Day 1 Across the country → or → Zhengzhou
All day
Today is the gathering day. Please check in at the designated gathering hotel after arriving in Zhengzhou. (Check-in at the Zhengzhou gathering hotel is available after 14:00)
Tourists arriving earlier can leave their luggage at the hotel front desk and arrange their own sightseeing activities in the commercial capital of Zhengzhou.
We recommend visiting attractions such as the Erqi Memorial Tower, the Yellow River Huayuankou, the ruins of the Shang Dynasty capital of Bodu (relatively deserted), and the Zhengzhou Petrochemical Plant Creative Park (where you can take photos and check in), and tasting Zhengzhou's specialties (Henan braised noodles, Daokou roast chicken, etc.).
Special Gift: The Beginning of Civilization: A Millennium of Spoilers in the Museum
At 14:30, gather at the entrance of Henan Museum in front of the China-TravelNote flag and tour the Henan Museum under the guidance of a tour guide.
Focusing on the "Great China: Choosing the Central Plains as the Capital" exhibit, visitors will discover treasures such as the Jiahu Bone Flute, the Fuhao Owl Zun, and the Cloud-Patterned Bronze Ban. A special section will be dedicated to the "Capitals of the Xia and Shang Dynasties," where bronze and jade artifacts unearthed from the Erligang site reveal the origins of Central Plains civilization and lay the groundwork for subsequent itineraries. (This is a complimentary program; tourists with time are welcome to participate. Failure to attend will be deemed a forfeit, and the tour will be conducted on their own on the final day. No fee reduction will be offered.)
Day 2 Zhengzhou → Wangchenggang Ruins → Dengfeng Observatory → Songshan Scenic Area → Dengfeng
·morning
Drive to Wangchenggang Ruins to inspect the Xia Dynasty city site, large house foundations, and sacrificial pits. Follow the archaeological discoveries to decipher the historical code of "Yudu Yangcheng".
Wangchenggang is located in Gaocheng Town, Dengfeng City, Henan Province. It is situated in the upper valley of Ying River, facing Songshan Mountain to the north and Jishan Mountain to the south. It is the core area of the ancient "center of heaven and earth" cosmology and a key site for exploring Xia culture.
The Erlitou site dates from 1750 to 1500 BC, approximately 3,500 to 3,800 years ago, belonging to the middle to late Xia Dynasty. The Wangchenggang site, on the other hand, is primarily of the middle to late Longshan culture type in western Henan. The latest radiocarbon dating for the small city is 2107 BC, while the large city dates from 2200 to 2020 BC, giving a range of approximately 2469 to 1543 BC, covering a period closer to the early Xia Dynasty or even earlier.
Current archaeological research suggests that the Wangchenggang site predates the Erlitou site, making it of great significance for exploring the origins and early development of Xia culture. For those interested in history, archaeology, and the origins of ancient Chinese civilization, while the site's remains are less visible and lacks artifacts, it remains a worthwhile visit. It offers a firsthand glimpse into the rich history and cultural heritage of the area, offering a unique perspective on "earliest China."
Then, we headed to the nearby Observatory, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit and World Cultural Heritage Site. Built in 1276 during the Yuan Dynasty, it is the oldest surviving observatory in China and one of the earliest surviving astronomical observation structures in the world, still standing tall after over 700 years.
The observatory is designated as the birthplace of the 24 solar terms. Through long-term observations at the observatory, the ancients discovered the patterns of seasonal changes and designated the day with the largest shadow as the "Winter Solstice" and the day with the shortest shadow as the "Summer Solstice." The cycle from the longest midday shadow in one year to the longest midday shadow in the next year was defined as a tropical year. This led to the division of solar terms such as the "Vernal Equinox" and the "Autumnal Equinox," which played an important role in guiding agricultural production and people's daily lives.
