Jiaozuo 4-Day Tour: Millennium City Park & Shaolin Temple

Early in the morning, visit Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, first watch the opening performance, then check in along Hongqiao and Bian River to experience Song-style street life; In the afternoon, have free time and visit nearby night markets.

Attraction introduction: A highlight of the itinerary is Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, located at Kaifeng. It is a Song Culture Theme Park based on Zhang Zeduan's "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" from the Northern Song Dynasty. It faithfully recreates the Hongqiao, Bian River, streets, and restaurants from the painting, bringing the bustling bustling streets of Bianliang, Tokyo. The park hosts live performances and folk parades all day long. The most famous is the nighttime water live show "The Great Song · Dreams of Dongjing," which uses light and shadow to recreate the grandeur of the Northern Song capital; During the day, you can watch immersive folk performances such as the opening ceremony, Judge Bao's welcoming guests, and Mr. Wang's marriage proposal. This is also a paradise for Hanfu lovers. Dressed in Song-style Hanfu and walking between the Hongqiao and Bian Rivers, every snapshot is a classical-style masterpiece. My understanding is that you should get a performance schedule before entering, schedule must-see shows and night shows, and then enjoy food and stroll as you like; Exploring the city during the day is the most immersive experience, while night shows are a visual feast, worth seeing if your budget allows.

Friendly reminder: Be mindful of the risk of getting separated when visiting the park with kids, arrange a meeting point in advance, and prepare contact information cards for your child. Visitors generally report that daytime strolling through the city feels most immersive, and the night show "The Great Song · Tokyo Dreams" has mixed reviews; Reminder: Show tickets tend to be expensive, so choose according to your budget. Based on actual circumstances, keep your ID and wallet separate; take photos of important documents and keep them on your phone for backup. If lost, you can quickly reissue them without delaying your trip.

Today's Shaolin Temple trip covers the entire route from the mountain gate to the Sutra Pavilion, focusing on the solemnity of the Pagoda Forest and the awe of the martial arts performances; In the afternoon, we will explore the surrounding area and check into the hotel in the evening.

Attraction introduction: Today's itinerary includes Shaolin Temple attractions. Shaolin Temple is located at the foot of Wuru Peak on Shaoshi Mountain in Dengfeng. It was first built in the 19th year of Taihe of the Northern Wei Dynasty (495 AD). It is both the ancestral temple of Chan Buddhism and the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts, with a history of over 1,500 years. The core highlights are concentrated in three places: the main temple is lined with the central axis as the mountain gate, Hall of Heavenly Kings, Mahavira Hall, Sutra Library, and Snow Pavilion, with halls and ancient steles lined up; The Pagoda Forest is the largest existing ancient pagoda complex in China, with over 200 brick and stone tomb pagodas from the Tang, Song, to Qing dynasties, each with a different form, corresponding to a high monk; The Bodhidharma Cave on Wuru Peak is said to be where Bodhidharma faced the wall for nine years. The martial arts hall hosts Shaolin martial arts performances at scheduled times every day, showcasing the true skills of boxing, weapons, and hard qigong. My understanding is that before entering the temple, you should first follow the guide along the central axis before freely exploring the area; Please keep quiet and tour the pagoda forest area; Enter the martial arts show fifteen minutes early to secure a good spot.

Friendly reminder: Please keep quiet and dress neatly when entering the temple. Generally, no photography or touching ritual objects inside the hall. Receive any merit. Visitors generally report that martial arts performances are most popular with families, while the Pagoda Forest and First Patriarch Hermitage are often overlooked. Reminder: The scenic area is highly commercialized, so ask about prices for vegetarian meals and nearby shops. Depending on the situation, bring some change and small packaged snacks. These can be useful when signal is poor or when the area needs temporary supplies. Don't wait until you're hungry to find them.

In the morning, head to Guoliang Village, hike across the cliff-hanging highway, overlooking the endless abyss; Have a farmhouse meal in the village at noon; visit the film village and the Sky Ladder in the afternoon; descend the mountain to check in in the evening.

Attraction introduction: One of the highlights of the itinerary is Guoliang Village. Guoliang Village is hidden deep within the sheer cliffs of the Taihang Mountains and is famous worldwide for its 'Cliff-Hanging Road.' In the 1970s, villagers worked to open a passage to the outside world, and without any large machinery, spent over five years carving a tunnel about 1,300 meters long into the cliff face—a miracle known as the 'Modern Foolish Old Man.' Today, this cliff-hanging road is the most must-see photo spot in the Taihang Mountains, offering views of the deep abyss and canyon villages along the way. Guoliang Village It is also called the 'Chinese Film Village' because many TV dramas have filmed here. My understanding is that when walking the wall-hanging road, you should allow plenty of time to watch and take photos, and pay attention to your steps and passing vehicles; Early morning or evening is best for lighting; midday is rather plain. Wear non-slip shoes and avoid getting too close to the cliff.

Friendly reminder: The ancient town is crisscrossed with streets and alleys, making it easy to get lost. Remember the meeting time and clear landmarks. Visitors generally report that the cliffside stone village is connected to the Hanging Wall Highway, making the filming location a natural story. Reminder: Village food and accommodation are simple, so lower expectations and enjoy more. Considering actual conditions, mountain weather can change quickly; a windproof jacket is more practical than anything; Always choose slip-resistant and comfortable shoes; avoid taking a few photos to avoid twisting your ankle.

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.