Zhengzhou Travel Guide: Discover the Best of Zhengzhou
Located in central China, Zhengzhou is the capital and largest city of Henan Province. Of huge historical significance, it is recognized as a key birthplace of Chinese civilization. With a rich history spanning over 3,500 years, Zhengzhou boasts many cultural and historical sites, including Shaolin Temple, Songyang Academy, Mount Song, Yin Ruins, and Erqi Memorial Tower.
Except for its historical treasures, Zhengzhou stands out as an important transportation hub in Henan and it connects major cities in China like Beijing, Xi’an, and Guangzhou through an extensive high-speed rail network. If you want to travel there, we can customize your Henan tours to Zhengzhou.
Chinese: 北京 Běijīng /bay-jing/ ‘Northern Capital’
Location: Northeast China
Population (urban area): 21M
Why Visit Zhengzhou
- Rich History and Culture: Being one of the eight ancient capitals of China, Zhengzhou is also the cradle of Chinese civilization. There are numerous cultural and historical relics, through which you can learn more about its illustrious past.
- Shaolin Temple and Shaolin Kung Fu: As a landmark of Zhengzhou City of Henan in China, Shaolin Temple has gained a worldwide reputation for its martial arts and Zen Buddhism. If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, never miss this place on your tour of Zhengzhou in Henan.
- Magnificent Landscapes: Lies on the southern bank of the Yellow River, Zhengzhou greets visitors with beautiful mountains, rivers, gardens, and temples. Moreover, the Fu Tower is a great place for viewing the city’s night views.
Top Attractions in Zhengzhou
Unique Henan · Land of Dramas
Spanning 622 acres and featuring a one-sided structure, it stands as China's first panoramic immersive drama theme park and is among the largest and longest-running drama clusters in the country with creative inspiration from the Yellow River civilization.
Erqi Memorial Tower
Being a landmark of the city of Zhengzhou, this memorial tower is built to commemorate the 1923 Jinghan Railway Workers' Movement. It is a brick-and-wood structure and is one of the earliest memorial buildings in New China.
Fuxi Mountain Grand Canyon
Known for its distinctive red sandstone landforms and Fuxi culture, this canyon offers a good opportunity for visitors to enjoy a "rock bath." Besides, it also presents beautiful waterscapes of waterfalls, ponds, and lakes.
Huangdi Hometown Scenic Area
Located in Xinzheng of Zhengzhou, this scenic area has undergone multiple expansions. The overall layout emphasizes the theme of the "Root of Chinese Civilization" and consists of three main sections—Heaven, Earth, and Man—arranged from north to south.
Top Things to Do in Zhengzhou
1. Explore the Shaolin Temple
As a world-famous tourist attraction, the Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou of China is a must-visit attraction on your Henan tours. This ancient Buddhist monastery not only allows you to marvel at the unique architecture but also offers a good opportunity for you to experience the miraculous Kung Fu performances. Moreover, it is the birthplace of Zen Buddhism. If you are interested in the culture of Zen Buddhism, never miss this place.
2. Wander through the Yellow River Scenic Area
The Yellow River Scenic Area of Zhengzhou boasts many historic sites and beautiful natural views. Next to the statues of Emperor Yang and Emperor Huang, there are majestic Wulong Peaks and precipitous cliffs. Besides, it also attracts visitors with its riverbank scenery. Take a walk along the banks of the Yellow River at sunset, you will be amazed by the charming views.
3. Visit the Zhengzhou Folk Museum
As a city with a long history and rich culture, Zhengzhou greets visitors with a diverse culture and customs, which can be found in the Zhengzhou Folk Museum. There, you’ll discover the traditional architecture, folk customs, and various art forms of this city.
4. Discover Marvelous Fu Tower
Fu Tower in Zhengzhou is a perfect combination of modern architecture and art. It is 388 meters tall, presenting embosses of myth and stone sculptures of ancient celebrities. Standing on the tower, you can overlook the beautiful night scenery of this city. Besides, it offers a chance for you to experience the thrilling air corridor and the glass slideway.
