https://qa.trip.com/moments/detail/henan-100058-136098545?locale=en-QA
NatDiscoversAsiaSingapore
vipIconPotential creator
levelIconTravel Master

✨ Henan — A Journey Through Temples, Grottoes & Ancient Capitals

Henan is often called the heartland of Chinese civilization — and after exploring it, it’s easy to see why. The province blends grand Buddhist sites, martial arts heritage, and Song Dynasty culture into one unforgettable journey. ⸻ 🗿 Luoyang — Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟) Thousands of Buddha statues carved into limestone cliffs, a UNESCO site that takes your breath away. The evening light show at the grottoes makes the experience even more magical. 🥋 Dengfeng — Shaolin Temple (少林寺) & Songshan Shaoshi Mountain (嵩山少室山) Step into the cradle of kung fu at the Shaolin Temple, where martial arts monks perform daily shows. Pair this with a cable car up Shaoshi Mountain — a smart way to save energy if you want to combine both in one day. 🏯 Kaifeng — Living Song Dynasty Heritage • Da Xiangguo Temple (大相国寺) — a majestic Buddhist temple with centuries of history. • Kaifeng Prefecture (开封府) — walk into the world of Justice Bao and Song Dynasty governance. • Iron Pagoda Park (铁塔公园) — admire one of China’s finest Song pagodas, still standing tall after almost 1,000 years. • Qingming Shanghe Garden (清明上河园) — Zhang Zeduan’s famous scroll painting recreated into a lively cultural park by day, glowing lantern streets by night. 🏯 Zhengzhou — Gateway to Henan Often overlooked as just a transport hub, Zhengzhou (郑州) is actually a city worth slowing down for. As the capital of Henan Province, it blends modern city life with layers of history and local charm. Top attractions (all FREE!) there are: • Erqi Memorial Tower (二七纪念塔) — The city’s iconic landmark, built to honor the 1923 railway workers’ strike. By night, it glows beautifully against the skyline. • 🏛 Henan Museum (河南博物院) — one of China’s top museums, showcasing bronzes, jades, and treasures spanning 5,000 years. • Various city parks, with Xiliuhu Park being one of the most scenic and outstanding of all parks, followed by Bishagang Park. (碧沙岗公园) ⸻ 🌟 Why Henan? Because nowhere else in China combines so much history, religion, martial arts, and daily life in one province. From the quiet chanting at Shaolin to the glowing night streets of Kaifeng, Henan is a living storybook of Chinese civilization. #mytraveldiary #chinatravel #henan #zhengzhou #luoyang #kaifeng #shaolintemple #longmengrottoes #大相国寺 #开封府 #铁塔公园 #清明上河园
Posted: Sep 20, 2025
_ti***bb
1 person found this moment helpful
2 review
NatDiscoversAsia
NatDiscoversAsia
Author
ezra__Echo
ezra__Echo
Submit
1
Mentioned in this post
Attraction

Longmen Grottoes

4.7/551334 reviews | Historic buildings
Luoyang
2025 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do
Immediate access | Book now for today
PHP 740.75
Details
Show more
Related Trip Moments
Longmen Grottoes

Stone Buddhas at Longmen Grottoes

Nengkh9
Laojun Mountain Scenic Spot

Autumn colors splash across the mountains and rivers, vibrant Henan awaits you|5 must-visit legendary autumn spots

NatureNirvana
Longmen Grottoes

Must-Visit Attractions in Luoyang, Henan: Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes

同畫世界
Songshan Shaolin Scenic

“Visiting Shaolin Like a Victim: From Fever to Slides”

Merayadan43
Laojun Mountain Scenic Spot

You must take the kids to Henan during summer vacation!

JONATHAN MAXWELL
Longmen Grottoes

Take your family this summer!

Abigail@Martin
Laojun Mountain Scenic Spot

Summer Vacation Guide to Henan Travel Without Pitfalls

solara_0214
Longmen Grottoes

Finally, someone has cracked the code to touring Luoyang (with attraction guides included)!

Ethan2 Smith_
Longmen Grottoes

The Longmen Grottoes are truly magnificent.

BA. Dream 22
Longmen Grottoes

I highly recommend visiting Henan. It's absolutely stunning!

Abigail.Foster$93
Longmen Grottoes

2-Day Longtan Valley , Henan 🇨🇳

Travel is my happiness
Longmen Grottoes

Longmen Grottoes

Nong Phonethida