Top Things to Do in Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou is a popular tourist destination in the north part of China. It is a historical and cultural city with a long history over 3500 years old. A city with lots of tourist sites, it was the ancient capital during the Shang Dynasty. In and around Zhengzhou, porcelain and the Chinese technique of bronze smelting were developed. We list the top things to do & famous attractions in Zhengzhou as below:

Shang Dynasty Ruins
It is located in downtown Zhengzhou, Shang Dynasty City Ruins is the remains of a capital of Shang Dynasty. In 1955, the discovery of a high rammed–earth city wall proved that it is the capital ruins of Shang Dynasty. In 1961, Shang Dynasty City Ruins was included into the lists of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units. Shangcheng Relics Site provides valuable objects for studying social life of Shang Dynasty and the formation and development of China's ancient cities. It is one of the famous attractions in Zhengzhou city.

City God Temple Zhengzhou
The City God Temple is  large, ancient place of worship. The original building built in the Ming Dynasty around 1368 was destroyed by natural disasters and people, but the temple remains are still fabulous. Visitors come to admire the artwork of the Happy Building and to experience the folk art and craft fairs that take place at the temple. The Happy Building is about 15 m high. Among the various artwork are swimming dragons, a dancing phoenix, lions and lotus plants. An artwork about the Eight immortals who became Daoist deities crossing the sea can also be seen.

Henan Provincial Museum
Henan Museum, located in Zhengzhou, is a newly-built modern history and art museum. Henan Museum is one of the oldest museums in China. In June, 1927, General Feng Yuxiang, commander in chief of the National Revolutionary Army and the chairman of Henan Province at that time, brought forward his opinion of “Education is Essential Politics for a Country” in his political programme for managing of Henan. That June, Guo Xujing, Xu Jinquan and He Rizhang were appointed by the provincial government as commissioners under the Provincial Education Office, to prepare construction of Henan Museum under the care of General Feng Yuxiang. The site designated for Henan Museum, was the schoolhouse of the former Legal and Law School, which was located at West Street, Kaifeng Court (Sansheng Temple Street, Kaifeng today) and thus the museum was born.

Songshan Mountain
Songshan Mountain, located 31 miles (50 km) southeast of Luoyang, is one of the five sacred Buddhist mountains in China that, as a state religion, was venerated on the order of the emperor by offering up gifts to heaven. Many architectural monuments stand on the slopes and in the vicinity of the 1440m/4725ft high Songshan. Its a quiet place to visit and you can escape the crowds as you need to walk through the woods on a pleasant path to reach the temples and pagodas.

Zhengzhou Antique & Craft Market
One of the biggest antique and handicraft markets in China can be found in Zhengzhou. Furniture enthusiasts or antique collectors will be in seventh heaven here. Restrictions apply to certain antiques, so do some research should you want to buy anything over 200 years old, or over a certain value.

Yellow River Scenic Area
The yellow River Scenic Area is located on the banks of the Yellow River, about 25 km northwest of Zhengzhou. It comprises of a large, paved plaza among hills, bushes and trees and is filled with giant sculptures. This huge area has magnificent scenery and gives good insight into the culture of the Yellow River. It is one of the most interesting places to visit along the Yellow river and contains 5 panoramic zones: The Stone Figures of Emperors Yan and Huang, the Camel Mountains Range, the Yueshan Temple, the Five Dragons Peak and the Ancient City of Liu Bang and Xiang Yu. There is a visitor center just before entering the gates of the scenic area which provides maps and good information about the area.

The Stone Figures of Emperors Yan and Huang
These legendary north facing figures are those of emperors Yan and Huang who are considered to be the ancestors of the Chinese. The Yan figure is 106 meters tall and is regarded as the 5th tallest statue in the world. Emperor Yan is believed to have taught the Chinese how to plough and cultivate grain. Emperor Huang was the Yellow Emperor who was regarded as the initiator of Chinese culture. Both emperors were believed to be immortal. There are 9 bronze colored tripod cauldrons (made from concrete) on display for paying homage to the two emperors.