Jiaozuo 4-Day Tour: Scenic Area & Millennium City Park

Early in the morning, start with a visit, first watching the opening performance, then along Hongqiao and Bianhe to check in along the way, experiencing the Song-style street life; in the afternoon, enjoy free activities, you can also visit nearby night markets.

Attraction Introduction: Today's itinerary includes 2 attractions, 2 of which are part of a 1 World Geopark. Hongshixia has red cliffs and green waters, Tanpu Gorge features waterfalls and running springs, and Zhuyu Peak offers sunrise over the sea of clouds—these represent the essence of the Taihang Mountains. My understanding is that when climbing, you must act according to your ability. Use the cable car when possible, and if your knees are not good, do not force hiking. The scenery is not about showing off.

Kind Tips: The mountain paths have many steps and steep slopes, so be sure to wear non-slip sports shoes. Those with leg or mobility difficulties are advised to take the cable car. General visitor feedback suggests that most tourists think the 2 attractions are worth a special visit. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide to listen to explanations, and leave time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Consider the actual situation, respect local customs, dress appropriately when entering religious sites, and avoid pointing randomly. A simple greeting can bring kindness in return.

Today's theme is Mount Song. Avoid peak crowds by entering the park during off-peak hours and follow the recommended route for an in-depth visit; have lunch nearby to enjoy local flavors, spend the afternoon on your own or join the guide for additional sightseeing, and rest at the hotel in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden is located in Kaifeng, and it is a Song Dynasty culture theme park built based on Zhang Zeduan's "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" from the Northern Song Dynasty. The park reproduces the Rainbow Bridge, Bian River, markets, and taverns from the painting, showcasing the bustling scenes of Tokyo Bianliang. Throughout the day, there are live performances and folk parades in the park, with the most famous being the nighttime water show "The Dream of the Northern Song Capital," which uses lights and projections to recreate the grandeur of the Northern Song capital. During the day, visitors can watch immersive folk performances such as the park opening ceremony, Judge Bao welcoming guests, and Mr. Wang seeking a marriage match. This is also a paradise for Hanfu enthusiasts; wearing a Song-style Hanfu and walking between Rainbow Bridge and the Bian River makes for stunning ancient-style photos. My understanding is that visitors should first get the performance schedule upon entering, plan must-see shows and the night show, and then explore and eat at leisure; exploring the market during the day feels most immersive, while the night show is an audio-visual feast, worth watching if the budget allows.

Tips: The food prices in the park are relatively high, so it is advisable to bring water and small snacks and keep personal belongings safe. Most visitors report that exploring the market during the day feels most immersive, while reviews of the night show "The Dream of the Northern Song Capital" are mixed; note that performance tickets are expensive, so budget accordingly. Considering the actual situation, when joining a tour, the worst thing is rushing through; listening to the guide is the essence, as the cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than photos. Ask the guide on the spot if you don't understand something.

In the morning, visit Henan Museum, following the guide to see the Jiahu bone flute, Lady Fuhao's owl-shaped wine vessel, and other treasures; at noon, try Zhengzhou local dishes. In the afternoon, you can visit the Shangdu ruins or the Yellow River Scenic Area, and return in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: One highlight in the itinerary is Mount Song. 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, at about 1,492 meters above sea level. Its most special feature is that Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism have coexisted side by side on the same mountain for a thousand years: Songyang Academy was a major center for Song Dynasty Neo-Confucianism, and the famous story of "Standing in the Snow at Cheng's Gate" took place here; Zhongyue Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved temple complexes among the Five Great Mountains; the Stargazing Platform in Gaocheng Town was built under the supervision of Guo Shoujing during the Yuan Dynasty and is one of the oldest existing astronomical observation buildings. In 2010, the historical complex "Center of Heaven and Earth," represented by Songyang Academy, Zhongyue Temple, Songyue Temple Pagoda, Shaolin Temple Permanent Residence, Pagoda Forest, Chuzu Ancestral Temple, and the Stargazing Platform, was listed as a World Heritage Site. 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 the "Center of Heaven and Earth," and save your energy for climbing the mountains later; if time permits, go to Shaoshi Mountain's Sanhuang Village plank road in the evening to watch the sunset, which is the most photogenic part of the whole trip.

Tips: There are many slippery parts on the mountain paths; pay extra attention to shifting your center of gravity backward and slowing down when going downhill. You may want to bring a pair of knee pads. Visitors generally feedback that most people think Mount Song is worth visiting specifically. It is recommended to slow down, follow the guide’s explanations, and reserve time for the details that move you most and the best photo spots. Practically speaking, if you want authentic food, go deeper into the alleys, as the queues at the main entrance are long and the taste is only average; for local specialties, ask for prices first and compare, as local supermarkets often offer more authentic goods.

Transfer to the departure terminal per your booked train or flight; keep travel documents and tickets in your carry-on.