A Visitor's Guide to Zhengzhou and Surrounding Cities

Exploring Zhengzhou’s Central Business District

Zhengzhou’s Central Business District (CBD) offers visitors a variety of attractions to explore both during the day and at night. In the morning, be sure to try the city’s famous Nutritious Breakfast options like Big Corn, Five Eggs, and One Bowl of Soup. These hearty meals fuel locals and visitors alike. At night, the CBD transforms with its bright lights and illuminated architecture. Don’t miss the beautiful Millennium Tower, also known as the “Big Corn” tower, and the art museums housed within Zhengzhou’s iconic “Golden Egg” buildings. Take an evening stroll around peaceful Ruyi Lake in the heart of the CBD.

Discovering History in Zhengzhou’s Old Town

Venture outside the modern CBD to discover Zhengzhou’s ancient history. In the traditional old town area, visit the historic Wen Miao temple and the remains of the Shang Dynasty city walls, remnants from over 3,500 years ago. Stroll picturesque streets like Funiu Road and Shangcheng Road lined with beautifully preserved old buildings. Glimpse into Zhengzhou’s past along these routes. Be sure to allow plenty of time to experience the lively atmosphere and local culture still present in the old town.

Touring Scenic Parks in Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou is home to several scenic urban parks ideal for spending time in nature within the city. In the west of the city, spacious Xiliuhu Park offers scenic walking paths and peaceful views whether visiting in the morning or evening hours. For panoramic city views, climb the Zhongyuan Futa Tower in the southeast, or simply admire its unique design from below. Along the Luo River running through the center of Zhengzhou, expansive Luopu Park provides a relaxing space day or night under its tree canopy. Be sure to allow at least a half day to fully explore one of these refreshing urban oases.

Discovering Henan’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Zhengzhou serves as a convenient base for exploring the wider Henan province’s wealth of cultural treasures. Just one hour by train or bus west is the historic city of Luo Yang home to renowned landmarks like the Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple and much more. To the north, the ancient capital city of Kaifeng along the Yellow River offers glimpses into imperial Chinese history. No trip is complete without visiting the iconic Shaolin Temple, located two hours southwest in Dengfeng where Kung Fu originated. Plan extra time to experience Henan’s deep cultural roots through its storied cities.

Indulging in Zhengzhou’s famous cuisine

Food lovers will find themselves in heaven exploring Zhengzhou’s incredible culinary scene. Regardless of the time of day, delicious dishes from morning to night can be found throughout the city. Start your day right with steaming congee or zhou from street stalls. Around lunchtime, fill up on hand-pulled noodles, dumplings or lamb skewers. In the evenings, satisfying hot pots or rice porridge warm body and soul. Be sure to leave room afterwards for tasty snacks like fried dough twists or sweet rice balls. Zhengzhou’s cuisine truly shines - indulge to experience the heart of local culture through food.

Planning a Day Trip to Surrounding Cities

With its central location in Henan, Zhengzhou makes an excellent home base for day trips beyond the city limits. Rising Buddhist center Dengfeng one hour southwest is a must for its iconic Shaolin Temple. Just as accessible is ancient Luoyang one hour west, where relics of China’s earliest empires like the Longmen Grottoes await. Traveling by high-speed train, the ancient capitals Kaifeng and Anyang can be visited in a day from Zhengzhou. For those with more time, multi-day trips connecting multiple destinations are also possible from Zhengzhou’s excellent transport links. Be sure to plan return trips to allow sufficient time at each destination.

Advice for foreign visitors

A warning for foreign visitors - certain areas like Yiyang, Luanchuan and Song Counties near Luoyang are completely off-limits even for those holding work visas due to military installations. While attractions in these areas may be advertised, checking maps carefully is crucial to avoid restricted zones. Also be aware some site tickets and hotels may be sold to foreigners despite the prohibition - confirming access is permitted is important before visiting. With these precautions in mind, travelers can safely explore Henan’s riches from Zhengzhou using reliable tour guides or translation apps. Zhengzhou and its surrounding areas offer deep cultural experiences - plan thoroughly to navigate restrictions and immerse fully.