After Kublai Khan unified China, he appointed Guo Shoujing and Wang Xun to reform the calendar. Guo Shoujing established 27 observatories across China, with the Dengfeng Observatory serving as the central station. Through diligent observations and calculations at the observatories, Guo and his colleagues compiled the then-most advanced calendar, the Shoushili (Shushili) calendar. This calendar stipulated a tropical year of 365 days, 5 hours, 49 minutes, and 20 seconds, a difference of only 26 seconds from the modern tropical year, putting it over 300 years ahead of Europe.
·afternoon
After lunch, we set off for Songyue Scenic Area.
Songyang Academy has a long history, spanning many dynasties, from the Songyang Temple in the Han Dynasty, to the Songyang Taoist Temple in the Northern Wei Dynasty, to the Taiyi Academy in the Later Zhou Dynasty, and finally to the famous Songyang Academy in the Song Dynasty.
Built in the eighth year of the Taihe reign of the Northern Wei Dynasty (484 AD), it boasts a history of over 1,500 years. Originally named Songyang Temple, it was a Buddhist temple that underwent numerous name changes and functional transformations, including the Songyang Temple (a Taoist temple) in the Sui Dynasty, the Taiyi Academy (a Confucian center) in the Later Zhou Dynasty, and the Song Dynasty's bestowed name of Songyang Academy. This cultural sanctuary, where the "three religions converged," is unique among academies in its evolution from Buddhism to Taoism and then to Confucianism.
Songyang Academy was one of the earliest academies in China to spread the doctrine of Neo-Confucianism and is the birthplace of Cheng-Zhu Neo-Confucianism. Cheng Hao and Cheng Yi, the founders of Neo-Confucianism, held lectures here. Many renowned scholars, including Sima Guang, Fan Zhongyan, and Zhu Xi, also wrote books and taught here, playing a significant role in the development of Confucianism and exerting a profound influence on the inheritance and development of ancient Chinese thought and culture.
The Songyue Temple Pagoda at the southern foot of Mount Song was originally a summer palace of the Northern Wei Dynasty. It was converted into a temple by Emperor Wen of the Sui Dynasty and used as a temporary palace during the Tang Dynasty. It is a physical witness to the spread of Buddhism in "the middle of heaven and earth".
At the founding of the People's Republic of China, with so much to be done, cultural relic protection was crucial. Renowned architect Liang Sicheng shouldered this responsibility and submitted a list of significant cultural relics to the central government, categorizing them according to their importance, from one to five circles. The pagoda at Songyue Temple was prominently marked with the five highest-ranking circles.
Why has the Songyue Temple Pagoda received this prestigious honor? Construction began during the Zhengguang reign of the Northern Wei Dynasty, over 1,500 years ago, making it China's oldest surviving brick pagoda. Having weathered the test of time, wars, and numerous earthquakes, it remains majestic and unwavering, a true architectural marvel. Its architectural form is unique among ancient pagodas in China, featuring a dodecagonal, dense-eaves cylindrical structure. This unique design is unique among the hundreds of brick pagodas still extant in China. Its dense-eaves design served as a model for many later Buddhist pagodas, setting a new architectural trend. The Songyue Temple Pagoda also bears witness to the exchange and integration of Chinese and Western architectural styles, incorporating influences from ancient Indian Gandhara art. It embodies the aesthetics of Chinese architecture, incorporating Western cultures. This ancient building, a fusion of historical, artistic, and scientific value, is a must-see.
After leaving Songyang Scenic Area, we went to Dengfeng to check in.
Day 3 Shaolin Temple → Erlitou Site Museum → Luoyang
·morning
After breakfast, we set off for Shaolin Temple. A senior monk, dressed in a navy blue robe, stood before the temple's gate and gestured, "Donor, follow me." He then led the group into the ancient temple.
Visit the Shaolin Temple, watch the Shaolin monks practice combat, learn San Duan Jin under the guidance of a coach, and experience the Eastern philosophy of "the unity of Zen and martial arts"; stroll through the Pagoda Forest and decipher the carved codes on the tombs of eminent monks from past dynasties.
