Henan
Henan is a featured travel region of China with 20 highlighted destinations. This guide is being expanded with practical visitor information, travel tips, maps, FAQs, and more.
Quick Facts
- Region type: Province
- Destinations covered: 20
- Country: China
Top destinations in Henan
Shaolin Temple
Longmen Grottoes
Luoyang
Kaifeng
Yuntai Mountain
White Horse Temple
Henan Museum
Millennium City Park
Songshan Mountain
Luoyang Old Town
Guanlin Temple
Yellow River Scenic Area Zhengzhou
Anyang Yinxu
Bao Zheng Memorial Temple
Laojun Mountain
Dengfeng Observatory
Red Flag Canal
Baligou Scenic Area
Zhengzhou
Kaifeng Iron Pagoda
Best Time to Visit
Henan has a temperate climate with hot summers and cold, dry winters. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are best, offering mild temperatures for exploring the Longmen Grottoes and Shaolin Temple grounds. April is especially notable for Luoyang's peony festival, while Kaifeng hosts a chrysanthemum festival in October, both adding seasonal color to a Henan itinerary.
How to Reach / Travel Access
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport is Henan's main air gateway, with domestic and some international connections. Zhengzhou is also a major high-speed rail junction, linking to Beijing in roughly 2.5 hours, Xi'an in under 2 hours, and Wuhan in about 2 hours, making the province an easy stop on a broader central China rail itinerary spanning several neighboring provinces.
Travel Tips
Arrive early at Shaolin Temple to avoid the heaviest tour-group crowds, especially around martial arts demonstrations. Comfortable shoes help at the Longmen Grottoes, where the riverside site involves considerable walking between carved niches. Henan is dense with historical sites given its role as an ancient dynastic heartland, so allow enough time between stops rather than over-scheduling a single day.
Region Map
This section is being updated and will be available shortly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend at Shaolin Temple?
Half a day is usually enough to see the temple grounds, forest of pagodas, and a martial arts performance, though martial arts enthusiasts sometimes extend their stay for training programs.
When is the best time to see Luoyang's peonies?
Mid-to-late April is peak peony season in Luoyang, when the city's parks and gardens burst into bloom and host a dedicated peony culture festival drawing visitors from across the country.
Are the Longmen Grottoes suitable for a half-day visit?
Yes, most visitors spend two to three hours walking along the river cliffs viewing the Buddhist carvings, making it easy to pair with another Luoyang attraction the same day.
Is Kaifeng worth adding to a Henan itinerary?
Yes, as a former capital of several dynasties, Kaifeng offers ancient city walls, the Millennium City Park, and a lively night market, complementing Luoyang and Zhengzhou nicely.