Henan is a landlocked province in central China, on the middle Yellow River, that held the capitals of several dynasties. It is home to the Shaolin Temple, the Longmen Grottoes, the Shang dynasty Yin Ruins and Song dynasty Kaifeng, all linked by fast high-speed rail from Zhengzhou.
Top adventure experiences
The most exciting activities Henan has to offer.
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1
Guoliang Tunnel Cliff Road Walk
A cliff-cut road with 30 windows onto a sheer drop, hand-carved by villagers. Buy tickets via Trip.com or Meituan.
Best season: April-October
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2
Yuntai Mountain Glass Skywalk
A glass-floored walkway over the gorge. Check on the day whether it is operating.
Best season: April-November
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3
Sanhuangzhai Plank Path and Glass Bridge
Cliff plank path and glass platforms on Songshan.
Best season: April-November
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4
Shaolin Temple Kung Fu Experience
Watch monk martial arts demonstrations and book a beginner class at a Dengfeng kung fu school through Trip.com.
Best season: March-May and September-November
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5
Yellow River Sheepskin Raft Ride
Ride a traditional sheepskin raft on the river, with a boatman.
Best season: April-October
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6
Chenjiagou Tai Chi Class
The birthplace of Chen-style Tai Chi, with tuition offered by local schools. Half-price Yuntai ticket offers may apply.
Best season: March-November
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7
Laojun Mountain Ropeway and Summit
Cable car up to the summit temples; winter ski season.
Best season: May-October; ski in winter
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8
Xiaolangdi Yellow River Reservoir Cruise
Boat trip through the reservoir gorges near the Xiaolangdi Dam.
Best season: April-October
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9
Wangwushan Skywalk and Ropeway
Cable car and viewing platforms on Wangwushan.
Best season: April-October
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10
Baligou Cliff Plank and Waterfall Walk
Cliff walkway and waterfalls in the Baligou canyon.
Best season: April-October
Activities by type
Find adventures that match your interests.
Land adventures
Cliff plank walks (Sanhuangzhai, Guoliang, Baligou), Glass skywalks (Yuntai Mountain), Ropeways and summit walks (Laojun, Wangwushan)
Water adventures
Yellow River sheepskin raft (Zhengzhou), Xiaolangdi Reservoir gorge cruise
Air adventures
Cable car flights (Laojun, Wangwushan)
Expedition treks
Multi-day treks and expeditions through remote areas with camping and guide support.
Difficulty levels
No experience needed. Suitable for most fitness levels.
Basic fitness required. Some prior experience helpful.
Good fitness and some experience required.
Significant experience and high fitness essential.
Recommended operators
Vetted companies for safe adventures.
Shaolin Temple and Dengfeng martial arts schools
Kung fu classes and demonstrations at Songshan
Chenjiagou Tai Chi schools
Chen-style Tai Chi classes in Wenxian
Scenic area managements
Cable cars, skywalks and rafts are run by each scenic area; tickets on Trip.com and Meituan
Adventure safety
Stay safe while pushing your limits.
Never go on adventures alone in remote areas. Always use reputable guides for challenging activities.
Get comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers adventure activities and emergency evacuation.
Check weather conditions and be prepared to cancel or postpone. Mountain weather changes rapidly.
Know your limits. Choose activities appropriate for your fitness and experience level.
Acclimatize properly before high-altitude activities. Altitude sickness is serious.
Preparation & gear
Get ready for your adventure.
Essential gear
- Quality hiking boots (broken in)
- Layered clothing system
- Rain gear and sun protection
- First aid kit
- Headlamp and batteries
- Water purification
Physical preparation
- Start training 6-8 weeks before
- Build cardio endurance
- Include strength training
- Practice with loaded backpack
- Get medical clearance if needed