Anyang 4-Day Tour: Henan Only Show & Millennium City Park

Gather in the morning and depart for Only Henan. Follow the guide to visit the main attractions, allowing plenty of time for photos and rest; enjoy a local specialty meal at noon, and check into the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Only Henan. The 'Only Henan·Theatrical Fantasy City' is located in Zhongmu, Zhengzhou. It is a giant theatrical settlement built from rammed earth, showcasing the hardships, harvest, and resilience of Central Plains civilization through more than twenty theaters and nearly a hundred performances. The main theaters, featuring performances like 'Fantasy City,' 'Train Station,' and 'Li Family Village,' have excellent reputations, while the smaller theaters each have unique ideas, with wheat field imagery running throughout, making it a phenomenal cultural tourism highlight of Henan. This is not a traditional attraction, but an immersive cultural experience. My understanding is that you should set aside a whole day, schedule the main shows first, then slot in the smaller theaters; book tickets in advance through official channels and check the performance schedule carefully, as popular shows often sell out.

Tips: The canyon trail is alongside water and cliffs, do not climb over railings or play in dangerous areas, and keep an eye on accompanying children. Visitors generally report that the immersive experience at Theatrical Fantasy City is loved by young people, but tickets are expensive and time-consuming; it is advised to choose the main theaters and set aside at least half a day. Depending on the situation, when taking photos, don’t only focus on getting the perfect shot—be aware of your surroundings and watch your step. Always hold firm and stand securely on observation decks and trail edges.

Gather in the morning and depart for Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, following the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing plenty of time for photos and rest; enjoy local specialty cuisine at noon, check into the hotel in the evening, and recharge for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight arranged in the itinerary is Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is located in Kaifeng and is a Song Dynasty cultural theme park built based on Zhang Zeduan's 'Along the River During the Qingming Festival' from the Northern Song Dynasty. It reproduces the Rainbow Bridge, Bian River, markets, and restaurants from the painting, recreating the bustling life of the capital Bianliang. The park features live performances and folk parades throughout the day. The most famous is the nighttime water live show 'Da Song: Dreaming of Tokyo,' which uses lights and shadow to recreate the grandeur of the Northern Song capital; during the day, visitors can watch immersive folk performances such as the opening ceremony, Bao Gong welcoming guests, and Mr. Wang arranging a match. This place is also a paradise for Hanfu enthusiasts; putting on a Song-style Hanfu and walking between the Rainbow Bridge and Bian River, any photo taken will look like an ancient style masterpiece. My understanding is to first pick up the performance schedule upon entering the park, plan the must-see shows and nighttime show first, then casually explore and eat; walking through the market during the day gives the most immersive experience, while the nighttime show is an audiovisual feast worth seeing if the budget allows.

Tips: Be cautious of getting separated when visiting the park with children; agree on a meeting point in advance and give your child a contact information card. Visitors generally find the market the most immersive during the day, while the nighttime show 'Da Song: Dreaming of Tokyo' has mixed reviews; note that performance tickets are relatively expensive, so make choices according to your budget. Depending on your circumstances, the best times for photos are early morning or late afternoon—the soft light in the early morning and the golden glow at dusk are ideal; midday lighting is harsh and crowded, so it may be better to rest then.

Assemble in the morning and set off for Red Flag Canal, follow the guide to visit the main attractions, allowing ample time for taking photos and resting; enjoy local specialty cuisine at noon, check in to the hotel in the evening, and rest up to prepare for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop brings us to Red Flag Canal. Red Flag Canal is an 'artificial river in the sky' carved into the cliffs of the Taihang Mountains by the people of Linzhou in the 1960s. It stretches over 1,500 kilometers, leveling 1,250 mountain peaks, constructing more than 150 aqueducts, and tunneling through over 200 tunnels. It took nearly ten years to complete and stands as a monument to the indomitable spirit of the Chinese nation. The Youth Tunnel is the most dangerous part of the entire route, excavated by 300 young volunteers on sheer cliffs; the Fen Shui Garden and the Red Flag Canal Memorial Hall fully illustrate the difficult process of building the canal. This site combines red education with the grandeur of the Taihang Mountains and is now also an awe-inspiring cultural landmark. My understanding is that visiting the memorial hall first to learn about the canal's background, then walking through the Youth Tunnel, is essential to truly grasp the significance of this canal. Walkable sections along the canal should be done according to your own strength, wear non-slip shoes, and watch your step.

Tips: Mountain sections have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip athletic shoes. Those with mobility issues are advised to use the cable car. Visitors generally report that the 'artificial river in the sky' is a strong spiritual landmark, resonating more with middle-aged tourists; it is worth listening to the exhibition explanations to understand that period of history. In practical terms, the biggest concern on long trips is dehydration, so carry a water bottle and drink small sips frequently; on the first night at high altitudes or in mountainous areas, avoid washing your hair or taking long baths, giving your body some time to acclimate.