China

Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou: China's transport hub with surprises beyond the tracks.

Local time: UTC+8
Population: 12.6M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$

Very cheap

Food$$$$$About $12 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $30 a night for two
Transport$$$$$About $0.6 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇨🇳 CNY =

Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

CGOXinzheng AirportMain airport, 32 km from centre.

How	Cost	Time
Metro Line 2 + Chengjiao linecity centre	¥2-9	50-60 min
Cheapest, but last train 22:00.
Airport shuttle busZhengzhou Hotel	¥15	45-60 min
Runs from central location.
Public busAviation Hotel (Jinshui Road)	¥25	50-70 min
Less frequent.
Taxicity centre	¥120-140	40-60 min
Fixed round-trip pricing; bargain rarely helps.
TrainZhengzhou East Station	check locally	20-30 min
Runs every 30-60 min.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Zhengzhou

Getting around

Metro for most trips; Didi for late nights and sights off the metro lines.

Metro ★7 lines, fares ¥2–9. First trains around 06:00, last around 23:00 (the Chengjiao line ends at 22:00). Cheap and easy for the centre and the station.
Bus¥1–2 per ride with an extensive network and BRT lines. Cheap but slower than the metro.
Taxi / ride apps ★Taxis: flagfall ¥8 day, ¥10 night, then ¥1.5/km after 2 km. Meters are used but watch for cheating. Didi works widely; Uber and similar international apps do not.
Rental carNot recommended for visitors: heavy traffic and complex rules. Use metro, taxis and Didi instead.
WalkingCentral areas are walkable and shared bikes are available, but the city is spread out. Use the metro for longer hops.

Recommended stay★ 1 night (2 days)

One night suits you: the Henan Museum and Shang ruins make a central-city day, and counting Shaolin as a separate trip keeps the stay short.

Best for

HistoryShang dynasty ruins, the Yellow River and the Henan Museum.
CultureShaolin kung fu, ancient bronzes and temple courtyards.
FoodHui street snacks, noodle shops and night markets.

Weather by month

7°-3°Jan🌧 3d

11°0°Feb🌧 3d

18°6°Mar🌧 4d

23°11°Apr🌧 6d

29°17°May🌧 5d

33°22°Jun🌧 7d

33°24°Jul🌧 12d

31°23°Aug🌧 12d

28°19°Sep🌧 8d

21°12°Oct🌧 7d

15°5°Nov🌧 5d

9°-1°Dec🌧 2d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Four clear seasons: cold, dry winters and hot, humid summers with the most rain in July and August.

Best time: April, May and OctoberHighs around 21–29°C and fewer rain days. Ideal for the museum, ruins and day trips.
Hot, humid summer (June to August)Highs near 31–33°C with the most rain days. Plan indoor sights at midday and carry water.
Rain peaks in July and AugustAround 12 rain days each month. Pack a light umbrella and a rain jacket.
Cold, dry winter (December to February)Highs of 7–11°C and lows near or below freezing. A warm coat and layers are essential.
Clear autumnSeptember and October turn drier and milder, with highs of 21–28°C. Great for outdoor sights.
What to packLayers for spring and autumn, a warm coat for winter, light breathable clothes and rain gear for summer. Comfortable shoes for temple and ruins visits.

Landmarks 5

Must-see · 3

1
Song Mountain
A sacred Taoist mountain with dramatic peaks and historic temples, perfect for hiking and scenery. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water; the cable car saves time if you're short on energy.
2
Henan Museum
One of China's best provincial museums, with treasures from ancient dynasties and a famous collection of bronze and jade. It's free with ID, closed on Mondays, and a good rainy-day option.
3
Yellow River Scenic Area
See the mighty Yellow River up close, with viewpoints and a giant statue of the Yellow Emperor. It's a bit far from the city center, so allow half a day and check bus routes in advance.

Cultural

Museum 1

Park 1

Ancient Site 1

Natural

Mountain 1

River 1

Day trips from Zhengzhou

Luoyang · 1 h 30 by train

★★★★★ · Full day · 131 km from Zhengzhou

Best way: High-speed trains take about 40 minutes, then a short local bus or taxi reaches the Longmen Grottoes.

