Henan Travel Guide (North China/China/East Asia/Asia)

Introduction to Henan

Henan is a province located in the central part of China, known for its ancient history, cultural relics, and natural scenery. It covers an area of 167,000 square kilometers and has a population of over 100 million people.

Historically, Henan was the cradle of Chinese civilization, where the Xia Dynasty (2100-1600 BC) and the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC) emerged. The Yellow River, which flows through Henan, also played an important role in shaping Chinese culture and agriculture.

Today, Henan is a popular tourist destination, famous for its cultural and natural attractions, such as the Shaolin Temple, the Longmen Grottoes, and the Yuntai Mountain.

List of Places to Visit in Henan

Henan offers a wealth of cultural and natural attractions for visitors to explore. Here’s a list of some of the most popular places to visit in Henan:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Shaolin Temple: Located in the Songshan Mountains, the Shaolin Temple is a Buddhist temple famous for its association with martial arts. Visitors can enjoy Kung Fu performances and visit the Pagoda Forest and the Kung Fu Hall.
Longmen Grottoes: The Longmen Grottoes is a UNESCO World Heritage site consisting of thousands of Buddha statues and carvings in the cliffs. It is considered one of the finest examples of Chinese Buddhist art.
White Horse Temple: The White Horse Temple is the first Buddhist temple in China, established in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220 AD). Visitors can explore the temple complex and learn about its history and significance.
Kaifeng City: Kaifeng is an ancient city that served as the capital of several dynasties, including the Northern Song Dynasty. Visitors can explore the city walls, the Iron Pagoda, and the Memorial Temple of Lord Bao.

Natural Attractions of Henan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area: Yuntai Mountain is a scenic area known for its waterfalls, gorges, and hiking trails. The Red Stone Gorge and the Wanshan Temple are popular attractions.
Songshan Mountain Scenic Area: Songshan Mountain is a sacred mountain with numerous temples, pagodas, and historical sites. The Songyang Academy and the Zhongyue Temple are worth a visit.
Yellow River Scenic Area: The Yellow River Scenic Area is a popular spot for river cruises, where visitors can enjoy the scenery and learn about the history and culture of the Yellow River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Henan

Henan offers plenty of outdoor activities for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some of the top routes to explore:

Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area: Yuntai Mountain has several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels that offer stunning views of the waterfalls and natural scenery.
Zhongyue Mountain: Zhongyue Mountain has a hiking trail that leads to the summit of the mountain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Longtan Canyon: Longtan Canyon has a biking route that takes visitors through the canyon and offers spectacular views of the gorge and the waterfalls.

Best Things to Do in Henan: Activities and Tours

There are many fun and interesting activities and tours to choose from in Henan, depending on your interests. Here are a few suggestions:

Kung Fu Experience at Shaolin Temple: Visitors can learn Kung Fu from the masters at the Shaolin Temple and experience the discipline and skill required for this ancient martial art.
Chinese Calligraphy Workshop: Visitors can learn the art of Chinese calligraphy and create their own masterpieces under the guidance of a local artist.
Local Market Tour and Cooking Class: Visitors can explore a local market and buy fresh ingredients, then learn how to cook traditional Henan dishes with a local chef.

Week-Long Itinerary for Henan

Here’s a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Henan, highlighting some of the best attractions and activities:

Day 1: Arrive in Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan, and explore the Henan Museum and the Erqi Memorial Tower.
Day 2: Visit the Shaolin Temple and enjoy a Kung Fu show and a Kung Fu lesson.
Day 3: Explore the Longmen Grottoes and the White Horse Temple.
Day 4: Take a hiking or biking trip to Yuntai Mountain and visit the Red Stone Gorge and the Wanshan Temple.
Day 5: Visit the Songshan Mountain Scenic Area and explore the Songyang Academy and the Zhongyue Temple.
Day 6: Take a river cruise on the Yellow River and learn about the history and culture of the “Mother River”.
Day 7: Explore the local markets in Kaifeng, buy ingredients, and take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Henan dishes.

Food and Drink Scene of Henan

Henan cuisine is characterized by its use of simple ingredients and traditional cooking techniques. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Braised Yellow River Carp: A famous Henan dish that uses fresh Yellow River carp, braised in a savory sauce with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce.
Kaifeng Steamed Buns: These steamed buns are filled with juicy pork and onions and are a popular breakfast food in Kaifeng.
Xinyang Hand-Pulled Noodles: These noodles are handmade and cooked to perfection, often served with spicy chili oil and shredded pork.

Local Beverages

Liquan Wine: Liquan Wine is a famous brand of Chinese wine made in Henan, known for its fruity aroma and balanced taste.
Longmen Tea: Longmen Tea is a type of green tea grown in the Longmen Grottoes area, known for its delicate flavor and health benefits.

Where to Stay in Henan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Henan offers a range of accommodation options, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. Here are a few recommendations:

Zhengzhou Marriott Hotel: A luxury hotel located in the heart of Zhengzhou, offering spacious rooms, world-class amenities, and convenient access to the city’s attractions.
Taihang Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse located in Yuntai Mountain, offering cozy rooms, home-cooked meals, and stunning views of the mountain.
7 Sages International Youth Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in the ancient city of Kaifeng, offering comfortable dorms and private rooms, a lively atmosphere, and easy access to the city’s attractions.

