zhengzhou china tourist attraction

Home » Travel Guides » China » 25 Best Things to Do in Zhengzhou (China)

25 Best Things to Do in Zhengzhou (China)

The capital of the Henan province, situated in the geographical center of China, Zhengzhou is a city of about eight million people. With most of the population being Zhengzhou natives, it’s one of China’s relatively unexplored cities, but packs in heaps of history – the area is known as the birthplace of Chinese civilization – a unique modern culture, distinct food, wonderful buildings and gorgeous surrounding natural beauty in the scenic Yellow River area that spreads around it

A stay in Zhengzhou can make the most of these attractions; engaging in the city’s historic temples, visiting the alleged ‘ghost town’ area of Zhengdong to see if there really are any people, shopping at the bustling markets, eating the specialties of the province and journeying outside of the city to make the most of the spectacular countryside.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Zhengzhou :

1. City God Temple

Situated on the northern side of Shangcheng Road in Zhengzhou City, the City God Temple is a large and complex ancient place of worship; in fact, it is the largest in the Henan Province.

Dating back from the early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the building’s original use was to protect the Daoist god, but the original building was torn down by both natural disasters and people’s interference.

But what is left of the temple remains magnificent; and today admirers come to enjoy the artwork that embellishes The Happy Building, to wander around the different buildings and to experience in the folk art and craft fairs that frequently take place.

As it lays within the city center, the temple is easy to reach and generally free to explore, unless a temple fair is happening when cheap tickets must be purchased.

2. Antique Market

Zhengzhou Antique Market is located near the center of the city and is one of the biggest antique and handicraft markets in China; it’s so large it is actually two separate markets!

The South City collects most of the antiques and handicrafts while the North City is home to the furniture dealers, a food court and conference facilities. It’s a must-visit for any furniture or antique enthusiasts and collectors!

If you are planning on making purchases, it’s worth noting that there are some restrictions about antiques that you can take out of China; you are not allowed to export items of a certain value, or that are over 200 years old, for instance. Make sure you research before buying anything to avoid losing your new items at customs!

3. Zhongyuan Tower

The 388 meter Zhongyuan Tower is located in the city center and is a popular Zhengzhou tourist attraction. The tower was built in 2011 and in 2012 it was one of the twenty tallest towers in the world.

Nowadays it is a modern television tower, revolving restaurant and has a high observation deck. It’s a great place to enjoy a luxurious meal or take in the view of the city and surrounding province spreading beneath.

4. Yellow River Scenic Area

The Yellow River Scenic Area is located northwest of the city and encompasses five scenic spots.

Five Dragons Peak is named after a range of five mountains and encompasses elaborate pavilions and fantastic views of the river.

Camel Mountain Range is dominated by a figure of Yu the Great.

Yueshan Temple which features the Purple Golden Pavilion and the Peony Garden

The Stone Figures of Yandi and Huangdi who are regarded as the ancestors of the Chinese

And finally the Ancient City of Liu Bang and Xiang Lu which is littered with figures of war horses and soldiers.

The Yellow River is the second largest river in China and is known as the birthplace of Chinese civilization.

5. Zhengzhou Ferris Wheel

Located in Renmin Park, the Zhengzhou Ferris Wheel was once the tallest Ferris Wheel in China and the second tallest in the world (after the London Eye).

Nowadays, there are three others of equal size and one taller in China alone, but a ride on the Zhengzhou Ferris Wheel is a refreshingly different way to view the city and definitely one of the best things to do in Henan’s capital.

6. Shang Dynasty Ruins

If you’re interested in Ancient Chinese history, the Shang Dynasty Ruins are a must-see.

Reachable by bus from the city center, they are preserved sections of an ancient wall from 3500 years ago, when the Shang Dynasty was in power of China.

The colossal size of the walls located in downtown Zhengzhou are marvelled by many of its visitors, and are a fantastic spot to spend a few hours while visiting the city.

7. Zhengzhou Confucian Temple

Located near the city center, Zhengzhou Confucian Temple is housed in a beautiful building and reflects on the culture of worshipping Confucius and other sages.

Visitors to the Confucian Temple come to admire the decoration of the Dacheng Hall, the Jade Emperor’s multicolor artwork on the building (which represents the Taoist deity and the stories of the Three Kingdoms), and the sacrificial ceremonies that are hosted at the temple every Spring and Autumn.

8. Novotel Tower

If someone was asked to think of an icon of Zhengzhou, the Novotel Tower of the Zhengdong district might come to mind.

The tower was made famous on the 60 Minutes TV show, which advertised the area of the city as a ‘ghost town’. The TV show claims that Zhengdong, like other areas in China, are expanding before their time; that the government is creating towns without the necessary resources to fill them, thus making areas where nobody actually lives.

Since the infamous TV show, various writers and photographers have visited Zhengdong and have proved that the sweeping claim made is not entirely true, but the Novotel Tower’s unique contemporary architecture is now synonymous with the city of Zhengzhou and is a must-see for any tourists to the area.

9. Orient Shopping Center

Have you ever wondered what a shopping mall looks like – with no people? The Orient Shopping center, located in ‘ghost town’ Zhengdong is home to an array of ‘shells’ of shops, with the signs already in place.

After a walk around the center,  you’ll probably believe the ‘ghost town’ reports– although other shopping centers just around the corner will immediately disprove this theory. Orient Shopping Centre is an eerie, almost apocalyptic place that gives an interesting insight to China’s national development.

10. Zhengdong New District Financial Center

It might not be your stereotypical tourist attraction, but the Zhengdong New District Financial Center is a fascinating destination for all those interested in modern Chinese culture and architecture.

The area has been recently designed, modelled on Shanghai’s Pudong District. This is the supposed center of ‘ghost town’ Zhengdong, but an exploration around the financial area – which is hardly heaving, but definitely shows some signs of life – proves this statement to be not completely accurate.

If you like cityscapes, you’ll get a great view of Zhengdong with some intriguing contemporary architecture, offering a great insight to modern Chinese architecture, economy and society.

11. Have a Typical Henan Breakfast of Hulatang

Soup for breakfast might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s the normal morning meal of choice for the Henan province and should be sampled for at least one breakfast while you’re in the city!

Typical ingredients include beef broth, capsicum and black pepper, and there’s lots of restaurants dotted around the city that will happily serve you a steaming bowl in the morning.

12. Eat Hui Mian

Hui mian is one of China’s most famous noodle dishes, which originated in Henan Province.

Don’t visit Zhengzhou without enjoying some of the typical noodle dishes of the region; Mutton Noodles (yangrouhuimian) and Beef Noodles (niurouhuimian) in particular are recommended, and they are sold at many restaurants and street food stalls around the city.

13. Guoliang Village

Guoliang Village is tricky to get to, but is well worth it. The village used to be cut off from the province; with the only way to reach it being steps cut out of a very steep cliff.

Due to the elevation of the village and the difficulty of the climb, the stairway was named the ‘Sky Ladder’. Tourists nowadays visit Guoliang Village to admire the ‘Sky Ladder’ and appreciate the bravery that went into creating such a treacherous path.

There is spectacular scenery to the area, and the villagers are welcoming and inquisitive towards tourists. The village itself is built, in its entirety, from stone; making it a very unusual place to visit.

To reach the village, you must take a train from Zhengzhou to Xinxiang and then a bus to Huxian Bus Station. From here, a bus can be taken to the Wanxianshan Scenic Area. At this point, the park and the village are both accessible by hiking. Here’s some more detailed directions if you plan on making the trip: http://www.chinahighlights.com/zhengzhou/attraction/guoliang-village-hideaway.htm

14. Erqi Night Market

A very popular night dining option for visitors to Zhengzhou, Erqi night market offers a range of street food style foods at bargain prices.

But don’t just visit the night market for the food; Erqi Square is the center of the city and every night comes alive with a buzzing atmosphere and lots of entertainment.

15. Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Tombs

Nestled in-between the Songshan Mountain to the South and the Yellow River to the North, the Imperial tombs offer stunning vistas in a peaceful countryside setting and a unique history of the emperors of the Song Dynasty.

There are eight tombs on site – seven for the Emperors of the Song Dynasty and an additional tomb for the father of the Dynasty’s first emperor.

Buses leave from Zhengzhou coach station every 30 minutes and the tombs are a fantastic day trip from the city.

16. Dahe Village Ruins

Covering an area of 300,000 square meters, the Dahe Village Ruins were discovered in Autumn 1964 and is nowadays the best-preserved house of its kind in China.

It demonstrates prehistoric architecture; the building thought to be dating back to 5000 years. A selection of pained potteries are on display in the Dahe Village Ruins and the house offers guests valuable insights into aged culture in this area of China.