High-speed trains connect Zhengzhou to Luoyang in about 40 minutes, then take a local bus or taxi to the Longmen Grottoes south of town.

Train ★1 h 30 · from $3-$12
Car1 h 35 · taxi ≈ 200 CNY

What to see

Longmen Grottoes
White Horse Temple
Luoyang Old Town
Guanlin Temple

1 landmark quest to check off here

Good to know

Longmen Grottoes are best visited in spring or autumn
Allow several hours to walk the grottoes site
Book train tickets ahead during holidays

Kaifeng · 40 min by train

★★★★☆ · Full day · 69 km from Zhengzhou

Best way: High-speed trains take under half an hour and local transport reaches the old town sights easily.

Frequent high-speed trains run from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng in under half an hour, with local buses or taxis onward to the old town sights.

Train ★40 min · from $7-$10
Bus2 h 30 · from $9
Car1 h 00 · taxi ≈ 110 CNY

What to see

Iron Pagoda
Dragon Pavilion
Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden
Kaifeng Fu

Good to know

Book train tickets ahead on busy weekends and holidays
The night market is best visited in the evening
Several old-town sights charge separate entry fees

Times and prices are typical one-way estimates (train and bus: Omio / Rome2Rio route data; taxi: local tariff × road distance, tolls extra). Exact prices are on the booking page.

Plans

Zhengzhou rewards visitors with its dynamic Erqi Square, rich Henan cuisine, and easy access to ancient wonders. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

How long?

What do you enjoy most?

Day trip · History

One packed day for first-timers: Shang dynasty walls, the Henan Museum and the Yellow River.

Stay: Erqi Square. Old downtown core. Walk to the Erqi Memorial Tower, street food and the metro interchange. Best for first-timers on a budget.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 108
Taxis: ≈ CNY 95

Day 1

Shang ruins, museum, river

Tickets ≈ CNY 108 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 95

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 12
1

08:30–09:15 · Free to walk past; small fee for some sections

Shang city wall ruins

Start early while it is cool. The wall ruins are outdoors; bring water.

Open Outdoor; daylight hours
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ CNY 15
2

09:45–12:15 · Free with ID/passport booking; some special shows charge

Henan Museum

Closed Monday. Arrive at opening; the main galleries fill up by late morning.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ CNY 19
3

12:30–12:50 · ≈ CNY 4–15 per item

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Cheap cold drink near Erqi Square. Check branch hours on the day.

Open Most branches 10:00–22:00; check on the day
Taxi · 177 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ CNY 8
4

13:00–14:30 · ≈ CNY 20–60 for a street-food crawl

Dehua Street food walk

Lunch stop: noodle shops and snacks. Quieter at midday than in the evening.

Open Busiest roughly 17:00–23:00
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ CNY 19
5

15:30–18:30 · ≈ CNY 40–80 for the scenic area; check on the day

Yellow River (Zhengzhou section) Landmark quest

About 40–60 minutes by taxi from the centre. Scenic areas close around 18:00, so check the last entry time.

Open Scenic areas roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 9 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ CNY 21

Day trip · Food

A relaxed eating day: market breakfast, street snacks and a night market finish.

Stay: Erqi Square. Old downtown core. Walk to the Erqi Memorial Tower, street food and the metro interchange. Best for first-timers on a budget.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 118
Taxis: ≈ CNY 98

Day 1

Market morning to night market

Tickets ≈ CNY 118 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 98

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ CNY 14
1

08:30–09:30 · ≈ CNY 15–50 for snacks

Guoji food and produce market

Breakfast and produce. Best in the morning; roughly 06:00–19:00.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15
2

10:00–11:00 · Free

Renmin Park

Walk off breakfast. Locals sing and dance here in the morning.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ CNY 16
3

11:30–11:50 · ≈ CNY 4–15 per item

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Cheap tea stop. Check branch hours on the day.

