5-Day Tour in Zhengzhou | Classic Combination of Songshan Shaolin and the Yellow River・Suitable for All Groups
Introduction: Zhengzhou is a historical crossroads in the Central Plains, featuring the Zen martial spirit of Songshan Shaolin and the majestic vigor of the Yellow River. Here, you can watch martial monks perform powerful moves, hear the echoes of Yellow River work songs, take elders to trace their roots in the Central Plains, and accompany children to explore the ancient capital. Every day is a step at the intersection of history and vitality.
🗓️ Itinerary Overview
D1: Arrive in Zhengzhou → Henan Museum → Erqi Tower → Dehua Pedestrian Street
D2: Songshan Shaolin Temple → Pagoda Forest → Sanhuang Village
D3: Yellow River Scenic Area → Yanhuang Emperors Square → Yellow River National Geopark
D4: Kangbaiwan Manor → Du Fu’s Hometown
D5: Zhengzhou Botanical Garden → David City → Return
🏛️ Day 1: Cultural Museum Opening · Old City Life
📍 Henan Museum (4A, free, reservation required)
Highlights: National treasures like the “Jiahu Bone Flute” (an 8,000-year-old instrument) and “Lady Fuhao Owl Zun,” the “Elephant in the Central Plains” exhibition showcasing Central Plains civilization, a children’s interactive “Cultural Relics Restoration” area (free), and a “Ming and Qing Dynasty Calligraphy and Painting” exhibition loved by elders.
🕙 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed Mondays), recommended visiting time 9:00-12:00
💡 Tip: Reserve 3 days in advance via the “Henan Museum” WeChat official account; rent an audio guide for 40 RMB each to better understand the relic stories.
📍 Erqi Tower (free)
Highlights: Zhengzhou landmark commemorating the February 7th strike; climb the tower for panoramic views of the old city (10 RMB/person). Elders enjoy the red history, children are interested in old Zhengzhou photos inside the tower.
🕙 Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
📸 Photo Spot: Erqi Tower Square (capture the full tower with people standing in the middle of the steps)
🍜 Food Recommendation: Dehua Pedestrian Street’s “Old Zhengzhou Braised Noodles,” must-try nourishing braised noodles (non-spicy option available, served with sweet garlic), and oil twists (5 RMB each), average cost 35 RMB per person.
🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: “Zhengzhou Hotel” near Erqi Square (close to Metro Line 1, family rooms available), prices 300-450 RMB/night, convenient for shopping and dining.
🥋 Day 2: Shaolin Inquiry · Songshan Scenic Tour
📍 Songshan Shaolin Temple (5A, ticket 80 RMB)
Highlights: “The Most Famous Temple in the World,” martial monk performances (10:30/15:00, free) are stunning; elders love the powerful Shaolin boxing, children get excited mimicking the moves. The temple has a thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, and the “Shaolin Temple” plaque is written by Emperor Kangxi.
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended visiting time 8:30-12:00 (avoid tour group peak)
💰 Admission: 80 RMB for adults, free for seniors over 60, free for children under 1.4 meters
📸 Photo Spots: Shaolin Temple main gate (capture the “Shaolin Temple” plaque with people standing beside the stone lions), martial monk performance area (capture the moment of a flying kick)
💡 Tip: Electric carts inside the scenic area cost 25 RMB/person (round trip), essential for elders and children; avoid buying overpriced “Shaolin Secrets,” mostly gimmicks.
📍 Pagoda Forest (included in ticket)
Highlights: China’s largest pagoda forest with 232 tomb pagodas of eminent monks, each uniquely shaped. Elders enjoy “monk stories,” children count the pagoda layers (up to 7 layers).
📍 Sanhuang Village (included in ticket, cable car one-way 70 RMB)
Highlights: A steep part of Songshan with thrilling cliffside plank roads; elders can take the cable car round trip (enjoy mountain views), children marvel at the natural wonder of “Book Cliff” (layered rocks).
🕙 Recommended visiting time: 14:00-16:30
💡 Tip: The plank road is narrow, hold children’s hands; elders afraid of heights can rest at the foot of the mountain.
🌊 Day 3: Yellow River Roots · Nature Exploration
📍 Yellow River Scenic Area (4A, ticket 60 RMB)
Highlights: The “Mother of the Yellow River” sculpture is gentle and kind; the giant statues of the Yan and Huang Emperors (106 meters tall) are magnificent. Elders can pay tribute to ancestors at Yanhuang Square, children can ride camels (50 RMB/round) to experience Yellow River culture.
