Tao Xu
Quick Navigation — Tap & Jump
I've been guiding travelers through Henan for over a decade, and here's the honest truth: the “must see in Henan” list you'll find on most English sites is missing the point. You don't come here to shoot yourself in front of a rebuilt pagoda. You come for the raw, ancient soul of China — the grottoes, temples, and cliffs that stood long before your country even existed. But here's the catch: most visitors land, open Google Maps, and panic when it shows a route that doesn't exist. Then they end up paying five times the fare to a taxi driver who speaks zero English. I'm here to change that — with a practical, no-BS guide to the three spots that actually define Henan: Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple, and Yuntai Mountain.
Before we dive in, here's my non-negotiable bottom line: go to Longmen at opening time, skip Shaolin on weekends, and don't even think about Yuntai on a rainy day. Stick to that and you'll see the magic without feeling like a sardine.
Why Henan Deserves Your Time (And How to Plan It)
Henan is the cradle of Chinese civilization — four of the eight ancient capitals of China are here. But for international travelers, it's often overshadowed by Beijing and Xi'an. That's exactly why you should go. The crowds are thinner, the prices are lower, and the historical density is astonishing. In a single week you can walk through the caves of the Longmen Grottoes, watch real kung fu monks at Shaolin, and hike through Yuntai's red canyon that looks like Mars with waterfalls. I tell every client: skip the one-day selfie trip in Beijing and spend three days here — you'll actually feel something.
Now, let’s break down the top three. I have a personal bias: if you only have 48 hours, pick Longmen and Shaolin. Yuntai can wait for your next trip. But here’s the full picture so you can decide.
Top 1: Longmen Grottoes — The Buddha That Defines Henan
Longmen Grottoes is the single most awe-inspiring spot in Henan, and I say that after my 12th visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site (see the official UNESCO listing) houses more than 100,000 statues carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River. The star is Fengxian Temple, where a 17-meter-tall Vairocana Buddha sits with tourists — and sometimes, if you arrive early, just you and him.
How to Get to Longmen Grottoes
You'll likely arrive via Luoyang, which is about a 35-minute high-speed train from Zhengzhou or 1.5 hours from Xi'an. From Luoyang's main station, the grottoes are only 5 kilometers away, but don't rely on Google Maps — it's often inaccurate in China. Use Apple Maps or the AMap app (download "AMap Global" before your trip).
Take a taxi from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station (洛阳龙门站) and show the driver "龙门石窟" (Lóngmén Shíkū). Expect a 10-minute ride, about 15-20 RMB. If you're at Luoyang West Station, it's 15 minutes more. There are also public buses (route 67, 71, 99) from the city, but they're painfully slow. Trust me, take the taxi.
Tickets, Hours, and the No-Stress Entry Plan
Adult tickets are about 90 RMB — kids and seniors get discounts, but you'll need to reserve in advance. Since COVID, almost every attraction in China requires a real-name booking with your passport number. The easiest way for foreigners is to book through Trip.com or the official WeChat mini-program (search "龙门石窟" — it's in Chinese, so ask your hotel to help you set it up). The ticket includes four zones: West Hill Grottoes, East Hill Grottoes, Xiangshan Temple, and Bai Garden. Plan for 3 hours minimum.
Opening hours shift with the season — usually 8:00 to 17:00 in winter, 8:00 to 18:30 in summer. The ticket office stops sales one hour before closing. On weekends, the line for tickets can stretch 50 meters by 10 a.m. So book your entry for 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. and be there at 7:45. You'll share the boardwalk with just a few photographers instead of a sea of tour groups.
My Walkthrough: What Your Eyes Should Catch First
From the main entrance, walk directly to the West Hill — don't get sidetracked by the gift stalls. The path takes you along the cliff face, and the sheer scale hits you at the Fengxian Temple. Spend 30 minutes just absorbing it from the railing, then walk behind the statue — there's a small stairway that gives you a side profile you never see in postcards. After that, cross the bridge to the East Hill. The climb is steep but worth it for the panoramic view of the entire grotto complex. If you have mobility issues, stick to the West Hill — the boardwalk is relatively flat, but the East Hill stairs are a beast.
Top 2: Shaolin Temple — More Than a Kung Fu Show
Say “Shaolin” and most people picture jet-li-style levitation, but the real magic is in the misty morning air and the worn stone floors of the temple. Located at the foot of Mount Song near Dengfeng, this temple is the birthplace of Chan Buddhism and Kung Fu. I've brought groups here who expected a theme park and left in silence — it's that powerful.