Entering Shaolin Temple is like stepping into a "Museum of Eastern Philosophy" that carries the millennia-long history of Chinese civilization. This ancient temple was first built in the 19th year of the Taihe reign of the Northern Wei Dynasty (495 AD) by Emperor Xiaowen, at the northern foot of Shaoshi Mountain in Songshan, to accommodate the eminent Indian monk Batuo. Not only is it the ancestral home of the Chan sect of Chinese Buddhism, it is also renowned for its profound and extensive Shaolin Kung Fu, earning it the title of "World's Most Famous Temple," vividly embodying the unique Eastern philosophy of "the unity of Chan and martial arts."
Upon arrival at Shaolin Temple, a thrilling live combat demonstration featuring the Shaolin monks will begin. Shaolin Kung Fu boasts a rich history and a vast system, encompassing a wide range of techniques, including boxing, staff techniques, and spear techniques. As early as the Northern Wei Dynasty, monks at the temple practiced staff techniques and boxing, exemplified by the "Swift and Courageous Boxing" of Zen Master Ti. Shaolin boxing is even more diverse, with a total of over 500 sets, and nearly 200 sets currently being taught. Styles like Xiaohongquan, Dahongquan, and Luohanquan are all well-known.
At the rehearsal, the monks, dressed in traditional attire, appeared in high spirits. Their boxing techniques were vigorous and powerful, their punches delivered with a powerful, unstoppable force, each movement showcasing the fierce, unwavering demeanor of a single punch. Their cudgel techniques were even more impressive, with the Shaolin cudgel, one of the Eighteen Martial Arts, wielded with resounding, coordinated movements that fully showcased the profound heritage and extraordinary charm of Shaolin Kung Fu.
Afterward, stroll through the Shaolin Temple Pagoda Forest, feeling like you've traveled through time and space, stepping into a forest of historical and cultural steles. The Pagoda Forest is the final resting place for generations of Shaolin Temple's eminent monks. Over 240 existing masonry pagodas dating back to the Tang Dynasty exist. These pagodas, each in a diverse form and rich in carved art, hold precious secrets for deciphering Shaolin's history and culture. Each pagoda's shape, levels, and carved designs hold unique meaning. For example, the levels often represent a monk's high status in Buddhism and profound spiritual practice; carved lotus flowers symbolize holiness, while peonies signify wealth and prosperity. Other designs, such as dragons, phoenixes, and auspicious animals, depict the life stories of eminent monks or evoke Buddhist allusions. Careful observation reveals the development of Shaolin Temple through its various historical periods, appreciating the exquisite craftsmanship and profound cultural heritage of ancient artisans.
Afterward, under the guidance of a professional instructor, students began their journey of learning San Duan Jin (Three-Section Brocade). San Duan Jin integrates Tai Chi, Bagua, and Wu Xing Quan, embodying the unique principle of unity of opposites. Practice begins with the first section, "Soft" or "Smooth," emphasizing the importance of following the natural flow of movement. This helps beginners adapt to the movements, avoid injury, and experience the body's balance within its natural rhythm. The second section then emphasizes the coordination of force and relaxation. Practitioners must maintain flexibility while exerting force, achieving a balance of hardness and softness, and enhancing their skill. Finally, the third section, "Hard" or "Quick," demands maximum speed and force, with movements that are both swift and powerful, yet precise and controlled, comprehensively strengthening their overall physical qualities. Through each move, students gain a deep understanding of the philosophical essence of traditional martial arts, integrating movement and stillness, and the harmony of yin and yang. Through practice, they gradually achieve harmony between body and mind.
This trip to Shaolin Temple will not only allow you to appreciate the wonderful Shaolin Kung Fu and learn traditional martial arts firsthand, but also allow you to interpret history while strolling through the pagoda forest and deeply understand the Eastern philosophy of "the unity of Zen and martial arts", bringing you an unforgettable cultural experience.
