Best Places to Visit in Henan | Travel Guide (2024) | Things to Do, See & Eat
Henan Travel Guide
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Welcome to Henan, China! Located in the central part of the country, Henan is a province rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. As one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, Henan is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Longmen Grottoes and the Shaolin Temple. The province is also known for its stunning landscapes, such as the Yuntai Mountain and the Yellow River, which offer breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities. With its diverse attractions and warm hospitality, Henan is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an authentic Chinese experience.
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Best Places To Visit in Henan
1. Zhengzhou: The capital city of Henan province, Zhengzhou is a bustling metropolis with a rich history. Visitors can explore the ancient Shang dynasty ruins at the Zhengzhou Shang City Ruins, or marvel at the impressive Shaolin Temple, birthplace of Chinese martial arts. The city also boasts a vibrant food scene, with local specialties like spicy noodles and steamed buns.
2. Luoyang: Known as the "City of Peonies," Luoyang is famous for its stunning peony gardens, which bloom in the spring. The city is also home to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs. Visitors can also explore the ancient tombs of the Han dynasty at the Luoyang Ancient Tombs Museum.
3. Kaifeng: Once the capital of the Northern Song dynasty, Kaifeng is a city steeped in history. Visitors can explore the ancient city walls and gates, or visit the Iron Pagoda, a towering Buddhist temple dating back to the 11th century. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, including local specialties like Kaifeng crispy duck and sesame cakes.
4. Anyang: Located in the northern part of Henan province, Anyang is home to the Yin Ruins, one of the most important archaeological sites in China. Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient Shang dynasty capital, including the impressive royal tombs and oracle bones. The city is also known for its traditional paper-cutting art, which can be seen at the Anyang Paper-cutting Museum.
5. Jiaozuo: Nestled in the foothills of the Taihang Mountains, Jiaozuo is a scenic city with plenty of natural beauty. Visitors can hike to the top of Yuntai Mountain, where they'll be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The city is also home to the Jiaozuo Museum, which showcases the region's rich history and culture.
6. Xinxiang: Located in the heart of Henan province, Xinxiang is a city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ancient city walls and gates, or visit the Xinxiang Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Han and Tang dynasties. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, including local specialties like Xinxiang fried rice and spicy tofu.
7. Pingdingshan: Known as the "Coal Capital of China," Pingdingshan is a city with a strong industrial heritage. Visitors can explore the Pingdingshan Coal Museum, which showcases the history of coal mining in the region. The city is also home to the Xiangshan Temple, a Buddhist temple dating back to the Tang dynasty.
8. Nanyang: Located in the southern part of Henan province, Nanyang is a city with a rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the ancient city walls and gates, or visit the Nanyang Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Han and Tang dynasties. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, including local specialties like Nanyang spicy chicken and steamed buns.
9. Zhumadian: Located in the central part of Henan province, Zhumadian is a city with a rich agricultural heritage. Visitors can explore the Zhumadian Museum of Agriculture, which showcases the region's farming history and culture. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, including local specialties like Zhumadian braised pork and sesame cakes.
10. Luohe: Located in the eastern part of Henan province, Luohe is a city with a rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the ancient city walls and gates, or visit the Luohe Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Han and Tang dynasties. The city is also known for its delicious cuisine, including local specialties like Luohe spicy beef and steamed buns.
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Food & Drinks To Try In Henan
1. Luoyang Water Banquet: One of the most famous dishes in Henan is the Luoyang Water Banquet. This extravagant feast consists of over 24 courses, each representing a different cooking technique and flavor profile. It includes a variety of dishes such as steamed fish, braised pork, stir-fried vegetables, and more.
2. Shaolin Vegetarian Cuisine: Henan is home to the famous Shaolin Temple, known for its martial arts and vegetarian cuisine. Trying the Shaolin Vegetarian Cuisine is a must when visiting Henan. This cuisine focuses on using fresh vegetables, tofu, and soy products to create flavorful and nutritious dishes.
3. Kaifeng Steamed Buns: Kaifeng, a city in Henan, is renowned for its steamed buns. These buns are filled with various ingredients such as pork, vegetables, and even sweet fillings like red bean paste. The buns are soft, fluffy, and bursting with flavor, making them a popular street food snack.
4. Xinxiang Dumplings: Xinxiang, another city in Henan, is famous for its dumplings. These dumplings are made with a thin and delicate wrapper, filled with a mixture of minced meat, vegetables, and spices. They are usually served with a dipping sauce and are a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
5. Yellow River Carp: As Henan is located along the Yellow River, it is known for its fresh and delicious Yellow River Carp. This fish is often prepared in various ways, such as steamed, braised, or stir-fried, and is prized for its tender flesh and delicate flavor.
6. Kaifeng Eight Treasures Porridge: Kaifeng is also known for its Eight Treasures Porridge, a traditional Chinese dessert. This porridge is made with a combination of eight different ingredients, including rice, red beans, lotus seeds, and dried fruits. It is sweet, creamy, and often enjoyed as a breakfast or dessert option.
7. Henan Noodles: Henan is famous for its wide variety of noodles. From hand-pulled noodles to knife-cut noodles, there is a noodle dish to suit every taste. These noodles are often served in flavorful broths or stir-fried with vegetables and meat, creating a satisfying and hearty meal.
8. Kaifeng Crispy Pancakes: Kaifeng is also known for its crispy pancakes, which are made by layering thin pancakes with various fillings such as minced meat, vegetables, and sauces. These pancakes are then pan-fried until crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, creating a delightful combination of textures.
9. Henan Rice Wine: Henan is famous for its rice wine production. This traditional alcoholic beverage is made by fermenting rice and has a mild and slightly sweet taste. It is often enjoyed during festive occasions and is a popular choice among locals.
10. Henan Herbal Tea: Henan is known for its herbal tea culture. Various herbal teas, made from a combination of medicinal herbs and flowers, are popular in the region. These teas are believed to have health benefits and are often enjoyed for their soothing and refreshing properties.
Overall, Henan offers a diverse range of food and drinks to try, from extravagant banquets to street food snacks. Exploring the local cuisine is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of this region in China.
Best Time To Visit Henan
The best time to visit Henan, China is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) seasons. During these times, the weather is mild and pleasant, with comfortable temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius (59 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit). The spring season brings blooming flowers and lush greenery, making it a great time to explore the natural beauty of Henan. In autumn, the fall foliage creates a picturesque landscape, especially in areas like the Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes. Additionally, these seasons are less crowded with tourists compared to the summer months, allowing visitors to enjoy the attractions without large crowds. However, it is important to note that Henan experiences extreme temperatures during the winter (December to February), with temperatures dropping below freezing. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid visiting during this time unless you are prepared for the cold weather.
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Transportation To Henan
There are several transportation options to Henan, China. You can choose to travel by air, train, or bus.
By Air: The most convenient way to reach Henan is by flying to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. This airport is well-connected to major cities in China and also offers international flights. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or public transportation to your destination in Henan.
By Train: Henan has a well-developed railway network, and there are several train stations in the province. You can take a train from major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, to reach Henan. The journey time will vary depending on the distance and train type.
By Bus: If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a long-distance bus to Henan. There are bus services available from various cities in China to different destinations in Henan. The journey time will be longer compared to flying or taking a train, but it can be a more economical choice.
Once you are in Henan, you can use local transportation options such as taxis, buses, or the metro to get around the province and explore its attractions.