Two new 4-A scenic spots listed in Nanyang

The tourism sector of Nanyang is expected to further expand, as two scenic spots within the municipality were recently awarded 4-A ranking.

Henan Provincial Tourism Bureau released its 2016 list of 13 4-A scenic spots within the province, of which two in Nanyang—Sishan National Forest Park and Huiyuan Scenic Spot at Tongbai Mountain—were named.

Listed as a National Forest Park in early 1990s, Sishan park is located beside the Guanhe River in Xixia county. Sishan's literal meaning is "mountain of the temple" , was named after Jinsha Temple that lies at its foot. The park is also in close proximity to the over-1,000-meter-long Guanhe Bridge.

Jinsha Temple lies at the foot of Sishan National Forest Park. [Photo/Nandu Morning Post]

The forest park covers a total area of 5,600 hectares, densely covered by trees such as masson pine and cedar, as well as shrubs including forsythias, winter jasmine, azaleas and spiraea.

Huaiyuan Scenic Spot at Tongbai Mountain is located in Tongbai county. It is not only famous for its beautiful natural sceneries, but also for the various cultures embodied in the region, including Huaihe River culture, Buddist culture and Taoist culture, all of which have had long histories and a huge impact on Chinese culture.

Boasting a well-preserved natural environment, the park was honored as a "museum of nature."

Water Curtain Cave is one of the major highlights of the park. Resting at the Tingcui Peak, the cave is five meters in width and 10 meter in length. The water has a sweet taste and never goes dry all the year round.

Mists envelops Sishan National Forest Park. [Photo/Nandu Morning Post]

Huaiyuan Scenic Spot at Tongbai Mountain bathed in red during late autumn. [Photo/Nandu Morning Post]