To reach the ruins, take a bus from Zhengzhou bus station to Gongyi bus station and then transfer to a taxi to the ruins.

17. Henan Provincial Museum

The area of Henan has one of the most interesting and rich cultures in China – it was actually the birthplace of Chinese civilization as we know it – so of course the Provincial Museum is a must-visit. T

Take a wander around the Henan Provincial Museum to appreciate the distinct culture and history of this city and the province.

18. Erqi Strike Monument Tower

The pagoda isn’t the most scenic you’ll see in China, but it’s got a distinct and unique shape that makes it worth a visit, and it is centrally located, overlooking the popular Erqi square.

At night time, the tower is lit up and the square is teeming with life; making it a great place to enjoy an evening.

19. Yu Opera

Henan Opera is a must-visit while you’re in Zhengzhou; even if you can’t speak a word of Mandarin, the night is great fun!

In similarity to Beijing opera, Yu Opera has a host of characters, including male and female figures and, of course, clowns.

The Yu Opera is a fantastic way to spend an evening in Zhengzhou, with the best place to watch the show being the Chaxiang Cun Traditional Opera and Tea House.

20. Drink A KingStar Beer on Hongqi Road

A popular street with bars and restaurants, Hongqi Road is a great place to enjoy a beer during an evening.

Try a local KingStar Beer and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this area of the city.

21. Shaolin Temple (Shaolin Kung Fu)

Shaolin Temple is located near to Zhengzhou and is recommended to be ‘The Number One Temple Under Heaven’ and is a UNESCO heritage site.

A great site to learn more about Chinese Buddhism, the temple consists of many attractions including the Mahavira Hall and the Pagoda Forest.

If you’re interested in martial arts, The Wushu Training Center is frequented by practices of Shaolin Kung Fu and has been the location of Kung Fu practice for over 1500 years.

22. Song Mountain

About 50 miles east of Zhengzhou is Song Mountain, which is one of the Five Mountains of China and has incredible natural scenery.

Buses leave from Zhengzhou to Dengfeng and then different buses can be caught to each scenic area. Including the Zongyue Scenic Area and the Songyang Scenic Area, with 72 mountains and an abundance of valleys, caves, pools and waterfalls, plenty of time can be relished at Song Mountain.

It hosts an array of cultural history which greatly appeals to its many visitors.

23. Yellow Emperor’s Palace

The Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) is known as the ancestor of all of the people in China and his palace is nowadays a fascinating tourist attraction.

The Ancestor- Worshipping Square, ancestral temples, ancient vessels, arts court and Xuanyuan Hill are important attractions to enjoy the Yellow Emperor’s prestigious story.

If you’re visiting in March you might even get the chance to take part in the festival of worship towards the Huangdi.

24. Century Amusement Park

If you’re seeking for some recreation after all of the history and culture of Zhengzhou, take a trip to the city’s Century Amusement Park.

It’s the biggest in the area, is set amongst lovely scenery and is generally a quiet spot. It is home two main coasters; a Chinese SLC and a Semeco built looper, as well as ‘spinning mice’ which are popular in China.

25. Zhengzhou Art Museum

Open since 1997, this free of charge museum in the city center includes old photos of Zhengzhou which document its history, paintings from Chinese artists and calligraphers and over 100 paintings from Yantao Liu, a Chinese artist.

25 Best Things to Do in Zhengzhou (China):

• City God Temple
• Antique Market
• Zhongyuan Tower
• Yellow River Scenic Area
• Zhengzhou Ferris Wheel
• Shang Dynasty Ruins
• Zhengzhou Confucian Temple
• Novotel Tower
• Orient Shopping Center
• Zhengdong New District Financial Center
• Have a Typical Henan Breakfast of Hulatang
• Eat Hui Mian
• Guoliang Village
• Erqi Night Market
• Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Tombs
• Dahe Village Ruins
• Henan Provincial Museum
• Erqi Strike Monument Tower
• Drink A KingStar Beer on Hongqi Road
• Shaolin Temple (Shaolin Kung Fu)
• Song Mountain
• Yellow Emperor’s Palace
• Century Amusement Park
• Zhengzhou Art Museum

Zhengzhou Travel Guide - How to Plan a Trip to Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province is renowned as one of the eight historical capitals of China. With a rich culture, long history, and a significant contribution to Chinese culture and civilization, Zhengzhou is called the cradle of Chinese civilization.

Zhengzhou History

Zhengzhou borders the Yellow River to the north and Mount Songshan to the west. It was the capital of the Shang Dynasty (1766–1050 BC) 3,600 years ago and it served as the capital four times during later states and dynasties.

Since 1950, archaeological finds have shown that Neolithic settlements existed in the area . The Shang Bronze Culture flourished there from about 1500 BCE and was centered in a walled city. Outside this city, in addition to remains of large public buildings, a complex of small settlements has also been discovered.

Zhengzhou was called Zhongzhou in ancient times, which means 'Middle Province', when it was the transportation hub of ten provinces. Luoyang and Kaifeng, both of which are famous historic cities and among the eight historical Chinese capitals, are just an hour from Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou is also central to the remaining five.

Zhengzhou City Now

Zhengzhou is still one of the main transportation hubs in China , but now as a key node on the high-speed rail network.

The city has also won the title 'Green City of Central China' because of the characteristic tree of Zhengzhou, the chinar tree, planted on both sides of the main streets of the city.

As the capital of Henan Province, Zhengzhou is Henan's cultural center, with many colleges, universities, and research institutes located there.

Places to Visit in Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou's long history spanning more than three millennia endows it with plenty of historical and cultural relics in addition to its picturesque natural scenery. The following are a few places worth visiting.

1. Henan Museum

Henan Museum is one of the oldest museums in China and has a collection of more than 130,000 cultural relics revealing the course of history through the ages. Henan has one of the richest and most interesting cultures of China, being the birthplace of Chinese civilization so this museum is a must-see place.

2. Mount Song

Located at Dengfeng city (one county-level city of Zhengzhou), Mount Songshan is one of the Five Sacred Mountains of China. The natural beauty in this place is amazing and you will have a good time wandering around the valleys, caves, pools, and waterfalls.

3. Shaolin Temple

Situated at the foot of Mount Songshan can be found the Shaolin Temple , the birthplace of Shaolin Kungfu . It is a UNESCO world heritage site. Chenjiagou, the cradle of Chinese Taiji Quan, is also located at a short distance at Jiaozuo city, just an hour's drive from Zhengzhou city. Both of these are great places to visit for Chinese Kung Fu enthusiasts .

4. The City God Temple

The largest and most complex architectural complex in Zhengzhou, The City God Temple is situated on the Northern side of Shangcheng Road. The complex site used to be a temple to the Daoist god of the city. It was destroyed many times and rebuilt. Now, it is used to display folk art and crafts for fairs. The main buildings include the Mountain Gate, Front Hall, Happy Building, Main Temple Hall and the Emperor's Resting Place.

5. Royal Family Tombs

The Imperial Tombs of the Song Dynasty are located at Gongyi (one county-level city of Zhengzhou). There are eight tombs on-site – seven for the Emperors of the Song Dynasty and an additional tomb for the father of the Dynasty's first emperor. Buses leave from Zhengzhou coach station every 30 minutes and a visit to the tombs can make a great day trip from the city.

6. Yin Ruins

Located near the modern city of Anyang just about two hours drive from Zhengzhou city can be found the ruins of the last capital of China's Shang Dynasty. Yin Xu is one of the oldest and largest archaeological sites in China and is a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site. Because of its great cultural and historical significance to China and world civilization at large, Yin Xu has the honor of topping the list of the 100 Great Archeological Discoveries of China in the last century.

7. The Yellow River Scenic Area

Situated northwest of Zhengzhou City, the Yellow River Scenic Area is a beautiful scenic area with interesting scenic spots: Five Dragon's Peak, Camel Mountain, Yueshan Temple, and stone figures of Yandi and Huangdi and the ancient Chu State celebrities Liu Bang and Xiang Yu. The mighty Yellow River gives a spectacular view when seen from a high point.

8. Modern Zhengzhou

In addition to all the historic and cultural attractions, Zhengzhou is no short of modern attractions as well. The Novotel Tower, Orient Shopping center and the Zhengdong New District Financial Center are fascinating places for all those interested in modern Chinese culture and architecture.

Dining in Zhengzhou

You can find all types of food in Zhengzhou, ranging from Chinese to Asian to Western. Halal food can also be found easily.

You can try the famous specialties here, like the hulatang , or special breakfast in Zhengzhou, a type of soup that is somewhat spicy. You can go to Shunhelu where you will find the best hulatang in town.

