Niuwangzhai

Niuwangzhai

Niuwangzhai is located in Chengzhai Township, Xingtang County, Hebei Province, within the Gaohe River basin. With an elevation of 430 meters and covering an area of 6 square kilometers, this place features perilous mountains, unique rocks, clear streams, a tranquil environment, and rich cultural heritage—truly a spectacular wonderland of the jujube-growing region. It lies 65 kilometers south of Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital, and 15 kilometers east of the Xingtang North Toll Station on the Beijing-Kunming Expressway. It is a unique scenic tourist area that combines mountain hiking, fishing and water play, and flower viewing for emotional enjoyment.

The name “Niuwangzhai” (King Bull Village) comes from a local legend that this was the dwelling place of the mighty Bull Demon King, a mythical figure from the classic novel *Journey to the West*. The over 100-meter-deep Niuwang Cave on the mountain is said to be his lair. Historical records indicate that in the late Sui Dynasty, when the country was in chaos, a young man surnamed Niu occupied the mountain, built a stronghold, and declared himself king to bring peace and protect the local people. Hence the name Niuwangzhai. The existing over 500-meter-long fortress wall stands as evidence of this history.

The beauty of Niuwangzhai lies in four aspects: First, its precipitous mountains—rising abruptly from the flatlands with steep and towering peaks. The northern side is particularly known for its thrilling cliffs, so steep that “one man could hold the pass against ten thousand.” Second, its emerald waters—the Green Spring Lake at the foot of the mountain ripples with lush green hues, resembling a green-clad maiden. Third, its extraordinary rocks—jagged stones of various shapes thrusting skyward like blades. Fourth, its pristine flowers—ancient poetry speaks of “red apricot blossoms bursting with spring vitality,” but here, tens of thousands of white apricot blossoms are as pure as snow and silver, immaculately clean and graceful. In leisure time, looking north across the apricot groves, one sees continuous mountain ranges, open valleys, and gentle breezes. It refreshes the mind and dispels worldly thoughts, making it an ideal retreat to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and seek inner peace.

Related Attractions

Horse-Retaining Wall: Located on the main peak, the Horse-Retaining Wall is an ancient city wall stretching over 500 meters. Legend has it that the young man surnamed Niu and his companions used this wall to block attacks from government troops and prevent invasions by others.

Green Maiden Lake: Green Maiden Lake is a long, narrow, and beautiful lake at the foot of Niuwangzhai. Its color is strikingly unusual—a vivid green that surprises the eye. It’s not the delicate “daughter green” of plum rain ponds described by Zhu Ziqing, but rather a deep, rich green, thick and somber, as if infused with layers of jade. The lake remains calm and reserved, rippling gently in the wind, greeting visitors with dignified yet tender warmth. Scattered along the lakeshore are a few apricot trees, their branches heavy with blossoms as white as frost or snow, immaculate and pure, further highlighting the profound serenity of the lake’s deep green.

Niuwangzhai Giant Rocks: The mountains of Niuwangzhai are dotted with numerous massive rocks. Some lie horizontally halfway up the slopes, resting peacefully; some squat on ridges as if in deep thought; some stand proudly atop peaks, facing the wind; some are sharp as sword edges, pointing straight toward the azure sky. They appear either solemn and solid, smooth and polished, towering and majestic, or rugged and precipitous. Along the way, visitors are greeted with an overwhelming array of these natural wonders.

Transportation Guide

Scenic Area Address: 3 kilometers northwest of Chengzhai Township, Xingtang County, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province

By Bus: Take a bus from Xingtang County to Chengzhai Township, then transfer to a minibus to Niuwangzhai.

By Car: Exit at Xingtang North Toll Station on the Beijing-Kunming Expressway, then take S203 northwest for 1.1 km, turn left onto X320 for about 14 km, and turn left again west of Xichengzhai Village for approximately 2.4 km to reach the destination.

Chengzhai Township: Chengzhai Township

The township government is located at No. 56 Jianlin Street. It covers an area of 60.17 square kilometers with a population of 20,100. It administers 25 village committees: Beichengzhai, Nanchengzhai, Xichengzhai, Hexi, Sizhuang, Xingjiazhuang, Yangxiakou, Beiheyu, Nanheyu, Aozili, Zhongwangzhuang, Chenjiazhuang, Zhangjiazhuang, Beiao, Shangziyang, Jiananzhuang, Nanzhuang, Beizhuang, Sitou, Nan’ao, Yingnan, Nandouzhuang, Beidouzhuang, Dongjiazhuang, and Houjiazhuang. … Chengzhai Township detailed information++