·afternoon
After leaving Shaolin Temple, we headed to the Erlitou Ruins Museum, where we took a close look at important Xia Dynasty artifacts such as the "Huaxia Diyi Ding" bronze tripod with grid patterns and a bronze plaque inlaid with turquoise animal faces. Through 3D restored images, we experienced the layout and daily life of the Xia capital palace in an immersive way.
Then we went to the ruins to explore the "well"-shaped road and the foundation of the palace, and feel the texture of the capital 3,800 years ago.
The Erlitou Site Museum, located in Yanshi, Luoyang, Henan Province, is a major national cultural project designated during the 13th Five-Year Plan and a national AAAA-level scenic spot. Its five exhibition halls showcase the history of the Xia Dynasty and Erlitou archaeological findings, housing 1,563 artifacts, including bronze and jade artifacts. Among its most treasured treasures are bronze plaques inlaid with turquoise and featuring animal faces, and bronze jugs with nipple patterns.
The Erlitou Ruins, a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site and one of the first six major capital cities targeted by the Chinese Civilization Origins Research Project, are widely recognized by scholars as the remains of a capital city from the middle to late Xia Dynasty. It dates back approximately 3,800 to 3,500 years, corresponding to the Xia and Shang dynasties as described in ancient texts.
The site boasts numerous "China's firsts," including the earliest urban road network, the earliest "Forbidden City," the earliest state-run handicraft workshops, the earliest bronze ritual vessels, and the earliest turquoise artifacts. The multi-grid urban layout, bronze ritual vessels, and turquoise dragon-shaped artifacts discovered within the site are all direct evidence of the Xia Dynasty's mature ruling system and state form.
Its existence holds significant reference value for studying the origins of Chinese civilization, the rise of states, the origins of cities, the construction of royal capitals, and the customization of royal palaces. The Erlitou culture, arguably the "earliest form of China," became the mainstream of Chinese civilization through its inheritance and transcendence across the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
Then we set off for Luoyang, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties, and arranged accommodation.
Day 4 White Horse Temple → Luoyang Museum → Longmen Grottoes
·morning
In the morning, we will visit the White Horse Temple, the first official Buddhist temple in China, to learn about the legendary story of "a white horse carrying Buddhist scriptures" and visit the International Buddhist Hall area (including Indian, Thai, and Burmese style halls), witnessing the integration of Chinese and international Buddhism.
This ancient temple, built in the 11th year of the Yongping reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty (68 AD), is China's first official Buddhist temple and bears the legend of the "White Horse Carrying Scriptures." Legend has it that Emperor Ming of Han dreamed of a golden man and sent envoys westward in search of the Dharma, who brought back Buddhist scriptures and statues on white horses. Upon their return
, he commissioned the construction of this temple. The temple's main gate, Heavenly King Hall, and Main Hall, among other buildings, are arranged along the central axis, each adorned with red walls and gray tiles, exuding a simple and solemn air. Entering the International Buddhist Hall area feels like embarking on a global Buddhist cultural journey. The Indian-style sandstone temple features exquisitely carved corridors and domes, reminiscent of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya. The Thai temple, embodying authentic Thai architecture, features golden pagodas and spires that gleam in the sunlight. The Burmese temple, predominantly white, features pagodas and columns adorned with intricate carvings. The rich Southeast Asian charm intersects with the Chinese garden landscape, vividly demonstrating the integration of Buddhism's Sinicization and internationalization.
As the first official temple established after the introduction of Buddhism into China, White Horse Temple marked the starting point of Buddhism's Sinicization. The story of "a white horse carrying Buddhist scriptures" signified the official establishment of Buddhism in China through official channels, laying a solid foundation for the formation and development of subsequent Buddhist sects. This landmark event marked the history of Chinese Buddhism. Architecturally, the temple's ancient structures, such as the Mountain Gate and the Hall of Heavenly Kings, arranged along its central axis, not only exemplify the symmetrical aesthetics and construction techniques of traditional Chinese architecture but also serve as a model for subsequent Buddhist temple architecture. From a cultural perspective, White Horse Temple facilitated cultural exchanges between China, India, and other countries, promoting the deep integration of Buddhist teachings with Chinese culture. The collision and fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism here influenced the spiritual world and cultural DNA of the Chinese people, becoming a crucial footnote to the diversity and unity of Chinese civilization.