Open Most branches 10:00–22:00; check on the day
Taxi · 177 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ CNY 8
4

12:30–14:00 · ≈ CNY 20–60 for a street-food crawl

Dehua Street food walk

Lunch walk. Many stalls open all day; the big crowd comes after 17:00.

Open Busiest roughly 17:00–23:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ CNY 15
5

15:00–16:30 · Free with ID

Zhengzhou Museum

Indoor break in the afternoon heat. Closed Monday.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15
6

18:30–20:00 · ≈ CNY 20–60

Night market street food

Dinner. Roughly 18:00–24:00; bring small cash.

Open Roughly 18:00–24:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15

1 night · History ★ Recommended length

First-timers who want the big picture: ancient bronzes, Shang walls and the Yellow River in one night.

Stay: Erqi Square. Old downtown core. Walk to the Erqi Memorial Tower, street food and the metro interchange. Best for first-timers on a budget.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 98
Taxis: ≈ CNY 222
Hotel: CNY 150–400

Day 1

Arrive, Henan Museum and Erqi Square

Tickets ≈ CNY 40 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 74

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ CNY 17
1

13:00–15:30 · Free with ID/passport booking; some special shows charge

Henan Museum

Closed Monday. Bring your passport for the free ticket. Allow 30 minutes by taxi or metro from most hotels.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ CNY 15
2

16:00–16:45 · Free to walk past; small fee for some sections

Shang city wall ruins

Short taxi ride south. Outdoor ruins; go in daylight.

Open Outdoor; daylight hours
Taxi · 7 km · ≈ 22 min · ≈ CNY 18
3

17:15–18:00 · Free to see from outside; small fee for the tower interior

Erqi Memorial Tower

The square is always open; the tower itself closes around 17:00, so check on the day.

Open Square always open; tower roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 167 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ CNY 8
4

18:15–19:45 · ≈ CNY 20–60 for a street-food crawl

Dehua Street food walk

Dinner stop. Busiest from about 17:00. Try local noodles and grilled snacks.

Open Busiest roughly 17:00–23:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15

Day 2

Yellow River, then onward

Tickets ≈ CNY 58 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 148

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 25 km · ≈ 1 h 4 min · ≈ CNY 45
1

08:30–10:30 · ≈ CNY 30–70; check on the day

Yellow River scenic area viewpoint

Go early for clearer light. About 45–60 minutes by taxi from the centre; agree on a return time with your driver.

Open Roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi · 24 km · ≈ 1 h 2 min · ≈ CNY 44
2

11:15–11:35 · ≈ CNY 4–15 per item

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Cheap cold drink before heading back. Branches are common; check hours on the day.

Open Most branches 10:00–22:00; check on the day
Taxi · 17 km · ≈ 45 min · ≈ CNY 33
3

13:00–13:45 · Free

Zhengzhou East Station area walk

If you leave by high-speed rail, arrive here with time to spare.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 34 min · ≈ CNY 26

1 night · Culture ★ Recommended length

Travellers who want Shaolin kung fu and temple courtyards, with a museum warm-up on arrival.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 308
Taxis: ≈ CNY 167

Day 1

Arrive, museum and city lights

Tickets ≈ CNY 0 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 35

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

13:00–15:30 · Free with ID/passport booking; some special shows charge

Henan Museum

Closed Monday. Free entry with passport; check on the day.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ CNY 15
2

16:00–17:00 · Free

Renmin Park

Short walk or taxi. Locals sing and practise tai chi here.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 25 min · ≈ CNY 20
3

18:30–19:45 · Free

Zhengdong New District CBD and lake

Dinner nearby, then walk the lake. Lights come on after dark.

Open Always open; lights on after dark

Day 2

Shaolin and Songshan day trip

Tickets ≈ CNY 308 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 132

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

1

07:30–15:30 · ≈ CNY 200–400 with transport and tickets; check on the day

Songshan and Shaolin Temple day trip

Full day. Book a tour or private car the night before. Bring cash, water and comfortable shoes.

