Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Henan, China

1. 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..
   
2. 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..
   
3. 4.5 Mt. Song (90 reviews)
   - Beautiful scenery, well worth a visit
   Wednesday: 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. 4.5 Luoyang Tomb Museum (53 reviews)
   - Surprisingly interesting
   Wednesday: 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..
   
5. 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..
   
6. 4.5 Chongdu Ditch (45 reviews)
   - 山水佳景，避暑佳地。
   Wednesday: 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..
   
7. 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..
   
8. 4.5 Chinese Character Museum (31 reviews)
   - Very special but provide a good overview.
   Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
   
   
   Spacious Museum showcast the developement of Chinese Writing with a lot of Information to the finds in Anyang / Shang Dynasty See more..
   
9. 4.5 Yao Mountain (30 reviews)
   - Excellent hike
   Wednesday: 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..
   
10. 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..
    
11. 4.5 Qiyun Tower (29 reviews)
    - Favourite Part of White Horse Temple
    Wednesday: 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..
    
12. 4.5 China National Flower Garden (28 reviews)
    - In time for Luoyang Peony festival
    Wednesday: 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..
    
13. 4.5 Red Flag Canal Scenic Resort (26 reviews)
    - Hard Workers of China
    Open now - 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites
    
    
    See more..
    
14. 4.5 Zhongyue Temple (24 reviews)
    - Must visit if you’re a Taoism
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    This area around Luoyang and Dengfeng have deep history dated long before Xian and Beijing. One of the oldest Taoist Temple and must visit Lao Zi the founder of Taoism all the way at the back of the temple. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Linzhou Grand Canyon (24 reviews)
    - Восторг!
    Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM Canyons
    
    
    Впечатления об этом месте только замечательные. По маршруту много разных красивых видов - водопады, необычные скалы, стеклянные тропы, лестница - спираль. Описать увиденное трудно передать словами, это надо увидеть. На прохождение всех маршрутов нужен целый день. Несмотря на туман, который иногда закрывал пики гор, я получила массу восторженных эмоций. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Yin Xu (23 reviews)
    - Amazing
    Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM Historic Sites
    
    
    Incredible remains of two horses, 1 rider and the carriage per carriage. Really interesting. Information also written in English. See more..
    
17. 4.5 Guoliang Village and Guoliang Tunnel Road (22 reviews)
    - Nice place to get away from the city for a few days!
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    There are many trails up the mountains from the village and there is enough there to hike for a few days. The highlight is the tunnel! I believe you can catch a bus to the area from Zhengzhou or Luoyang bus stations, but we had a private coach booked. About 3 hours ride. See more..
    
18. 4.5 Sanhuang Village Scenic Resort (22 reviews)
    - Start or end point to hike Mount Song
    Wednesday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains • Geologic Formations
    
    
    This is not exactly a scenic resort, but likely your start or end point if you wish to hike Mount Song. Please see my review on Mount Song for my hiking experience. From the base of mountain, it is a steep climb, hundreds of steps before one reaches the monastery. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed inside the compound. Hence I could only take photos of the external buildings and surrounding. The monastery compound was quiet and quaint, against the mountain backdrop. See more..
    

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.