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 attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Henan.
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1
Shaolin Temple (Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area)
The birthplace of Chan (Zen) Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu, founded in 495 AD at the foot of Mount Song. The complex includes the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Thousand Buddha Hall with its worn kung fu training floor, and daily martial-arts performances by monk students.
Tip: Arrive around 8:00 AM to reach the main halls before tour buses. · Check the posted show timetable at the ticket hall and reach the arena 20-30 minutes early for a good seat. · The ¥80 ticket also covers the Pagoda Forest, so keep it for the whole visit. · Avoid Golden Week in early October and weekends in spring if possible. · Combine with Songyang Academy and Zhongyue Temple for a full Mount Song day. · Dress modestly and keep voices low inside active worship halls.
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2
Shaolin Pagoda Forest (Talin)
A cemetery of more than 240 brick and stone funerary pagodas of Shaolin abbots, dating from the Tang to the Qing dynasty, set on a hillside among cypress trees.
Tip: Entry is included in the ¥80 Shaolin scenic area ticket, so keep the ticket handy. · Walk from the temple gate in about 15 minutes or use the scenic-area shuttle. · Visit in late afternoon for softer light and fewer tour groups. · Wear sturdy shoes, as paths are uneven and slippery after rain. · Allow at least an hour to wander rather than rushing past the towers.
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3
Longmen Grottoes
UNESCO-listed cave temples carved over 400 years from 493 AD along the Yi River, holding more than 100,000 Buddhist statues. The 17 m Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple is the centerpiece.
Tip: Arrive at opening on a weekday to see the Vairocana Buddha without large groups. · Hire a guide or audio guide, as cave labels are limited in English. · Cross to the east bank in late afternoon for the best photo of the cliff face. · The night tour is a separate ¥90 ticket, so decide in advance. · Bring water and a hat, since shade along the cliff path is limited. · Students with ID may qualify for discounted entry.
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4
White Horse Temple
Founded in 68 AD, traditionally regarded as the first Buddhist temple in China. The grounds include Indian, Thai and Burmese style halls built by foreign Buddhist communities.
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. · Time a visit for the 1st or 15th of the lunar month to see pilgrim activity, but expect crowds. · Allow extra time to walk to the foreign-style temples. · Dress modestly and avoid photographing worshippers without permission. · Pair with Longmen Grottoes or Luoyang Old Town for a full day. · Bus 56 from the Luoyang Railway Station area takes about 40 minutes.
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5
Henan Museum
Henan's flagship museum, holding Shang bronzes, the 9,000-year-old Jiahu bone flutes, jade burial objects and Song dynasty ceramics, a strong overview of Central Plains civilization.
Tip: Reserve on the museum WeChat mini-program 1-3 days ahead and bring a passport. · Arrive on a weekday morning for the lightest crowds. · Remember that the museum is closed on Mondays except public holidays. · Last entry is at 4:00 PM, so start earlier for a full visit. · Visit before Yin Ruins or Longmen Grottoes for historical context. · Consider an audio guide to make sense of the dense labels.
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6
Yin Ruins (Yinxu), Anyang
UNESCO-listed capital of the late Shang dynasty (c. 1300-1046 BC), where oracle bones bearing the earliest mature Chinese writing were found. Sites include the palace foundations, royal tombs and the tomb of Lady Fu Hao.
Tip: Go in the morning to avoid heat and tour groups. · Combine with the Chinese Character Museum in Anyang city. · Bring water and sun protection, as much of the park is exposed. · Use a translation app or guide, since English signage is limited. · Take the high-speed train from Zhengzhou East to Anyang East, about 40 minutes. · Hours are shorter from November to February, so check the closing time.
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7
Kaifeng Millennium City Park (Qingming Shanghe Garden)
A theme park recreating the Northern Song capital Bianjing from the scroll painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival, with costumed performers and staged shows.
Tip: Arrive in the afternoon and stay into the evening for the main shows. · Check the show timetable on arrival and reach popular performances early. · Wear comfortable shoes, as the park covers a large area. · Avoid national holidays and summer weekends if possible. · Combine with Kaifeng Prefecture and Iron Pagoda Park in one day. · Try local snacks from the stalls along the streets.