Open Full day; leave early
Taxi · 82 km · ≈ 3 h 23 min · ≈ CNY 132
2

20:00–20:20 · ≈ CNY 4–15 per item

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Back in the city, a cheap drink to finish. Check branch hours on the day.

Open Most branches 10:00–22:00; check on the day

1 night · Food ★ Recommended length

Eat-first visitors: a morning market, Hui street snacks and a night market crawl.

Stay: Erqi Square. Old downtown core. Walk to the Erqi Memorial Tower, street food and the metro interchange. Best for first-timers on a budget.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 108
Taxis: ≈ CNY 129
Hotel: CNY 150–400

Day 1

Arrive, market and old city

Tickets ≈ CNY 78 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 47

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ CNY 14
1

14:00–15:00 · ≈ CNY 15–50 for snacks

Guoji food and produce market

Produce and snacks; best in the morning but still lively early afternoon. Check hours on the day.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00
Taxi · 1099 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 10
2

15:30–16:15 · Free to see from outside; small fee for the tower interior

Erqi Memorial Tower

Walk the square; the tower closes around 17:00.

Open Square always open; tower roughly 09:00–17:00
3

16:30–16:50 · ≈ CNY 4–15 per item

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Cheap tea break. Branches are everywhere.

Open Most branches 10:00–22:00; check on the day
Taxi · 379 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ CNY 9
4

18:30–20:00 · ≈ CNY 20–60

Night market street food

Dinner crawl. Busiest from about 18:00. Carry small notes.

Open Roughly 18:00–24:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15

Day 2

Morning eats, then leave

Tickets ≈ CNY 30 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 81

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ CNY 14
1

08:00–09:00 · ≈ CNY 15–50 for snacks

Guoji food and produce market

Breakfast: noodles, buns and fresh fruit.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15
2

09:30–10:30 · Free

Renmin Park

Walk off breakfast and watch the morning tai chi.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi · 12 km · ≈ 34 min · ≈ CNY 26
3

11:30–12:15 · Free

Zhengzhou East Station area walk

Allow extra time for security if taking high-speed rail.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 34 min · ≈ CNY 26

2 nights · History

First-time visitors who want the deep past: Shang walls, bronze treasures and the Yellow River.

Stay: Erqi Square. Old downtown core. Walk to the Erqi Memorial Tower, street food and the metro interchange. Best for first-timers on a budget.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 128
Taxis: ≈ CNY 292
Hotel: CNY 300–800

Day 1

Arrive, city roots and Erqi Square

Tickets ≈ CNY 40 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 61

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 3 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ CNY 12
1

14:00–14:45 · Free to walk past; small fee for some sections

Shang city wall ruins

Outdoor ruins; go in daylight. Free to walk around.

Open Outdoor; daylight hours
Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 10 min · ≈ CNY 11
2

15:15–16:45 · Free with ID

Zhengzhou Museum

Closed Monday. Small, calm and free.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 17 min · ≈ CNY 16
3

17:15–18:00 · Free to see from outside; small fee for the tower interior

Erqi Memorial Tower

Square always open; tower roughly 09:00–17:00, so check before climbing.

Open Square always open; tower roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 167 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ CNY 8
4

18:30–20:00 · ≈ CNY 20–60 for a street-food crawl

Dehua Street food walk

Evening food walk. Busiest roughly 17:00–23:00.

Open Busiest roughly 17:00–23:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15

Day 2

Henan Museum morning, river afternoon

Tickets ≈ CNY 58 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 147

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ CNY 17
1

09:00–11:30 · Free with ID/passport booking; some special shows charge

Henan Museum

Closed Monday. Go early on a weekday; bring ID for entry checks.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ CNY 19
2

12:00–12:20 · ≈ CNY 4–15 per item

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Cheap cold drink before heading north.

Open Most branches 10:00–22:00; check on the day
Taxi · 24 km · ≈ 1 h 2 min · ≈ CNY 44
3

14:00–16:00 · ≈ CNY 30–70; check on the day

Yellow River scenic area viewpoint

Roughly 08:00–18:00. Clear days give the best views; taxi from the museum.

