Henan, the birthplace of Chinese civilization, is a province steeped in history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. From ancient capitals to world-renowned cultural landmarks, a week in Henan offers a deep dive into China’s rich heritage. This 7-day itinerary will guide you through Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Kaifeng, and other historical cities, ensuring you make the most of your time exploring Henan’s top destinations.

Day 1: Arrival in Zhengzhou - Gateway to Henan

Morning:

Arrive in Zhengzhou, the bustling capital of Henan Province.

After checking into your hotel, start your day by visiting the Henan Museum, where you can discover thousands of artifacts from Henan’s long history, including relics from the Shang and Zhou Dynasties.

Afternoon:

Visit the Erqi Memorial Tower, a historical landmark commemorating the 1923 workers' strike. Take in panoramic views of Zhengzhou from the tower's observation deck.

Head to Zhengzhou People's Park for a peaceful walk around its beautiful lakes and gardens.

Evening:

Explore the Zhengzhou Night Market, where you can enjoy a variety of local street food, such as fried dough twists and mutton skewers.

Day 2: Shaolin Temple - The Birthplace of Kung Fu

Morning:

Take a day trip to the legendary Shaolin Temple, located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Zhengzhou.

Upon arrival, explore the Shaolin Temple, known as the birthplace of Shaolin Kung Fu. Admire its ancient architecture and tranquil surroundings. Don’t miss the Pagoda Forest, a collection of over 240 pagodas and memorials.

Afternoon:

Watch a Shaolin Kung Fu performance, where talented monks demonstrate their remarkable martial arts skills.

Visit the Shaolin Martial Arts Academy, where you can learn about the history and training methods behind this ancient art.

Evening:

Return to Zhengzhou for the night, or choose to stay in Dengfeng to enjoy a more relaxed evening in the heart of Shaolin culture.

Day 3: Luoyang - Ancient Capital of China

Morning:

Take a high-speed train to Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals and a city rich in history.

Visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its thousands of Buddhist statues, carvings, and cave temples, dating back over 1,500 years.

Afternoon:

Explore the Luoyang Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the Zhou, Han, and Tang dynasties.

Visit the White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple built in China, located just outside the city. The temple is an important cultural and religious site.

Evening:

Stroll through Luoyang Old Town and sample local specialties such as Luoyang Water Banquet, which includes a unique 24-course meal served in a ceremonial style.

Day 4: Luoyang - Exploring Ancient Temples and Gardens

Morning:

Start your day with a visit to the Guanyu Temple, dedicated to Guan Yu, the legendary general from the Three Kingdoms period. The temple is an important historical and cultural site for Chinese people.

Afterward, head to the Peony Garden, a beautiful botanical garden famous for its stunning peony flowers, especially during the spring season.

Afternoon:

Explore the Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum, which displays tombs and relics from various Chinese dynasties, showcasing ancient burial practices.

Visit Xiyuan Park, a peaceful park by the Luo River, where you can relax and enjoy nature.

Evening:

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, and don’t miss out on Luoyang’s specialty dumplings.

Day 5: Kaifeng - Ancient Capital of the Song Dynasty

Morning:

Travel to Kaifeng, once the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. Take a high-speed train from Luoyang to Kaifeng (around 1.5 hours).

Start your day by visiting the Kaifeng Iron Pagoda, an ancient structure built in the Song Dynasty, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.

Afternoon:

Explore Kaifeng’s Old City, including the Kaifeng City Wall and Dragon Pavilion, the former imperial palace of the Song Dynasty. The pavilion offers beautiful views over the city and surrounding areas.

Visit the Kaifeng Museum, where you can learn about the city’s history and its role as an ancient capital.

Evening:

Wander through Kaifeng’s Night Market, a lively market with local snacks, traditional handicrafts, and vibrant street performances.

Day 6: Songshan Mountain - Sacred Peaks and Ancient Temples

Morning:

Head to Songshan Mountain, one of the Five Sacred Mountains of China, located about 80 kilometers from Zhengzhou.

Hike up to the Songyue Pagoda, a historical pagoda dating back to the Northern Wei Dynasty, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Afternoon:

Visit the Shaolin Temple again, if you didn’t have enough time on Day 2. Explore the Dengfeng Shaolin Temple and take a deeper dive into the history of Shaolin Kung Fu.

You can also visit the Songshan Scenic Area, known for its natural beauty, including tranquil lakes, ancient temples, and hiking trails.

Evening:

Return to Kaifeng or Zhengzhou for the night, depending on your schedule.

Day 7: Departure from Zhengzhou - Last Moments in Henan

Morning:

On your final day, head back to Zhengzhou for any last-minute sightseeing or shopping.

Visit the Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Area, where you can view the mighty Yellow River, the cradle of Chinese civilization. Walk along the banks and take in the serene beauty of this iconic river.

Afternoon:

Visit the Zhengzhou Confucius Temple and enjoy a peaceful moment in this ancient temple dedicated to China’s greatest philosopher.

Enjoy your final meal in Zhengzhou, sampling local dishes such as Zhengzhou roast duck or Beef Noodles.

Evening:

Depending on your departure time, you can explore the city more or head directly to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

This 7-day itinerary provides a well-rounded exploration of Henan’s rich history, ancient temples, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes. From the famous Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes to the ancient capitals of Luoyang and Kaifeng, Henan offers travelers a deep dive into China’s past. Whether you’re fascinated by martial arts, Chinese Buddhism, or ancient dynasties, Henan is a treasure trove of history and culture waiting to be explored.