Things To Do
in Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou is the capital of Henan province and a major transport hub in central China, where modern high-speed rail and ancient cultural routes meet. The city combines industrial growth and contemporary skylines with easy access to historic sites like Shaolin Temple and nearby ancient capitals such as Luoyang and Kaifeng. Zhengzhou is a practical base for exploring the Yellow River basin and the mountains of Songshan, and it has a lively street-food culture rooted in Henan (Central Plains) cuisine.
Expect a bustling, down-to-earth urban experience rather than a polished tourist city — useful for transit, culture, and regional day trips.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Zhengzhou Museum, where you can immerse yourself in the rich history of the region. Spend some time exploring ancient artifacts that showcase the cultural evolution of Zhengzhou. Afterward, stroll through the nearby Erqi Memorial Tower, an iconic symbol of the city.
Head to the bustling local market to experience the vibrant atmosphere and sample delicious street food. Try some traditional Henan dishes such as dumplings and noodle soup while mingling with the locals. After lunch, visit the nearby Zhengzhou Confucius Temple, where you can admire its intricate architecture and tranquil surroundings.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the Yellow River, enjoying the beautiful views and the gentle breeze. Stop by a riverside café for a refreshing tea or snack while watching the local fishermen at work. Conclude your day by attending a cultural performance in the city, showcasing traditional Henan opera.
Travel to the renowned Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu, for a morning filled with martial arts excitement. Participate in a brief Kung Fu lesson taught by the temple monks, allowing you to experience this ancient practice firsthand. Explore the temple grounds, taking in the stunning architecture and serene environment.
Enjoy a vegetarian lunch at a local eatery near the temple, where you can savor dishes that the monks traditionally eat. After lunch, visit the Shaolin Temple’s pagoda forest, home to numerous ancient pagodas that serve as burial sites for esteemed monks. Spend some time meditating in this peaceful setting, surrounded by nature.
Return to Zhengzhou and visit a local restaurant to enjoy a hearty dinner featuring regional specialties. Afterward, take a stroll through the city center, where you can shop for unique souvenirs and handicrafts. End your evening by relaxing in a traditional tea house, sipping on fragrant teas.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $2-6 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Excellent high-speed rail and transport hub for exploring central China
- Easy access to Shaolin Temple, Mount Song and other nearby historic sites
- Affordably priced food, accommodation and everyday expenses
- Authentic Central Plains (Henan) cuisine and lively local markets
- Less polished as a tourist city compared with Beijing or Shanghai
- Air quality can be poor at times, especially in winter/spring
- Limited English signage outside major hotels and attractions
- Summers can be hot and humid with heavy rain
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxiè)" - Thank you
- "请问, 厕所在哪里? (Qǐngwèn, cèsuǒ zài nǎlǐ?)" - Excuse me, where is the bathroom?
- "这个多少钱? (Zhège duōshǎo qián?)" - How much is this?
- "我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)" - I don't eat meat
- "可以刷卡吗? (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?)" - Can I pay by card?
Places to Visit in Zhengzhou
Visit one of these nice places.
An emblematic landmark in the city center; good for street photography, neon-lit evening shots and capturing local daily life around the square.
The museum building and its exhibits provide opportunities for cultural and historical photography — artifacts, bronzes, and well-curated galleries.
An impressive modern transport hub with striking architecture, glass facades and dynamic light patterns — great for contemporary urban shots.
Riverside views, pagodas and loess-cliff landscapes; sunrise and sunset over the river can yield dramatic images (check access points and safety).
Iconic temple architecture, monks training, kung fu demonstrations and wooded mountain scenery offer both cultural and landscape photography opportunities.
Food in Zhengzhou
Zhengzhou Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy, savory thick soup often served for breakfast with shredded vegetables, meat or tofu and flat noodles or steamed buns; popular in Zhengzhou street stalls and breakfast shops.
Must-Try!
Hand-pulled or knife-cut noodle dishes served in broths or stir-fried; local shops and small restaurants around the city serve several regional noodle styles.