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended visiting time 9:00-13:00
📸 Photo Spots: Yellow River bank (capture “The Yellow River’s Water Comes from the Sky” with people and river in the frame), in front of Yanhuang Emperors statues (take a solemn family photo)
💡 Tip: The scenic area is large; sightseeing bus costs 20 RMB/person; bring sun protection and hats in summer.
📍 Yellow River National Geopark (included in ticket)
Highlights: View the “Loess Plateau” landform formed by Yellow River alluvium, visit the free geology museum, children can touch “Yellow River stones,” elders can see the “Yellow River Control History” exhibition.
🕙 Recommended visiting time: 14:00-16:00
🏡 Day 4: Manor History Reading · Poet’s Footsteps
📍 Kangbaiwan Manor (4A, ticket 60 RMB)
Highlights: The Kang family manor of the “Living God of Wealth” in the Central Plains during Ming and Qing dynasties, with 33 courtyards and 53 buildings. The “Liuyu” plaque embodies life wisdom. Elders enjoy studying the ancient house layout, children are curious about the “underground treasury” (secret room).
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30, recommended visiting time 9:00-12:00
📸 Photo Spot: Manor main gate (capture the blue brick high walls with people standing on the steps)
💡 Tip: Guided tours cost 50 RMB per session, group tours are more cost-effective; some stairs are steep, elders should walk slowly.
📍 Du Fu’s Hometown (4A, ticket 50 RMB)
Highlights: Birthplace of the poet Du Fu, featuring a statue of Du Fu and a poetry corridor. Elders recite “Three Officials and Three Farewells,” children can join a “Poetry Chain Game” (win small gifts).
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30, recommended visiting time 14:00-16:00
🍜 Food Recommendation: Gongyi city’s “Gongyi Braised Noodles,” must-try lamb braised noodles (with tofu strips) and steamed jelly (10 RMB/serving), average cost 30 RMB per person.
🌳 Day 5: Ecological Leisure · Urban Finale
📍 Zhengzhou Botanical Garden (free)
Highlights: Includes a greenhouse (tropical plants, 10 RMB/person), peony garden, and bamboo garden. Elders can stroll and enjoy flowers, children can play on slides in the “Children’s Playground” (free). Cherry blossoms are stunning in spring.
🕙 Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00, recommended visiting time 9:00-11:30
📍 David City (commercial complex, free)
Highlights: Zhengzhou’s upscale shopping area with a children’s playground (50 RMB/child) and diverse cuisine. Elders can rest in the lounge area; good for buying souvenirs and lunch.
🍜 Food Recommendation: David City’s “Awu Yellow River Carp,” must-try braised Yellow River carp (slightly sweet, few bones) and egg-stuffed pancake, average cost 70 RMB per person.
✨ Zhengzhou Survival Guide
1️⃣ Transportation: Metro Lines 1, 2, and 5 cover the city, fares 2-6 RMB per ride; to Shaolin Temple take the tourist shuttle (20 RMB/person, 1.5 hours), round-trip car rental 200 RMB; taxi to Yellow River scenic area about 50 RMB from city center.
2️⃣ Clothing: Wear sweatshirt + jacket in spring and autumn (Songshan is windy), short sleeves + sun protection clothing in summer (sunny by the Yellow River), down jacket + snow boots in winter (snow in Songshan), choose non-slip shoes (many steps at Shaolin and Yellow River).
3️⃣ Taboos: Do not point at Buddha statues or make noise inside Shaolin Temple; keep children away from the water at the Yellow River; do not flip the bowl bottom when eating braised noodles (local custom).
4️⃣ Accommodation: Stay near Erqi Square for the first two days (city convenience), stay in Dengfeng/Gongyi when visiting Shaolin and Yellow River (save time, guesthouses 200-300 RMB/night).
🛍️ Must-Buy Souvenirs
① Haoxiangni Red Dates (30 RMB/bag, ready-to-eat, suitable for elders and children)
② Shaolin Martial Arts Cultural Products (mini Tai Chi sword 25 RMB each, martial monk doll 40 RMB each)
③ Yellow River Cinnabar Inkstone (entry-level 80 RMB each, Central Plains specialty craft)
④ Zhengzhou Braised Noodles Instant Pack (20 RMB/box, easy to carry, authentic taste)
Closing Interaction: The story of Zhengzhou is engraved on the bone flute in the museum, written in the fists and feet of Shaolin Temple, and flows in the waves of the Yellow River. Whether you take your parents to Songshan for a distant view, accompany children to learn martial arts from monks, or enjoy skewers with friends at the night market, there is a flavor here that will stay with you. If you come to Zhengzhou, would you rather visit Shaolin Temple to watch kung fu first or listen to the waves by the Yellow River?