Zhengzhou Travel Guide: Discover the Best of Zhengzhou

Located in central China, Zhengzhou is the capital and largest city of Henan Province. Of huge historical significance, it is recognized as a key birthplace of Chinese civilization. With a rich history spanning over 3,500 years, Zhengzhou boasts many cultural and historical sites, including Shaolin Temple, Songyang Academy, Mount Song, Yin Ruins, and Erqi Memorial Tower.

Except for its historical treasures, Zhengzhou stands out as an important transportation hub in Henan and it connects major cities in China like Beijing, Xi’an, and Guangzhou through an extensive high-speed rail network. If you want to travel there, we can customize your Henan tours to Zhengzhou.

Chinese: 郑州 zhèng zhōu
Population: 13.086 million in 2024
Area: 7567 square kilometers
Airport: CGO
Zip Code: 450048
Time Zone: GMT+8

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Why Visit Zhengzhou

Rich History and Culture: Being one of the eight ancient capitals of China, Zhengzhou is also the cradle of Chinese civilization. There are numerous cultural and historical relics, through which you can learn more about its illustrious past.
Shaolin Temple and Shaolin Kung Fu: As a landmark of Zhengzhou City of Henan in China, Shaolin Temple has gained a worldwide reputation for its martial arts and Zen Buddhism. If you are interested in Chinese Kung Fu, never miss this place on your tour of Zhengzhou in Henan.
Magnificent Landscapes: Lies on the southern bank of the Yellow River, Zhengzhou greets visitors with beautiful mountains, rivers, gardens, and temples. Moreover, the Fu Tower is a great place for viewing the city’s night views.

History of Zhengzhou

As one of the eight ancient capitals in China, Zhengzhou boasts rich history.

Over 3,600 years ago, King Tang found the Shang Dynasty, one of the earliest dynasties in Chinese history, and also established the capital here. It then served as capitals three times for Guan, Zheng, and Han states in the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods (770 BCE – 221 BCE).

After the Qin Dynasty unified China, Xingyang, part of present-day Zhengzhou became a crucial military stronghold. The name “Zhengzhou” initially emerged during the Sui Dynasty (581 CE – 618 CE) when Emperor Yang of Sui constructed the Grand Canal and Tongji Canal, transforming Zhengzhou into a vital hub for water and land transportation. In 1954, the Henan Provincial People’s Government was moved from Kaifeng to Zhengzhou. It served as the provincial capital of Henan by then. This solidified its status as a political, cultural, and transportation center.

The city is home to hundreds of Paleolithic and Neolithic sites, revealing the earliest glimmer of Chinese civilization.

Modern Zhengzhou – A Hub for National Transportation

Thanks to its strategic position, Zhengzhou City now serves as a core transportation hub in the country. It is located in the heart of central China, seeing the country’s major railway lines, such as the north-south (Beijing-Guangzhou Line) and east-west (Longhai Line) railway arteries intersect. This intersection makes it highly accessible within 3 hours from many major cities in China.

Top Attractions in Zhengzhou

Shaolin Temple

As the cradle of Chinese Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism, this temple in Zhengzhou has gained worldwide recognition due to the dedication and continuous development of Shaolin Kung Fu by generations of Shaolin monks.

Mount Song

Known as the "Central Peak" among the Five Great Mountains of China, Mount Song boasts 72 peaks, which offers a good chance for mountain climbing. The beautiful sunrise on the mountaintop attracts visitors a lot.

Henan Museum

This museum in Zhengzhou houses over 170,000 cultural relics and is particularly noted for its prehistoric artifacts, bronze ware from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, as well as the ceramics, jade, and stone carvings from various periods.

Yellow River Scenic Area

This is a large scenic area that integrates sightseeing tourism, leisure vacation, popular science education, ancestral worship, and the promotion of Chinese civilization. It features five major areas with over forty attractions open to the public.

Unique Henan · Land of Dramas

Spanning 622 acres and featuring a one-sided structure, it stands as China's first panoramic immersive drama theme park and is among the largest and longest-running drama clusters in the country with creative inspiration from the Yellow River civilization.

Erqi Memorial Tower

Being a landmark of the city of Zhengzhou, this memorial tower is built to commemorate the 1923 Jinghan Railway Workers' Movement. It is a brick-and-wood structure and is one of the earliest memorial buildings in New China.

Fuxi Mountain Grand Canyon

Known for its distinctive red sandstone landforms and Fuxi culture, this canyon offers a good opportunity for visitors to enjoy a "rock bath." Besides, it also presents beautiful waterscapes of waterfalls, ponds, and lakes.