·afternoon
Visit the Luoyang Museum, focusing on the "Heluo Civilization" exhibition, which explores the changes in the capital from the Xia and Shang dynasties to the Sui and Tang dynasties through cultural relics such as Tang Sancai (three-colored glazed pottery) and Cao Wei white jade cups.
Luoyang currently has a total of 112 museums and memorial halls. The Luoyang Museum is unique in that it is one of the first national first-class museums. Its building is shaped like a square tripod, symbolizing "establishing the capital in Luoyi" and "standing firm under the heavens."
Entering the Luoyang Museum is like embarking on a journey through time and space, spanning millennia. Located on Nietai Road in Luolong District, this national first-class museum houses over 20,000 cultural relics, including over 5,400 precious artifacts.
The "Heluo Civilization" exhibition, a highlight of the exhibition, spans over 5,000 square meters and is organized into five periods: prehistory, the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties, the Han and Wei dynasties, the Sui and Tang dynasties, and the Five Dynasties and Northern Song. Here, you can experience the prosperity of Tang Dynasty Luoyang through exquisite Tang Sancai (three-colored glazed pottery) and gaze upon the white jade cups of the Cao Wei dynasty, feeling the warmth and richness of history. Centered around the ruins of five major capitals, the exhibition clearly charts the evolution of Luoyang from the Xia and Shang dynasties to the Sui and Tang dynasties, bringing the splendor of Chinese civilization to life.
Enter the Longmen Grottoes around 4:00 PM, gaze at the Vairocana Buddha amidst the Yique Mountains and waters, and hear the legend of Empress Wu Zetian donating 20,000 strings of cash to support her cosmetics. After nightfall, enjoy the grotto light show and experience the awe-inspiring spectacle of "Ten Thousand Buddhas Covered in Gold." (Note: This session will be canceled if there is no night view available.)
Enter the Longmen Grottoes, a World Cultural Heritage Site. Over 100,000 Buddha statues, nestled on the cliffs along the Yi River, quietly recount a millennium of history amidst the breathtaking scenery of Yique Mountain and its surroundings. Walking along the bluestone path, through the ancient grottoes, a magnificent Buddha statue complex comes into view: the Vairocana Buddha shrine at Fengxian Temple. Constructed in the third year of Emperor Gaozong's Xianheng reign (672 AD), this massive grotto features the 17.14-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha, with a plump and elegant face, serene and kind eyes, and a slightly upturned mouth, seemingly looking down upon all life. Legend has it that Wu Zetian, who donated 20,000 strings of cosmetics to help build the statue, inspired the artisans to carve the Vairocana Buddha based on her image, lending the statue a mystical aura. Pause before the statue, listen to ancient legends, and experience the unparalleled fusion of sculpture art and religious culture of the heyday of the Tang Dynasty.
The Longmen Grottoes hold immense historical, artistic, and cultural value. Although some of the Buddha statues have been damaged, they remain incredibly captivating. Initially carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty, they were constructed over a period of over 400 years, spanning multiple dynasties. They serve as crucial evidence for the study of ancient history and the development of Buddhism. The carvings are exquisite, and the statues, such as the Vairocana Buddha, are truly remarkable sculptural treasures. They embody Buddhist culture and integrate Chinese and Western influences. The inscriptions within the grottoes are of great significance to research across diverse fields. While signs of damage bear witness to the passage of time, ongoing conservation and restoration efforts are revitalizing this cultural heritage.