How to Get to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou or Luoyang
There is no direct train to the temple, so the best option is a private charter or a tourist shuttle. From Zhengzhou, you can catch an air-conditioned minibus at the Zhengzhou Long-Distance Bus Station (郑州汽车客运中心站) to Dengfeng, then a local bus or taxi for the final 15 minutes. The whole journey takes about 2 hours each way. From Luoyang, it's about the same, but the mountain road is windier. I always tell my clients to book a private car for around 300-400 RMB for the day — split among three people, it's cheaper than the hassle and saves you 2 hours of waiting.
Temple Tickets and the Real Deal (Avoid the Tourist Trap)
Adult admission is approximately 100 RMB, which covers the temple grounds, the forest of pagodas, and access to the kung fu training hall. The huge “tourist hub” near the entrance is a shopping plaza — don't fall for the “authentic” souvenir shops there. You'll see local monks walking around; they're often real, but they're not tour guides. Stick to the main paths.
One thing that gets everyone: the Kung Fu show. There are usually three or four performances daily at the martial arts school near the temple. Check the schedule when you arrive — I was once told 11:00 a.m., but it had switched to 10:00 and 14:00 that week. The show lasts about 30 minutes, and seats fill up 20 minutes early. If you want a good view, arrive early and grab a seat near the back (you can see over the heads). Don't miss the Pagoda Forest — it's a collection of over 200 brick pagodas housing relics of famous monks, with the oldest dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
The Best Time to Visit Shaolin Temple
Weekday mornings are the sweet spot — the temple opens around 7:30, and by 9:00 the tour buses arrive. I've seen weekends where you can't even move past the Hall of Heavenly Kings. If you can, plan for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Also, time your visit to avoid Chinese national holidays (especially May 1-5 and October 1-7). The crowds multiply by ten. In winter, the temple is quieter and eerily beautiful when snow dusts the grey roofs — that's my favorite time, though the cold is biting.
Top 3: Yuntai Mountain — Waterfalls, Red Cliffs, and the Perfect Hiking Day
Yuntai Mountain (云台山) is a UNESCO Global Geopark in Jiaozuo, and it's the place where hiking, geology, and sheer natural beauty meet. The red rock canyon (Red Stone Gorge) is a narrow slot canyon with emerald pools and stepped waterfalls — it's like a Chinese version of Antelope Canyon, but with hydration. It's not as well known internationally, which makes it a hidden gem for English speakers.
How to Get to Yuntai Mountain and Park Basics
Take the high-speed train from Zhengzhou or Luoyang to Jiaozuo Station (焦作站), then a 40-minute taxi (about 80 RMB) to the scenic area's main gate. Alternatively, direct tourist buses run from Zhengzhou and Luoyang in the summer season — ask your hotel or book via a reputable agency. Inside the park, you buy a mandatory shuttle bus ticket (around 60 RMB) that connects the major sights. The park is huge — think of it as several separate valleys — so you must use the shuttles.
Tickets: around 120 RMB for the park plus 60 RMB for the shuttle (so ~180 RMB total). The ticket is valid for two consecutive days, which is great if you want to split your hike across two afternoons.
The Best Hiking Route: Which Trails to Hit First
Start with Red Stone Gorge early in the morning — it's the narrowest trail and gets backed up fast. By 10 a.m., you'll be shuffling behind grandparents with selfie sticks. My rule: be at the gorge entrance when it opens. The one-way loop takes about 1.5 hours and spits you out at a shuttle stop. From there, head to Yuntai Waterfall (Yuntai Tianpu), the highest waterfall in Asia, dropping 314 meters. The trail to it is flat, about 2 kilometers each way, and you'll be rewarded with a view that humbles every person I've taken there.
After lunch, if your knees allow, take the cable car to Zhuyu Peak (茱萸峰) for a panoramic mountain vista. The cable car costs extra (about 80 RMB round trip). Skip it if it's cloudy — you'll see nothing but fog. There are also several restaurants near the shuttle stops, but they're tourist-priced. I recommend packing a picnic lunch.
Yuntai Mountain Crowd Control: When to Go
Visit on a weekday, ideally from late April to early June or September to October. Avoid the scorching summer weekends (locals flood in to cool off) and rainy days (the trails become slippery and the waterfall turns to mud). I learned that the hard way when a client slipped on a wet wooden plank — wear proper hiking shoes with grip, not sneakers.