Hui mian is one of China's most famous noodle dishes, which originated in Henan Province. Mutton noodles (yangrou huimian) and beef noodles (niurou huimian) are popular and are sold at many restaurants and street food stalls around the city but the most famous ones are Xiaoji (萧记), Heji (合记), and Jufengyuan (聚丰园)

Hotels in Zhengzhou

Hotels in Zhengzhou range from 5-star hotels to hostels and inns. There are many options in and around the main Erqi Square, and if you are backpacking you can explore the railway station area for some cheap options.

While booking a hotel, please remember that some hotels don't serve foreign tourists - please check this when you book your hotel. Normally, three-star hotels and above do serve foreigners. Taking into account the service provided in English, comfort levels, facilities, and living conditions, it is suggested that you choose hotels with higher star ratings.

Weather and the Best Time to Visit Zhengzhou

The coldest month is January with a mean temperature of 0°C, and the hottest is July with a mean temperature of 27°C (80°F).

Zhengzhou can be visited all year round. However, the best times to visit are autumn and spring when temperatures are moderate and the city has a beautiful look.

How to Get to and Travel around Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou is a major transportation hub and has convenient transportation. The city is easily accessible by train, bus, and flight from the main cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi'an. It takes about three to four hour to reach Zhengzhou from Beijing on high-speed rail.

Transportation within the city is also convenient and you can get around by metro, bus, or taxi. For more, see Zhengzhou Transportation .

Explore Zhengzhou with Us

See how the history and culture of China evolved by exploring Zhengzhou with our expert guides. You can choose from our popular tours like our 11-Day China Tour and Kung Fu Experience - including Beijing, Xi'an, Luoyang, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, and Shanghai. You can also have a tour specially designed for you, according to your tastes and requirements.

• 2-Week Private China Tour: Beijing–Xi'an–Lhasa-Shanghai
• 12-Day China Silk Road Tour from Xi'an to Kashgar
• 11-Day China Classic Tour
• 14-Day China Natural Wonders Discovery
• 15 Best Places to Visit in China (2024)
• Best (& Worst) Times to Visit China, Travel Tips (2024/2025)
• How to Plan a 10-Day Itinerary in China (Best 5 Options)
• 8 Days in China: Top 15 Tours and Itineraries (2024/2025)
• China Weather in January 2024: Enjoy Less-Crowded Traveling
• China Weather in February 2024: Places to Go, Costs, and Crowds
• China Weather in March 2024: Destinations, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in April 2024: Where to Go (Smart Pre-Season Pick)
• China Weather in May 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in June 2024: How to Benefit from the Rainy Season
• China Weather in July 2024: How to Avoid Heat and Crowds
• China Weather in August 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in September 2024: Weather Tips & Where to Go
• China Weather in October 2024: Where to Go, Crowds, and Costs
• China Weather in November 2024: Places to Go & Crowds
• China Weather in December 2024: Places to Go and Crowds

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why China Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Southeast Asia
• Japan, South Korea
• India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka
• Central Asia
• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty & Referral Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

Top 20 Places to See in Zhengzhou, China

•  Erqi Memorial Tower
•  Henan Museum
•  Henan Provincial Library
•  Henan Provincial Museum
•  Longting Park
•  Shaolin Temple
•  Zhengzhou Central Business District
•  Zhengzhou City Wall
•  Zhengzhou East Railway Station
•  Zhengzhou Grand Theatre
•  Zhengzhou International Conference and Exhibition Centre
•  Zhengzhou International Trade Centre
•  Zhengzhou People's Park
•  Zhengzhou Science and Technology Museum
•  Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Ruins
•  Zhengzhou Shangjie Catholic Church
•  Zhengzhou University
•  Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport
•  Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Area
•  Zhengzhou Zoo

•  Gongga Mountain National Nature Reserve
•  Gurim National Park
•  Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park
•  Hami Desert National Nature Reserve
•  Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve
•  Huanglong National Park
•  Hulunbuir Grassland National Nature Reserve
•  Hulunbuir National Nature Reserve
•  Jiuzhaigou National Park
•  Mount Emei Scenic Area
•  Mount Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve
•  Mount Huangshan Scenic Area
•  Mount Sanqingshan National Park
•  Mount Wuyi Scenic Area
•  Qinghai Lake National Nature Reserve
•  Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve
•  Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area
•  Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture
•  Yading National Park
•  Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon National Nature Reserve
•  Yunling Mountains National Nature Reserve
•  Yunnan Black-Necked Crane National Nature Reserve
•  Yunnan Golden Cat National Nature Reserve
•  Yunnan Golden Monkey National Nature Reserve
•  Yunnan Golden Pheasant National Nature Reserve
•  Yunnan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey National Nature Reserve
•  Yunnan Golden Takin National Nature Reserve
•  Yunnan Red-Crowned Crane National Nature Reserve
•  Yunnan Snub-Nosed Langur National Nature Reserve
•  Yunnan Stone Forest National Park
•  Yunnan Three Parallel Rivers of the Yangtze, Lancang and Nujiang Scenic Area
•  Yunnan White-Headed Langur National Nature Reserve
•  Beijing
•  Chengdu
•  Chongqing
•  Dalian
•  Guangzhou
•  Guiyang
•  Hangzhou
•  Hefei
•  Kunming
•  Nanjing
•  Ningbo
•  Qingdao
•  Shanghai
•  Shenyang
•  Shenzhen
•  Shijiazhuang
•  Tianjin
•  Wuhan
•  Xi'an
•  Zhengzhou

• 86-19138970032 (GMT+8 18:00~09:00)

• Beijing Xian Tours
• Shanghai Beijing Tours
• Hong Kong Guilin Tours
• Hangzhou Suzhou Tours
• Kunming Lijiang Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Tours
• Chengdu Tibet Tours
• More Short Stay Tours
• China Tours in January
• China Tours in February
• China Tours in March
• China Tours in April
• China Tours in May
• China Tours in June
• China Tours in July
• China Tours in August
• China Tours in September
• China Tours in October
• China Tours in November
• China Tours in December

• High Speed Trains
• China Yangtze Cruise Tour
• Photography
• Desert Adventure
• Ethnic Villages
• Biking Tours
• Kung Fu Tours
• Heritage Sites Exploration
• China Spring Tours
• China Summer Tours
• China Autumn Tours
• China Winter Tours

Notice! 2024 available cruise routes include 4~5 days Chongqing-Yichang(most classic) and 11~12 days Chongqing-Yichang-Shanghai(limited).

• Best-value Yangtze Cruises
• Top Family-friendly Cruise Ships
• Top 3 Luxury Yangtze River Cruises
• Yangtze River Highlights
• Yangtze River Cruise Routes
• Upstream or Downstream?
• Dining & Drinking
• Accommodations
• On-board Activities
• Yangtze Cruise Booking Steps

• Inner Mongolia

• Fanjingshan
• How to Plan Your First China Tour
• How to Plan Beijing Tour
• How to Plan Xian Tour
• How to Plan Shanghai Tour
• How to Plan Guilin Tour
• How to Plan Sichuan Tour
• How to Plan Family Tour
• 2024 China Travel Ideas
• Best Time to Visit China
• What to Pack for Your China Journey
• Make Payment in China
• Updated China Travel News
• Ultimate Chinese Visa Guide
• Chinese Visa Types
• Chinese Visa Requirements
• Do I Need a Visa for China
• Chinese Visa Application
• Chinese Visa Exemptions
• 144-hour Visa Free
• Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
• Hainan 30-day Visa Free
• Embassies & Consulates
• Invitation Letter
• Useful Visa FAQs & Tips
• Entry Regulations
• Baggage Allowance
• Customs Declaration
• Exit Regulation
• How to Book Train Tickets
• How to Collect Train Tickets
• How to Cancel & Alter Train Tickets
• How to Read Train Tickets
• China High Speed Train Types
• Seats Class & How to Choose
• Friendly Facilities on the Train
• The Train Station Departure Process
• Available Food and Drinks on the Train
• Western Toilets on the Train
• Luggage Racks & Baggage Allowance
• Beijing Train Stations
• Shanghai Train Stations
• Guilin Train Stations
• Xian Train Stations
• Chengdu Train Stations
• Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station
• Beijing - Xian
• Beijing - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Shanghai
• Shenzhen - Shanghai
• Chengdu - Xian
• Shanghai - Hangzhou
• Shanghai - Xian
• Chengdu - Chongqing
• Kunming - Lijiang
• Beijing Capital International
• Beijing Daxing International
• Shanghai Pudong International
• Shanghai Hongqiao International
• Guangzhou Baiyun International
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International
• Chengdu Tianfu International
• Chengdu Shuangliu International
• Xian Xianyang International
• Shanghai - Beijing
• Hong Kong - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Beijing
• Chengdu - Lhasa
• Shanghai - Guilin
• Shanghai - Sanya
• Travel in Spring Season
• Travel in Summer Season
• Travel in Autumn Season
• Travel in Winter Season
• Weather in January
• Weather in February
• Weather in March
• Weather in April
• Weather in May
• Weather in June
• Weather in July
• Weather in August
• Weather in September
• Weather in October
• Weather in November
• Weather in December
• Top 10 China Destinations
• Top 15 Things to Do
• China World Heritage Sites
• Top 10 Best Natural Beauties
• Top 10 Museums in China
• Top 10 Old Towns & Villages
• Five Great Mountains in China
• Top 10 Monasteries & Temples
• Top 10 Ski Resorts
• Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in China
• 7 Best Beaches in Sanya
• Top 6 Beautiful Waterfalls
• Panda Volunteering
• Having fun on Ice and Snow Festival
• About Us Who We Are Our Team Why Travel with Us Feedback & Reviews Travel Stories Travelers' Gallery Payment Guide Customer Support Contact Us
• Tour Experiences