Open Roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi · 25 km · ≈ 1 h 6 min · ≈ CNY 46
4

18:30–19:45 · Free

Zhengdong New District CBD and lake

Lights come on after dark. Dinner nearby.

Open Always open; lights on after dark
Taxi back to your hotel · 9 km · ≈ 26 min · ≈ CNY 21

Day 3

Morning park, then leave

Tickets ≈ CNY 30 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 83

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 1074 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 10
1

08:30–09:30 · Free

Renmin Park

Early morning is liveliest with locals exercising.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15
2

10:00–11:00 · ≈ CNY 15–50 for snacks

Guoji food and produce market

Roughly 06:00–19:00. Good for snacks to take on the train.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00
Taxi · 16 km · ≈ 44 min · ≈ CNY 32
3

12:00–12:45 · Free

Zhengzhou East Station area walk

Allow extra time for security at the station.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 34 min · ≈ CNY 26

2 nights · Culture

Temple courtyards, kung fu and ancient bronzes, with one full day out at Songshan.

Stay: Erqi Square. Old downtown core. Walk to the Erqi Memorial Tower, street food and the metro interchange. Best for first-timers on a budget.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 428
Taxis: ≈ CNY 493
Hotel: CNY 300–800

Day 1

Arrive, museum bronzes and Erqi evening

Tickets ≈ CNY 40 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 59

Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors

Taxi from your hotel · 6 km · ≈ 19 min · ≈ CNY 17
1

13:30–16:00 · Free with ID/passport booking; some special shows charge

Henan Museum

Closed Monday. Check the day's gallery closures at the desk.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ CNY 19
2

16:45–17:30 · Free to see from outside; small fee for the tower interior

Erqi Memorial Tower

Late afternoon light on the square; tower hours roughly 09:00–17:00.

Open Square always open; tower roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 369 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ CNY 9
3

18:30–20:00 · ≈ CNY 20–60

Night market street food

Roughly 18:00–24:00. Point at what looks busy and fresh.

Open Roughly 18:00–24:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15

Day 2

Songshan and Shaolin full day

Tickets ≈ CNY 308 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 285

Taxi from your hotel · 87 km · ≈ 3 h 33 min · ≈ CNY 138
1

07:30–15:30 · ≈ CNY 200–400 with transport and tickets; check on the day

Songshan and Shaolin Temple day trip

Full day; leave early. Book transport the night before and check temple show times on the day.

Open Full day; leave early
Taxi · 82 km · ≈ 3 h 23 min · ≈ CNY 132
2

21:00–21:20 · ≈ CNY 4–15 per item

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Most branches 10:00–22:00; check on the day.

Open Most branches 10:00–22:00; check on the day
Taxi back to your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15

Day 3

River morning, then leave

Tickets ≈ CNY 80 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 149

Taxi from your hotel · 25 km · ≈ 1 h 4 min · ≈ CNY 45
1

09:00–11:00 · ≈ CNY 30–70; check on the day

Yellow River scenic area viewpoint

Roughly 08:00–18:00. Clear morning is best.

Open Roughly 08:00–18:00
Taxi · 25 km · ≈ 1 h 4 min · ≈ CNY 45
2

11:30–12:30 · ≈ CNY 15–50 for snacks

Guoji food and produce market

Pick up snacks before the station.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00
Taxi · 16 km · ≈ 44 min · ≈ CNY 32
3

13:00–13:45 · Free

Zhengzhou East Station area walk

Trains need security time; arrive early.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 34 min · ≈ CNY 26

2 nights · Food

Eat your way through Erqi Square: morning markets, Hui snacks and late-night stalls.

Stay: Erqi Square. Old downtown core. Walk to the Erqi Memorial Tower, street food and the metro interchange. Best for first-timers on a budget.