Huangdi Hometown Scenic Area

Located in Xinzheng of Zhengzhou, this scenic area has undergone multiple expansions. The overall layout emphasizes the theme of the "Root of Chinese Civilization" and consists of three main sections—Heaven, Earth, and Man—arranged from north to south.

Top Things to Do in Zhengzhou

1. Explore the Shaolin Temple

As a world-famous tourist attraction, the Shaolin Temple in Zhengzhou of China is a must-visit attraction on your Henan tours. This ancient Buddhist monastery not only allows you to marvel at the unique architecture but also offers a good opportunity for you to experience the miraculous Kung Fu performances. Moreover, it is the birthplace of Zen Buddhism. If you are interested in the culture of Zen Buddhism, never miss this place.

2. Wander through the Yellow River Scenic Area

The Yellow River Scenic Area of Zhengzhou boasts many historic sites and beautiful natural views. Next to the statues of Emperor Yang and Emperor Huang, there are majestic Wulong Peaks and precipitous cliffs. Besides, it also attracts visitors with its riverbank scenery. Take a walk along the banks of the Yellow River at sunset, you will be amazed by the charming views.

3. Visit the Zhengzhou Folk Museum

As a city with a long history and rich culture, Zhengzhou greets visitors with a diverse culture and customs, which can be found in the Zhengzhou Folk Museum. There, you’ll discover the traditional architecture, folk customs, and various art forms of this city.

4. Discover Marvelous Fu Tower

Fu Tower in Zhengzhou is a perfect combination of modern architecture and art. It is 388 meters tall, presenting embosses of myth and stone sculptures of ancient celebrities. Standing on the tower, you can overlook the beautiful night scenery of this city. Besides, it offers a chance for you to experience the thrilling air corridor and the glass slideway.

5. Experience the Zhengzhou CBD

Zhengzhou is a city integrating ancientness and modernity, and its bustling Central Business District (CBD) also attracts visitors a lot. Visiting there, you will find towering skyscrapers, luxury hotels, large shopping malls, and entertainment. Just hang out there and immerse yourself in the city’s modern lifestyle by shopping and dining.

6. Immerse Yourself in Zhengzhou Yunshan Ranch

Being a unique immersive animal theme park, Zhengzhou Yunshan Ranch is an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts and a fantastic family-friendly destination. It is home to dozens of animal species, including sika deer, marmots, Boer goats, Dutch mini pigs, Angora rabbits, and black swans. Besides, the Stairway to Heaven in Zhengzhou Yunshan Ranch attracts numerous tourists.

7. Taste Local Delicacies

Zhengzhou of Henan treats visitors with a lot of delicious foods, among which the braised noodles (Hui Mian) is a representative and distinctive dish. It combines various ingredients, including meat, vegetables, soup, and noodles, resulting in a delicious and affordable meal that enjoys a stellar reputation in this city. Except for Zhengzhou noodles, spicy soups and various pancakes are also popular foods worth trying.

Zhengzhou Weather

Zhengzhou experiences a delightful warm temperate continental monsoon climate characterized by four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature of this city is about 14.3°C and the average annual rainfall is about 640mm.

Throughout the year, July takes the crown as the hottest month, with an average temperature of 27.3°C, while January claims the title for the coldest month, with an average temperature of -0.2°C. Also, July and August bring the highest rainfall, while December and January experience drier conditions.

Best Time to Visit Zhengzhou

The best time to visit Zhengzhou in China is between April and May or from September to November when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its most pleasant. Besides, you can plan your trip to Zhengzhou in Henan during the local festivals to make your tour more enjoyable. What should be noticed is that these periods are peak seasons for tourism, so it will be better if you can arrange your accommodations and transportation in advance.

Zhengzhou Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation for your Henan Zhengzhou tours, it depends on the attractions where you are going to visit. Stay in a hotel in Dengfeng City if you decide to explore Shaolin Temple and climb Mount Song, and choose hotels in Zhengzhou of China if you want to explore scenic spots in Zhengzhou.

By the way, if you travel by train and arrive at Zhengzhou East Railway Station, Innside by Melia Zhengzhou is a wonderful hotel for you, as it offers good services and advanced facilities.

Zhengzhou Cuisine – What and Where to Eat in Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou cuisine is characterized by its savory and rich flavors. Many of its dishes usually feature sauces made from sesame paste and broad bean paste. It is a “Noodle Kingdom,” offering a variety of noodles and flatbreads. Beyond noodles, warming soups also play a significant role in locals’ daily life. They usually start a day with a bowl of Hu La Tang (aka hot pepper soup or spicy soup), and find comfort with the warm Hui Mian in winter.