Destinations

• Travel Guide

Zhengzhou Travel Guide 2024

Zhengzhou is the capital city as well as the largest city, the political and economic center of Henan Province , which lies on the southern bank of the Yellow River, in north-central Henan Province and the hinterland of China’s Central Plains. Today, Zhengzhou is most famous for the Shaolin Temple , birthplace of the Yellow Emperor and its transport hub function in the Central Plains area. Being one of the excellent tourism cities and an important cradle of Chinese civilization Zhengzhou owns plentiful natural and human landscapes, including international famous Shaolin Temple and Shaolin Kung Fu, one of China’s Five Great Mountains - Mount Song, many ancient architectures and natural sights.

Why Visit Zhengzhou:

• Shaolin Temple and Shaolin Kung Fu - It’s the biggest reason for a Zhengzhou tour. Built in the Northern Wei Dynasty in the late 5th century AD, Shaolin Temple at the foot of Mount Song is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site where Chinese Zen Buddhism and Chinese Kung Fu (Martial Arts) originated. The temple has long been honored as “the First Temple in the World” and a holy land to witness and learn the influential Chinese Kung Fu by worldwide Chinese Kung Fu lovers.
• UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in Dengfeng - On Mount Song of Dengfeng, altogether 11 ancient sites have been listed as World Cultural Heritage - “The Center of Heaven and Earth” (Shaolin Temple is included). It is a huge historical monument complex owning the most type of buildings and richest cultural connotation, because it comprises of architectures from Han, Tang to Qing Dynasty, spanning a period of 9 dynasties to over 2,000 years. This complex is an outstanding embodiment of ancient Chinese’s unique cosmology and aesthetics for religion, science, technology and education. Here you can visit the existing oldest astronomical observatory, very old Taoist temple - Zhongyue Temple, Songyang Academy - one of China’s four famous ancient academies.
• Birth Place of the Yellow Emperor - Chinese people all call themselves the descendants of the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) and the Yan Emperor (Yandi), two legendary ancient Chinese rulers and heroes cultivated Chinese civilization. According to historical records, Zhengzhou is where the Yellow Emperor was born, started his achievement and established the capital, so massive Chinese at home and abroad flood into Zhengzhou to worship the great ancestor and attend the annual worship ritual in Xinzheng Yellow Emperor’s Hometown.
• Splendid History and Culture - Zhengzhou has been considered the center of the heaven and earth and many regimes have built state here. In Zhengzhou, you can discover the Zhiji Cave and other Paleolithic sites, Peiligang ruins of Neolithic, ruins of Shang Dynasty’s capital and imperial tombs of the Northern Song Dynasty.
• Countless Eminent Luminaries - Lots of remarkable figures of Zhengzhou have made magnificent impact on China’s history, such as the Guanzhong, Hanfei and Zhangliang during the Spring and Autumn Period, Du Fu, Bai Juyi and Li Shangyin (famous poets) of Tang Dynasty, Li Jie (architect) of the Northern Song Dynasty, Xu Heng (Neo-Confucianist) of Song & Yuan Dynasty, etc.
• The Yellow River - It is a national scenic area and a national geopark presenting the magnificence landscape of the Yellow River. Covering over 20 square kilometers, the Yellow River Scenic area of Zhengzhou is a huge attraction consist of peaks, lakes, giant statues of the Yellow Emperor and Yan Emperor.

Top Attractions

Under the jurisdiction of Zhengzhou, there are 6 districts, 5 county-level cities (Dengfeng, Xinzheng, Gongyi, Xingyang…) and 1 county. The No.1 must-see is Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng, southwest of Zhengzhou. The spectacular Mount Song and its architecture complex are also located in Dengfeng. In downtown Zhengzhou, you can visit Henan Museum, Zhengzhou Museum and some local parks to get close to local culture and history. Yellow River Scenic Area is in the north suburb. See more Zhengzhou Attractions >>

This Zen Buddhist temple nestled in dense forest of Mount Song is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an international known ancestral home of Chinese Kung Fu (Martial Arts) and a Mecca for all Chinese Kung Fu fans.

Famed as one of the five great mountains in China, it is composed of Taishi Mountain & Shaoshi Mountain with 72 peaks and many ancient temples, pagodas. Here is the birthplace of Chinese Zen culture and Taoism and a vital barrier of ancient Luoyang.

It is a national comprehensive museum exhibiting over 140,000 pieces of cultural relics and a good window to know the long history and diverse culture of Henna. Best treasures include bronzes Shang Dynasty, China’s only gold book of Tang Dynasty, etc.

It is a large-scale outdoor Yellow River culture park. Here has towering statues of Chinese ancestors - the Yellow Emperor & Yan Emperor, peak, tablet and over 40 spots showing the stunning landscape of Yellow River and origin of Chinese civilization.

Zhengzhou Museum is a small local museum mainly introducing the ancient history and glorious culture of Zhengzhou. Different kinds of delicate bronze wares are the most attractive highlights to have insight of Zhengzhou’s previous status.

The 14-storey tower, located in the city center, is one of the landmarks in Zhengzhou. With a height of 63 meters, it is a unique ancient style siamesed twin-pagoda tower with distinctive Chinese traditional architectural designs.

Here is an excellent place to view massive natural wonders made by earth’s movement. Visitors can read unique geological data and explore in lots of exhibition halls of dinosaur, elephant, mineral resources, earthquake and tsunami.

Built in Ming Dynasty, the temple is one of the largest and best-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient buildings in Henan. It was a local Taoist shrine worshiping the city guardian but now is a quiet building complex with pristine architectures & peaceful atmosphere.

Top Featured Activities in Zhengzhou

Besides visiting ancient architectures of Shaolin Temple, there are many local featured activities you can attend to make your Zhengzhou tour informative, entertaining and meaningful, such as watching a Shaolin Kung Fu show, join in a Kung Fu class to study some basic styles, taste the local unique food and so on. More about Shaolin Kung Fu Shows >>

Watch Shaolin Kung Fu Show

With an entrance ticket, you can enjoy a free half an hour Shaolin Kung Fu show in the Shaolin Martial Arts Hall close to the Shaolin Temple. Different Shaolin Kung Fu will be performed by monks in front of you.

Learn Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu

It is said that all martial arts in the world were originated from Shaolin. Chinese Kung Fu fans can study the Shaolin Kung Fu to strengthen your health and protect yourself. Duration and fee varies from each school.

Hike the Majestic Mount Song

Marvel at the harmonious coexistence of nature and culture on Mount Song. Climb the Taishi Mountain, visit Junji Peak, Zhongyue Temple, Songyang Academy and meet the thrilling mountain roads and special landform

Visit Different Zhengzhou Museums

Without any charge, museums in Zhengzhou are worth your exploration. You can view thousands of valuable ancient cultural relics in just one visit, catch a glimpse of the city’s previous refulgence.

Enjoy Shaolin Zen Music Ritual

This show is an outdoor landscape spectacle made up of five chapters. Over 600 actors present different stories to unlock the mysterious Zen culture under gorgeous stages and spirit-purifying chant of Zen.

Sample Local Zhengzhou Food

A Zhengzhou tour won’t be complete without tasting the local Henan food. You can try the Henan Cuisine to understand its food culture, lifestyle and environment. Classic dishes are Carp with Fried Noodles, Luoyang Water Banquet...