Tickets & tours: ≈ CNY 118
Taxis: ≈ CNY 177
Hotel: CNY 300–800

Day 1

Arrive and eat around Erqi

Tickets ≈ CNY 88 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 46

Taxi from your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15
1

15:30–16:15 · Free to see from outside; small fee for the tower interior

Erqi Memorial Tower

Walk the square first; tower roughly 09:00–17:00.

Open Square always open; tower roughly 09:00–17:00
2

16:30–16:50 · ≈ CNY 4–15 per item

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Cheap and everywhere; most branches 10:00–22:00.

Open Most branches 10:00–22:00; check on the day
Taxi · 177 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ CNY 8
3

17:30–19:00 · ≈ CNY 20–60 for a street-food crawl

Dehua Street food walk

Busiest roughly 17:00–23:00. Try small portions from several stalls.

Open Busiest roughly 17:00–23:00
Taxi · 203 m · ≈ 5 min · ≈ CNY 8
4

19:30–21:00 · ≈ CNY 20–60

Night market street food

Roughly 18:00–24:00. Keep cash and small notes handy.

Open Roughly 18:00–24:00
Taxi back to your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15

Day 2

Market morning, museum break, skyline evening

Tickets ≈ CNY 30 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 69

Taxi from your hotel · 4 km · ≈ 15 min · ≈ CNY 14
1

08:00–09:00 · ≈ CNY 15–50 for snacks

Guoji food and produce market

Roughly 06:00–19:00. Best produce and breakfast early.

Open Roughly 06:00–19:00
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 24 min · ≈ CNY 20
2

10:00–12:30 · Free with ID/passport booking; some special shows charge

Henan Museum

Closed Monday. A cool indoor break from the heat.

Open Closed Monday · Tue–Sun roughly 09:00–17:00
Taxi · 8 km · ≈ 23 min · ≈ CNY 19
3

18:00–19:00 · Free

Greenland Plaza skyline walk

Always open. Skyline walk, then dinner nearby.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 5 km · ≈ 16 min · ≈ CNY 15

Day 3

Park breakfast, then leave

Tickets ≈ CNY 0 pp · taxis ≈ CNY 62

Taxi from your hotel · 1074 m · ≈ 8 min · ≈ CNY 10
1

08:30–09:30 · Free

Renmin Park

Early morning is best for people-watching.

Open Roughly 06:00–22:00
Taxi · 12 km · ≈ 34 min · ≈ CNY 26
2

10:30–11:15 · Free

Zhengzhou East Station area walk

Grab food inside the station before security.

Open Always open
Taxi back to your hotel · 12 km · ≈ 34 min · ≈ CNY 26

Swap in instead

Add a day for Shaolin Temple and the Pagoda Forest near Dengfeng. It is a long day trip; check transport and ticket times on the day.
History fans can take the high-speed train to Luoyang for the Longmen Grottoes. Book seats ahead.
See the Yellow River at a riverside scenic area north of the city. Go in the morning; check opening hours on the day.

Getting around

Metro: 7 lines, fares ¥2-9, first trains ~06:00, last ~23:00 (Chengjiao line ends 22:00).
Buses: ¥1-2 per ride, extensive network, BRT lines available.
Taxis: flagfall ¥8 day, ¥10 night, ¥1.5/km after 2 km; meters used but watch for cheating.
Ride apps: Didi works widely; international apps like Uber not available.
Driving: not recommended for visitors due to traffic and complex rules.
Walking/bikes: city is spread out but central areas walkable; shared bikes available.

Where to stay

Erqi Square · ≈ CNY 150–400 a night
Old downtown core. Walk to the Erqi Memorial Tower, street food and the metro interchange. Best for first-timers on a budget.
Zhengzhou East Station · ≈ CNY 200–500 a night
On the high-speed rail and metro. Handy for Shaolin Temple and Luoyang day trips, but few sights nearby.
Jinshui Road · ≈ CNY 250–600 a night
Central business strip with malls, offices and mid-range hotels. Good metro links and plenty of restaurants.
CBD · ≈ CNY 300–750 a night
Modern lakeside district around the big convention centre. Newer hotels, quieter nights, a short metro ride to the old centre.

