Zhengzhou is a modern metropolis on the Yellow River that serves as an entryway into nearby Henan cultural sites and cuisine. Additionally, this foodie paradise features classic Henan cuisine dishes.
Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple, two UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites located within Beijing, offer Zen Buddhism and Chinese Kung Fu as the main attractions. Additionally, don’t miss a trip up Yuntai Mountain– a picturesque UNESCO Geopark– which should also not be forgotten! With the addition of Hong Kong to Zhengzhou to the list of Cathay Pacific flights, transportation is simple.
1. Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Area
Zhengzhou stands out as an ideal travel destination, boasting affordable flights and trains, affordable hotels, delicious northern Chinese food and welcoming locals. As the capital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou provides easy access to many UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and Shaolin Temple; in addition to serving as an accessible hub for visiting Luoyang, Dengfeng Yuntain Mountain Hongcun Village Yellow Mountain Huangshan).
At Zhengzhou’s Yellow River Scenic Area, one of the most enjoyable activities is taking a hovercraft ride along its scenic waterway. This 40-minute boat trip provides beautiful landscape views; stop off at any sandbar on riverbank to appreciate natural scenery!
On the bank of Yellow River, this area features five panoramic zones; these are: Stone Figures of Emperor Yan and Huang; Camel Mountains Range; Yueshan Temple; Five Dragons Peak and Ancient City of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu. A highlight of visiting Xiang Yu Temple includes viewing 228 Pagoda Tombs belonging to important Temple Masters who reside here.
Yellow River Museum is an intriguing location worth exploring. As one of China’s premier museums of its kind, it houses over 2 million artifacts dating from Neolithic age relics all the way to Ming and Qing dynasties relics exhibited here.
If you love antiques and handicrafts, Henan Furniture Market should be top of your itinerary. As one of Asia’s largest markets with an expansive collection of antiques, handicrafts, jewelry, and more available for purchase – open from 10 am to 6 pm daily – Henan is well worth a visit!
Zhengzhou offers much more to explore beyond its many attractions, from walking along illuminated city streets at night to experience Henan’s vibrant culture, to shopping in large malls or visiting an opera house to witness authentic cultural performances, to clubs, bars and restaurants serving delicious Chinese food – not forgetting its legendary Yellow River, often called China’s Cradle of Civilization.
2. Zhengzhou Forest Park
Zhengzhou straddles the Yellow River in central China and serves as a transport hub for visitors traveling to Henan province. Offering convenient flights and trains, comfortable hotels, welcoming locals, delicious northern Chinese cuisine and flexible flight/train times; Zhengzhou offers everything for its visitors.
Long History and Long Reputation The city’s long history has left behind an abundance of ancient heritage, which blends seamlessly with modern engineering and construction. Ruins from Shang Dynasty city walls serve as reminders of its vibrant past; Henan Museum offers displays of carved bone figurines and bronze artifacts; shopping can be done in luxury malls or more modest department stores.
Zhengzhou, known as the Cradle of Chinese Civilization, offers something for everyone. Boasting world-class cultural institutions as well as natural and recreational areas, this remarkable city tops many trip planners’ lists. Visit UNESCO World Heritage-listed Shaolin Monastery where kung fu was founded or attend its Wushu Festival; for an alternative experience spend some time strolling through lush Zhengzhou Forest Park where two huge stone heads greet you as you stroll its forest paths.
3. Shaolin Temple
Zhengzhou may not be at the top of your travel destination list when considering China, but this vibrant city holds many surprises for visitors. From hidden gems and local culinary treats to cultural experiences and off-the-beaten path recommendations – Zhengzhou offers something special.
One of Zhengzhou’s premier attractions is Shaolin Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple renowned for its martial arts tradition and located in Songshan Mountain Scenic Area UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors come from around the globe to observe monks and students hone their skills at Shaolin Temple Training School – another popular Zhengzhou attraction.
Temple historical complex features several areas, including Pagoda Forest which comprises numerous pagodas used as burial sites for prominent monks. At first, these were constructed closely together so they resembled a forest-like scene; later however, as space expanded further apart between each pagoda became possible.
Notable at the temple are its Kung Fu training grounds, where you can witness amazing martial art performances by Shaolin monks and students as well as workshops where beginners can learn fundamental Chinese martial arts techniques.
Zhengzhou offers more than just its famous Shaolin Temple; there is also an abundant culture to experience and appreciate here. There are numerous museums to learn more about the region’s past, while visiting Henan Provincial Museum will reveal thousands of ancient cultural relics.
Hisnan Province has produced numerous significant figures throughout history who have left their mark on Chinese culture and society, most notably Guanzhong who served as ruler during the Spring and Autumn Period, Shen Buhai a politician and Legalism philosopher, Lie Yukou (Liezi), Taoism philosopher; Du Fu a Tang Dynasty poet and Bai Juyi from Song Dynasty Poetry all making significant contributions towards enriching Henan tradition and its rich tapestry – they should all be included on every visitor’s itinerary!
4. Zhengzhou Zoo
Zhengzhou Zoo offers an ideal way for both children and adults alike to spend an enjoyable day. Nearby Erqi Memorial Tower houses one of the city’s premier museums in an unparalleled setting. Visitors also have time to stop by February 7 Square with its twin pagoda which overlooks it; Henan Museum and Shaolin Temple can also be reached easily.
Four turtles at Zhengzhou Zoo have learned that longevity does not guarantee happiness, after visitors began throwing money into their enclosure, reports state. Dubbed as’millennium magic turtles,’ visitors believed tethered reptiles could live thousands of years and staff removed some coins regularly as part of a maintenance regime, turning their enclosure into something like a wishing well despite staff taking care of removing more often. Meanwhile, other attractions and animals at the zoo included.