Zhengzhou Weather & Temperature - Best Time to Go

Zhengzhou has a Northern Temperate Continental Monsoon Climate with features of: distinct four seasons, short Spring and Autumn, hot, humid and rainy Summer and cold, dry and windy Winter . The annual average temperature of Zhengzhou is 15.6℃, and July is the hottest month when temperature rises up to above 34℃, while January is the coldest period with a mean temperature of only a few degrees Celsius. During late June to August of Summer, Zhengzhou receives lots of rains. The best time to visit Zhengzhou is April to May and September to November , because temperatures in these periods are pleasantly comfortable with high visibility, healthy air and more beautiful natural scenery. You can visit Shaolin Temple anytime, but early March to May, August to end of October with moderate temperature and nice weather are the best times for a Shaolin Temple tour.

See more details about Zhengzhou Weather, Temperature & Climate >>

Transportation

How to get to zhengzhou.

By Flight: Air travelers can fly to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport to start your Zhengzhou travel. The airport is a large national air transport hub in central China, operating over 200 airline routes to more than 110 cities at home and abroad. Conveniently, you can take flight to Zhengzhou from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xiamen, Kunming and many other Chinese cities, or from Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul , Cheju, (South Korea), Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Shizuoka (Japan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi (Thailand), Singapore, Jakarta (Indonesia) and Manila (Philippines) via international and regional flights.

>> Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport & Flights to Zhengzhou

By Train: Zhengzhou is also a railway transport center that serves both several major traditional railways and high speed railways (including the north-south Beijing Guangzhou High Speed Railway and east-west Xuzhou Lanzhou High Speed Railway). Currently, tourists can take high speed trains to Zhengzhou from Beijing (about 2.5-3.5 hours), Shanghai (about 4-7 hours), Guangzhou (about 5.5-6.5 hours), Xian (2-2.5 hours), Tianjin (4 hours), Taiyuan (4 hours), etc.

>> Zhengzhou Railway Stations: Location & Transportation

How to Get around Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou is the most important transport hub in Henna. From Zhengzhou, you can easily take a bus to Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes), Shaolin Templ , Kaifeng, Jiaozuo (Yuntai Mountain) and other destinations in Henan. It’s more convenient to take the fast intercity train from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng and Jiaozuo , and Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport to Zhengzhou Railway Station and Zhengzhou East Railway Station within half an hour.

Zhengzhou Accommodation: Where to Stay

Travelers can choose different area and standard of accommodation in Zhengzhou depending on your own needs. If you go to Shaolin Temple directly from Zhengzhou, the most recommended places to stay are in the downtown Dengfeng City and near the Shaolin Temple . For those who plan to stay overnight in Zhengzhou city, the best choice goes to Zhengzhou city center area which offers plenty of choices ranging from luxury brands to budget hostels. Here you can quickly find places for dining and shopping within walking distance and short ride. Also, you can book hotel near the airport and train station to catch your flight or train to next destination.

>> Where to Stay in Zhengzhou - Top Recommended Zhengzhou Hotels

Zhengzhou Maps

To help you better know the location, tourist attraction and transportation of Zhengzhou, we’ve collected many useful Zhengzhou maps for you. All are updated and downloadable. Check more Zhengzhou Maps here >>

Zhengzhou Attractions Map

Shaolin Temple Tourist Map

Zhengzhou Airport Map

Zhengzhou Railway Station Map

Other Destinations near Zhengzhou

In Henan, besides Zhengzhou, there are more other nice destinations can be visited around. Go westward of Zhengzhou, you can visit Longmen Grottoes - a large-scale Buddhist grottoes cluster spreading by the riverside and China’s oldest Buddhist temple in Luoyang. Kaifeng in the east side of Zhengzhou is another ancient capital preserving abundant meritorious historical sites.

Other Popular Destinations in China

China is vast and diverse. You can choose your favorite destinations among more than 70 tourist destination and regions, like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, etc. Following are 4 popular destinations you may get interested in. Check all destinations in China.

Chinese Name: 郑州

Chinese Pinyin: zhèng zhōu

English IPA: /'dʒeŋ'dʒəu/

Area: 7,446 Square Kilometers

Population: 10,136,000

Language: Mandarin & Zhengzhou Dialect

Tel Code: 0371

Zip Code: 450000

Time Zone: (UTC+8)

Logo: Chinese Rose

Plan Your Zhengzhou Tour

Most tourists make a one-day brief trip to Shaolin Temple via Zhengzhou and seldom stay long time in Zhengzhou city. After arrival by train or flight, you can directly get to Shaolin Temple, visit the main hall, Pagoda Forest and ancient architecture and watch a Shaolin Kung Fu show. Next, you may drive back to Zhengzhou for departure. Or you can transfer to Luoyang and spend one day viewing the Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple, if you’re interested in Chines culture and Buddhism.

If time allows, it’s also popular to extend Zhengzhou tour to more parts of Henan, such as the natural sights of Yuntai Mountain, mysterious Yin Ruins of Anyang and Kaifeng. A classic itinerary covers best highlights of Henan needs 5 to 6 days. Linking Zhengzhou with more major destinations in China, like Xian, Beijing, Shanghai is highly suggested to experience different culture and history of China. China Discovery provides popular Zhengzhou tour packages and customized service to design a unique Zhengzhou tour for you!

Travel with China Discovery

We have helped many global travelers enjoy their memorable wonderful trips to Henan for the past few years. Among them, a couple from the UK traveled with us and spent 21 Happy Days in Luoyang, Dengfeng, Beijing, Xi'an and 5 Other Cities in Northern China, and shared us their special travel story !

Moreover, we got more than 1,870+ good reviews on TripAdvisor.com , and over 3,670+ China travel reviews from our customers . Travel with China Discovery to create your great China trip memories!

Recommended Tours

Zhengzhou / Dengfeng / Shaolin Temple / Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou / Shaolin Temple / Luoyang

Beijing / Luoyang / Xian

Zhengzhou / Anyang / Kaifeng / Dengfeng / Luoyang

Beijing / Luoyang / Xian / Chengdu / Guilin / Shanghai

Beijing / Pingyao / Xian / Luoyang / Shanghai

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

• Affordable and valuable price
• 100% tailor-made packages
• Highly rated customers reviews
• Efficient customer support

China Tours

• Top 10 China Tours
• Classic China Tours
• China Tours from Beijing
• China Tours from Shanghai
• China Tours from Hong Kong
• China Tours from Chengdu
• Short China Trips
• Customize China Tour
• China Panda Tours
• Family Tour with Kids
• High-Speed Train Tour
• Silk Road Travel
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Hiking & Trekking Tours
• Photography Tours
• China Minority Travel
• Beijing Shanghai Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Tours
• Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours
• Chengdu Lhasa Tours
• Suzhou Hangzhou Tours
• Guilin & Yangshuo
• Zhangjiajie

“Very good experience”

“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”

“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”

Any questions, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 86-19138970032 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8)

• Terms & Condition
• Privacy Policy
• Customer Support

Copyright © 2011-2024. All rights reserved.

Cookie policy

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue using our website means you agree with our cookie policy. For more info, please read here .

Top 33 things to do and attractions in Zhengzhou

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

1 Henan Museum

2 Century Amusement Park （East Gate）

3 Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Spots

4 zhengzhou aquarium, 5 zhengzhou university.

Track your travel spending and split costs with friends

Plan your trip. Keep your budget organized. Split the cost between tripmates. Wanderlog does it all.

6 Hilton Zhengzhou

7 henan geological museum, 8 yellow river museum, 9 zhongyuan tower, 10 le meridien zhengzhou, 11 city god temple, 12 courtyard by marriott zhengzhou airport, 13 jw marriott hotel zhengzhou, 14 sofitel zhengzhou international, 15 holiday inn express zhengzhou zhengdong.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

16 Zheng Zhou Shi Sen Lin Gong Yuan

17 no.1 studio, 19 no.3 non-staple food, 20 no.6 pub, 22 zhengzhou museum, 23 炎黄二帝巨型塑像, 24 the forest of zhengzhou, 25 zheng zhou shang dai yi zhi.

All travel reservations in 1 place

Never dig through your emails again — access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place.

