Nanwan Lake Fish Head Restaurants (南湾湖鱼头)

The Nanwan Lake fish-head restaurants (南湾湖鱼头) are a cluster of lakeside eateries around Nanwan Lake (南湾湖) in Shihe District, Xinyang, in southern Henan Province. Nanwan Lake is a large reservoir and scenic area on the edge of Xinyang, a city better known for its Maojian tea and for a cuisine that leans toward the flavours of Hubei and the south rather than the wheat-heavy cooking of northern Henan. The restaurants take advantage of the freshwater catch and the tourist traffic that the lake attracts.

The signature dish is stewed fish head (鱼头), cooked in a spicy-savoury broth and priced at about ¥88 to ¥158 depending on the size of the fish. The head of a large freshwater fish is prized for its gelatinous texture and is stewed until the broth turns rich, often served at the centre of the table in a large pot. Other local dishes appear on the menus, including Xinyang braises and dishes cooked with Maojian tea, the region's famous green tea. Meals are ordered to share, and a group of three or four typically fills the table with the fish head plus two or three sides.

The dining atmosphere is lakeside and relaxed, with casual restaurants that cater to day-trippers, families and tour groups. Many offer views or proximity to the water. There is no dress code, and noise levels vary between quiet weekdays and busy weekends. The beverage list usually includes tea, beer, soft drinks and local spirits, but there is no formal wine programme, and the meal is centred on the food.

Reservations are recommended at weekends and on holidays via the Dianping (大众点评) or Meituan (美团) apps, while walk-ins are usually accepted on weekdays. Approximate hours are 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. Because the restaurants form a cluster rather than a single venue, visitors can compare menus and prices on the spot. A shared meal typically costs about ¥80 to ¥150 per person, and payment is normally by Alipay or WeChat Pay.