3 Days 2 Nights in Henan · Explore the "Central Plains Civilization Corridor" In-Depth Tour for 3000 RMB

As a travel blogger deeply immersed in Central Plains culture, I have to say: Henan is the most underrated treasure province in China. From the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty in Luoyang, to the Zen spirit of Shaolin in Dengfeng, and the lively Northern Song atmosphere in Kaifeng, in three days and two nights, with a budget of 3000 RMB for two people, I planned a high-density, slow-paced, culturally rich, and food-filled "Central Plains Civilization Corridor" trip—not rushing, not just taking check-in photos, but truly stepping into this land that nurtured Chinese civilization, listening to the echoes of history and savoring millennia of flavors.

📍Suitable for: History and culture enthusiasts / Couples on a slow trip / Family educational tours / Chinese style travel photography lovers
💰Total budget: 3000 RMB (for two people, 1500 RMB per person)

🚄Transportation｜About 800 RMB
✅ Zhengzhou as the transit hub, high-speed rail connects the whole province
✔️ Assuming departure from Beijing:
→ Beijing West → Zhengzhou East High-speed rail second class seat 263 RMB/person ×2 = 526 RMB
→ Return trip similarly ≈ 526 RMB
📌 If departing locally or from nearby cities, you can save on high-speed rail fees and upgrade accommodation or experiences
✅ Within Henan Province transportation:
✔️ Zhengzhou → Luoyang Metro + intercity train 40 minutes, ticket 27 RMB/person ×2 = 54 RMB
✔️ Luoyang → Dengfeng Taxi/ride-share ≈ 150 RMB (one way)
✔️ Dengfeng → Kaifeng High-speed rail Dengfeng → Kaifeng West about 70 RMB/person ×2 = 140 RMB
✔️ City buses + taxis + shared bikes ≈ 200 RMB
✔️ Total transportation controlled within 800 RMB

🏨Accommodation｜About 900 RMB
✅ 2 nights selected comfortable homestays/chain hotels (not luxury)
✔️ First night: Luoyang old city homestay or near metro hotel → double standard room 380 RMB/night
✔️ Second night: Kaifeng near Drum Tower characteristic inn → double room 360 RMB/night
✔️ Total accommodation ≈ 740 RMB
💡 Book early in peak season for early bird prices

🎫Tickets｜About 800 RMB
✅ [Longmen Grottoes] 90 RMB/person ×2 = 180 RMB
✅ [Luoyi Ancient City] Free admission, Hanfu rental 78 RMB/set ×2 = 156 RMB (immersive must-try)
✅ [Shaolin Temple Scenic Area] 80 RMB/person ×2 = 160 RMB (includes Changzhuyuan and Pagoda Forest)
✅ [Songshan Sanhuangzhai Cableway] Round trip 120 RMB/person ×2 = 240 RMB (save energy, overlook the peaks)
✅ [Kaifeng Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden] 120 RMB/person ×2 = 240 RMB (Song Dynasty style performances great value)
✔️ Total ticket expenses ≈ 976 RMB, flexible choices can keep it within 800 RMB

🍽️Dining｜About 700 RMB
✅ Luoyang: Beef soup + pancake strips, water banquet three dishes, Shizi Street snacks → for two 200 RMB
✅ Dengfeng: Shaolin vegetarian meal or local Hui noodles → for two 80 RMB
✅ Kaifeng: Braised fish + bucket chicken + soup dumplings + almond tea → for two 220 RMB
✅ Other meals & drinks & street snacks → 200 RMB
✔️ Authentic and rich food throughout, total ≈ 700 RMB

🎯Itinerary｜Three days crossing five thousand years

⏰Day 1｜Luoyang · Flourishing Tang Dynasty
→ Arrive in Luoyang → In-depth tour of Longmen Grottoes → Evening stroll in Luoyi Ancient City wearing Hanfu → Stay in Luoyang

⏰ Day 2｜Dengfeng · Zen and Martial Shaolin
→ Luoyang → Dengfeng → Watch Shaolin monks’ martial arts performance → Hike or cableway at Sanhuangzhai → Stay in Kaifeng

⏰ Day 3｜Kaifeng · Glorious Song Dynasty
→ Immersive tour of Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (Bao Gong welcomes guests, Yue Fei challenges Xiao Liang Wang) → Iron Pagoda Park → Return trip

📌Tips:
✔️ Book tickets for attractions in advance to avoid queues
✔️ Hanfu travel photography recommended in the morning for soft light and fewer people
✔️ Don’t miss the Qingming Riverside Garden night light show (open in summer)
✔️ Bring cultural creative USB drives, rubbings, and peony pastries as souvenirs

In three days, we walked through Buddha’s light, Zen temples, and bustling streets,
Listened to the wind at Longmen, watched martial arts at Shaolin, dreamed of Song in Bianliang.

Spend 3000 RMB to gain:
A heartfelt pilgrimage to the "earliest China."