26 Henan Science & Technology Museum Parking Lot

27 henan sports center, 28 henan stadium fencing hall, 29 大河村遗址博物馆, 30 zhengzhou hanghai stadium, 31 zhengzhou art gallery, 32 zhengzhou vocational college of finance and taxation science & technology museum, 33 huanghegu mala bay sea wave bathing beach, popular road trips from zhengzhou, what's the weather like in zhengzhou.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Zhengzhou for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Zhengzhou in January
• Weather in Zhengzhou in February
• Weather in Zhengzhou in March
• Weather in Zhengzhou in April
• Weather in Zhengzhou in May
• Weather in Zhengzhou in June
• Weather in Zhengzhou in July
• Weather in Zhengzhou in August
• Weather in Zhengzhou in September
• Weather in Zhengzhou in October
• Weather in Zhengzhou in November
• Weather in Zhengzhou in December

All road trips from Zhengzhou

• Zhengzhou to Beijing drive
• Zhengzhou to Shanghai drive
• Zhengzhou to Hangzhou drive
• Zhengzhou to Nanjing drive
• Zhengzhou to Suzhou drive
• Zhengzhou to Luoyang drive
• Zhengzhou to Qingdao drive
• Zhengzhou to Zhangjiajie drive
• Zhengzhou to Tianjin drive
• Zhengzhou to Jinan drive
• Zhengzhou to Chongqing drive
• Zhengzhou to Changsha drive
• Zhengzhou to Ningbo drive

Explore nearby places

• Zhongmu County
• Wuzhi County
• Yuanyang County
• Xinxiang County
• Xiuwu County
• Huojia County
• Weishi County
• Yanjin County
• Bo'ai County
• Xuchang County
• Kaifeng County
• Fengqiu County
• Yanling County

All related maps of Zhengzhou

• Map of Zhengzhou
• Map of Xingyang
• Map of Xinmi
• Map of Zhongmu County
• Map of Xinzheng
• Map of Wuzhi County
• Map of Yuanyang County
• Map of Xinxiang County
• Map of Wen County
• Map of Gongyi
• Map of Xiuwu County
• Map of Huojia County
• Map of Changge
• Map of Dengfeng
• Map of Kaifeng
• Map of Jiaozuo
• Map of Weishi County
• Map of Xinxiang
• Map of Yuzhou
• Map of Yanjin County
• Map of Bo'ai County
• Map of Xuchang County
• Map of Qinyang
• Map of Kaifeng County
• Map of Yanshi
• Map of Mengzhou
• Map of Fengqiu County
• Map of Huixian
• Map of Xuchang
• Map of Weihui
• Map of Yanling County

Zhengzhou throughout the year

• Zhengzhou in January
• Zhengzhou in February
• Zhengzhou in March
• Zhengzhou in April
• Zhengzhou in May
• Zhengzhou in June
• Zhengzhou in July
• Zhengzhou in August
• Zhengzhou in September
• Zhengzhou in October
• Zhengzhou in November
• Zhengzhou in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Zhengzhou?

Get inspired for your trip to Zhengzhou with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Zhengzhou Itinerary
• 2-Day Zhengzhou Itinerary
• 3-Day Zhengzhou Itinerary
• 4-Day Zhengzhou Itinerary
• 5-Day Zhengzhou Itinerary

Best attractions in nearby cities

• Top things to do and attractions in Kaifeng

Best restaurants in nearby cities

• Where to eat: the best restaurants in Jiaozuo

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

A Visitor's Guide to the City of Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou (郑州) is the provincial capital of Henan (河南) Province, located in central China. The Yellow River carves its way through Henan and it boasts four of China's ancient eight capitals as well as the birthplace of Chinese civilization. Zhengzhou is experiencing a revitalization from recent wealth coming into the province and the whole city seems to be getting a facelift: new buildings, new roads, new signs. Everywhere you turn there's a construction site. In a few years, it might be a pretty city full of newly planted trees and modern buildings. Right now, it's not worth spending time in the city itself but is the place to launch a journey into China's ancient past. From Zhengzhou, the visitor can make day trips to Shaolin Temple , the home of China's most famous martial art, Kung Fu, as well as the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Zhengzhou is about 470 miles (760km) south of Beijing and 300 miles (480km) east of Xi'an. The Yellow River, one of China's major waterways and the cradle of China's civilization, flows to the north. Mount Song, Song Shan , sits to the west and the Huang Hai plains surround the city to the south and east. The city is a major transportation hub as two major railways intersect here as they crisscross China. You'll have no trouble finding a train or plane to get you to Zhengzhou.

Zhengzhou was the first capital of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1027BC), the second dynasty recorded in Chinese history. Ancient packed-earth city walls can still be seen in some parts of Zhengzhou. Inhabitants of the city are proud of their heritage. The best way to review Zhengzhou and Henan province history is by visiting the Henan Provincial Museum, Henan Bowuguan , in Zhengzhou.

Attractions

• Shang Dynasty Ruins
• Henan Provincial Museum
• Yellow River
• Shaolin Temple
• Longmen (Dragon Gate) Grottoes

Getting There

• Air : Zhengzhou's airport lies about 21 miles (35km) outside the city center. If you've already made hotel reservations, contact your hotel about transfers from the airport. There are a few hotel counters in the airport where you can make reservations upon arrival. You can easily take a taxi to your destination although remember to bring along your hotel name and address to show the driver (preferably in Chinese).
• Bus : The long-distance bus station is near the railway station in the southwest part of the city. From here you can take mini-buses to other Henan cities or to attractions outside of Zhengzhou.
• Rail : The railway station is opposite the long-distance bus station in the southwest of the city. Zhengzhou is a major railway transit hub. It is possible to take short train trips to Henan's other historical cities such as Luoyang (2hrs) and Kaifeng (1hr), as well as long-distance destinations such as Beijing (12hrs), Shanghai (14hrs) and Guangzhou (36hrs). Bookings can be made at Erqi Lu #133 or at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Getting Around

• Bus : Bus is an inexpensive way to get around Zhengzhou as most tourist attractions are not within walking distance from hotels. Ask your hotel/concierge how to take the bus to your destination.
• Taxi : Personally, we always take taxis when traveling to new cities in China as they are still quite affordable and more comfortable than buses. It's essential to carry a map, hotel taxi card and any other information with you to help the driver understand your destination.
• Population: 7 million
• Telephone Code: 037 (when dialing from overseas, drop the first 0)
• Weather: In central China, Zhengzhou has a relatively mild climate in that it doesn't see the extremely cold temperatures of the north or hot temperatures of the south. July is the hottest month with reported temperatures on average of 80F (27C). January is the coldest month with average temperatures of 32F (0C). Spring and fall are peak tourist times but going off-peak is rewarding to miss the crowds.
• Recommended time for visit: 2 days.
• Best time of year to visit: Officially spring and autumn are the best times of the year due to mild temperatures. However, we visited in mid-December, a decidedly off-peak time and found it to be wonderful. There were virtually no tourists at the major attractions but the weather was very sunny, dry and pleasant.

Where to Stay

While there are a number of hotels popping up all over Zhengzhou, probably the best bet as far as convenience and comfort is to choose from the Intercontinental Hotel Group's tier of three properties. All three hotels are within the same compound so you can use the facilities easily and conveniently.

• Top End: Crowne Plaza Zhengzhou
• Middle End: Holiday Inn Zhengzhou
• Budget: Holiday Inn Express Zhengzhou

Great Activities for Kids Visiting China

Maps of China's Mainland Provinces

Visitor's Guide to the Terracotta Warriors Museum in Xi'an

20 Best Things to Do in Shanghai

Getting Around Beijing: Guide to Public Transportation

Your Trip to Shanghai: The Complete Guide

Beijing Guide: Planning Your Trip

Best Sights to Visit in Guangzhou

14 Best Things to Do in Macao

Vital Information for the First-Time Visitor to Thailand

Guide to Hangzhou in the Zhejiang Province

Macau International Airport Guide

The Top 19 Things to Do in Beijing

Golden Week in China

Bukhansan National Park: The Complete Guide

Traveling in China During Chinese New Year

• China Tours
• Top 10 Tours
• Group Tours
• Tailor-made
• Destinations
• Classic China Tours
• Scenic China Tours
• China Cultural Tours
• Yangtze River Cruises
• Silk Road Adventure
• Tibet Tours
• Yunnan Tours
• Beijing Tours
• Shanghai Tours
• Guilin Tours
• Chengdu Tours
• Zhangjiajie Tours
• Multi-country Asia Tours
• Thailand Tours
• Vietnam Tours
• Cambodia Tours
• Myanmar Tours
• Indonesia Tours
• Singapore Tours
• Nepal Tours
• India Tours
• Japan Tours
• South Korea Tours
• Zhangjiajie
• Yangtze River
• China Travel Tips
• Best Places in China
• Chinese Culture
• China Attractions
• The Great Wall
• China Panda
• High-speed Train
• The Silk Road
• Feedbacks & Reviews

Zhengzhou Travel Guide

A convenient start point to explore a series of Chinese cultural sites in the middle of China, like Kaifeng, Luoyang and Shaolin Temple

Top Attractions in Zhengzhou

Yellow River Scenic Area

Shang City Site Park

Yellow River

We are member of

Follow us on

About us Contact us How to Book How to Pay Terms & Conditions Loyalty & Referral Programs All China Tours All City Tours All One Day Tours All Asia Tours Privacy Statement

Our license Number: L-GX-CJ00001

Copyright 2004 All Rights Reserved Top China Travel

Zhengzhou travel guide

Zhengzhou tourism | zhengzhou guide, you're going to love zhengzhou.

