Henan 河南 — Cradle of Chinese Civilization
Henan is often called the cradle of Chinese civilization — more dynasties had their capitals here than anywhere else, and the Yellow River (黄河) flows through its heart. The province offers the Shaolin Temple (少林寺), the birthplace of kung fu; Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟), one of China's great Buddhist art sites; and Kaifeng (开封), a former Song Dynasty capital preserved in time.
Luoyang 洛阳 — 13 Dynasties Capital
Luoyang was the eastern end of the Silk Road and capital for 13 dynasties. The city is famous for peonies (牡丹) — the Luoyang Peony Festival (April) draws millions.
Longmen Grottoes 龙门石窟
A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 100,000 Buddhist images carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. Created over 400 years (493-900 AD) during the Northern Wei and Tang dynasties. The largest statue, Vairocana Buddha (奉先寺卢舍那大佛), is 17 meters tall with an expression of serene majesty. The site spans 1 km along both riverbanks.
Admission: 90 RMB. Open: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Metro: Longmen Grottoes Station (Line 2). Plan 3-4 hours.
White Horse Temple 白马寺
China's first Buddhist temple, founded in 68 AD when two Indian monks brought scriptures on white horses. The temple features traditional Chinese, Thai, Indian, and Burmese-style shrines.
Admission: 35 RMB. Open: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Located 12 km east of Luoyang.
Shaolin Temple 少林寺 — Birthplace of Kung Fu
The legendary Shaolin Temple was founded in 495 AD and became famous for its martial arts tradition. The temple is nestled in Songshan (嵩山), one of China's Five Sacred Mountains. Watch kung fu demonstrations, see the Pagoda Forest (塔林) — over 200 brick pagodas housing the ashes of abbots — and visit the temple buildings.
Admission: 80 RMB (includes Songshan scenic area). Kung fu performance: free (daily shows). Open: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Located 70 km from Luoyang. Bus or taxi.
Kaifeng 开封 — Song Dynasty Capital
Kaifeng was the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), when it was one of the world's largest cities. The city preserves a nostalgic atmosphere with reconstructed Song-era architecture.
Millennium City Park 清明上河园
A theme park recreating the famous painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" (清明上河图). Actors in Song dynasty costumes, traditional crafts, and daily performances. A living museum.
Admission: 120 RMB. Open: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM. High-speed train from Zhengzhou: 30 minutes.
Kaifeng Night Market 开封夜市
One of China's oldest night markets. Try: Guantang Bao (灌汤包, soup dumplings), almond tea (杏仁茶), peanut cake (花生糕). The market atmosphere is authentic and lively.
Zhengzhou 郑州 — Provincial Capital
Zhengzhou is the main transit hub. Key site: Henan Museum (河南博物院) — one of China's best provincial museums, with Shang dynasty bronze wares and oracle bones.
Henan Museum: Free (reservation required). Open: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays).
Anyang 安阳 — Oracle Bones
Site of Yinxu (殷墟), the ruins of the Shang Dynasty capital (1600-1046 BC). This is where oracle bones (甲骨文) — China's earliest writing — were discovered. The Yinxu Museum displays the archaeological finds.
Admission: 70 RMB. Open: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.
Practical Information
Classic Route: Luoyang (Longmen + White Horse, 1-2 days) → Shaolin Temple (1 day) → Kaifeng (1 day) = 3-5 days.
Transportation: Zhengzhou is the rail hub. High-speed trains connect Zhengzhou-Luoyang (40 min), Zhengzhou-Kaifeng (30 min). Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport (CGO).
Best Time: April (peony festival in Luoyang) and September-November. Summer is hot.