Zhengzhou Travel

Zhengzhou, Henan — One of China's eight great ancient capitals, home to the world cultural heritage Shaolin Temple, the Five Great Mountains' Songshan, and the Mother River Yellow River. It is a premier tourist destination blending Shangdu culture, martial arts spirit, and Yellow River civilization.

3600+
Years of City History
1
World Cultural Heritage Site
108
Square Kilometers of Yellow River Scenic Area
12.74 Million+
Permanent Residents

Zhengzhou Districts & Counties Travel

Zhongyuan District

Central urban area of Zhengzhou, commercial and cultural core

Bishagang ParkZhongyuan WandaZhengzhou Museum
Erqi District

Old city marked by Erqi Tower, prosperous commerce

Erqi Memorial TowerDehua Pedestrian StreetZhengzhou Railway StationCherry Valley
Guancheng Hui District

Core area of Zhengzhou Shangdu culture, Hui settlement

Zhengzhou Shang City RuinsMosqueCentury Joy ParkZhongyuan Tower
Jinshui District

Political, economic and financial center of Zhengzhou, high-end business district

CBD Millennium SquareHenan Provincial MuseumZijingshan ParkHuayuan Road Shopping Area
Shangjie District

Western industrial zone of Zhengzhou, general aviation industry base

Shangjie AirportWuyun MountainFangding VillageAluminum City Park
Huiji District

Northern ecological barrier of Zhengzhou, core area of Yellow River culture

Yellow River Scenic AreaHuayuankouAncient Tree GardenYellow River Guest House
Zhongmou County

Eastern new city of Zhengzhou, cultural tourism new area

Green Expo ParkFantawild Adventure ResortOnly Henan·Drama Fantasy CityYanming Lake
Gongyi City

County-level city under Zhengzhou, birthplace of Heluo culture

Kang Baiwan ManorNorthern Song Imperial MausoleumsFuxi Mountain Snowflake CaveQinglong Mountain
Xingyang City

Western gateway of Zhengzhou, birthplace of chess culture

Liu Yuxi ParkHuancuiyuGubaidu Feihuang Tourist AreaZhongyuan Film Studio
Xinmi City

Important birthplace of Huangdi culture, historical and cultural city

Fuxi MountainFairy CaveDatigting Han TombHuangdi Palace
Xinzheng City

Hometown of the Yellow Emperor, core area of Zhengzhou Airport Zone

Yellow Emperor Hometown Scenic AreaShizu MountainZheng Han Ancient CityZhengzhou Garden Expo Park
Dengfeng City

Core area of Songshan culture, location of World Cultural Heritage

Shaolin TempleSongshan MountainZhongyue TempleSongyang AcademyStar Observation Platform

Zhengzhou Three-Day Two-Night Shangdu Culture Tour

Explore Shaolin martial arts, climb Zhongyue Songshan Mountain, watch the surging Yellow River, and savor the charm of the Central Plains

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Shaolin Temple Scenic Area, Songshan Scenic Area, Yellow River Scenic Area, Henan Provincial Museum
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, martial arts fans, nature explorers, history buffs
Budget Per Person
¥1500 - ¥3000
01
Memories of Shangdu
Urban Culture and History Exploration Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Henan Provincial Museum to appreciate the essence of Central Plains civilization. In the afternoon, explore Erqi Memorial Tower and Dehua Pedestrian Street to experience the transformation of Zhengzhou city. In the evening, taste authentic Zhengzhou braised noodles and soak in the local atmosphere.

Attractions
Henan Provincial Museum
National first-class museum, housing over 170,000 artifacts. Its treasures include the Jiahu Bone Flute, Fu Hao Owl Zun, and Cloud Pattern Bronze Table, showcasing five thousand years of Central Plains civilization.
Erqi Memorial Tower
Zhengzhou's iconic landmark, built to commemorate the February 7th General Strike. It blends traditional Chinese architecture with modern style, offering panoramic views of the old city from the top.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels near Erqi Commercial Area
  • Boutique guesthouses on Huayuan Road
  • CBD Business Hotels
Food Recommendations
  • Braised Noodles (Huimian)
  • Spicy Hot Soup (Hulatang)
  • Oil Bun Head (Youmotou)
  • Braised Pancake (Menbing)
Travel Tips
  • Provincial Museum requires advance booking
  • Erqi Tower admission is free
  • Dehua Pedestrian Street is livelier in the evening
02
Soul of Shaolin
Songshan Zen and Martial Arts Culture Tour
Highlights

Spend the whole day exploring Songshan Shaolin Temple. In the morning, watch martial arts performances and visit the Permanent Residence Monastery and Pagoda Forest. In the afternoon, hike Sanhuang Village to experience the profound heritage of "all martial arts under heaven originate from Shaolin" and the natural beauty of Songshan Mountain.

