You must take the kids to Henan during summer vacation!

There are so many fun places in Henan...
If you have time, I really recommend staying a few extra days.
We went for a week and visited several major attractions,
and it was a wonderful surprise!

I really liked Luoyang⛩
As an ancient capital of China, Luoyang naturally carries beautiful genes🎑
We also took the kids to Shaolin Temple, and touring Shaolin with a senior disciple was very interesting.
We climbed the long-awaited Laojun Mountain, where the sea of clouds surged among the mountains.
It was a perfect trip😍 Here’s my travel guide to share with everyone:

✈️ Recommended itinerary:
Day 1: Meet in Zhengzhou - Henan Museum
Day 2: Zhengzhou - Yuntai Mountain
Day 3: Zhengzhou - Shaolin Temple - Ancient Architectural Complex of the Central Plains
Day 4: Laojun Mountain - Luoyang
Day 5: White Horse Temple - Longmen Grottoes - Luoyang Night Tour
Day 6: Tang Sancai Glazing and Firing Experience - Ancient Tomb Museum - Disband

💥 Must-visit attractions:
📍Longmen Grottoes
🎫 Ticket: 90 RMB (The ticket office is a bit far from the scenic area; you can take a sightseeing bus for 15 RMB)
Longmen Grottoes are a treasure trove of Chinese stone carving art and a World Cultural Heritage site. You can try the night tour; we went during the day, which was also great! The grottoes look magnificent from across the river, and the Vairocana Buddha is grand and beautiful. Visit Xiangshan Temple and Baiyuan if time permits.
📍White Horse Temple
🎫 Ticket: 35 RMB
Funded by the governments of Thailand, India, and Myanmar, it is the only international temple in the world featuring Buddhist halls in the styles of China, India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
White Horse Temple has a Silent Tea House🍵 where you can rest and enjoy free tea if you get tired.
📍Ancient Tomb Museum
We specifically visited this museum because many locals recommended it. The loess of Mangshan in Luoyang is deep and has long been a favored burial place for famous people and officials. It features imperial tombs, exquisite murals, and a reconstruction of 25 ancient tombs from 9 dynasties. Be sure to hire a guide for an immersive "tomb exploration" experience.
📍Laojun Mountain
Legend has it that this is where Laozi attained enlightenment, ascended, and practiced in seclusion. It was named "Laojun Mountain" by Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. I often saw stunning videos of Laojun Mountain online and wanted to climb it once. Finally, I went, and one word: beautiful!! I recommend taking the four cable cars up and down the mountain; it’s not tiring at all!
📍Shaolin Temple
The above four attractions are in Luoyang, while Shaolin Temple is in Kaifeng. Located on Song Mountain, Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Chinese kung fu and is highly recommended! Many foreigners also train here. The temple is ancient and tranquil, with a strong Buddhist Zen atmosphere. After visiting the Ancient Architectural Complex of the Central Plains, you’ll understand what China truly is.

🗺 How to travel authentically in Henan:
✔️ See the fairyland at Laojun Mountain and the Red Stone Gorge waterfalls at Yuntai Mountain
✔️ Tour Shaolin Temple with a senior disciple and learn Shaolin kung fu
✔️ See the giant Buddha at Longmen Grottoes and understand ancient views on life and death at the Ancient Tomb Museum
✔️ Pray with lotus lanterns at White Horse Temple and experience making Tang Sancai pottery
✔️ Night city walk in the divine capital, instantly traveling back to the Tang Dynasty