Things to do & places to visit in Henan, China

Henan #20 destination in China 2023. The average rating score is 4.21 based on 8.395 traveler reviews, of 958 attractions. Timezone: Asia/Shanghai, current date and time: Monday, April 29, 2024, 17:05.

Henan Weather Statistics view more »

General weather summary in April

75°F - 49°F

Temperature Highs - Lows

Mildly cool with a gentle breeze

Feels like

14%

Chance of rain

61.0 millimeters

Amount

13.6 mph

Wind speed

46%

Humidity

13.0

Daylight length

5:55 AM

Sunrise

6:56 PM

Sunset

53%

Cloud cover

Sweater

What to wear

Top things to do (25)

Top destinations in Henan 100

See more 88 destinations »

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Binyang Cave (32 reviews)
- Excellent Attraction
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Yes, go see! This is part of the grottoes and a must see. Our group really enjoyed all the caves, carvings and river walk . See more..
5.0 CK Martial Hearts (Shaolin Temple) (28 reviews)
- Unforgettable Trip
Spent More than 3 hours Lessons & Workshops

CK Martial Hearts offers the opportunity to experience life & train kung fu inside the most iconic martial arts location in the world - the Shaolin Temple. Aside from Shaolin kung fu, CK Martial Hearts offers classes in Taichi, qigong and self-defense, as well as the chance to learn more about the Shaolin Temple through guided tours provided by native-English speaking guides. See more..
4.5 Longmen Grottoes (1.611 reviews)
- Interesting and spectacular
Monday: 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM Historic Sites • Caverns & Caves • Geologic Formations

Early Chinese Buddhist cave art is represented by well-preserved pagodas, carvings and statues. See more..
4.5 Yuntaishan Geopark (1.003 reviews)
- Fantastic
Open now - 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM National Parks • Geologic Formations

I start by saying that you should spend at least 2 days inside the park. Numerous small hotels and restaurants are available at reasonable prices. The whole park is amazing and very good to you health. I would recommend to buy souvenirs here as the prices are not overpriced. See more..
4.5 Luoyang Museum (127 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Monday: History Museums

A taxi costs you Rmb 16 from Luoyang Longmen station. It is very new and clean and well laid out. It's more on ancient China. Unfortunately the city itself has nothing to offer. There is storage cubicles for your luggage and a big bag can be accommodated. Currently, everything is free, including entry and luggage storage. The museum shop provided some shopping with good prices. We went in December so there was no crowd and it was relaxing and informative. Highly recommended if you have time. See more..
4.5 Mt. Song (90 reviews)
- Beautiful scenery, well worth a visit
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Mountains

Went to Mount Song and I must say it was amazing. I live in Zhengzhou so I took the 7am bus from the Long distance bus station by the railway station. It costs 28 RMB. The bus literally stops at Shaolin Temple so no need to worry. Missed the first Martial Arts show for 9:30am so I had to walk for about 15 mins to Shaolin Temple to look around and walked back to the Martial Arts Hall for the 10:30am show. Entering Shaolin and watching the show costs 100RMB. Nothing really fancy in the show, was expecting brick breaking and all. Then, started the hike to the mountain. There are two ways to hike and I started mine from Shaolin Temple to Shanghuazhai because there’s no bus at Shanghuazhai ending if you do the hike in reverse, which makes your going home harder and you have to struggle for an illegal taxi. There are two signs for the cable car, use the one on the right (it’s pretty new). Specify if you want a single ride or return ride but I opted for a return ride and I was glad I did cos my legs couldn’t take it anymore. Return trip is 100RMB, single is 80RMB. The cable car takes up to the top of the mountain and you walk the rest of the way. I did mine in about 1.5-2 hours. Got to the suspension bridge and walked back down to get the cable car. Take water up there, cos the ones being sold along the hike is expensive. DONOT wear slippers, you’ll hurt yourself. Don’t drink too much water along the hike (there are no restrooms). If you love photography, bring your camera. When I was done, I walked back out through Shaolin Temple to the bus station and caught a bus going back to Zhengzhou (28 RMB). Got back to Zhengzhou by 6:30pm. See more..
4.5 Luoyang Tomb Museum (53 reviews)
- Surprisingly interesting
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Speciality Museums