As dusk deepens and the lights come on, the Longmen Grottoes present another breathtaking spectacle. When the grottoes' light show begins, thousands of golden rays pour down, illuminating every Buddha statue on the cliff face. The once solemn and majestic grottoes are instantly bathed in a dazzling brilliance, akin to "a thousand Buddhas draped in gold." The interplay of light and shadow imbues the Buddha statues with a seemingly new lease of life, emanating a mysterious and captivating charm in the night.
Day 5 Luoyang → Chinese Character Museum → Anyang Yinxu Museum → Anyang
·morning
This morning we had a long drive to Anyang;
Anyang, a renowned historical and cultural city in Henan Province, is a key birthplace of Chinese civilization. Known as the "Ancient Capital of Seven Dynasties," it has weathered thousands of years and witnessed countless ups and downs.
Ancient people have inhabited this area since the Late Paleolithic period. During the Shang Dynasty, Anyang served as the capital, producing brilliant oracle bone inscriptions and exquisite bronze artifacts, exemplified by the Houmuwu Ding (a cauldron), and the origins of the Book of Changes. During the Warring States Period, Ximen Bao governed Ye and developed water conservancy projects. The Sixteen Kingdoms of the Eastern Jin Dynasty and the Later Zhao Dynasty established their capitals here. Through the successive dynasties of Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, Anyang maintained a prominent position. The "Zhangde Autumn Exercises" of the late Qing Dynasty added a touch of modern history.
In today's Anyang, ancient sites such as Yinxu and Youli City tell of the glorious past, and intangible cultural heritage projects such as Huaxian Dapingdiao and Tangyin Paoweizi inherit the unique culture and are a vivid testimony to the Chinese civilization.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we went to the Chinese Character Museum, where we experienced interactive projections and oracle bone rubbings, wrote oracle bone characters by hand, and traced the evolution of Chinese characters from oracle bone script to regular script.
Located in Anyang, Henan Province, the Chinese Character Museum is a national first-class (thematic) museum. Combining cultural relic preservation, exhibition, and research, the museum's first phase opened in 2009, with continued construction and the Chinese Character Park opening in 2022. Focusing on Chinese characters, the museum showcases the development of writing and serves as a center for popularizing Chinese character culture.
After leaving the Writing Museum, we will explore the Yinxu Museum and the ruins of the palace and ancestral temple. In front of the oracle bone pit, we will gaze at the tortoise shells inscribed with oracle inscriptions, deciphering the politics, sacrifices, and life of the Shang Dynasty. We will also enter the Tomb of Fu Hao and witness the grand burial of China's earliest female general.
Stepping into the new building of Anyang Yinxu Museum, this building, which faces the ruins of Yinxu palace and ancestral temple across the river, is shaped like a "tripod" and its bronze exterior is engraved with the oracle bone script "Dayi Shang", fully displaying the ancient charm of Yin and Shang.
The museum boasts four floors, each offering a fascinating tiered exhibition. The first floor, "Exploring Shang Civilization," chronicles a century of archaeological discoveries from the Yin Ruins. The second floor, "The Great Shang Civilization," showcases nearly 4,000 artifacts, over 70% of which are on display for the first time, comprehensively showcasing the Shang dynasty's political, military, and technological achievements. The third floor, "Shang Civilization of the World," explores the significance of Shang civilization from an international perspective. Don't miss the featured exhibitions, "Where Did Chang Come From?" recounts the life of a Shang general through artifacts from Yachang's tomb, and "Who Are You?" deciphers royal secrets revealed in oracle bones.
The museum is equipped with advanced naked-eye 3D and VR technologies. The immersive digital exhibition that combines the real and the virtual will take you through thousands of years and let you feel the warmth of the Yin and Shang civilization. It is a must-see place to deeply experience the charm of Shang culture.
Yinxu is the site of the capital of the late Shang Dynasty in China. The museum was built on the basis of Yinxu and houses a large number of cultural relics from the Shang Dynasty, such as oracle bones, bronzes, jades, etc. These cultural relics are important physical materials for studying the origin and development of ancient Chinese civilization, and have witnessed the transformation of Chinese civilization from a primitive society to a slave society.
