Zhengzhou 3 Days 2 Nights Essential Guide

Hey babes! Do you think Zhengzhou is just a transit stop? Big mistake! This time, I’ll unlock the hidden gems of the commercial capital for you. The perfect blend of rich history and urban chic will totally change your perception~ 💸 Budget Breakdown (Around 2500 RMB per person, easy to manage) Transportation: High-speed train round trip 800 + city subway/taxi 200 = 1000 RMB Accommodation: 2 nights in a comfortable hotel in the business district 600 RMB (300/night) Tickets: Shaolin Temple 80 + Drama Fantasy City 260 + Yellow River Park 50 = 390 RMB Food: 150 RMB per day x 3 days = 450 RMB Shopping: Souvenirs 300 RMB ✨ Total cost about 2540 RMB, students can save on tickets with a student ID! 🏯 Itinerary (Culture + Food + Photo ops all covered) 📍Day 1: Journey through Chinese Civilization 09:00 Henan Museum (Free, reservation required) 👉 Must-see treasures: Jiahu Bone Flute (an 8,000-year-old flute!), Lotus Crane Fang Hu, remember to rent an audio guide for a more immersive experience~ 12:00 Xiao Ji Three Fresh Stewed Noodles (Erqi Branch) A steaming big bowl of stewed noodles with sweet garlic, fresh soup and chewy noodles, super lively for photos! 15:00 Only Henan · Drama Fantasy City (night tickets are more cost-effective) 21 theaters like opening blind boxes, the rammed earth walls at sunset are stunning for photos! The special effects at the Fantasy City Theater are amazing, bring tissues—you might cry 📍Day 2: Kung Fu Zen + Yellow River Sunset 08:30 Shaolin Temple (80 RMB ticket includes martial arts show) Watch the martial monks’ one-finger Zen and explore the Pagoda Forest. Go early to avoid crowds, the 10:30 martial arts show is a must-see! 12:00 Temple Vegetarian Meal Try Shaolin vegetarian cuisine, light, healthy, and unique. 16:00 Yellow River Cultural Park (50 RMB ticket) Climb the statues of the Yan and Huang Emperors to overlook the Yellow River. The sunset silhouettes are epic! Wearing a long skirt with the breeze is super fairy-like~ 📍Day 3: City Stroll + Hidden Shops 10:00 Pingdeng Street / Ruiguang Creative Park A local favorite artsy neighborhood with vintage cafes and handmade shops. Buy Jun porcelain sachets and peony cakes as souvenirs. 12:00 Ge Ji Steamed Pancakes (Jiankang Road Branch) The steamed pancakes are oily and crispy, perfect with red bean porridge! The moment the staff flips the pancake is super tempting for photos. 15:00 Songshe Bookstore The most beautiful bookstore hidden in an old Western-style house, the glass room’s light and shadow are perfect for a “reader” themed photoshoot. 🍜 Food Highlights (Foodies, copy this!) 👉 Breakfast star: Fang Zhongshan Spicy Soup (spicy and satisfying! Dip fried dough sticks in it) 👉 Must-order main dishes: He Ji Stewed Noodles / Awu Yellow River Big Carp (braised carp is super flavorful!) 👉 Snack check-in: Lao Cai Ji Steamed Dumplings (thin skin, big filling), Si Chang Baked Buns (eat hot for crispy flakes) 👉 Dessert lovers: Kiln Worker Sesame Cake with Jun Porcelain Pastry (exclusive to Shenhou Ancient Town, sweet and salty mix) 💡 Insider Tips (Avoid the crowds!) ✅ Book Henan Museum 3 days in advance, arrive early on weekends ✅ Wear comfortable shoes at Shaolin Temple, there’s mountain climbing on the Sanhuangzhai trail ✅ Drama Fantasy City has many shows, plan your route ahead (queue 30 minutes early for small theaters) ✅ Sunscreen is a must from June to August, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons 🎁 Souvenir Recommendations (Fail-proof list) Xinzheng Red Dates (thick and super sweet), Iron Stick Yam Powder, Drama Fantasy City Cultural Bookmark