Listed in the following table are some of the must-try food in Zhengzhou, including recommended restaurants to enjoy them and tips to order them:

Food Item (Pinyin)	Characteristics	Recommended Restaurants	Ordering Tips / Notes
Hú Là Tāng (胡辣汤)	Thick, sour, and spicy soup with beef, wood ear mushrooms, and gluten.	Fāng Zhōngshān Hú Là Tāng (总店 – Main Branch) – Zijing Mountain Road (near Dongdajie Metro Station)	Order “liǎng cān” (两掺) to get a mix of Hú Là Tāng and Tofu Brain for a smoother taste.
Huì Miàn (烩面)	Hand-wide noodles in lamb bone broth, best paired with sweet garlic to cut greasiness.	Hé Jì Huì Miàn (合记烩面 – Old Brand) – Renmin Road, Jinshui DistrictXiāo Jì Sānxiān Huì Miàn (萧记三鲜烩面 – with sea cucumber and squid) – Shangdu Road, Zhengdong New District
Mèn Bǐng (焖饼)	Shredded flatbread stir-fried with bean sprouts and shredded meat, crispy and chewy.	Gě Jì Mèn Bǐng (葛记焖饼 – 80-year-old shop)	Must-try: Jarred Pork Mèn Bǐng (坛子肉焖饼) + Red Bean Porridge (红豆粥).
Huáng Hé Dà Lǐ Yú (黄河大鲤鱼)	Sweet and sour braised Yellow River carp, shaped like a “dragon leaping over the gate.”	Ā Wǔ Huáng Hé Dà Lǐ Yú (阿五黄河大鲤鱼 – Chain store, Zhengheng City branch is most convenient)
Yáng Ròu Kàng Mó (羊肉炕馍)	Thin flatbread filled with cumin lamb, pan-fried until golden and crispy.	Jiànkāng Lù Yèshì (健康路夜市 – Jiankang Road Night Market, opens after 6 PM)	A top choice for night markets.

Zhengzhou Transportation

How to Get to Zhengzhou

By Flight: Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport serves as a prominent national hub and it operates flights from more than 110 domestic and international cities. Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Macau, Seoul, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Singapore are all connected to Zhengzhou. Generally, the flight to Zhengzhou from Beijing or Shanghai takes about 2 hours.

By Train: As a major railway hub in China, Zhengzhou has two main railway stations, that is the Zhengzhou Railway Station and the Zhengzhou East Railway Station. They offer a comprehensive network of high-speed and normal train services that connect Zhengzhou to cities like Luoyang, Kaifeng, Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, and Guangzhou. The train travel from Beijing or Shanghai to Zhengzhou takes about 3-4 hours.

By Bus: Zhengzhou provides an extensive long-distance bus network with multiple bus stations. If you are traveling from Luoyang, Kaifeng, Jiaozuo, Anyang, and Xuchang, taking a bus is a good choice. Besides, these bus stations are located throughout the city, and it’s easy to reach them by metro, bus, and taxi.

How to Get around Zhengzhou

By Metro: Zhengzhou has an extensive metro system comprising five lines that efficiently connect major attractions throughout the city with a fare of CNY 2 to 12. By the way, tickets can be purchased at the station, or you can use a transportation card or mobile payment method for seamless entry.

By Bus: Exploring Zhengzhou via bus turns out to be an economical option as many tourist attractions are not close to hotels. Bus fares typically range from CNY 1 to 3, and payment can be made in cash or through the use of a transportation card.

By Taxi: If you travel to Zhengzhou in Henan with luggage or in groups, it will be more comfortable for you to take a taxi to your destinations. Besides, taxis can be hailed directly from the street or booked through mobile applications like Didi Chuxing.

FAQs about Zhengzhou Travel

Is Zhengzhou worth visiting?

Yes. Zhengzhou’s status in China is far more than a crucial transportation hub that connects travelers from cities to cities, it’s also one of the eight ancient capitals that have left a bold stroke on Chinese history. So it would definitely be worth visiting.

Are there popular day trips from Zhengzhou?

Absolutely. Destinations like Shaolin Temple and Mount Song and Kaifeng Ancient City are some of the most popular and worthy. A one-way trip would only take 1-2 hours trip by train or private car.

What kind of local food should I try in Zhengzhou?

If you want to have a food journey like a local, go to the night markets like Jiankang Road Night Market. Try Hu La Tang (spicy soup), Hui Mian (braised noodles in lamb broth), and Yellow River Carp as they won’t disappoint you.

Do I need a visa to visit Zhengzhou?

It depends. If you are a transit passenger that being qualified for the 144-hour visa-free transit policy, then you’ll be allowed to visit 54 cities in China (including Zhengzhou) without a visa. However, if you don’t fit the condition, the a visa is must needed. Remember to always check the latest entry policies before traveling.