This is clearly a very old museum and it feels as if it's long been forgotten and neglected. It's quite a trek out of Luoyang, but the 83 bus runs to the entrance from downtown for just RMB1.5. There is about a half mile walk from the entrance gate to the ticket office, where you just need to sign in as it's an (almost) free museum. Inside the rather dilapidated, run down buildings, you'll find a labyrinth of underground tombs, some of which are empty and some of which have ancient artefacts. From what little I could gather, the tombs are replicas but the artefacts are real. It is all a bit claustrophobic and you will need to keep crouching and ducking to see everything, but it's all very interesting. Once you emerge from the austere caverns, you'll find several exhibition halls in the grounds, although the only one open at the moment is the furthest hall, displaying the frescoes. This is a wonderful museum. You will have to pay RMB1 to put thin plastic covers over your shoes, but that's the only charge. It's a bit of a joke as they're so thin, they tear as you try to put them on. Everything inside is hermetically sealed behind glass, so their concern for dirt and dust is misplaced. Most of the exhibits are downstairs, something not readily apparent. To the west of the museum, you'll find the real tomb of one of the historic figures, underneath a vast mound. Don't miss this. It's not very well posted. A very good, but sadly clearly neglected museum well worth seeking out. See more..
4.5 Yin Dynasty Ruins (48 reviews)
- Amazing Place to Visit
Architectural Buildings

My visit to Yin Xu was wonderful. Although the people who work there don't speak much English, the English signage around the grounds and in the various museums/exhibits are mostly excellent. It was very quiet when I was there (mid morning), with only a few local tourists walking around. The grounds are also lovely, tranquil and there are also many photo opportunities. I don't remember much in the way of food and drink, so maybe take a snack and a bottleof water. Yin Xu is only a 10 minute cab ride from the centre of town and only cost approx $5AUD. You'll probably need approx 2 hours to see the entire place, however anyone interested in Chinese history and language could easily spend longer there. Definitely recommended if you find yourself in Anyang..... See more..
4.5 Chongdu Ditch (45 reviews)
- 山水佳景，避暑佳地。
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Nature & Wildlife Areas

夏季的旅游最佳去处是重渡沟这种山水皆有的地方，只有这里能够让人浸在都市中那种烦躁闷热的心有所归依，暂时栖息。虽然细流的水并不是很清澈，但是树荫下的水流还是非常的清凉的，在没有太阳的阴天里走在树荫满布的小溪边，是非常惬意的。这次旅行让人觉得是一个非常清新惬意的旅程，期待能够与重渡沟重聚。 See more..
4.5 LuoYang LaoCheng LiShi WenHua GuJie (37 reviews)
- Into the Chinese
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Feel like eating crunchy locusts or scorpions? Do you prefer these sweet little candied apples - or are these quinces? Do you feel more like this tasty tofu or is it to spicy? This market, in the early evening enjoyably crowded, is a sensational, vibrant and exciting experience, it was one of the highlights of this journey that touched many highly rated Chinese highlights. The only western faces we saw was a group of tourists, hunted by their stressing guide - a common image in China, btw. See more..
4.5 Chinese Character Museum (31 reviews)
- Very special but provide a good overview.
Monday: Speciality Museums

Spacious Museum showcast the developement of Chinese Writing with a lot of Information to the finds in Anyang / Shang Dynasty See more..
4.5 Yao Mountain (30 reviews)
- Excellent hike
Monday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Mountains

We walked up Yao mountain (it's all paved) and caught the cable car down to the bottom. The views are spectacular when you get to the top. There are waterfalls, which I'm told and certain times of year are spectacular, though they looked pretty good to us. Also there are lots of places to stop on the way up, for a picnic or rest. Very civilised! See more..
4.5 Longtan Canyon (29 reviews)
- Beautiful. Well worth the visit!
Canyons

