Jiaozuo 3-Day Tour: Millennium City Park & Henan Only Show

Today's time-travel journey follows the guide to understand 'Dongjing Menghualu,' with a focus on the live water show and folk parade; return in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight arranged in the itinerary is Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, located at Kaifeng. It 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. The Rainbow Bridge, Bian River, streets, and taverns in the painting are all recreated, bringing to life the bustling city of Tokyo (Bianliang). The park features live shows and folk parades throughout the day. The most famous is the nighttime water show 'The Great Song: Dongjing Menghua,' 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, Bao Zheng receiving guests, and Mr. Wang proposing. It’s also a paradise for Hanfu enthusiasts; wearing a Song-style Hanfu while walking between the Rainbow Bridge and Bian River makes every photo look like a classical scene. My understanding is that when entering the park, first pick up the show schedule, arrange the must-see performances and evening show times, and then casually explore and eat. Visiting the marketplace during the day is most immersive, while the evening show is an audiovisual feast worth watching if the budget allows.

Tips: Food prices in the park are relatively high, so you may bring your own water and snacks, and be sure to keep your belongings safe. Visitors generally feel that exploring the marketplace during the day is the most immersive, while opinions on the evening show 'The Great Song: Dongjing Menghua' are mixed; note that tickets for the show are relatively expensive, so choose according to your budget. In practice, the worst thing about joining a tour is rushing through; the key is to listen to the guide. The cultural stories behind each attraction are often more memorable than photos, so don't hesitate to ask the guide if you don't understand something.

An all-day immersion in 'Only Henan·Theatrical Fantasy City', watching multiple performances consecutively according to the show schedule, interpreting the hardships and harvests of Central China through the imagery of wheat fields; have lunch in the park at noon, and return after watching the main performance in the evening.

Attraction Introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Only Henan. 'Only Henan·Theatrical Fantasy City', located in Zhengzhou Zhongmu, is a massive theatrical settlement built with rammed earth. Through more than twenty theaters and nearly a hundred performances, it presents the hardships, harvests, and resilience of Central Chinese civilization. The main theaters, with acclaimed performances such as 'Fantasy City', 'Train Station', and 'Lijia Village', are highly praised, while the smaller theaters each have unique ideas, with the wheat field imagery running throughout. It is a phenomenal cultural and tourism landmark of Henan. This is not a traditional attraction but an immersive cultural experience. My understanding is that one should definitely reserve a full day, schedule the main shows first, and then intersperse with small theater performances; book tickets in advance through official channels and check the show schedule, as popular performances often sell out.

Tips: Signal may be poor in the canyon, so arrange meeting points with the guide in advance and avoid going alone. Tourists generally report that the immersive experience at Theatrical Fantasy City appeals to young people, but tickets are expensive and time-consuming; it is advised to focus on the main theaters and reserve at least half a day. Depending on the situation, if you want authentic food, go deeper into the alleyways; queues at the main entrance are long and the taste is average. Always ask for prices and compare before buying local specialties, as local supermarkets often provide more genuine products.

Transfer to the station/airport per your departure, ending a pleasant journey.

Friendly tips: Pack the night before and keep ID, power bank and souvenirs together; allow extra time for the station/airport; bring your ID and stay with your guide, noting the meeting time and place. Traveler feedback — Return-day travelers remind: pack ID and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time. Practical note — Return-day tip: pack ID, power bank and souvenirs the night before; allow extra time—mountain roads are unpredictable.