Check in to Anyang Hotel in due time.
Day 6 Yue Fei Temple → Kaifeng Daxiangguo Temple → Qingming Shanghe Park
·morning
In the morning, we will go to the Yue Fei Temple in Tangyin to pay homage to the stone tablet of "Serving the Country with Loyalty" and listen to the tragic stories of Yue Fei's mother-in-law tattooing the characters and the great victory of Yancheng.
After breakfast, we drove to the Yue Fei Temple in Tangyin. Entering this ancient complex, built in the first year of the Ming Dynasty's Jingtai reign (1450), we were overwhelmed by a solemn and ancient atmosphere. Among the red walls, green tiles, carved beams, and painted buildings, over 600 years of history have been transformed into a rich cultural atmosphere.
Passing through the ceremonial gate, the stone tablet with the inscription "Serve the Country with Loyalty" stands proudly. In times of national crisis, Yue Fei's mother-in-law, Lady Yao, wisely understood the greater good and tattooed the four characters "Serve the Country with Loyalty" on her back with a silver needle, hoping that her son would be loyal to his country. These four words became not only a family motto, but also a lifelong belief and pursuit for Yue Fei.
Moving to the main hall, a majestic and solemn seated statue of Yue Fei is flanked by sand tables displaying the Yue Family Army's battles, silently telling the legend of the great victory at Yancheng. In 1140, facing Jin Wushu's 100,000 elite cavalry, Yue Fei triumphed over a larger force, leading his 800 Beiwei troops into a fierce charge. The Yue Family Army's strict discipline and fearless fighting spirit of "freezing to death rather than demolishing houses, starving to death rather than looting" were fully demonstrated in this battle. Touching the mottled inscriptions within the temple and listening to the echoes of history, one can almost see Yue Fei galloping across the battlefield, his heroic figure, spear in hand, galloping across the battlefield, and feel the millennia-long love for his country and his spirit of loyalty.
The temple preserves numerous ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The exquisite craftsmanship of the Jingzhong Archway and the main hall are of great artistic value. Nearly 300 inscriptions from various dynasties, in the form of poetry and prose, provide valuable documentation for the study of Yue Fei and related history. The loyalty and bravery he embodies align closely with traditional virtues. As a memorial, the Yue Fei Temple carries the public's admiration for this hero and has profound significance in strengthening national sentiment and upholding traditional values.
·afternoon
We then arrived in Kaifeng and walked into the Daxiangguo Temple to explore the architectural aesthetics of the royal temple of the Northern Song Dynasty and learn about the literary allusion of Lu Zhishen's "pulling up the weeping willow tree".
Traveling to Kaifeng, the ancient capital of eight dynasties, your first stop is the thousand-year-old Daxiangguo Temple. Stepping through the gate, the Thousand-Armed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin statue within the octagonal glazed hall shimmers with golden light. The wood carvings and gilding complement each other, exuding a solemn and magnificent beauty. The Sutra Library, with its ancient and majestic style and soaring eaves, carries a rich historical charm. This Northern Song Dynasty imperial temple boasts a regular and symmetrical layout, with its interlaced brackets revealing the exquisite wisdom of ancient architecture. Every brick, tile, beam, and pillar vividly embodies architectural aesthetics.
As an important story scene in "Water Margin", next to the former site of the vegetable garden of Daxiangguo Temple, the sculpture of Lu Zhishen "pulling down a weeping willow" is lifelike. The image of Lu Zhishen as a man of infinite strength, boldness and chivalry comes to life before your eyes. Classic literary allusions and the thousand-year-old temple are intertwined here, adding a unique fun and cultural heritage to this journey.
Enter the Qingming Riverside Park around 4:00 PM and enjoy live performances such as "Bao Gong Patrolling the Streets" and "The Heroes of Liangshan Robbing the Prisoner's Cart," and experience intangible cultural heritage techniques such as Bian embroidery and movable type printing. Climb Hongqiao Bridge for a bird's-eye view of the "Bianhe Canal Transport," sample Song Dynasty delicacies like soup dumplings and fried jelly, and experience a recreation of the urban life depicted in "Along the River During the Qingming Festival." (Note: The actual program is subject to the day's schedule.)