The Longtan Canyon is quite beautiful. And very quiet on weekdays. This is definitely a full day trip. Most important is right at the beginning of the walking path, there is a fork one going to the Dragon Pool and the other to the Dragon Pavilion. Take the path to the Dragon Pool. Some folks said it will connect up but we didn’t see where it connects up. The ultimate goal is to get to the Longtan Great waterfall. It will take about 3 -3.5 hours to walk in and then you can pay to take the electric car out. There are concession stands in the canyon and the prices are really reasonable so you don’t need to carry that much water with you. Definitely worth the trip as it is beautifully quiet. The park has done a great job with keeping trash and pollution to zero. See more..
4.5 Qiyun Tower (29 reviews)
- Favourite Part of White Horse Temple
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Observation Decks & Towers

This was my favourite part of the White Horse Temple complex. You must pay admission for white horse temple (35 in low/winter and 45 for high/summer) for entry to the Qiyun pagoda. The area was mostly quiet with people enjoying the pagoda area but I could see it getting out of hand because if you clap it could sound like frogs croaking. There is a sign that explains the area's history very well in English and I'm assuming Chinese. There is also a nice garden to walk through and an authentic feel to the area. Plan to spend around 1 to 2 hours in the complex. Go on a sunny or overcast day as there is not much covered areas in case of rain. Transportation is tricky because the metro doesn't go all the way out there but the white horse temple comes up on Didi. I had troubles getting a Didi put but there was a line of taxis for pickup. See more..
4.5 China National Flower Garden (28 reviews)
- In time for Luoyang Peony festival
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

Surprised to see so many peonies with so many colors. The park is huge. It was a pleasant walk in the park with flowers in full bloom. See more..
4.0 Monastero Shaolin (Shaolin Temple) (737 reviews)
- The legend- a blur of fact and fancy
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Religious Sites • Educational sites

This is a famous martial arts monastery, the birthplace of both kung fu and Zen Buddhism See more..
4.0 White Horse Temple (317 reviews)
- History poor
Monday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Religious Sites

If you want to know more about how Buddhism arrived in China the place to go. A nice add on are the temples from India, Thailand and Miramar See more..
4.0 Millennium City Park (261 reviews)
- Visiting Henan
Monday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

Excellent to learn about Chinese History, specially my wife and me who are teachers. They have a great show with more than 700 artists, along a river inspired in the Chinese famous painting along the Yellow River. See more..
4.0 Henan Museum (158 reviews)
- Fabulous resource, beautiful displays
Speciality Museums

The Henan Provincial Museum is a fabulous resource that provides rich insights into more than 5,000 years of Chinese history. The displays are beautifully arranged in the magnificent new building, and explained in both Chinese and English. The collection covers every major period in Chinese history from prehistory up to the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Some of the earliest artifacts--oracle bones--that document the dawn of Chinese civilization were uncovered in this area and are on display at this museum. As of 2008, admission to the museum is free Tues-Friday. Every day, there is a 30 minute performance of ancient Chinese music (40 RMB charge in 2008). This is one of the best history museums in China and on par with the National Palace Museum in Taipei (which contains most of the Chinese national treasures that would have been on display in Beijing before 1949). See more..
4.0 Pagoda Forest of Shaolin Temple (145 reviews)
- Another must visit spot In Shaolin temple
Monday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Observation Decks & Towers

Beautiful acknowledgement to those who have gone before us. I did not know that Pagoda is a tomb made for those who are not only famous in their live times but also have created something noble that made people want to devote and remember them even if they are no longer alive. See more..
4.0 Shailin Martial Arts Hall (125 reviews)
- Time your visit to watch the performance
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM

It is best to time your visit to watch the show. I was there at 0845hr, but the first show starts at 0930hr. Hence I proceeded to visit the Shaolin Temple first. After that I needed to walk back to watch the 1030hr show. To have a good seat in the middle, I recommend to queue up at least 15mins before show time. It was crowded with local tour groups. Though the hall can seat approximately 150 person, the middle section is filled up very quickly. The martial arts show was entertaining and impressive. The performers must have spent many hours daily practising kung fu for many months in order to do the stunts. The show lasted 30mins, which is sufficient to appreciate Shaolin kung fu. Fyi, the show times are 0930hr, 1030hr, 1130hr, 1400hr, 1500hr and 1600hr, with additional 1700hr slot during summer. See more..
4.0 Kaifeng Iron Tower Park (113 reviews)
- The only remnant of ancient Kaifeng
Monday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Parks