Zhengzhou is a vibrant metropolis filled with cultural and historical treasures. The capital of the Henan province was one of the eight ancient cities of China, and it's the gateway to some of the region's most beautiful countryside.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Zhengzhou

1. henan museum.

Visit the pyramid-shaped Henan Museum and learn more about the city and its surrounds. The iconic museum of art and history is home to over 130,000 fascinating cultural relics.

2. Mount Song

The central peak of the Five Great Mountains of China, Mount Song is just a short drive from the city. Go for spectacular views, kung fu demonstrations at the Shaolin Buddhist temple, and the amazing Pagoda Forest.

3. Yuntai Mountain

Yuntai Mountain is a must-see on any vacation in Zhengzhou. It's a UNESCO Geological Park crammed with waterfalls, mountain springs, deep gorges like the Red Stone Valley, and dramatic peaks.

4. The Yellow River

Take a hovercraft tour on the famous Yellow River. You'll enjoy a unique view of the countryside and the massive rock carvings of former emperors Yandi and Huangdi that tower over the river.

5. The Food

Try regional specialties like the Water Banquet, a feast of 19 cold and hot soups that originated in nearby Luoyang or Carp on Noodles, a dish that was created by a Kaifeng chef in the 1930s.

What to do in Zhengzhou

1. go way, way back to the birth of china.

A fascinating attraction for ancient history fans, Zhengzhou contains the ruins of the ancient Shang capital. The Shang dominated the Yellow River valley around 4,000 years ago, so we're dealing with some seriously old structures and, given their antiquity, there's plenty to see. Head to the eastern part of modern Zhengzhou to see the Shang walls in all of their glory, and what remains of probably the largest city in the world during its heyday. Then muse on the passing of time. There's no better place to do so.

2. An Invaluable Primer For Henan's History

Definitely the number one museum in Zhengzhou, the Henan Provincial Museum is famed for its distinctive pyramid structure, and is home to a vast collection of relics and artifacts, ranging from the Shang (and earlier) to the Chinese Revolution, much of which unfolded in the Henan region. If you're into handcrafted Chinese pots, golden flutes, and intricate Warring States period jewelry, the collections are exquisite. As of late 2017 most of the museum was in the middle of a brief refit, but was scheduled to reopen in 2018. Even so, the building and the open halls are worth exploring.

3. Get Happy At This Daoist Delight

Translated into English as the "City of God" temple, this is Zhengzhou's undisputed religious highlight. From the moment you set eyes on the Mountain Gate, this Daoist complex never ceases to delight, with its appropriately named "Happy Building", impressive main temple building, and galleries showing folk art by the people of Henan. It's also very much a living temple, hosting raucous popular festivals and markets on a regular basis, so you might get a lot more than a standard tour.

4. Zhengzhou's Buzzing Commercial Nexus

The heart of Zhengzhou, Erqi Square is the place to head for shopping and recreation. Getting there is easy. You can't miss the Erqi Memorial Tower, which commemorates a labor strike during the Chinese Revolution. When you get downtown, you'll be in the thick of Zhengzhou's commercial hub. Head down Renmin Road towards the Grand Shanghai City Mall, and you'll pass by plenty of electronics stores (after all, you're in the world's iPhone manufacturing capital). But there are plenty of noodle bars and dumpling kitchens around as well.

5. Observatories, Kick-Ass Monks, And Daoist Peace

Located around 40 miles southwest of Zhengzhou, Mount Song is out of the way, but definitely worth making the effort to visit. In the Daoist faith, Song is seen as one of the "five sacred peaks" in Daoism, but it's also home to some famous Zen Buddhists: the Kung Fu fighting Shaolin order of monks. You can visit their HQ to see them in action, but don't dally too long. The Zhongyue Temple is just as interesting, maybe more so, with its 1,300 year-old astronomical observatory, while the Songyang Academy and Songyuesi Pagoda are also must-sees.

Where to Eat in Zhengzhou

Try tasty local hotpot dishes at Banu Hotpot, Haidilao Hotpot, or Zhengzhou Kitchen, or visit Cibo Coffee for both Chinese and Western food. Lunch in a simple cafe will cost ¥45, while a three-course dinner for two with wine in a smart restaurant will cost ¥195.

When to visit Zhengzhou

Choose the first week in September if you'd like to catch the Zhengzhou International Shaolin Wushu Festival. Alternatively, plan a spring vacation and see the China Rose Flower Fair in May.

How to Get to Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) is 18 miles from the city. Take one of the half-hourly shuttle buses to the city for 20¥ or a taxi for 120-140¥.

The city is the main hub for rail travel in China and more than 400 trains arrive each day. Fast trains from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities terminate at Zhengzhou Railway Station in heart of town.

It's easy to reach Zhengzhou by road since the city is a highway transport hub. However, you must hold a Chinese license or have a Chinese driver.

Buses are a cheap alternative to rail travel and the main bus station is just across from the railway station.

Airports near Zhengzhou

Airlines serving zhengzhou, where to stay in zhengzhou.

Stay at the Hilton Zhengzhou, the Ramada Plaza Zhengzhou, or JW Marriott Hotel Zhengzhou if you're planning a special vacation, or try mid-range hotels like Aloft Zhengzhou Shangjie and Yudu Palace Hotel Zhengzhou.

Popular Neighborhoods in Zhengzhou

Er'Qi - Er'Qi means February 7 and the Er'Qi Memorial Tower in the square of the same name commemorates a strike that took place on that date. You'll find the railway station and bus station in this central district.

Downtown - the greater downtown area encompasses Er'Qi and is the city's commercial center. Notable attractions include the Shang Dynasty Ruins.

Northern District - this neighborhood to the north of Er'Qi and Downtown is home to the Henan Museum.

Where to stay in popular areas of Zhengzhou

Most booked hotels in zhengzhou, how to get around zhengzhou, public transportation.

The city's subway system runs from east to west and it's a convenient way to get around. Zhengzhou also has an extensive bus service. Routes 610 and 611 between the city and the airport are useful and there are several dedicated tourist buses.

Taxis are readily available. Expect to pay ¥70 from Downtown to the Yellow River Scenic Area and ¥300 to the Shaolin Temple.

Rent a car and local driver for ¥200-300 per day and see more of this exciting region.

The Cost of Living in Zhengzhou

Shopping streets.

Shop for clothing, electronics, and accessories at Dennis Department Store or Jinboda Mall in the Er'Qi Business District or visit Er'Qi Square at night when the massive street market is open. Local specialties include Miyu Jade from Xinmi City, honeysuckle products, and Chinese Parasol Lacquerware.

Groceries and Other

Pick up essentials from supermarket chains like Carrefour and Walmart. A dozen eggs cost ¥10 while UHT milk costs ¥18 per quart.

Tel: (86) 18977321572 (24hrs available)

E-mail: [email protected]

Fax: 86-773-5817771

• Your Position:
• China Guide
• Zhengzhou Guide
• Zhengzhou Attractions

Shaolin Temple

Chinese name: 少林寺 (Shaolin Si) Location: at the southern foot of Mount Song, 13 km northwest of Dengfeng City, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. Ticket: CNY100 (extra CNY60 for a round-trip cable car). Opening time: 08:00-17:00. How to get there: - Depart from Luoyang (洛阳): take tourist coach to Shaolin Temple (less than 2 hours) at the east of the Luoyang train station; - Depart from Zhengzhou (郑州): take a coach to Deng Feng (登封)(about 2 hours) at the bus station on the opposite of Zhengzhou train station, and then transfer minibus to Shaolin Temple (about half an hour). Best time for visit: in spring and autumn. Recommended food in Shaolin Temple: Shaolin cookies (少林素饼), and Mt. Song mustard (嵩山芥菜).

Tips: It is a Shaolin Kungfu Hall beside the gate of the temple that provides free Shaolin Kungfu shows every afternoon at integral points, generally at 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00.