This large-scale Song Dynasty historical and cultural theme park, a 1:1 replica of the famous Northern Song Dynasty painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," vividly recreates the prosperous splendor of the Northern Song Dynasty. While conventional scenic spots often focus on natural landscapes or historical sites, offering fragmented cultural experiences, museums primarily display static artifacts and emphasize knowledge. In contrast, the Qingming Riverside Park offers a more immersive cultural experience through a blend of live performances, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and culinary tastings. It fully recreates the urban life depicted in "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," taking visitors on a fascinating journey through millennia.
·night
We will stay overnight in Kaifeng. Kaifeng's night view is truly breathtaking. You can enjoy the night view of Kaifeng by eating, drinking, strolling, watching the light show, and admiring the night view of Kaifeng. Interested tourists can also watch the live performance of the "Dream of the Capital" in the Song Dynasty.
Day 7 Qingming Riverside Park → Kaifeng North Station → Zhengzhou East Station Disbanded
·morning
In the morning, stroll along the Qingming Riverside Park again and participate in folk activities such as the "Song Dynasty Imperial Examination" and "Cockfighting Competition". You can also move freely in the park.
Qingming Riverside Park is the largest Song Dynasty-style ancient architectural complex in the Central Plains, covering an area of more than 600 mu, including 180 mu of water surface and more than 30,000 square meters of landscape buildings.
The park boasts distinctive structures such as the Rainbow Bridge and Shangshan Gate. The former is one of China's ten most famous bridges, while the latter stands 21.6 meters tall. It also boasts the world's largest stone sculpture of "Along the River During the Qingming Festival," measuring 33.32 meters long and 2.23 meters high. Its core cultural offerings include spectacular live performances such as "Yue Fei Challenges the Young Prince of Liang" and "The Battle of the Eastern Capital in the Song Dynasty." The large-scale water-based live performance "The Great Song Dynasty: Dreams of the Eastern Capital" was a first for a theme park.
Experience Song Dynasty folk customs, witness Bian embroidery and woodblock New Year paintings, and enjoy quyi (Chinese folk music) and acrobatics. The park blends ancient and modern entertainment, featuring traditional activities like darts and archery alongside modern attractions like the Shenzhou naval expedition. Opening in 2023, the Great Song Royal Paradise will blend culture, technology, entertainment, and performances to offer a brand-new experience.
Today you can follow the tour guide for a tour, or you can check in freely.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, depart for Zhengzhou East Station. Before departure, receive a custom-made oracle bone inscription bookmark, letting the legacy of millennia-old civilization accompany you on your return journey.
12:00 Enjoy your own meal in the scenic area. We recommend you try Kaifeng’s local snack, Kaifeng Soup Dumplings.
The trip ends at 13:00, and we kiss goodbye with tears. We will be dropped off at Kaifeng North Station at around 13:30 (due to time constraints, we only drop off at Kaifeng North Station. If you are returning from Kaifeng Station, you can take a taxi directly from Qingming Riverside Park, which is about a 20-minute ride). We will then drop off at Zhengzhou East Station and are expected to arrive at Zhengzhou East High-speed Railway Station at 15:00 (Zhengzhou Airport is not included). Please allow at least half an hour for boarding during holidays!
This concludes our seven-day journey through the Five Capitals, exploring the dawn of civilization in Zhengzhou, exploring the Xia dynasty in Dengfeng, exploring Buddhist caves in Luoyang, deciphering the history of the Shang dynasty in Anyang, and immersing ourselves in the charm of the Song dynasty in Kaifeng. We journey through five millennia and witness the secrets of China's founding.
May this journey become an eternal cultural memory in your heart, and we look forward to joining you on another cultural journey in the future!
