Anyang 5-Day Tour: Henan Only Show & Shaolin Temple

Gather in the morning and depart for Only Henan, follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing ample time for photography and rest; have 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. 'Only Henan · Drama Fantasy City' is located in Zhongmu, Zhengzhou. It is a large theatrical settlement built with loess, showcasing the hardships, harvest, and resilience of Central Plains civilization through more than twenty theaters and nearly a hundred performances. The main theaters' large productions such as 'Fantasy City', 'Train Station', and 'Li Family Village' have excellent reputations, while the small theaters each possess unique creativity, with the imagery of wheat waves running throughout, making it a phenomenal cultural tourism landmark of Henan. This is not a traditional attraction, but an immersive cultural experience. My understanding is that you should reserve an entire day, schedule the main theater performances first, and then intersperse visits to the small theaters; book tickets in advance through official channels and check the show schedule carefully, as popular performances often sell out.

Friendly Tips: Canyon water routes are slippery, so be sure to wear anti-slip creek shoes or sports shoes, and keep valuables like mobile phones waterproofed. Visitors generally feedback that the immersive experience at the Drama Fantasy City is popular with young people, but tickets are expensive and time-consuming; it is recommended to choose the main theaters and reserve at least half a day. Based on actual conditions, when taking photos, don’t just focus on the perfect shot—pay attention to your feet and the surrounding environment; always hold on and stand firmly at viewing platforms and along the edges of walkways.

Morning departure to Shaolin Temple with your guide; ample time for photos and the highlights; local lunch; hotel in the evening.

Attraction: Today's itinerary includes Shaolin Temple. Shaolin Temple sits at the foot of Songshan's Shaoshi Peak in Dengfeng — the cradle of Chan Buddhism and Shaolin Kung Fu. The main monastery, Forest of Pagodas and martial-arts shows are highlights; nearby Songyang Academy rounds out a day of heritage. Highlights inside include the main halls, the Pagoda Forest, the Cave of Bodhidharma.

Friendly tips: Plenty of walking—wear comfortable shoes and pack a light jacket; bring your ID and stay with your guide, noting the meeting time and place. Traveler feedback — The kung-fu show wins over families; the pagoda forest is often skipped—note commercialization, ask prices before buying. Practical note — The Songshan scenic area is large; summiting Junji Peak needs half a day of stamina.

Assemble in the morning and set off for Mount Song, following the guide to visit the main attractions, leaving ample time for photos and rest; at noon, enjoy local specialty meals, and in the evening, check in at the hotel to replenish energy for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes Mount Song. Mount Song is the Central Peak of the Five Great Mountains, primarily located in Dengfeng City, divided into the Taishi and Shaoshi Mountains. The main peak, Junji Peak, has an elevation of approximately 1,492 meters. Its uniqueness lies in the coexistence of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism on the same mountain for a thousand years: Songyang Academy was a key center of Neo-Confucianism during the Song Dynasty, and the well-known story of 'Standing in the Snow at Cheng's Gate' is said to have happened here; Zhongyue Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved temple complexes among the Five Great Mountains; the Astronomical Observation Platform in Gaocheng Town, built under the supervision of Guo Shoujing during the Yuan Dynasty, is one of the oldest surviving astronomical observatories. In 2010, the historical architectural complex represented by Songyang Academy, Zhongyue Temple, Songyue Temple Pagoda, Shaolin Temple Permanent Residence, Pagoda Forest, Chuzu Hermitage, and the Astronomical Observation Platform was inscribed on the World Heritage List as 'In the Center of Heaven and Earth.' My understanding is that on the first day, there is no need to rush—first visit the academy and Zhongyue Temple to understand the ritual system of 'In the Center of Heaven and Earth,’ and save your energy for mountain climbing later; if time permits, in the evening, go to the Shaoshi Mountain Sanhuang Fort plank road to watch the sunset, which is the most picturesque part of the entire trip.

Tips: Many mountain paths are slippery; especially when going downhill, pay attention to shifting your center of gravity backward and slowing your pace, and consider bringing knee protection. Most tourists generally feel that Mount Song is worth a special visit; it is recommended to slow down, follow the guide for explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. According to the actual situation, dehydration is the biggest concern on long trips, so carry a water bottle and drink small amounts frequently; on the first night in highlands or mountainous regions, avoid washing your hair or bathing for too long, giving your body some time to adjust.