Introduction to Shaolin Temple

Inscribed as a key national Buddhism monastery in 1983, Shaolin Temple, or Shaolin Monastery of Zhengzhou enjoys a great reputation for over 1000 years since Tang Dynasty (618-907). It is the birthplace for both the famous Martial Arts of Shaolin and the Chan sect of Chinese Buddhism. Approved as a 5A tourist attraction in 2007, the Shaolin Temple set a background against a Wuru Peak, and enjoys a natural barrier by right of surrounded multipeaked mountains and beautiful sceneries. The temple is so named as Shaolin just because it is seated in the hinterland of Shaoshi Mount, and hides in the thick forest (called as Lin in Chinese). A renowned temple in China with a history of over 1500 years, Shaolin Temple additionally boasts for 11 historical architectures which are world cultural heritages approved by UNESCO.

History around Shaolin Monastery

Shaolin Temple was originally built in 495 in the Northern Wei Dynasty (368-534); 32 years later, an Indian monk named Bodhidharma arrived in Shaolin Monastery and from that time on, the temple was expended gradually with increased monks and greatly boosted reputation. Bodhidharma is then the primary ancestor of Chan and hence, Shaolin Temple is the birthplace of Chan. For over 1500 years, Shaolin Temple has developed with twists and turns. The temple was firstly destroyed in the Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581) due to the prohibition of Buddhism, and was rebuilt dozens of years later but changed a name as Zhihu Temple. Sui Dynasty (581-618) was a period that Buddhism got a great development and the temple was renamed as Shaolin again which then became a large Buddhism monastery in North China with expanded territory endowed by the government. In early Tang Dynasty (618-907), Shaolin Temple was well developed under preferable policies because of the great help offered by Shaolin monks to the emperor Tang Taizong to exterminate separatist regimes; while in later of Tang Dynasty, the emperor Wuzong restricted the Buddhism that the temple was weakened again. Though repaired somewhat in Song Dynasty (960-1279), Shaolin Temple did not recover till 1312 in Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). The emperor assigned a monk to take charge of Shaolin Temple, which was ordered a commander of other monasteries in Mt. Song area. As a result, a great many of monks came to Shaolin Temple to learn Shaolin martial arts and follow the Buddhism. Unfortunately in the later of the same dynasty, monks were scattered because of the peasant uprising. Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) also made great contributions to the development of Shaolin Temple, and according to historical records, there are totally 8 princes became a monk in Shaolin Temple. Unluckily, due to the war in modern time during the first half of 20 th century, main buildings were destroyed and many precious sutras and dates were burned into ashes.

Main architectures in the temple of Shaolin

- Shanmen (Gate of the temple) It was built in 1735 and renovated in 1974; the overall structure of the gate is in great harmony with two symmetrical stone honorific arches and each with characters to praise the Buddhism, Chan or the temple. On the top of the Shanmen is a horizontal board with the name of the temple, which was inscribed by Emperor Kangxi of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) with his seal sign in the middle. By the two sides in front of the gate are two stone lions made in Qing Dynasty.

- The Hall of heavenly Kings Located at the end of the forest of steles, the hall got its name from the four enshrined heavenly kings in it. The hall is tranquilly with red walls and green tiles, archways and paintings as well as two statues of Buddha’s warriors. From the Shanmen to the Hall of Heavenly Kings, it is a long paved path with green pines, verdant cypresses and steles on both sides. Apart from these 20 steles, in the east of the path, a galley exhibits other over 100 steles which were built from Tang Dynasty to Qing Dynasty.

- Mahavira Hall It is the center for main activities of Shaolin Temple, and regarded as the Three Halls together with the Hall of Heavenly Kings and Classics Hall. The original hall was destroyed in 1928 in wars, and the present one was built in 1986. This hall is home to statues of Sakyamuni, Bhaisajyaguru and Amitabha. In the center of the hall is the inscription given by Emperor Kangxi, at the back of the screen is a Avalokitesshvara statue, and at its two sides are the eighteen disciples of the Buddha. The whole architecture was built in rational construction, present as imposing and majestic.

- Bell Tower and Drum Tower Located at two sides of Mahavira Hall respectively, the eastern one is the Bell Tower and the western is the Drum Tower. Both are 4-stoery buildings with ingenious shape but towering and magnificent. Previous towers were also ruined due to the war in 1928, and present buildings are built respectively in 1994 and 1996 in accordance with their former appearance.

- Lixue Hall It was built in Ming Dynasty and renovated in 1980. According to legend, it is the site that the second ancestor of Chan named Huike broke his arm and stood in snow field to beg for an impartment from Bodhidharma. The enshrined bronze sitting Bodhidharma in the pavilion was made in 1531 and the horizontal board above was inscribed by Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty. Today, the hall is the site for daily Buddhist activities.

- Thousand-Buddha Hall Standing behind the Lixue Hall, it is the backmost hall of Shaolin Temple. The murals in it are special famous with beautiful colors and harmony composition, representing the top level painting of Tang Dynasty. In this hall, bronze Bharhut and white marble Sakyamuni are also enshrined.

- Abbot Room It is the room of abbot for both daily life and works. It was once the bedroom for Emperor Qianlong during his short stays in Shaolin Temple. In the room, there is a bronze Bodhidharma and a bronze Maitreya. A painting on the wall is a rare arttreasure which portrays vivid image with fine and smooth lines.  

What to see in Shaolin Temple? – Rich cultural relics and the Forest of Towers

Historical and cultural relics in Shaolin Temple are rich; there are over 500 murals made in Ming Dynasty and valuable steles and stone inscriptions. Most important steles and stone inscriptions in the temple are the ones gave by the Emperor Taizong (599-649) and Emperor Wuzetian (624-705, the only female emperor in Chinese history) of Tang Dynasty.

The forest of towers is located in the west of Shaolin Temple at the foot of a hill. Covering about 20 000 square meters, it is the existing largest one in China. There are over 230 towers in the forest of towers which were built from Tang Dynasty (618-907) to Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). These ancient towers are tombs of eminent monks from Shaolin Temple of various dynasties. Though in diverse styles as built in different times, they are all graceful in shape and made with exquisite skills. Most tower inscriptions refer to the martial arts of Shaolin and the cultural exchange between China and other countries in ancient society. With the earliest one built in 791, the forest of towers of Shaolin Temple was approved a key cultural site protected under the state and was included into the largest ancient towers complex list by World Record Association.

Martial Art of Shaolin

Martial arts of Shaolin, or Shaolin Kungfu is the first should be mentioned as well as the largest school among Chinese Kungfus with its over 700 kinds of series of skills. World known for superb skills, the word Shaolin is also the symbol of traditional martial arts of Chinese nation.

Shaolin Kungfu is an integrated one with famous top 72 unique skills, and kinds of Chinese boxing, cudgel play, spearplay, sabreplay, and swordsmanship.

The main idea of Shaolin Kungfu is the combination of Chan and martial arts, with the understanding of Chan the primary point. According to Shaolin Kungfu practitioners, Shaolin monks practice the martial arts to get better concentration and meditation in minds as well as win a stronger body and a prolonged life. A comprehensive system developed for over one thousand years, the martial arts and Chan theory of Shaolin Kungfu have well incorporated, which is the feature that make the Shaolin Kungfu greatly different from other Kungfu schools that are only emphasize on martial arts itself.

China Travel Guide

China City Tours

China Attraction Guide

China Tour FAQ

China Travel Tips

China Train Tickets

China Photos

Chinese Culture

Customer Reviews

Quick questions.

Our team is waiting for your questions. Please feel free to ask us any questions you might have about our China package tours, Chinese culture, or the sites available. We will gladly help you with any special needs you might have and all questions, like our trip designing is completely free of charge.

• Enter your question

• Attractions
• Top 10 Things to Do
• Transportation
• Travel Tips

Zhengzhou Map

Zhengzhou is the capital city of Henan Province. It is located in north central Henan Province, adjoins the Yellow River on the north and leans against the Songshan Mountain on the west. The Dongfeng Qu (Dongfeng Ditch), which is used for diverting water from the Yellow River to irrigate, is the highlight of the local attractions.

The city is one of the five most important transportation hubs in China. The Jingguang Railway and the Longhai Railway join there together. From the city map above, you can see West Railway Station, East Railway Station, Zhengzhou Railway Station, Huanhe Railway Station and Haitansi Railway Station. At present, only the Zhengzhou Railway Station provides passenger transport service.

The No.107 National Highway crosses the city and the Jichang Expressway leads to the Xinzheng Airport. The downtown Zhengzhou lays out regularly. The major roads include Jingguang Nanlu, Jingguang Beilu, Longhai Donglu, Longhai Zhonglu, Huayuan Lu, Zijingshan Lu, Hanghai Zhonglu, Hanghai Xilu and Hanghai Donglu, etc.

• See Zhengzhou Metro Maps