Attractions
Shaolin Temple
World Cultural Heritage site, the birthplace of Chinese Zen Buddhism and Shaolin martial arts. Key attractions include the thousand-year-old monastery, Pagoda Forest, and Martial Arts Hall.
Songshan Scenic Area
The Central Marchmount of the Five Great Mountains, a UNESCO Global Geopark. Composed of Taishi Mountain and Shaoshi Mountain, it combines natural landscapes with cultural sites. The Sanhuang Village cliffside plank road is a highlight.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • City center to Shaolin Temple: about 1.5 hours
  • Recommended to take the tourist shuttle bus
  • Scenic area sightseeing bus: 25 yuan
Ticket Information
  • Shaolin Temple combo ticket: 100 yuan
  • Martial arts performance: 50 yuan separately
  • Sanhuang Village cable car one-way: 70 yuan
Tour Tips
  • Martial arts shows daily at 10:30 and 15:00
  • Wear comfortable sports shoes
  • The scenic area is large; allow 6-8 hours for the visit
03
Yellow River Sentiment
Mother River Ecological Culture Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Yellow River Scenic Area, see the statues of Emperors Yan and Huang, and overlook the Yellow River landscape. In the afternoon, return to the city to explore the Zhengzhou Shang City Ruins, experiencing the fusion of Yellow River civilization and Shangdu culture.

Attractions
Yellow River Scenic Area
National scenic area centered around the Yellow River, featuring the giant statues of Emperors Yan and Huang, Wulong Peak, and Yueshan Temple. Offers unique views of the middle-lower reaches boundary of the Yellow River.
Zhengzhou Shang City Ruins
Capital site of the early Shang Dynasty, on the tentative list of World Cultural Heritage. A large number of bronze, jade, and pottery artifacts have been excavated, serving as important evidence of Zhengzhou's status as an ancient capital.
Practical Information
Return Suggestions
  • City center to Xinzheng Airport: about 40 minutes
  • Distance to Zhengzhou East Station: about 30 minutes
  • Suggested departure before 4 PM
Food Map
  • Lamb Braised Noodles
  • Steamed Dumplings
  • Barrel Chicken
  • Almond Tea
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Shaolin Temple Vegetarian Biscuits
  • Xinzheng Red Dates
  • Yellow River Clear Mud Inkstone
  • Martial Arts Memorabilia

Must-Try Foods in Zhengzhou

Braised Noodles (Huimian)

The most representative food of Zhengzhou, made from high-quality high-gluten flour hand-pulled noodles, served with lamb broth, lamb slices, seaweed, tofu skin, and other ingredients. The soup is fresh and delicious, the noodles chewy.

Spicy Hot Soup (Hulatang)

Classic Zhengzhou breakfast, made with pepper, chili, beef cubes, tofu skin, wood ear mushrooms, etc. Spicy and delicious, traditionally eaten with oil bun head (youmotou).

Barrel Chicken (Tongziji)

Zhengzhou's special braised dish, made from high-quality free-range chicken through multiple braising processes. Tender meat, savory and delicious, one of Henan's traditional famous dishes.

Braised Pancake (Menbing)

Traditional Zhengzhou pasta, where shredded pancake is braised with bean sprouts, shredded pork, etc. Rich in texture and aromatic, a local home-style comfort food.

Zhengzhou Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • April-May: Pleasant spring weather, lush vegetation on Songshan Mountain
  • September-October: Clear autumn skies, ideal for viewing along the Yellow River
  • July-August: Hot summer, remember to prevent heatstroke
  • Avoid peak holidays like Spring Festival and National Day
Must-Try Experiences
  • Watch martial arts performance at Shaolin Temple
  • Hike Sanhuang Village on Songshan Mountain
  • Watch sunset by the Yellow River
  • Listen to artifact explanations at the Provincial Museum
  • Taste authentic lamb braised noodles
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 400-600 yuan
  • Accommodation: 400-800 yuan/night
  • Meals: 150-300 yuan/day
  • Transportation: approx. 300 yuan (including round trip to Shaolin Temple)
  • Total: 1500-3000 yuan
FAQ
  • How long does it take to visit Shaolin Temple? → Recommended to schedule a full day
  • What's the best way to get from Zhengzhou to Songshan? → Tourist shuttle bus is the most convenient
  • Do I need to book the Henan Museum in advance? → Yes, 1-3 days ahead is recommended
  • Best viewing spot in the Yellow River Scenic Area? → The observation deck at the Yan-Huang statues