Destinations

This is your gateway to discovering China’s beauty! Whether it’s your first visit or a deeper exploration, we’ve got you covered.

Henan

Henan, right in the heartland of China, is where the story of Chinese civilization really kicks off. It’s more than just a travel spot; it’s like a living history book. Open it up, and you can feel the pulse of 5,000 years of Chinese culture.

1. A River of History, Marks of Civilization

Henan holds the keys to China’s historical timeline. From the colorful pottery of the Yangshao Culture (仰韶文化) to the earliest known Chinese writing on oracle bones from the Yin Ruins (殷墟甲骨文), and from the impressive bronze wares of the Shang and Zhou dynasties to the stone carvings of the Han and Tang periods, every inch of this land tells a story of how civilization grew. The four great ancient capitals here—Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Kaifeng, and Anyang—form a stunning cluster of historical cities. The bustling scenes depicted in the famous Northern Song painting “Along the River During the Qingming Festival” (清明上河图) can still be felt in the streets of Kaifeng today. This is also the ancestral homeland for a huge majority of Chinese surnames worldwide. Every year, the grand ancestor worship ceremony in Huangdi’s Hometown (黄帝故里拜祖大典) draws countless people of Chinese descent from all over to connect with their roots.

2. Majestic Mountains and Rivers, Nature’s Poetry

Henan’s landscape is incredibly diverse, spanning parts of four major river basins (Yellow, Yangtze, Huai, Hai). This creates a cool contrast between the rugged north and the gentle south. You’ve got the dramatic cliffs of the Taihang Mountains (太行山) and the stunning red Danxia landscapes and clear waters of Yuntai Mountain (云台山). Then there’s the lush Funiu Mountains (伏牛山) and the mighty Yellow River (黄河), which flows uniquely above the surrounding land here, creating a “suspended river” (悬河). Henan boasts numerous World Geoparks – the natural scenery itself is epic poetry. In spring, Luoyang is famous for its gorgeous peonies (洛阳牡丹), and in autumn, Kaifeng bursts with golden chrysanthemums (开封菊花). These natural rhythms have become part of Henan’s cultural identity.

3. Culture in Motion and Stillness

Henan’s culture is a blend of action and tranquility. Think of the powerful Shaolin Kung Fu (少林功夫) and the graceful, flowing movements of Tai Chi (太极拳), both originating here. The ancient Buddhist statues at the Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟) offer quiet contemplation, while spectacular shows like the “Zen Shaolin Music Ritual” (禅宗少林·音乐大典) bring ancient culture to life with modern lights and sounds. From ancient oracle bone divination to modern digital archaeology, and from ancient city walls to immersive theatrical experiences like “Only Henan · Drama Fantasy City” (只有河南·戏剧幻城), tradition is constantly being reborn through technology and creativity. Stories like the spirit of the Red Flag Canal (红旗渠精神) add another layer of meaning to the landscape.

4. Open and Connected, Today’s Vibe

As China’s “transportation crossroads,” Henan is super well-connected. High-speed trains can reach 400 million people within a two-hour radius. Here, the ancient Silk Road meets modern high-speed rail. Innovative tourism blends culture with new experiences like the “Drama Fantasy City” and “metaverse archaeology.” You can find fancy Michelin-starred restaurants alongside lively night markets full of delicious street food. This mix of old and new, fancy and down-to-earth, shows how this ancient heartland confidently connects with the modern world.

Henan tells its history through ancient bronze, celebrates the present with blooming peonies, and looks to the future with the ever-flowing Yellow River. It offers visitors a living encyclopedia of Chinese civilization. As the travel slogan says, “Walk Henan, Understand China.” It’s not just a trip; it’s a unique way to truly get a feel for Eastern civilization.