such as the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia, and Japan. These buildings blend the essence of Eastern and Western architectural art. The most representative include the Swedish Building, the Marshall Building, and the Meiling Dance Hall.
Changsheng Valley
A valley scenic area about 3 kilometers long, with towering ancient trees, murmuring streams, fresh air, and an extremely high negative oxygen ion content. Its main attractions include Rainbow Waterfall, Qinglong Pool, and Immortal Cave. It is an excellent place for summer cooling and relaxation.
Yilu
Also known as the "Building of Ambition," it is the first large villa built by Chinese people on Jigongshan in 1921. The building is magnificent and combines Chinese and Western styles, embodying national self-respect and patriotic sentiment, and forming a sharp contrast with foreign villas.
Dadonggou
A primitive ecological protection area of about 20 square kilometers, with a forest coverage rate of over 95%. The area contains rare animal and plant resources and is an ideal place for ecotourism and science education.
Recommended Tour Route：
Recommended one-day tour route: In the morning, take the sightseeing bus to Baoxiao Peak and climb to the top for the view; then visit the International Architectural Complex and Yilu; have lunch in the scenic area at noon; in the afternoon, visit Changsheng Valley and Dadonggou. Visitors with sufficient time can stay overnight in the scenic area and experience the nights and early mornings of a summer resort.
Travel Tips：
Summer is the best season to visit, with a cool and pleasant climate.
It is recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes, as there is a lot of walking in the scenic area.
Hiring a guide is recommended to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural background.
There is a relatively large temperature difference in the scenic area, so it is advisable to bring a jacket.
Allow at least 5-6 hours for sightseeing; for an in-depth tour, 1-2 days are recommended.
Notes：
Please protect the historical buildings and do not touch or carve on them.
Mountain roads are slippery; pay attention to safety when visiting on rainy days.
Smoking is prohibited in the scenic area; please observe fire prevention regulations.
Keep personal belongings safe, especially in crowded places.
Respect local customs and visit in a civilized manner.
Transportation：
Self-driving: Depart from downtown Xinyang and drive south along National Highway 107 for about 38 kilometers, then turn onto the Jigongshan dedicated road according to signs.
Bus: Take the Xinyang-Jigongshan tourist shuttle bus from the Xinyang Bus Station, which goes directly to the scenic area.
High-speed rail: Take the high-speed rail to Xinyang East Station, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the scenic area (about 45 kilometers).
Opening Hours：
The scenic area is open all year round. Daily opening hours are 8:00-17:30 (peak season) and 8:30-17:00 (off season). Ticket sales within the scenic area stop one hour before closing.
Tickets：
Tickets are 60 yuan per person.