Practical Must-Knows for Your Must-See in Henan Trip
Quick Comparison: The Must-See in Henan at a Glance
| Attraction | Ticket Price | Time Needed | Best For | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Longmen Grottoes | ~90 RMB | 3-4 hours | History buffs, photographers | Luoyang Taxi (15 min) |
| Shaolin Temple | ~100 RMB | Half day | Kung fu fans, spiritual seekers | Dengfeng bus + taxi |
| Yuntai Mountain | ~180 RMB (incl. shuttle) | Full day to 2 days | Nature lovers, hikers | Train to Jiaozuo + taxi |
Payment, Navigation, and Language: Solving the China Travel Hassles
Cash is no longer king in China — almost everything is digital, and as a foreigner, you'll need to set up Alipay WeChat Pay with an international card before you arrive. At ticket offices, many now accept only digital payments. Even the small noodle stall wants a QR code scan. Bring a little cash as a backup, but don't rely on it.
- Navigation: As mentioned, Google Maps is a liar in China. Download AMap Global or Apple Maps and download offline maps. Always show your destination in Chinese characters to taxi drivers.
- Language: English is not widely spoken outside big cities. Have a translation app (Apple Translate or Baidu Translate) ready, and learn one phrase: “这个多少钱?” (How much is this?). For reservations, ask your hotel to call the ticket office — they're usually happy to help.
- VPN: Google services, WhatsApp, and many English sites are blocked. Set up a reliable VPN before landing, or you'll be trapped with no way to check email or social media.
For intercity travel, always book high-speed rail tickets through the official 12306.cn website or its English app. The QR code on your passport gets you through the gates quickly. Before your trip, double-check visa rules with the National Immigration Administration.
A Realistic 3-Day Henan Itinerary (with Rainy-Day Plan B)
Day 1: Arrive in Zhengzhou, take the high-speed train to Luoyang (30 minutes), and spend the day on Longmen Grottoes plus the Luoyang Museum (it's free, just show your passport). Evening: eat in “Old Town Street” and try Luoyang Water Banquet — be warned, it's an acquired taste.
Day 2: Early morning drive to Shaolin Temple (1.5 hours from Luoyang). Return to Luoyang in the evening, or step up to Zhengzhou to shorten your next trip. If it's raining hard, swap Shaolin for the Henan Museum in Zhengzhou — it has a stunning collection of bronze vessels.
Day 3: Dedicate to Yuntai Mountain. Take the train from Luoyang or Zhengzhou to Jiaozuo, then a taxi to the park. If the weather is brutal, use the indoor option: the Jiaozuo Science and Technology Museum — but honestly, Yuntai is worth risking a drizzle. Just wear waterproof boots.
FAQ — Quick Answers from a Local Guide
I'm an international tourist. How do I book must-see in Henan spots without a Chinese ID?
You need your passport, and you must book online before you go. The easiest is to use Trip.com or Klook for major sights like Longmen and Shaolin — they handle passport verification and issue an e-ticket. For smaller spots, ask your hotel’s front desk to book through their WeChat. Never try to just rock up at the ticket office without a reservation — you'll be turned away.
I only have 24 hours in Zhengzhou. Which must-see in Henan should I prioritize?
Go to Longmen Grottoes, hands down. Book the earliest entry at 8 a.m., spend 3 hours there, then head to Shaolin for the afternoon if you're fast. But honestly, you'll be rushed. If I had to choose one, it's Longmen — Shaolin is amazing but more physically demanding, and you won't feel the vibe if you're chasing a clock.
Is Henan safe for solo female travelers?
Safe, but not carefree. Violent crime is rare, but petty scams happen around tourist spots — always use the meter taxi or book through DiDi (Chinese Uber). At night, stick to well-lit streets. I've sent countless solo women to Henan and they all reported feeling secure, but common sense wins. Also, carry your passport at all times — police can do random checks.
Do I need cash for tickets at these must-see in Henan attractions, or is Alipay accepted everywhere?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are king. Even the tiny souvenir stalls have QR codes. Cash is rarely used — one noodle shop owner in Yuntai actually couldn't give me change for a 100 RMB note. Set up Alipay with your international card before you land. I've seen travelers with US cards do it in 10 minutes in the airport. For ticket booths that do accept cash, they often don't give change, so go digital.
What's the best way to combine Xi'an and Henan to see these must-see spots?
Take the high-speed train from Xi'an to Luoyang — it's about 1.5 hours and lands you right at Longmen's doorstep. Do Longmen and Shaolin from Luoyang, then head to Yuntai or onward to Zhengzhou. If you have 5 days, do Xi'an, then train to Luoyang for 2 days, and finish in Zhengzhou with Yuntai. Book all train tickets in advance through 12306.cn, and remember — the train station queues can be long, arrive 45 minutes early.
Verified and fact-checked by the editorial team.
No comments yet.