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Overview: Henan Attractions at a Glance
| City | Key Highlights | Best For | Suggested Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luoyang | Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple | Buddhism, kung fu, ancient capitals | 2–3 days |
| Kaifeng | Song Dynasty sites, immersive theme parks | Song culture, family travel | 1–2 days |
| Anyang | Yin Ruins, oracle bones | Deep ancient history | 1 day |
| Zhengzhou & Around | Only Henan, Yuntai Mountain | Modern culture + nature | 1–2 days |
Luoyang - Where Buddhism, Kung Fu, and Imperial China Began
One of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, Luoyang was the political and spiritual center of multiple dynasties for over 1,500 years.
It played a decisive role in the spread of Buddhism, the development of imperial culture, and the rise of Chinese philosophy.
Today, Luoyang blends monumental heritage with relaxed street life, making it one of the most rewarding stops in Henan. It's just 1.5-hour bullet train ride from Xi'an.
#1. Shaolin Temple - Discover the Ancient Art of Kung Fu
If you've ever wondered where Chinese kung fu really began, Shaolin Temple is the answer. Tucked into the forests of Mount Songshan, this 1,500-year-old Buddhist temple is not only the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu, but also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Visitors come for more than just history. Live kung fu performances, the serene Pagoda Forest, and the chance to experience Zen Buddhism make Shaolin feel alive rather than frozen in time.
For first-time visitors, plan at least half a day here. Spring and autumn offer the best weather, and Shaolin is easiest to visit as a day trip from Luoyang or Zhengzhou.
#2. Longmen Grottoes - A Walk Through 1,500 Years of Buddhist Art
Set along the Yi River, the Longmen Grottoes are one of China's most impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With over 100,000 Buddhist statues carved into limestone cliffs, visiting Longmen feels like walking through a living gallery of ancient faith and craftsmanship.
Unlike other grottoes in China, the Buddha figures here are fuller and more lifelike, reflecting the artistic peak of the Tang Dynasty. The highlight is the colossal Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple, whose calm expression has watched over the river valley for more than a millennium.
Plan at least half a day to explore the caves at a relaxed pace. Longmen Grottoes are best visited in spring or autumn and are very easy to combine with Luoyang Old Town and White Horse Temple in a single day.
#3. White Horse Temple - China's First Buddhist Temple
Quietly located on the outskirts of Luoyang, White Horse Temple holds an extraordinary title: it is widely regarded as the birthplace of Buddhism in China.
Founded over 2,000 years ago during the Eastern Han Dynasty, this temple marks the moment when Buddhism officially entered Chinese history.
The atmosphere here is calm and contemplative. You can explore traditional halls dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha, the ancient Qiyun Pagoda, and the Cool and Clear Terrace—where the first Buddhist scriptures were translated into Chinese.
One unique feature is the International Buddhist Zone, where temples from India, Thailand, and Myanmar stand side by side.
White Horse Temple pairs perfectly with Longmen Grottoes for travelers interested in Buddhism and early Chinese spiritual history. An hour or two is enough to appreciate its significance without rushing.
#4. Luoyang Museum - The Best Place to Understand Luoyang's Imperial Past
If you want context for everything you see in Luoyang, start here. Luoyang Museum tells the story of a city that served as China's capital for multiple dynasties and played a central role in Chinese civilization for over 5,000 years.
Inside, the museum displays an impressive collection of pottery, bronzes, jade artifacts, and the famous Tang Dynasty tri-colored glazed ceramics (Tang Sancai).
The exhibits are well organized chronologically, making it easy even for first-time visitors to follow Luoyang's rise, fall, and rebirth across dynasties.
The museum is modern, spacious, and free to enter, making it an excellent stop on your first day in Luoyang—especially before visiting Longmen Grottoes or the Old Town.
#5. Luoyang Old Town - History, Street Life, and Local Flavor
Luoyang Old Town offers a more relaxed and atmospheric way to experience one of China's ancient capitals. Narrow streets, traditional courtyards, and historic gates like Lijing Gate give the area a lived-in, authentic feel rather than a museum-like one.
Food is a major highlight here. You can sample local specialties such as Luoyang Water Banquet dishes and handmade noodles while browsing small shops and watching folk performances. In the evening, lanterns and night markets bring the streets to life.
It's the perfect place to slow down after visiting Luoyang's major historical sites.
Kaifeng – Step into Daily Life of the Song Dynasty
Once the glittering capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, Kaifeng represents a more refined, civilian side of imperial China.
