Henan, located in the central part of China, is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization. It has a long history and rich cultural heritage. This place has not only nurtured numerous historical figures but also left countless amazing historical sites and natural landscapes. From the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang to the Qingming Shanghe Garden in Kaifeng, each scenic spot bears a profound history and culture, waiting for families with children to explore and experience.
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I. Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang: Parents and Children Appreciate the Millennium-old Art Together and Inherit History and Culture
Estimated Visiting Time: 4 - 5 hours
Ticket Price: Adult ticket is 90 yuan per person, and half - price ticket is 45 yuan per person (for children, students, the elderly, and others who meet the preferential conditions)
Introduction of the Scenic Spot:
The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are renowned for their extraordinary collection of Buddhist cave art. Spanning from the Northern Wei Dynasty to the Tang Dynasty, these grottoes house thousands of exquisitely carved Buddha statues, ranging in size from tiny, palm - sized figures to colossal, multi - story masterpieces. The most famous is perhaps the FengXian Temple, with its majestic Vairocana Buddha. This 17.14 - meter - tall statue features a serene and compassionate expression, surrounded by attendant Bodhisattvas and guardians. The detailed carvings on the cave walls depict various Buddhist stories and religious symbols, offering a vivid window into ancient Chinese Buddhist art and philosophy.
Features for Families with Children:
At the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang, parents can take their children to appreciate the gems of millennium - old art. Each Buddha statue here is exquisitely carved. While children are enjoying the view, they can also learn about Chinese Buddhist culture and history. At the same time, parents can take this opportunity to teach their children some methods and techniques of art appreciation, cultivating their aesthetic taste and historical and cultural literacy.
Visiting Tips:
It is recommended that parents prepare some small stories or knowledge cards about Buddhist culture and history for their children in advance, so that they can have a deeper understanding of the history and artistic value of the grottoes during the visit. Meanwhile, it's a good idea to look for some scenic spots or stone carvings suitable for children to take photos in the scenic area and leave beautiful family memories. In addition, you can participate in the guided tours or interactive experience projects in the scenic area to make children get closer to history and art.
II. White Horse Temple: A Holy Place for Families with Children to Pray and Feel Inner Peace
Estimated Visiting Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ticket Price: Free
Introduction of the Scenic Spot:
The White Horse Temple, often regarded as the "Cradle of Chinese Buddhism," is the first official Buddhist temple in China. Built during the Eastern Han Dynasty, it has played a pivotal role in the spread and development of Buddhism in the country. The temple complex features a harmonious blend of traditional Chinese architecture, with red - painted pavilions, green - tiled roofs, and well - manicured gardens. Inside, there are grand halls housing solemn Buddha statues, such as the Mahavira Hall, where the Three Jewels of Buddhism are enshrined. Additionally, the temple is home to unique cultural relics, including ancient scriptures and stone inscriptions. What makes it even more special is the presence of international - style Buddhist temples, representing the cultural exchange of Buddhism among different countries. The Indian - style temple, with its characteristic domes and columns, and the Thai - style temple, featuring elaborate and colorful pagodas, add an exotic touch to the site.
Features for Families with Children:
The White Horse Temple is not only the "ancestral court" of Chinese Buddhism but also a holy place for families with children to pray. Here, parents can take their children to pray and make wishes together, adding a blessing and guarantee for the family's future. At the same time, the peaceful atmosphere in the temple can also teach children to be grateful and cherish their current lives, and feel the peace and harmony of the soul.
Visiting Tips:
Parents can prepare some small prayer items for their children in the White Horse Temple, such as prayer cards and bracelets, and let them hang or wear them by themselves to feel the sense of ceremony of praying. In addition, children can throw wish coins by the wishing pool in the temple and make their own little wishes. Meanwhile, you might as well participate in the Buddhist cultural activities or meditation experiences in the temple to let children feel the charm of Buddhist culture in the experience.
Ⅲ. Qingming Shanghe Garden in Kaifeng: Parents and Children Travel Back to the Happy Time of the Northern Song Dynasty and Experience Folk Customs
Estimated Visiting Time: All day
Ticket Price: Day ticket is 120 yuan per person
Introduction of the Scenic Spot:
The Qingming Shanghe Garden is a large - scale theme park that recreates the prosperous scenes depicted in the famous Song - Dynasty painting "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" by Zhang Zeduan. The park is designed to be an immersive experience of the Northern Song Dynasty's urban life. As you enter, you are greeted with replicas of ancient Song - style buildings, including shops, restaurants, and houses, all arranged along a meandering river, just like in the painting. Throughout the day, there are numerous folk performances, such as acrobatics, puppet shows, and traditional music performances. There are also interactive activities where visitors can try their hand at traditional handicrafts like paper - cutting, calligraphy, and pottery - making. The garden also features a large - scale water show in the evening, with lights and music, further enhancing the charm of the Northern Song - era setting.
Features for Families with Children:
In the Qingming Shanghe Garden, parents can take their children to travel back to the Northern Song Dynasty and experience the happy time of that era. The architectural style, folk performances, and interactive experience projects here can make children seem to be in the prosperous era of the Northern Song Dynasty, feeling the ancient and mysterious charm. At the same time, children can also learn some historical knowledge and folk customs of the Northern Song Dynasty during the play.
Visiting Tips:
Parents can prepare some knowledge cards or storybooks about the history and culture of the Northern Song Dynasty for their children in advance, so that they can have a deeper understanding of the history and culture of that era during the visit. Meanwhile, actively participate in the interactive experience projects in the garden and create happy memories with children. In addition, you can participate in the folk performance activities or handicraft making courses in the garden to make children get closer to traditional culture and folk customs.
Ⅳ. Kaifeng Mansion: Parents and Children Appreciate the Wisdom and Legends of the Officialdom in the Northern Song Dynasty and Feel the Historical Charm
Estimated Visiting Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ticket Price: 80 yuan per person
Introduction of the Scenic Spot:
Kaifeng Mansion, also known as Nan Ya, was the administrative and judicial office of the capital during the Northern Song Dynasty. The current - day Kaifeng Mansion is a reconstruction that vividly presents the layout and architecture of the ancient official compound. The main buildings, such as the Prefectural Gate, Ceremony Gate, Main Hall, and Council Hall, are designed in the Song - Dynasty style, with upturned eaves and grand facades. Inside, there are exhibitions that showcase the officialdom culture, legal system, and daily life of the Northern Song Dynasty. There are also live performances, such as reenactments of famous cases handled by Bao Zheng, the upright and just magistrate of Kaifeng during that time. These performances bring the historical events to life and allow visitors to better understand the wisdom and legends associated with the officialdom of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Features for Families with Children:
Kaifeng Mansion not only allows families with children to understand the officialdom culture and legal system of the Northern Song Dynasty but also enables them to appreciate the wisdom and legendary stories that have been passed down through the ages. Here, parents can take their children to listen to those touching historical stories and the deeds of legendary figures, stimulating their interest in history and culture. At the same time, children can also learn some legal knowledge and historical wisdom during the play, cultivating their awareness of the rule of law and historical literacy.
Visiting Tips:
Parents can look for some exhibits or stories related to children's interests in Kaifeng Mansion for explanation and interaction. Meanwhile, it's adVisable to encourage children to ask more questions and think more during the visit, and cultivate their curiosity and thirst for knowledge.
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