What to Buy in Henan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Henan is famous for its rich culture and history, and there are plenty of souvenirs and local products to bring home as a memento of your trip. Here are a few suggestions:

Kaifeng Sesame Oil: Kaifeng is known for its high-quality sesame oil, which is often used in traditional Henan dishes.
Shaolin Kung Fu Uniform: Visitors can buy a traditional Shaolin Kung Fu uniform as a souvenir, complete with a black robe and white belt.
Longmen Grottoes Replicas: Visitors can buy replicas of Buddha statues and carvings found in the Longmen Grottoes as a unique and meaningful souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Henan

Henan has a rich history and culture that is reflected in its customs and traditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Henan:

Respect for the Elderly: Chinese culture places a high value on respect for elders, so it is important to show deference and politeness to older people.
Celebration of Festivals: Henan celebrates many traditional festivals, such as the spring festival, the mid-autumn festival, and the dragon boat festival, which offer a glimpse into the local culture and customs.
Art of Kung Fu: Kung Fu is a popular and important part of Chinese culture, with a long history in Henan. Visitors can learn more about this art form at the Shaolin Temple.

Best Time to Visit Henan

The best time to visit Henan is in the spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and pleasant. Summer can be very hot and humid, while winter can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Henan

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Henan:

Do:

Learn Some Mandarin Chinese: Learning a few simple Chinese phrases can go a long way in communicating with the locals and showing respect for the culture.
Respect Local Customs: Take the time to learn about local customs and traditions, and show respect and sensitivity to them.
Explore the Natural Scenery: Henan is known for its stunning natural scenery, so make sure to take the time to explore the mountains, rivers, and forests.

Don’t:

Disrespect Historical Sites: Henan is home to many important historical sites and relics, so it is important to treat them with respect and care.
Neglect Safety Precautions: Henan can be crowded and busy, so it is important to stay alert and aware of your surroundings to avoid accidents or theft.
Waste Food: Chinese culture places a high value on food, so it is important to show respect by not wasting or leaving food on your plate.

Safety and Health

Henan is generally a safe and healthy place to visit, but visitors should take some basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Safety in Henan

Watch Out for Fraud: Like many tourist destinations, Henan has its share of scams and frauds, so it is important to be alert and cautious.
Beware of Pickpockets: Crowded tourist attractions and markets can be a target for pickpockets, so make sure to keep your valuables safe and secure.
Follow Local Laws and Customs: Henan has strict laws regarding drugs and other illegal activities, so it is important to respect and follow them.

Health in Henan

Drink Bottled Water: Tap water in Henan may not be safe to drink, so it is recommended to drink only bottled or boiled water.
Protect Against Mosquitoes: Henan is known for its mosquitoes, which can carry diseases like dengue fever and malaria, so make sure to use mosquito repellent and wear protective clothing.
Stay Hydrated: Henan can be hot and humid, especially in the summer, so make sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

Getting to Henan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Henan is well-connected by air, rail, and road, making it easy to get there from other parts of China and beyond.

Airports Near Henan

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport: Located in Zhengzhou, this is the main international airport for Henan.
Luoyang Beijiao Airport: Located in Luoyang, this is a smaller airport that offers mainly domestic flights.

Bus Stations Near Henan

Zhengzhou Long-distance Bus Terminal: Located in Zhengzhou, this is the main bus terminal for long-distance travel within Henan.
Kaifeng Bus Terminal: Located in Kaifeng, this is a convenient option for travel within the city and nearby areas.

Other Options

Train Stations: Henan has several train stations that offer regular services to major cities in China and beyond, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an.
Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Didi are widely available in Henan and can be a convenient option for getting around.

How to Get Around in Henan

Henan is a sprawling province with many attractions spread out across different cities and regions. Here are a few ways to get around:

Trains: Henan has an extensive railway network that connects major cities and towns across the province, offering fast and efficient travel.
Buses: Buses are a convenient and affordable option for travel within cities and towns, with regular services and routes.
Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Henan, with fixed rates and meters.

Where to Go Next from Henan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Henan is located in the central part of China, making it a convenient starting point for exploring other parts of the country. Here are a few nearby destinations and excursions:

Beijing: The capital city of China is just a few hours away from Henan by high-speed train, offering a wealth of cultural and historical attractions.
Xi’an: The ancient capital of China is a popular destination known for the Terracotta Warriors and other historical sites.
Shanghai: The vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Shanghai is a few hours away from Henan by high-speed train, offering a modern and exciting contrast to the province’s traditional culture and history.

Conclusion

Henan is a fascinating and diverse province in central China, offering a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, natural scenery, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re interested in learning Kung Fu, exploring ancient temples and grottoes, or trying delicious local cuisine, Henan has something for everyone. With its convenient transportation options, affordable accommodation, and friendly locals, Henan is a must-visit destination for any traveler to China.

Henan Image Gallery

Hui mian served in Zhengzhou