Known for its urban culture, painting, festivals, and daily life, Kaifeng today is compact, walkable, and ideal for travelers who enjoy immersive history presented in an engaging, approachable way.
Kaifeng is 1 hour bullet train ride away from Luoyang. You can explore them seamless.
#6. Kaifeng Fu - Step Inside a Song Dynasty Government Office
Kaifeng Fu recreates the administrative heart of the Northern Song capital, offering visitors a rare look at how ancient Chinese governance actually worked. The complex features grand gates, court halls, and quiet courtyards laid out according to historical records.
One of the highlights is the daily reenactment of court trials and official ceremonies, which bring history to life in a surprisingly engaging way. Exhibits of calligraphy, documents, and artifacts further explain Kaifeng's role as a political center.
Kaifeng Fu is best combined with Millennium City Park and Dragon Pavilion Park for a full day exploring Song Dynasty Kaifeng.
#7. Dragon Pavilion Park - Imperial Grandeur by the Lake
Dragon Pavilion Park sits just west of Millennium City Park and centers around the impressive Dragon Pavilion, once used for imperial ceremonies during the Northern Song Dynasty.
Elevated on a high platform, the pavilion offers sweeping views of the surrounding lake and gardens.
Today, the park is a pleasant blend of history and leisure. Visitors stroll along shaded paths, enjoy seasonal flowers, and attend cultural festivals such as the Kaifeng Chrysanthemum Festival.
It's an easy, relaxing stop that balances Kaifeng's heavier historical sites.
#8. Millennium City Park - A Song Dynasty Painting Come to Life
Millennium City Park in Kaifeng is not a traditional historical site—it's a vivid, immersive recreation of life during the Northern Song Dynasty.
Inspired by the famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival, the park turns history into a lively, walkable experience.
Inside, you'll find bustling market streets, traditional architecture, folk performances, and interactive activities like archery and handicrafts.
Boat rides along the canal and large-scale cultural shows make the experience especially engaging for families and first-time visitors.
Plan half a day here, or visit in the evening when the park transforms with lights and night performances. It's one of the most entertaining ways to experience Song Dynasty culture in Henan.
#9. Wansuishan Martial Arts City - Where Wuxia Stories Come to Life
Wansuishan Martial Arts City is one of Kaifeng's most entertaining attractions, especially for visitors curious about China's wuxia (martial heroes) culture.
Designed as a themed historical town, it blends martial arts shows, role-playing experiences, and traditional architecture.
Throughout the day, performers stage sword fights, kung fu demonstrations, and dramatic scenes inspired by classic Chinese martial arts novels.
You can dress in period costumes, explore old-style streets, and join interactive activities that make the experience lively rather than passive.
This attraction is particularly popular with younger travelers and families and pairs well with Millennium City Park and Kaifeng Fu for a fun, culture-filled day in Kaifeng.
Anyang – The Birthplace of Written Chinese History
Often overlooked by casual tourists, Anyang is one of the most important cities in early Chinese history.
As the last capital of the Shang Dynasty, it is where archaeology, writing, and recorded history converge, making it a must-visit for travelers interested in China's deepest roots.
Anyang is 1 hour bullet train away from Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan.
#10. Yin Ruins & Yinxu Museum - Where Chinese History Became Written History
The Yin Ruins in Anyang are not just another archaeological site—they are where written Chinese history truly begins.
As the last capital of the Shang Dynasty, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for the discovery of oracle bone inscriptions, the earliest known form of Chinese writing.
Walking through the ruins, you'll see the foundations of ancient palaces, royal tombs, and sacrificial sites, including the remarkable tomb of Fu Hao, a powerful female general and priestess. These remains offer rare insight into early Chinese politics, religion, and warfare.
Right next door, the newly opened Yinxu Museum (2024) brings the ruins to life with oracle bones, bronze ritual vessels, and jade artifacts.
Together, the ruins and museum form one of the most intellectually rewarding stops in Henan, especially for travelers interested in deep history.
#11. Chinese Character Museum - Tracing the Birth of the Chinese Language
Anyang is the perfect place for the Chinese Character Museum—it's here that oracle bone inscriptions were first discovered. This modern museum focuses entirely on the origin and evolution of Chinese writing, from ancient symbols carved on bones to the characters still used today.
You can explore original oracle bones, follow the transformation of characters through different dynasties, and interact with digital exhibits that explain how Chinese writing works.
Even without knowing Chinese, the visual storytelling makes the experience accessible and fascinating.
This museum pairs naturally with the Yin Ruins and adds depth to your visit, helping you understand why Anyang holds such an important place in Chinese cultural history.
