4 Days Henan itinerary: Luoyang, Dengfeng & Zhengzhou Tour

4 Days Henan Itinerary for Family with Kids

Day 1: Arrive in Zhengzhou

When you step out of the airport or railway station, your guide will be waiting to greet you with a name sign. You will then be transferred to your hotel. After checking in and taking a short break, visit the Henan Museum, one of China's finest museums for exploring the origins of Chinese civilization. Families can discover the museum's most treasured exhibits, including the Jiahu Bone Flute and the Owl-shaped Zun of Lady Fu Hao, offering children a fascinating introduction to China's ancient history.

In the evening, explore Erqi Memorial Tower and stroll through Erqi Square and nearby Dehua Street. Sample local specialties such as Henan Braised Noodles and Spicy Pepper Soup while experiencing the lively atmosphere of downtown Zhengzhou.

Note: Admission is free, but advance reservations are required through the official booking platform.

Day 2: Zhengzhou-Shaolin Temple-Luoyang

Visit the Shaolin Temple (Approx.1.5-hour drive), the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu. Watch the Shaolin Kung Fu performance, an absolute hit with kids! You can also join a short beginner’s class to learn basic moves from real Shaolin monks. Visit the Pagoda Forest to learn about the temple's rich history.

Continue to Luoyang (Approx.1.5-hour drive) and check in to your hotel.

In the evening, explore Luoyi Ancient City. Children can dress in traditional Hanfu, carry lanterns through the beautifully illuminated streets, and enjoy an immersive Tang Dynasty atmosphere.

Day 3: Luoyang Highlights

In the morning, visit the world-famous Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at thousands of ancient Buddhist statues and carvings. The area is stroller-friendly, and kids will enjoy spotting the different Buddha figures carved into the cliffs.

In the afternoon, continue to White Horse Temple, the first Buddhist temple in China and an important milestone in the spread of Buddhism throughout the country.

In the evening, enjoy local delicacies such as the famous Luoyang Water Banquet while exploring the lively Old Town Cross Street or the area around Lijing Gate.

Day 4: Kaifeng Hands-on Experience and Departure

Travel to Zhuxian Town (Approx.2.5-hour drive), one of the birthplaces of Chinese woodblock New Year paintings. Under the guidance of experienced artisans, create your own traditional woodblock New Year painting by printing classic designs such as Door Gods, the Chinese character for good fortune, or zodiac animals. Your finished artwork will become a unique souvenir of China's rich cultural heritage. Return to Zhengzhou(Approx. 1-hour drive) for your departure.

Finish the 4-day trip with wonderful experience.

4 Days Henan Itinerary for Seniors with Slow Travel Pace

Day 1: Arrival in Luoyang

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your guide and driver, who will escort you to your hotel for check-in. Take some time to rest and recover from your journey.

In the afternoon, visit the Zhou King City and the Chariot and Horse Museum, where the grand chariot pits display the world’s only surviving “six-horse chariot” remains, showcasing the majesty of ancient royal processions.

Day 2: Luoyang Highlights

In the morning, explore the Longmen Grottoes, one of China’s three greatest grotto complexes. Carved over 500 years ago, this UNESCO site impresses visitors with its immense scale and exquisite artistry. The most awe-inspiring is the Vairocana Buddha in the Fengxian Temple, standing serenely halfway up the cliff. Enjoy a local meal, the famous Luoyang Water Banquet.

After lunch, head to White Horse Temple, China’s first Buddhist temple. Explore its peaceful courtyards and international temples built by India, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Day 3: Shaolin Temple Adventure

In the morning, take a day trip to Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng (about 1.5 hours away). Watch the wonderful Kungfu performances at the Martial Arts Hall. (Show times: 9:30, 10:30, 11:00, 14:00、15:00、16:00.).

In the afternoon, explore the Pagoda Forest, a fascinating area filled with ancient stone pagodas. Visit Bodhidharma Cave, where the Zen master is said to have meditated.

In the evening, head to Zhengzhou (Approx.1.5-hour drive to Zhengzhou).

Day 4: Yuzhou Pottery Making & Departure

Experience the timeless art of Jun Porcelain in Yuzhou (Approx.1.5-hour drive) under the guidance of skilled local artisans. Enjoy a relaxing pottery-making session, learn about this centuries-old craft, and create a unique handmade souvenir. Afterward, your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure.

