Dengzhou is a time-honored historic city under Nanyang’s administration in southwest Henan. It is famed as the birthplace of Yueyang Tower Notes and hometown of Zhang Zhongjing (Sage of Traditional Chinese Medicine). This 3-day 2-night itinerary combines academy culture, ancient city sightseeing, geopark hiking and TCM heritage exploration.
Explore classical academy civilization, stroll well-preserved ancient ramparts, trace the origin of Chinese medicine and discover unique karst mountain landscapes.
Spend morning visiting Huazhou Academy to learn Fan Zhongyan’s stories and the origin of Yueyang Tower Notes. Walk along Ming & Qing ancient city wall in the afternoon; enjoy downtown local snacks after sunset.
Drive to Xingshan Global Geopark in the morning to explore limestone caves and karst peaks; visit countryside ancient villages nearby at afternoon and taste farm-style food.
Pay homage at Zhang Zhongjing Memorial in the morning to learn Chinese medicine culture; buy Dengzhou specialties downtown and depart after lunch.
Local iconic alkaline hot dry noodle with rich sesame sauce topping, classic breakfast staple of Dengzhou citizens.
Classic Henan morning soup with beef, tofu and assorted spices, warm and nourishing.
Century-old pan-fried pork dumpling with crispy bottom crust.
Seasonal rural wild greens cooked in clear broth, healthy light local specialty.