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Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province, is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization and the hometown of Emperor Huangdi, the ancestor of Chinese civilization. It has served as a capital five times and a prefecture for eight generations in history and is one of the "Eight Ancient Capitals of China".
As one of the earliest settlements of the Chinese nation and the cradle of ancient Chinese civilization, it is home to numerous cultural relics and sites, and boasts a complex and diverse natural landscape, with mountains, plains, hills, and rivers forming a rich tapestry of natural and cultural resources.
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for travel
Henan Museum
This national key museum is one of the earliest established museums in China. It boasts an exhibition area of over 10,000 square meters and houses a collection of 140,000 cultural relics, including over 5,000 first- and second-class national cultural relics of exceptional historical, cultural, and artistic value. Some of its collections are considered national treasures.
Shaolin Temple in Songshan
Shaolin Temple became famous around the beginning of the Tang Dynasty. It is the ancestral home of Chinese Zen Buddhism, a prestigious Buddhist temple, and the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts.
Recommended number of days for visiting: 1-2 days
Zhengzhou is the capital of Henan province and one of China’s historical cities, with roots dating back over 3,000 years. It has been a key political, cultural, and transportation hub, bridging northern and central China.
Zhengzhou is centrally located in Henan province. Visitors can arrive via Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, high-speed trains at Zhengzhou East Station, or intercity buses. Within the city, the metro, taxis, and buses provide easy access to attractions.
For popular attractions like Henan Museum and Shaolin Temple, online booking 1–2 days in advance is recommended, especially during holidays.
2–4 days to cover main cultural sites, parks, and shopping areas; add extra time if including Shaolin Temple day trip.
Guided tours are mostly in Mandarin; some attractions offer English audio guides or private English-speaking guides upon request.
Start at Henan Museum, visit Erqi Memorial Tower and nearby streets, explore People's Park, then day trip to Shaolin Temple and surrounding scenic areas.
Night views of Erqi Memorial Tower and city lights are popular; some parks host seasonal light shows and festivals.
Major attractions are busiest during weekends and public holidays; weekdays in spring or autumn are least crowded.
All major sites have restrooms, food stalls, water fountains, rest areas, and souvenir shops. City streets offer cafes and restaurants.
Most museums and parks have ramps and elevators; some historical temples have steps that may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted; cash is useful for street vendors and small shops.
Vegetarian options are available in larger restaurants; halal restaurants exist in some districts; vegan options may be limited.
Souvenirs include Henan embroidery, calligraphy art, local snacks, and Shaolin martial arts memorabilia.
High-speed trains and buses connect Zhengzhou to Luoyang, Kaifeng, and other Henan cities; taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient within the city.
