Top 20 Best Things to Do in Zhengzhou

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M2f***ro

Today's visit to "Only Henan: A City of Theatrical Fantasy" deeply moved me. In the grand narrative of *The Railway Station Theater*, I witnessed a poignant and intense brotherly bond—Li Shiyi, the elder brother of Li Shiba, harboring an almost tragic tolerance and boundless love for his brother. The horrors of the 1942 Henan famine were reenacted on stage, the desperate scene of starving people scrambling for food was suffocating. When Li Shiyi, desperately seeking some life-saving seeds from his brother, the stationmaster, learned that the price would be his brother's life, his world crumbled instantly. Ultimately, Li Shiba opened the granary to distribute the grain, sacrificing himself in the process. Li Shiyi's madness and breakdown upon learning all this vividly portrayed the struggle of humanity under extreme circumstances. The smaller theater production *Wheat, Oh Wheat* depicts the resilient landscape of the people of Henan, who have depended on the land for thousands of years. Those simple and hardworking farmers, dedicating their lives to the wheat fields, saw wheat not only as food but also as their roots and soul. With the southward advance of the Jin army at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, Henan was forever cut off from the dynastic capital, a historical turning point tinged with desolation and regret. Another short play, "Su Shi's Henan," succinctly portrays the tumultuous life of the literary giant Su Shi in just thirty minutes. From his initial fame through the imperial examinations, to his repeated demotions and fluctuating fortunes, until his eventual pardon but failure to return to the capital Bianjing, where he died and was buried in Henan, his poetry is filled with a magnanimous outlook on life and an optimistic view of hardship. Yet, isn't this also a kind of spiritual transcendence under the pressure of reality? Behind that "forced magnanimity" lies a profound undercurrent of unfulfilled ambition throughout his life. This trip was not merely a theatrical experience, but a profound dialogue with the land, history, and the depths of human nature.

Vanessa Hua

I learned a great deal from Ms. Feng Ping's guided tour. She explained the historical background of the exhibits, the details of the artifacts, and their impact in detail. For a place like Henan, with its long history and abundant natural wonders, figures, and artifacts, such a clear and well-organized explanation is truly remarkable. The focus was primarily on the museum's most prized possessions; you can set aside another half day to appreciate the other artifacts on your own. I was extremely satisfied with the guided tour service!

甲鱼跑得特别快

During a visit outside of peak season, we mainly experienced the carnivore and grassland animal areas. The animals were very enthusiastic and interactive, which was quite an experience. Then we went to see the monkey and red panda enclosures. The monkey enclosure had glare, making it a bit difficult to see, but the red pandas were adorable. You could pay to interact with and feed them, which was very interesting.

gwwking

Zhongyue truly lives up to its name. It's not just a masterpiece of nature, but a vivid and extreme manifestation of tectonic plate activity. Geologically, its mountain-building activity is far more active than the other mountains in the east, west, south, and north. A leisurely visit to Shaoshi Mountain takes about 4 hours, while Taishi Mountain takes roughly 9 hours. Either way, you'll have thick legs.

awu45

When traveling to Henan with kids, besides visiting the famous "Only Henan" theater fantasy city, don't miss the nearby Jianye Film Town. It offers both retro filming and interactive experiences, with the immersive performance on Dehua Street being particularly eye-catching and educational! 🎬 Must-Experiences: 1️⃣ Dehua Street is a must-see (remember to buy tickets and reserve your time slot when you buy them). We strolled through it according to our reservation time. The street recreates the old Zhengzhou commercial district, with its cobblestone streets and retro shops creating a fantastic atmosphere. The "Journey Through Dehua Street" performance has realistic special effects. Arrive 30 minutes early to get seats in the middle; there are even stunt performers appearing in the two central aisles – the whole family was captivated. 2️⃣ Film Workshop + Time Capsule: The kids loved the green screen flying and sound effects in the Film Workshop, while parents enjoyed the nostalgic old objects in the Time Capsule, relaxing in the air conditioning – super comfortable! 3️⃣ Live Performances: "The Swordsmen of the Central Plains" features thrilling explosions and wire work; "Battle of Tai Chi" showcases martial arts culture; and the evening immersive performance "A Journey of Drama" offers maximum interaction and stunning nighttime views. Evening shows also include intangible cultural heritage performances like iron flower making and fire kettle demonstrations – definitely worth checking out! 4️⃣ There are also some smaller performances 🎭 like air spraying, which have a distinct northern cultural flavor. You can move around and watch them according to the schedule on the mini-program. The venue isn't very large, and it's not hard to find once you know the map. However, for popular Chinese dramas, it's best to arrive at least half an hour early to secure a seat, especially during holidays. 🍲 Food Experience: We chose "Beijing Memories," where food stalls offer a variety of Henan specialties like Puyang Zhuangmo and "One-Strand Noodles." Find a seat near the stage, enjoy the food while watching the performances, satisfy the whole family's tastes, and relax comfortably. Alternative options include 80 Memory Restaurant (nostalgic style) or Tai Chi Noodle Shop (kung fu beef noodles), with street-side hot tofu and fresh-cut fruit for a quick energy boost. 🚗 Transportation Guide: 1️⃣ By Car/Taxi: Navigate to "Jianye·Film Town," a 40-minute drive. Ample parking is available, making it convenient for families with children and luggage. Taxis in Henan are inexpensive. For those who prefer not to drive, taxis are a convenient way to reach nearby attractions and guesthouses. 2️⃣ Public Transportation: Take the subway shuttle line 4 or the Zhengkai intercity bus and then a taxi. Navigate to "Film Town Ticket Office" to avoid getting lost. 🎠 Surrounding Area and Other Tiles: 1️⃣ A 20-minute drive from "Only Henan·Drama Fantasy City," and not far from nearby Haichang Ocean Park and Fantawild Adventure. Consider staying a few days in a nearby themed guesthouse. The surrounding area is mostly comprised of guesthouses, offering affordable prices and convenient transportation. 2️⃣ The retro costumes rented in the movie town are mainly in the style of the Republic of China era, with some Tang and Han dynasty styles as well. Those who like the Republic of China style can try it (those who have previewed the Jiangnan area and Hengdian Chedun Film and Television Base might not be as interested). The scenes there will produce better photos. Personally, I feel that the Tang and Han dynasty costumes are not as cheap and exquisite as those in Kaifeng and Luoyang, but since we're already here, we might as well immerse ourselves in the local culture!

M85***80

The scenery is beautiful, there are many handsome guys, the staff are friendly and patient in introducing you to the fun and unique places. The whole scenic area is full of the atmosphere of winter ❄️

AnaTravels94

We enjoyed the view from the tower, but maybe during the day it will also be great. What definitely worth taking pictures is the tower itself at night!

M35***23

Bringing my child here during summer vacation was quite enjoyable for both my wife and me. The park is huge, with lots of animals and rides; we spent a whole day there and still couldn't see everything! 👍🏻

M52***13

Zhengzhou's cultural park is well worth a visit, fully showcasing Henan's long history. The statues of the Yellow Emperor and the Yan Emperor are truly awe-inspiring, and the geological museum inside is incredibly educational.

M75***22

I just don't understand why the music is so loud that it almost breaks my eardrums. As soon as the child goes in, he starts clamoring to get out. I coaxed him to watch a few shows, but he covered his ears the whole time.