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8
Iron Pagoda Park (Youguo Temple Pagoda)
A 55 m glazed-brick pagoda built in 1049 in the Northern Song dynasty, named for its iron-brown colour and standing through centuries of Yellow River floods.
Tip: Visit early morning or near dusk for light and thinner crowds. · Look closely at the lower tiles for the finest relief detail. · Be prepared for a narrow, steep staircase if climbing the tower. · Combine with Dragon Pavilion Park and Kaifeng Prefecture. · Bus 1 or 3, or a Didi from the station at about ¥15. · Avoid national holiday peaks.
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9
Dragon Pavilion Park (Longting)
A Ming and Qing era hall on a raised platform over the site of the Northern Song imperial palace, beside two lakes.
Tip: Visit in the morning for soft light and fewer groups. · Climb the stairs for the terrace view, and photograph the pavilion from the lake causeway. · Time a visit for autumn to see chrysanthemum displays. · Walk 20 minutes from the Drum Tower or take Bus 1, 3 or 13. · Combine with Iron Pagoda Park and Kaifeng Prefecture. · Avoid national holiday crowds.
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10
Kaifeng Prefecture (Kaifeng Fu)
A reconstruction of the Song dynasty magistrate's office of Judge Bao Zheng, famous in Chinese folklore, with staged court re-enactments.
Tip: Check show times at the gate and arrive 15 minutes early for a good seat. · Catch at least one re-enactment, as it is the main draw. · Visit on a weekday to avoid crowded seating. · Walk 10 minutes from the Drum Tower, or take a Didi at about ¥15. · Combine with Dragon Pavilion Park and the nearby night market. · Expect Chinese-language performances with limited English.
Attractions by category
Explore by your interests.
Landmarks
Longmen Grottoes
UNESCO cave temples with 100,000 Buddhist statues
Iron Pagoda Park (Youguo Temple Pagoda)
55 m glazed-brick Song dynasty pagoda
Erqi Memorial Tower
Twin-tower symbol of Zhengzhou
Dragon Pavilion Park (Longting)
Ming and Qing hall above the old Song palace site
Museums
Henan Museum
Bronzes, Jiahu flutes and jade in Zhengzhou
Yin Ruins (Yinxu), Anyang
Shang dynasty capital and oracle bone site
Nature
Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area (Jiaozuo)
Geopark canyons and a 314 m waterfall
Cultural
Shaolin Temple (Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area)
Birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Shaolin kung fu
White Horse Temple
China's first Buddhist temple
Kaifeng Millennium City Park (Qingming Shanghe Garden)
Song dynasty theme park and evening shows
Luoyang Old Town (Lijing Gate)
Ming-Qing old town streets and water banquet dining
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
- Hours
- Most sites open 8:00 AM-5:30 PM daily; Henan Museum closes Mondays; night tours and shows run until 10-11 PM at Longmen and Kaifeng
- Fees
- Major sites cost ¥50-100 (~$7.50-15); Henan Museum is free with reservation; Shaolin costs ¥80 (~$12) including the Pagoda Forest and martial-arts shows
- Best Times
- April-May and September-October for mild weather; avoid National Day Golden Week (October 1-7) when Shaolin, Longmen and Yuntai Mountain are extremely crowded
- Booking
- Book Longmen, Shaolin and Yuntai tickets on the venue's WeChat mini-program or Trip.com; Henan Museum needs a passport-linked reservation 1-3 days ahead
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Carry a passport; most sites and the Henan Museum check ID at entry
High-speed rail links Zhengzhou East to Luoyang Longmen, Kaifeng and Dengfeng East in about 25-30 minutes
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival; many ticket desks no longer take cash
Use Amap (Gaode) or Didi with the Chinese name of each site shown in this guide
Visit Shaolin and Longmen on separate days; each takes a half to full day
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season to visit attractions in Henan?
April-May and September-October have mild weather; summer is hot and humid and winter is cold and dry
Can Shaolin and Longmen be visited in one day?
Not comfortably; they are about 1.5 hours apart, so plan separate days or a very early start
Is Henan Museum free?
Yes, entry is free with a passport and advance reservation; it is closed on Mondays
How do I get between Zhengzhou, Luoyang and Kaifeng?
High-speed trains take about 30 minutes each way; book on Trip.com or the 12306 app with a passport