Attractions · Zhengzhou

Shaolin Temple was founded in the nineteenth year of Taihe of the Northern Wei (495) and is the ancestral court of Chinese Chan Buddhism and the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts. The Pagoda Forest has 232 tomb pagodas of eminent monks through the dynasties, the largest group of ancient pagodas in China. Highlights include the main monastery, the martial arts performance and the Dharma Cave. Tip: the martial arts performance lasts about 30 minutes; arrive early to get a seat. Practical info: located at the Mount Song Shaolin Scenic Area, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, Henan Province; ticket ¥80; opening hours 07:30–17:30. Best season: spring (Apr–May) brings blossom to Mount Song; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk. Combine with Only Henan · Theatre City, the Henan Museum and the Yellow River Scenic Area for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time.

Tip: The martial arts performance lasts about 30 minutes; arrive early to get a seat.

• Address: Mount Song Shaolin Scenic Area, Dengfeng, Zhengzhou, Henan Province
• Ticket: ¥80
• Opening: 07:30–17:30

Only Henan · Theatre City was created by the Jianye Group and opened in 2021. A 328-metre-square rammed-earth wall encloses 56 grid spaces containing 21 theatres. The three main stages, Phantom City, Lijiacun and Railway Station, tell Henan's story from the perspectives of civilisation, famine and migration; the site also has wheat fields, sunken courtyards, migratory birds and other scenes. Performances run on a rolling schedule, so plan your route in advance. Highlights include the Phantom City theatre, Lijiacun theatre, Railway Station theatre, and the wheat fields and rammed-earth walls. Tip: allow at least a full day, check the schedule on the official mini-program in advance and reserve the main stages; wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking. Practical info: located at Ping'an Avenue at the junction with Guanghui Street, Zhongmu County, Zhengzhou; ticket about ¥290 (includes main stages; price varies with session and package, subject to official rates); opening hours 10:00–21:00 (evening performances until closing, subject to the day's schedule).

Tip: Allow at least a full day, check the schedule on the official mini-program in advance and reserve the main sta…

• Address: Ping'an Avenue at the junction with Guanghui Street, Zhongmu County, Zhengzhou
• Ticket: About ¥290 (includes main stages; price varies with session and package, subject to official rates)
• Opening: 10:00–21:00 (evening performances until closing; subject to the day's schedule)

The Henan Museum is one of China's most famous museums, with more than 170,000 objects and a particular strength in prehistoric finds and Shang and Zhou bronzes. Its building is shaped like a pyramid, which is distinctive. Highlights include the Jiahu bone flute, the Fuhao owl zun, the lotus-and-crane square hu and the cloud-pattern bronze jin. Tip: a guide makes Central Plains civilisation easier to understand. Practical info: located at 8 Nongye Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province; admission free; opening hours 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays). Best season: spring (Apr–May) brings blossom to Mount Song; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk. Combine with Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, Only Henan · Theatre City and the Yellow River Scenic Area for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time.

Tip: A guide makes Central Plains civilisation easier to understand.

• Address: 8 Nongye Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province
• Ticket: Free
• Opening: 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays)

The Yellow River Scenic Area lies on the south bank of the Yellow River and looks over the 'suspended river' wonder. The colossal statues of the Yan and Huang Emperors are 106 metres high, among the largest sculptures in the world. Highlights include the Mother Yellow River statue, Wulong Peak and the Yellow River Bridge. Tip: go in the evening to enjoy the Yellow River sunset. Practical info: located on the south bank of the Yellow River, Jiangshan Road, Huiji District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province; ticket ¥60; opening hours 08:00–18:00. Best season: spring (Apr–May) brings blossom to Mount Song; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk. Combine with Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, Only Henan · Theatre City and the Henan Museum for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and avoid the crowds, allowing time for queues and security checks.

Tip: Go in the evening to enjoy the Yellow River sunset. The scenic area is large, and there is a sightseeing bus.

• Address: South bank of the Yellow River, Jiangshan Road, Huiji District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province
• Ticket: ¥60
• Opening: 08:00–18:00

The Zhengzhou Shang City Ruins Museum is built on the wall ruins of the Shang capital and shows the scale and civilisation of the Shang capital 3,600 years ago. The wall ruins are well preserved and are among China's earliest urban sites. Highlights include the Shang dynasty wall ruins, the bronze gallery, the restored ancient wall and the Shang civilisation exhibition. Tip: visit on the same day as the Henan Museum to understand Shang civilisation as a whole. Practical info: located on East Street, Guancheng Hui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province; admission free; opening hours 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays). Best season: spring (Apr–May) brings blossom to Mount Song; autumn (Sep–Nov) is clear and brisk. Combine with Shaolin Temple on Mount Song, Only Henan · Theatre City and the Henan Museum for a half- or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before you go, and allow enough time.

Tip: Visit on the same day as the Henan Museum to understand Shang civilisation as a whole.

• Address: East Street, Guancheng Hui District, Zhengzhou, Henan Province
• Ticket: Free
• Opening: 09:00–17:00 (closed Mondays)