5. Experience the Zhengzhou CBD
Zhengzhou is a city integrating ancientness and modernity, and its bustling Central Business District (CBD) also attracts visitors a lot. Visiting there, you will find towering skyscrapers, luxury hotels, large shopping malls, and entertainment. Just hang out there and immerse yourself in the city’s modern lifestyle by shopping and dining.
6. Immerse Yourself in Zhengzhou Yunshan Ranch
Being a unique immersive animal theme park, Zhengzhou Yunshan Ranch is an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and a fantastic family-friendly destination. It is home to dozens of animal species, including sika deer, marmots, Boer goats, Dutch mini pigs, Angora rabbits, and black swans. Besides, the Stairway to Heaven in Zhengzhou Yunshan Ranch attracts numerous tourists.
7. Taste Local Delicacies
Zhengzhou of Henan treats visitors with a lot of delicious foods, among which the braised noodles (Hui Mian) is a representative and distinctive dish. It combines various ingredients, including meat, vegetables, soup, and noodles, resulting in a delicious and affordable meal that enjoys a stellar reputation in this city. Except for Zhengzhou noodles, spicy soups and various pancakes are also popular foods worth trying.
Zhengzhou Weather
Zhengzhou experiences a delightful warm temperate continental monsoon climate characterized by four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature of this city is about 14.3°C and the average annual rainfall is about 640mm.
Throughout the year, July takes the crown as the hottest month, with an average temperature of 27.3°C, while January claims the title for the coldest month, with an average temperature of -0.2°C. Also, July and August bring the highest rainfall, while December and January experience drier conditions.
Best Time to Visit Zhengzhou
The best time to visit Zhengzhou in China is between April and May or from September to November when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most pleasant. Besides, you can plan your trip to Zhengzhou in Henan during the local festivals to make your tour more enjoyable. What should be noticed is that these periods are peak seasons for tourism, so it will be better if you can arrange your accommodations and transportation in advance.
Zhengzhou Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation for your Henan Zhengzhou tours, it depends on the attractions where you are going to visit. Stay in a hotel in Dengfeng City if you decide to explore Shaolin Temple and climb Mount Song, and choose hotels in Zhengzhou of China if you want to explore scenic spots in Zhengzhou.
By the way, if you travel by train and arrive at Zhengzhou East Railway Station, Innside by Melia Zhengzhou is a wonderful hotel for you, as it offers good services and advanced facilities.
Zhengzhou Transportation
How to Get to Zhengzhou
By Flight: Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport serves as a prominent national hub and it operates flights from more than 110 domestic and international cities. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Singapore are all connected to Zhengzhou. Generally, the flight to Zhengzhou from Beijing or Shanghai takes about 2 hours.
By Train: As a major railway hub in China, Zhengzhou has two main railway stations, that is the Zhengzhou Railway Station and the Zhengzhou East Railway Station. They offer a comprehensive network of high-speed and normal train services that connect Zhengzhou to cities like Luoyang, Kaifeng, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Guangzhou. The train travel from Beijing or Shanghai to Zhengzhou takes about 3-4 hours.
By Bus: Zhengzhou provides an extensive long-distance bus network with multiple bus stations. If you are traveling from Luoyang, Kaifeng, Jiaozuo, Anyang, and Xuchang, taking a bus is a good choice. Besides, these bus stations are located throughout the city, and it’s easy to reach them by metro, bus, and taxi.
By Metro: Zhengzhou has an extensive metro system comprising five lines that efficiently connect major attractions throughout the city with a fare of CNY 2 to 12. By the way, tickets can be purchased at the station, or you can use a transportation card or mobile payment method for seamless entry.
By Bus: Exploring Zhengzhou via bus turns out to be an economical option as many tourist attractions are not close to hotels. Bus fares typically range from CNY 1 to 3, and payment can be made in cash or through the use of a transportation card.
By Taxi: If you travel to Zhengzhou in Henan with luggage or in groups, it will be more comfortable for you to take a taxi to your destinations. Besides, taxis can be hailed directly from the street or booked through mobile applications like Didi Chuxing.