Finish the 4-day trip with wonderful experience.

4 Days Henan Itinerary for Young Travelers

Day 1: Arrival and First Impressions of the city

Arrive in Luoyang, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Head to Luoyang Museum, which brings history to life through impressive relics, ancient pottery, and fun interactive exhibits.

Visit Luoyi Ancient City, a lively cultural district that recreates the charm of Tang Dynasty Luoyang. Dress up in Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), explore themed shops, and enjoy street performances beneath glowing lanterns that bring ancient Luoyang to life.

Day 2: Longmen Grottoes and Old Town Vibes

Start your day at the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s greatest artistic treasures. Marvel at thousands of Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs along the Yi River, including the stunning Vairocana Buddha at Fengxian Temple.

Afternoon trip, visit Guanlin Temple, where history and legend intertwine around the resting place of General Guan Yu.

As evening falls, wander through Lijing Gate and Luoyang Old Street, filled with traditional architecture, vibrant markets, and tempting snacks like fried dumplings and hulatang.

Day 3: Shaolin Temple Adventure

Head to the world-famous Shaolin Temple (Approx.1.5-hour drive). Explore the birthplace of Chinese Zen Buddhism and Kung Fu. Watch a thrilling martial arts performance featuring hard qigong and animal-style boxing. Stroll through the serene Pagoda Forest and hike a short trail on Songshan Mountain for panoramic views.

In the afternoon, take part in a Shaolin Kung Fu class and experience the essence of this ancient martial art firsthand. Head to Zhengzhou (Approx.1.5-hour drive) in the evening.

Day 4: Xiaolangdi Scenic Area and Departure

Travel to the Xiaolangdi Scenic Area (Approx. 1.5-hour drive), one of the most spectacular sections of the Yellow River. Admire the dramatic river scenery and panoramic viewpoints overlooking China's famous water conservancy project. If visiting during the annual water and sediment regulation period (typically June to July), you may witness the spectacular release of water and sediment, when powerful torrents surge through the spillways, creating one of the Yellow River's most impressive natural and engineering spectacles. Return to Zhengzhou for your departure.

4 Days Henan Cultural Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Luoyang Museum

Welcome to Luoyang, one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China! Meet your guide, who will assist with your transfer and hotel check-in to ensure a smooth and comfortable start to your journey. Afterwards, visit Luoyang Museum which shows ancient Luoyang from all perspectives. Here you will see exquisite tri-colored glazed potteries, various bronzeware, ancient clay sculpture, treasured calligraphy and paintings, etc.

Day 2: Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, and Luoyang Old Town

After breakfast, go appreciate the Buddhist stone statues carved into the steep limestone cliffs at Longmen Grottoes. Next, wander through the shrines of the 1,900-year-old White Horse Temple and explore the origins of Chinese Buddhism.

In the evening, stroll at Luoyang Old Town to immerse in local life. It’s a great place to mingle with residents, sample authentic street snacks, and pick up souvenirs.(snacks and souvenirs are cheaper here.)

Day 3: Shaolin Temple, Admire Shaolin Kungfu Show and Pagoda Forest

Drive about 1.5 hours to Shaolin Temple after breakfast. It is a great chance for you to observe the daily life and meditation of the monks. Wonderful Kungfu performances at the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Hall are performed by the monks every day, which usually lasts about half an hour.

Don’ t miss is the Pagoda Forest, which is a collection of ancient masonry architecture, sculpture, calligraphy and painting art. It is the tomb of the abbot of shaolin temple in all dynasties or the monks who have made achievements and contributions and also known as the "ancient pagoda art museum. Head to Zhengzhou, stay overnight in Zhengzhou.

Day 4: Kaifeng and Zhengzhou Departure

Head to Kaifeng (Approx. 2-hour drive). Visit Millennium City Park to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the Northern Song Dynasty through spectacular live performances and immersive cultural displays.

Continue to the Iron Pagoda, one of Kaifeng's most iconic landmarks, renowned for its distinctive glazed brick architecture and nearly 1,000 years of history. Afterwards, stroll through the city center, browse local markets, and sample Kaifeng's famous street food.

Return to Zhengzhou(Approx. 1-hour drive) and spend the rest of the day exploring the city before departing for your next destination.

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If you are interested in the Henan itineraries mentioned above, please contact us, and we will be happy to customize it and provide a quote tailored to your preferences.

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