Zhengzhou – Gateway to Henan's Past, Present, and Nature
As Henan's modern capital, Zhengzhou is often seen as a transport hub—but it also serves as a gateway to some of the province's most powerful cultural and natural experiences.
From cutting-edge theater to dramatic mountain landscapes, this area shows Henan's contemporary creativity and raw natural beauty.
#12. Only Henan · Drama Fantasy City - Most Powerful Cultural Experience in Henan
Only Henan is not a traditional attraction—it's an immersive cultural experience unlike anything else in China. Located near Zhengzhou, this large-scale drama park uses theater, architecture, and storytelling to explore Henan's land, people, and history.
Instead of sitting in one theater, visitors move through dozens of performance spaces, courtyards, and open-air stages. Stories focus on ordinary people, famine, migration, and memory, creating an emotional connection to Henan's past that goes far beyond dates and dynasties.
Even if you don't understand every line of dialogue, the visual storytelling and atmosphere are deeply moving.
Plan at least half a day here, and consider it a highlight for travelers interested in modern Chinese culture and creative storytelling.
#13. Yuntai Mountain - Henan's Most Spectacular Natural Landscape
If you're looking for dramatic scenery in Henan, Yuntai Mountain is the place to go. Located near Jiaozuo in northern Henan, this UNESCO Global Geopark is famous for its towering cliffs, deep gorges, waterfalls, and vividly colored rock formations.
The most popular area is Red Stone Gorge (Hongshi Xia), where red sandstone cliffs rise sharply above clear streams, creating one of Henan's most photogenic landscapes.
Other highlights include Tanpu Gorge, Zifang Lake, and seasonal waterfalls that are especially impressive after summer rains.
Yuntai Mountain is ideal for travelers who want to balance Henan's heavy history with fresh air and outdoor walking.
Spring and autumn offer the best scenery, while summer is popular for its cooler mountain temperatures.
6-Day Henan Itinerary to Visit Top Attractions in Henan
Day 1: Zhengzhou Arrival and City Exploration
Arrive in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province. Start your exploration by visiting the Henan Museum. Then explore the city's vibrant streets and enjoy local cuisine like Henan-style dumplings.
Day 2: Zhengzhou to Anyang, Anyang City Exploration
Travel to Anyang, a city rich in ancient history. Visit the Yin Ruins and Yinxu Museum. Explore the Chinese Character Museum to learn about China's early written language. In the evening, take a walk around the local area, enjoying the atmosphere of this historical city.
Day 3: Anyang to Kaifeng, Kaifeng Exploration
Depart Anyang for Kaifeng, an ancient city known for its role as a capital during the Northern Song Dynasty. Visit the famous Longting Park, the Iron Pagoda, and the Millennium City Park. Don't miss the local food, including Kaifeng-style baozi (steamed buns).
Day 4: Kaifeng to Shaolin Temple, then to Luoyang
Travel to the Shaolin Temple, famous for its association with kung fu and Zen Buddhism. Explore the temple complex, including the Pagoda Forest, and witness martial arts demonstrations. Afterward, head to Luoyang, an ancient capital known for its cultural heritage.
Day 5: Luoyang Exploration
In Luoyang, visit the renowned Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to thousands of Buddhist statues. Explore the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in China, and stroll through the Old Town to experience its traditional charm.
Day 6: Departure from Luoyang
On your final day, you can either explore more of Luoyang, or head towards Xi'an or Beijing for the next leg of your journey.
Explore 5000-Year-Old History and Culture in Henan with Asia Odyssey Travel
Asia Odyssey Travel invites you to embark on a captivating journey through Henan, the cradle of China's ancient civilization. With over 5,000 years of history, Henan is home to breathtaking cultural landmarks and stories that shaped China's heritage. As your trusted local travel partner, we offer personalized tours led by professional English-speaking guides to provide in-depth insights into Henan's unparalleled historical and cultural treasures. From the iconic Shaolin Temple to the wonders of Luoyang and Kaifeng, we ensure a memorable and enriching experience tailored to your interests.
- Our Henan Tour Packages Include: Luoyang Tours, Henan Tours, Shaolin Temple Tours, Zhengzhou Tours
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- Our wealthy Henan travel information include: Luoyang Attractions, Henan Attractions, Best Time to Visit Luoyang, Luoyang to Shaolin Tempel, Zhengzhou to Luoyang Temple, Beijing to Luoyang Train, Xian to Luoyang Train
Let Asia Odyssey Travel guide you through Henan's extraordinary legacy, where history and culture come alive. Create unforgettable memories as you uncover the heart of China's ancient civilization with us.
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