Available near Dengfeng and in vegetarian restaurants — tasty, simple preparations inspired by monastic cuisine using mushrooms, gluten, and seasonal vegetables.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively area near the Erqi Tower with many stalls selling Hulatang, grilled skewers, pancakes, steamed buns, and local desserts — great for tasting many snacks in one place.
Street-food clusters catering to students and young professionals: look for affordable noodle bowls, dumplings, fried snacks, and cold desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common in formal settings; address elders and seniors with respect. Use polite phrases and modest behavior in temples and religious sites.
Queues at stations and counters are the norm; try to follow local queuing habits. Speaking loudly and pushing are frowned upon.
Dress modestly, remove hats in prayer halls, avoid flash photography in certain areas, and follow posted rules at Shaolin Temple or other religious sites.
If invited to a local’s home, a small gift is appreciated. Business cards are exchanged with both hands in formal meetings.
Safety
Tipping in Zhengzhou
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not generally expected in Zhengzhou; service charges may be included at higher-end hotels or restaurants. Small tips are occasionally given for exceptional service but are not required. For tour guides and private drivers, a modest tip is appreciated.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) dominate daily transactions; many vendors, markets and small restaurants accept only mobile pay or cash. International credit cards are accepted at major hotels and larger restaurants, but bring some cash and set up mobile payment or download apps that support foreign cards if possible.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures but can be windy and dusty early in the season due to spring winds and occasional sandstorms from the north; pleasant for sightseeing by late spring.
Hot and humid with temperatures often in the high 20s–mid 30s°C (80s–90s°F). Expect occasional heavy summer rain and thunderstorms; stay hydrated and plan indoor activities for the hottest hours.
Generally the most comfortable season — clear skies, mild temperatures and lower humidity make it ideal for outdoor activities and photography.
Cold and dry with temperatures often around freezing; snow is possible but not frequent. Dress warmly and be prepared for indoor sightseeing.
Zhengzhou at Night
Hiking in Zhengzhou
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
One of China’s Five Great Mountains; trails range from easy walks to challenging ascents, plus cultural sites including Shaolin Temple and Zhongyue Temple.
A scenic geopark about 1.5–2 hours away with waterfalls, steep cliffs, scenic hiking routes and the famous glass walkway for dramatic vistas.
Riverside paths and nature areas offering walks and cycling with views of the Yellow River and local wetland habitats.
Less-visited natural areas and foothills suitable for day hikes; check local trail information before heading out and consider guided options.
Airports
How to reach Zhengzhou by plane.
The main airport serving Zhengzhou with domestic and international flights; connected to the city by airport express buses, taxis and metro (Line to the city), and close to major highways.
About 1.5–2 hours by road from Zhengzhou; useful for visits to Luoyang and can be combined with ground travel to Zhengzhou for regional trips.
Zhengzhou East Railway Station provides fast train links to Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an and other major airports/cities, making air-rail combined travel convenient.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Zhengzhou and Henan province; local culture reflects Han traditions and Central Plains customs.
Large numbers of internal migrants from surrounding rural areas and smaller cities come to Zhengzhou for work, contributing to a diverse urban workforce.
Universities and expanding industries attract students and young workers, visible in lively cafés, night markets and cultural venues.
A limited number of foreign residents and visitors, mostly tied to business, academia or long-distance travel connections.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched in urban areas, with many public courts and local amateur leagues.
Popular both as a participatory sport and spectator activity; local clubs and school teams are active.
Common indoor recreational sports in community centers, schools and parks.
Shaolin kung fu is culturally important in the region with demonstrations, training schools and performances centered around Songshan and Shaolin Temple.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Zhengzhou.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist especially near Shaolin and at Buddhist-influenced restaurants — use the local phrase '我不吃肉 (Wǒ bù chī ròu)' and ask for '素 (sù)' dishes. Many everyday dishes may use meat broths, so confirm the base if avoiding all animal products.
Halal restaurants and Muslim-run eateries exist in Zhengzhou; ask for '清真 (qīngzhēn)' places or look for halal signs. Lamb and beef dishes are common in halal cuisine.
Ingredient labeling is rare. If you have severe allergies, carry a translation card describing the allergy in Chinese and avoid buffet-style or street food when unsure.