Central Henan Travel Guide

Explore the cultural, natural, and adventure spots of Central Henan with this thorough travel guide. Learn about the best things to do, where to stay, and how to get around in this region of North China.


Introduction to Central Henan

Located in the North China Plain, Central Henan is a region that’s culturally and historically rich. It’s home to numerous historical sites, museums, and temples, making it a prime spot for travelers interested in Chinese architecture, art, and history. Besides, the region offers natural and man-made attractions, including scenic mountains, freshwater lakes, and ancient towns.

List of Places to Visit in Central Henan

Visitors to Central Henan have a lot of options in terms of places to visit. Here are some of the must-see attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Shaolin Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage site that’s home to Shaolin Kung Fu martial arts. The temple was built in the 5th century and houses an impressive collection of cultural relics and Buddhist statues.
  2. Longmen Grottoes: Another UNESCO World Heritage site that features thousands of Buddha statues and carvings. These carvings are carved into the limestone cliffs along the Yi River and date back to the Northern Wei Dynasty.
  3. Henan Museum: A comprehensive museum that displays over 120,000 cultural relics, including those from prehistoric times.

Natural Attractions of Central Henan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Songshan Mountain: A Taoist mountain that’s known for its scenic views, steep cliffs, and lush vegetation. It’s also home to the Shaolin Temple and the Zhongyue Temple.
  2. Yuntai Mountain: A popular hiking and outdoor spot that’s known for its crystal-clear waterfalls, peaks, and canyons.
  3. Yellow River Scenic Area: A scenic area that features a range of wetlands, sand dunes, and the famous Yellow River.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Central Henan

Travelers to Central Henan can explore the region’s natural beauty with the many hiking and biking trails available. Here are some of the best routes:

  1. Songshan Mountain Trail: This 25 km long trail leads to the summit of Songshan Mountain, passing by various temples, pagodas, and waterfalls along the way.
  2. Yuntai Mountain Trail: This 20 km long trail is famous for its scenic views of waterfalls, lakes, and peaks, making it an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts.
  3. Yellow River Scenic Area Trail: A 10 km long trail that leads to the famous Hukou Waterfall, where visitors can see the might of the Yellow River.

Best Things to Do in Central Henan: Activities and Tours

Central Henan boasts an array of unique activities and tours that visitors can enjoy.

  1. Shaolin Kung Fu Show: A must-see for martial arts enthusiasts, the Shaolin Kung Fu Show is a live performance featuring Shaolin-trained artists who demonstrate their skills in fighting and choreography.
  2. Visit the Kaifeng Night Market: A bustling night market that sells local food, souvenirs, and trinkets. Visitors can try street food such as salted duck, fried rice, and stinky tofu.
  3. Take a River Cruise: A relaxing way to take in the views of Central Henan’s natural beauty is to take a boat tour along the Yellow River.

Week-Long Itinerary for Central Henan

For travelers who want to make the most of their time in Central Henan, a week-long itinerary is recommended. Here’s an example of how visitors can make the most of their time in the region:

Day Activities
Day 1 Arrival and check-in
Day 2 Visit the Shaolin Temple and enjoy a Kung Fu show
Day 3 Explore Songshan Mountain
Day 4 Hike through Yuntai Mountain
Day 5 Visit Kaifeng and Henan Museum
Day 6 Take a boat tour along the Yellow River
Day 7 Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Central Henan

Central Henan has a rich culinary tradition, and visitors should try some of the local foods and drinks while in the region.

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kaifeng Soup Dumplings: Also known as xiao long bao, these dumplings are filled with hot soup and pork, and are a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
  2. Salted Henan Duck: A regional specialty, the duck is prepared using a secret recipe of spices and salt and is served as a main dish.
  3. Luoyang Banquet: A multi-course meal that features over 10 dishes, including meat, vegetables, and rice.

Local Beverages

  1. Kaifeng Yellow Wine: A type of rice wine that’s been produced in Kaifeng for over 1,000 years. It’s known for its sweet and sour taste and is often consumed during festive occasions.
  2. Xinxiang Dried Persimmon Juice: A refreshing drink made from dried persimmons, ginger, and brown sugar. It’s a popular summer drink in Central Henan.