Food & drink

Try Henan staples: hui mian (thick lamb noodles), hu la tang (peppery soup) and steamed dumplings. A bowl costs roughly ¥10–25.
Erqi Square and the nearby Dehua Street area are good for Hui (Muslim) snacks and evening street food. Prices are low; check hygiene on the day.
Zhengzhou is famous for hui mian noodle houses. Ask your hotel for a local favourite rather than a chain.
Night markets and food streets are busiest after 18:00. Carry small cash and expect crowds on weekends.
Tap water is not for drinking. Bottled water is cheap (¥2–3) and sold everywhere.

Tips

Visit the nearby Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism
WeChat Pay and Alipay are absolutely essential
Try Huimian (braised noodles), the signature local dish
The massive Foxconn factory here earns it the nickname 'iPhone City'
Summers are hot and winters are cold and smoggy

Sources for prices and hours

Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

Tours & activities

Visit Shaolin Temple and watch a kung fu performance
Combine with the Longmen Grottoes in one private day
31 reviews · 4.9 rating

Kung fu showPrivate guide

Private Tour: Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple & Kungfu Show

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.9 (31)

$158View tour

Skip the ticket line at Shaolin Temple
See the martial arts show with practical tips included
6 reviews · 4.6 rating

Entry includedKung fu show

Shaolin Temple Entry Ticket and Kung Fu Show Tips

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.6 (6)

$34View tour

Explore the Longmen Grottoes with a private guide
Choose a full tour or tickets only
46 reviews · 4.8 rating

Private tourTickets option

Longmen Grottoes Private Tour or Tickets Only

GetYourGuide · ★ 4.8 (46)

$27View tour

Souvenirs

Jun Ware Tea Cup

CNY 80–2501 small cup · estimate

Jun ware is a glazed ceramic craft from Yuzhou, Henan, known for its milky blue and purple-red glazes. Zhengzhou is the provincial capital and a main place to buy it.

Where: Mingjun Hall (名钧堂), Zhengzhou Gaoxin branch

A small basic cup is an affordable choice, but artist-signed pieces cost much more.

Flights

Hotels

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Luggage storage

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Cost of a day

Exchange rate

Getting in

Getting around

Weather by month

Climate

Landmarks 5

Must-see · 3

Song Mountain

Henan Museum

Yellow River Scenic Area

Cultural

Museum 1

Park 1

Ancient Site 1

Natural

Mountain 1

River 1

Day trips from Zhengzhou

Luoyang · 1 h 30 by train

What to see

Good to know

Kaifeng · 40 min by train

What to see

Good to know

Plans

Shang city wall ruins

Henan Museum

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Dehua Street food walk

Yellow River (Zhengzhou section) Landmark quest

Songshan and Shaolin Temple day trip

Erqi Memorial Tower

Night market street food

Guoji food and produce market

Renmin Park

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Dehua Street food walk

Zhengzhou Museum

Night market street food

Henan Museum

Shang city wall ruins

Erqi Memorial Tower

Dehua Street food walk

Yellow River scenic area viewpoint

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Zhengzhou East Station area walk

Henan Museum

Renmin Park

Zhengdong New District CBD and lake

Songshan and Shaolin Temple day trip

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Guoji food and produce market

Erqi Memorial Tower

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Night market street food

Guoji food and produce market

Renmin Park

Zhengzhou East Station area walk

Shang city wall ruins

Zhengzhou Museum

Erqi Memorial Tower

Dehua Street food walk

Henan Museum

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Yellow River scenic area viewpoint

Zhengdong New District CBD and lake

Renmin Park

Guoji food and produce market

Zhengzhou East Station area walk

Henan Museum

Erqi Memorial Tower

Night market street food

Songshan and Shaolin Temple day trip

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest

Yellow River scenic area viewpoint

Guoji food and produce market

Zhengzhou East Station area walk

Erqi Memorial Tower

Mixue Ice Cream & Tea Landmark quest