Jiaozuo 4-Day Tour: Scenic Area & Henan Only Show

Gather in the morning and depart for Mount Song, follow the guide to visit the main attractions, leaving ample time for taking photos and resting; enjoy local specialty cuisine at noon, and check into the hotel in the evening to recharge for the next day’s itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: Today’s itinerary includes the Mount Song attraction. Mount Song is the Central Peak among the Five Great Mountains, mainly located in Dengfeng City, divided into Taishi and Shaoshi mountains, with the main peak, Junji Peak, reaching about 1,492 meters above sea level. Its most special feature is that Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism have coexisted on the same mountain for thousands of years: Songyang Academy was a center of Neo-Confucianism during the Song Dynasty, and the famous story of “Standing in the Snow at Chengmen” is said to have occurred here; Zhongyue Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved temple complexes among the Five Great Mountains; the Guanchengtai in Gaocheng Town is the oldest existing astronomical observatory, built under the supervision of Guo Shoujing during the Yuan Dynasty. In 2010, the historical complex representing the “Center of Heaven and Earth,” including Songyang Academy, Zhongyue Temple, Songyue Pagoda, the permanent monastery Shaolin Temple, Pagoda Forest, Chuzu Ancestral Hall, and Guanchengtai, was inscribed on the World Heritage List. My understanding is that there is no need to see too much on the first day—first visit the academy and Zhongyue Temple to understand the ritual structure of the “Center of Heaven and Earth,” and save the energy for climbing in the following days; if time permits, in the evening go to the plank path at Sanhuang Fort on Shaoshi Mountain to watch the sunset, which offers the most photogenic segment of the whole trip.

Tips: There is a large temperature difference in the mountains between morning and evening, and the wind is strong at the top, so a windproof jacket and warm inner layers are necessary. Visitors generally feedback that most think Mount Song is worth a special visit, so it is recommended to slow down, listen to the guide’s explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the most photogenic spots. Considering the actual situation, the greatest concern on long trips is dehydration, so carry a water bottle and take small sips frequently; on the first night in highlands or mountains, avoid washing your hair or taking a long bath to give your body time to adapt.

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

Attraction introduction: This stop is at Only Henan. 'Only Henan · Theatrical Fantasy City' is located in Zhongmu, Zhengzhou. It is a large theatrical settlement built with loess, presenting the hardships, harvests, and resilience of Central Plains civilization through more than twenty theaters and nearly a hundred performances. The main theaters, including 'Fantasy City,' 'Train Station,' and 'Li Family Village,' have excellent reputations, while the smaller theaters each offer unique creativity with the imagery of wheat waves running throughout, making it a phenomenon-level cultural tourism highlight of Henan. This is not a traditional tourist spot, but an immersive cultural experience. My understanding is that it is essential to reserve a whole day, schedule the main shows first, and then fit in the smaller theaters; book tickets in advance through official channels and check the performance schedule, as popular shows often sell out.

Tips: Signal may be poor in the canyon, so agree on a meeting point with the tour guide in advance and do not act alone. Visitors generally report that the theatrical fantasy city offers an immersive experience appealing to young people, but tickets are expensive and time-consuming. It is recommended to choose the core theaters and reserve at least half a day. Based on the actual situation, time awareness is important; arrive five to ten minutes early for the meeting. It is better for people to wait for the vehicle than for the vehicle to wait for people, so do not make everyone wait for you.

Assemble in the morning and depart for Wanxian Mountain. Follow the tour guide to visit the main attractions, allowing ample time for taking photos and resting. At noon, enjoy a local specialty meal. In the evening, check into the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day's itinerary.

Attraction Introduction: This stop is Wanxian Mountain. The Wanxian Mountain scenic area is located deep in the Taihang Mountains of Huixian. The Guoliang Hanging Road and Nanping Danfeng Valley are both within it. Red cliffs and cascading waterfalls interweave, making it one of the most representative scenic corridors of the Taihang Mountains. It is famous for being the filming location of many movies and TV shows. Attractions such as Guoliang Village, Tianchi, and the Fortress Tower create an impressive Taihang hiking route. The summer temperatures are pleasant, and it is a place close to Zhengzhou and Luoyang where you can experience the Taihang Mountains and waters up close. In my understanding, the hike involves a lot of walking and many steps, so it is essential to wear non-slip shoes; pay attention to oncoming vehicles on the hanging road section, and the red cliffs are most photogenic in the morning and evening light.

Warm Tips: The mountain hiking portions have many steps and steep slopes, so wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with limited mobility are advised to take the cable car up and down. Visitors generally report that the hanging road (Guoliang Tunnel) is the most breathtaking and photogenic. Mountain roads often cause motion sickness; it is recommended to bring motion sickness medication and walk slowly while enjoying the views from viewing platforms. Based on actual conditions, when taking photos, do not focus only on getting good shots; pay attention to your footing and surrounding environment. Make sure to hold on and stand securely on the edges of viewing platforms and the plank road.