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

Central Henan has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and travel styles. Here are some options:

  1. Songshan Hotel: A 4-star hotel located near the Shaolin Temple. It features a rooftop garden and a fitness center.
  2. Yuntai Mountain Hot Spring Hotel: A luxurious hotel that offers hot spring facilities and scenic mountain views.
  3. Kaifeng Story Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of Kaifeng. It features a bar and a shared lounge.

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

Visitors to Central Henan can take home unique souvenirs and local products. Here are some ideas:

  1. Shaolin Temple Souvenirs: Visitors can buy souvenir items such as t-shirts, keychains, and books related to the Shaolin Temple and Kung Fu.
  2. Kaifeng Embroidery: This local embroidery style features intricate designs and is used to decorate clothes, bags, and hats.
  3. Handmade Pottery from Yuzhou: Yuzhou is known for its handcrafted pottery and ceramics, such as teapots, bowls, and vases.

Local Culture and Customs of Central Henan

Central Henan is home to a diverse population, and visitors should be aware of local customs and practices. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Respectful Dress Code: Dress conservatively when visiting religious sites and temples.
  • Tea Culture: In Central Henan, tea culture is deeply ingrained, and visitors should expect to be offered tea during business and social meetings.
  • Respect for Elders: Elderly people are respected in Central Henan, and visitors should show deference and courtesy towards them.

Best Time to Visit Central Henan

The best time to visit Central Henan is during spring and autumn, between March and May or September and November. During this time, the weather is mild and favorable for outdoor activities, and the crowds are fewer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Central Henan

Here are some do’s and don’ts when visiting Central Henan:

Do:

  • Respect Local Customs: Be aware of and respectful towards local customs and practices.
  • Learn a Few Chinese Phrases: Learning some basic Chinese phrases can help visitors communicate with locals and make their trip more enjoyable.
  • Carry Cash: Some businesses in Central Henan may not accept credit or debit cards, so it’s recommended to carry cash.

Don’t:

  • Bargain at Religious Sights: Bargaining is not appropriate at religious sites such as temples and pagodas.
  • Ignore Safety Precautions: Visitors should follow safety precautions during outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Central Henan

Central Henan is generally safe for tourists, and visitors should be aware of typical travel risks such as petty theft and scams. It’s recommended always to carry identification and valuables with you.

Health in Central Henan

Visitors to Central Henan should take the necessary health precautions, such as drinking bottled water and avoiding street food that may cause stomach upset. Additionally, tourists should be aware of air pollution levels, particularly during the winter months.

Getting to Central Henan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Central Henan is easily accessible from major cities in China by plane, train or bus.

Airports Near Central Henan

  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport: The nearest airport to Central Henan, located in Zhengzhou city, and served by several international airlines.

Bus Stations Near Central Henan

  • Zhengzhou bus station: This central bus station serves several destinations in Central Henan.

Other Options

  • High-speed train: A fast and convenient way to travel to Central Henan from other parts of China. The Shanghai-Zhengzhou high-speed railway is one such route.
  • Rental car: Visitors can rent a car from a reputable car rental company and explore Central Henan on their own.

How to Get Around in Central Henan

Visitors to Central Henan can get around using a range of transportation options, including taxis, buses, and bike rentals. Additionally, visitors can hire private car services for guided tours.

Where to Go Next from Central Henan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Central Henan is located near several other popular tourist destinations in China. Here are some ideas for additional travel:

  1. Luoyang: Another city in Henan province, famous for the Longmen Grottoes and the White Horse Temple.
  2. Xi’an: The ancient capital of China and home to the Terracotta Army.
  3. Shaanxi Province: A region well-known for its natural beauty and rich history, including Mount Hua and the ancient city of Xi’an.

Conclusion

Central Henan is a culturally rich and diverse region in North China, offering visitors an array of activities, experiences, and attractions. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can explore the region with ease and gain insight into the local culture, customs, and traditions.



    Xuchang
    Zhengzhou