Top 10 Things to Do in Zhengzhou

Known as the birthplace of Chinese Zen Buddhism and Chinese Kungfu, Shaolin Temple has been on the World Cultural & Natural Heritage List in 2010 and visiting it has been one of the top things to do in Zhengzhou, especially for those Kungfu lovers. The excellent martial art performance in Martial Arts Training Center shows the true Shaolin Kungfu to visitors which can’t be missed. Shaolin Temple is also regarded as “the number one temple under heaven” because of its important position in Chinese Buddhism history. You can pay a visit to Pagoda Forest, Mahavira Hall, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Dharma Cave, etc. Shaolin Temple is at the northern foot Songshan Mountain, which is about 85 kilometers (53 miles) southwest to Zhengzhou City.

Songshan Mountain is one of the “Five Sacred Mountains” in China where ancient emperors hold the heaven worship ceremonies. Climbing Songshan Mountain is also a top thing to do in Zhengzhou for most travelers. Songshan Mountain consists of Mount Taishi, Mount Shaoshi and other 72 mountains with abundant plant and animal resources. Also, there are valleys, basins and hills. The most special point is that it plays an indispensable role in the spread of Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism. Shaolin Temple, Zhongyue Temple and Songyang Academy there are the representative architecture of the three religions.

Songyang Academy was a famous “college” and one of the four most influential academies in ancient China, mainly spreading Confucianism. If you want to know how the ancient Chinese university is like, it is the right place to visit. The academy is not big, but with 108 ancient architectures in the style of Qing Dynasty (1636 – 1912). Inside, there are also 2 ancient cypresses with an age of 4,500 years old. They are the oldest and largest cypresses in China now. Backed on Junji Peak of Songshan Mountain and facing the clear Shuangxi River, with Xiaoyang Valley in the east and Mount Shaoshi in the west, it is a good place for relaxation and self-cultivation. 

Henan Museum displays the splendid civilization of Central China which once surpassed the civilization of China and even the world. There are about 170,000 cultural relics in the museum and most are from the archaeological excavations in Henan Province. They are displayed in 8 exhibition halls in time order. The most characteristic cultural relics are bronze wares, jade, ceramics and stone-carvings. The most precious treasure of the museum is Bone Flute, Mural Painting of Four Animals in Clouds, Bronze Jin with Cloud Pattern, etc.

Zhengzhou gathers many delicious food of central China, among which Hui Main Noodles is the most representative. So eating a bowl of Hui Mian has been a top thing to do in Zhengzhou for visitors, especially foodies. The soup is brewed for 5 hours or more in advance with tender lamb, sheep bones and other 7 or 8 traditional Chinese medicines, umami and nutritious. There are also shredded kelp, tofu, coriander, bean vermicelli and quail egg in a bowl of Hui Mian noodles.

 See also: Henan Food – Cuisine of Henan in Central China

Located 20 kilometers (12 miles) northwest to Zhengzhou City, it shows the majestic scenery of Yellow River and long-lasting Yellow River Culture. In this scenic area, tourist can feel the surging and powerful Yellow River in a close distance. Also, it is the origin of the Overhanging River, where the river flows over the head. Another highlight is the 100-meter high Stone Figures of Yandi and Huangdi who are known as the ancestors of Chinese people. They are carved on the mountain directly. At around 10:00 and 15:00, there are ancestor worship performances so that tourists can have a better understanding of Chinese culture.

Visiting Erqi Square is definitely one of the top things to do in Zhengzhou. It is in the city center and Erqi Memorial Tower in the center of the square is the landmark of the city. It has 14 layers and a height of 63 meters (206 feet). On the top of the building is a bell knocking every hour on the hour. Every floor of the tower has antique cornices on each corner and green glazed tiles as roof. Climbing onto the top, you can have a bird view of the city. Erqi Square is surrounded by plenty of department stores and shopping malls. If you want to go shopping in Zhengzhou, Erqi Square is definitely the best place to go.

Zhengzhou Shang Dynasty Ruins is a capital ruin dating back to early Shang Dynasty (17th century BC - 1046 BC) about 3,500 years ago. It is the largest and most well-preserved capital ruins of Shang Dynasty. Its layout and architecture style greatly influenced the construction of Chinese cities in later dynasties. The most well-preserved part is the city wall and palace area. Plenty of potteries, stone tools, jade articles, bronze wares, and bone wares have been unearthed here. To know more about the history of Shang Dynasty, you can visit the museum & relics and archaeology institute in the scenic area.

KANGBAI-WANS Mansions was first built in Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD) and expanded several times in Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1911 AD) and the Republic of China era (1912 – 1949). It used to be the residence of a super-rich family in these 400 years. It now covers a mountain side from the foot all the way to the top, including 33 court yards, 52 villas, 73 cave dwellings and over 1,300 rooms in 19 architectural style. With residences, workshops, schools, ancestral hall, gardens and pavilions, the mansions have both the characteristics of garden art and imperial art. Now, it has been one of the top 3 manors in China and a representative architectural complex in feudal fortress style in 17 – 18th century. Walking in the scenic area, you will have a chance experiencing the life of a millionaire family at that time, making it one of the top things to do in Zhengzhou.

Huangdi Hometown is a holy land for Chinese people to worship their ancestor, Huangdi, also known as Yellow Emperor. Xuanyuan Temple firstly built in Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD) is the main and the most ancient building of Huangdi Hometown Scenic Area. In the Chinese Surname Square, more than 4,600 surnames are carved on. Besides, the ancestor worship ceremony is held every March 3rd in Chinese lunar calendar. The ceremony includes setting off fireworks, burning incense, worshiping, singing and dancing, praying for China, etc. Even though you are not a Chinese, you will marvel at the magnificent ceremony.