Kaifeng, located south of the Yellow River was totally flooded several time in history and most of its history is buried under layers of mud. The Iron Pagoda was constructed on a hill (great foresight) so after the many flooding through the centuries, it is now at ground level. So it is about the only authentic historical structure left in Kaifeng. We climbed to the top, thankfully we were the only ones in our group to do so as the space inside is extremely tight and it is very hard to pass another person. It reminded me of the Cu Chi tunnels of the Viet Cong. Relics of the Buddha have been found here under the Pagoda. See more..
4.0 Luoyang International Peony Garden (110 reviews)
- full of peonies there
Monday: 7:30 AM - 9:30 PM Parks

the peony nice and beautiful in Luoyang city, there is a national peonies park beside the White horse temple. See more..
4.0 Lijing Gate (100 reviews)
- Just a tourist spot
Monday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Ancient Ruins

A beautiful gate, barbican and city wall. Unfortunately, it is not a real ancient architecture. It is a rebuilt historical site. There are many stores and shops "in" the city wall and pavilions. So, seen from outside, it is an awesome “old” City Gate; seen from inside, it is a big shopping mall. ……a little ridiculous. It is really a good place to take pictures. But remember, it is not a real historical spot. See more..
4.0 Yellow River (89 reviews)
- pretty cool place to visit.
Bodies of Water

It is about two hours each way from Zhengzhou, but the place is a must see. Totally worth the drive and the visit. See more..
4.0 Century Amusement Park, Zhengzhou (86 reviews)
- Awesome
Monday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Amusement & Theme Parks

Paid for the entry for about 180 for adults,but there are small fees for other attractions, so fast ,wear comfortable shoes,bring water and umbrella.Experience fun rides, "fishing"and exhibits. See more..
4.0 Dragon Pavilion Park (Long Ting) (85 reviews)
- Palace of Six Dynasties
Castles • Parks

Longting Park is scenic, and a nice place for a relaxing walk. It contains mostly replicas of historical structures, rather than ancient ones. See more..
4.0 Bali Valley Scenic Resort (82 reviews)
- 八里沟
Monday: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks

我去的时候感觉不太好主要是因为人太多了那里都是人就没有欣赏景得情致了那里有一条大瀑布还有一个水帘洞水帘洞里感觉挺好的还有几只猴子没什么意思山上有车可以带你下山还有走几步就是卖东西的不过都比较贵也不好吃 See more..
4.0 Guanlin Temple (General Guan's Tomb) (82 reviews)
- Exquisite Temple Complex
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues

We pointed to this site on our map and showed it to our driver thinking it was the White Horse Temple. When we arrived, we were blown away how stunning this facility is. It was the White Horse which is also wonderful, but this temple was one of the most beautiful we visited during our trip to China. If I have my story straight, I believe it is the temple where Confuscious, Taoist, and Buddhist were all represented. I sacred place and very beautiful. If visiting Luoyang, I would say this and the Grottoes were my favorite sites. See more..
4.0 Zhengzhou Museum (75 reviews)
- Henan Provincial Museum, not Zhengzhou Museum
Monday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Speciality Museums

This is not the Zhengzhou (City) Museum. The title picture is the Henan Provincial Museum on Nongye Lu (Road) which I have already reviewed under that title. The Zhengzhou Museum is a different museum and is located on Songshan Lu to the west of the Railway Station in the old government quarter. The artifacts pictured here are from the Henan Museum. Both museums are excellent, but they are different. And there is a Henan Geological Museum at 18 Jinshui Road which is also worth visiting. But the reader should be aware that there are a number of confused listings from Henan Province - incorrect labels or photographs posted from entirely different sites. I will try to make corrections when I have time, but so far I know of at least half a dozen incorrect attraction listings in the Zhengzhou-Xinzheng area alone. Tourists are not always the most reliable sources of information. See more..