Zhengzhou

Understand

The name Zhengzhou comes from a city in the Sui Dynasty, but its actual location was in modern day Chenggao. During the Tang Dynasty, the name switched here. The area remained an unimportant backwater until it was selected for development by the Chinese Government after 1949. Zhengzhou is now a major transportation hub in the center of the country, and a rapidly growing city. Zhengzhou City is located in the north-central part of Henan Province, where the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River divide. By the end of 2022, the resident population of Zhengzhou City was 12.8 million.

Orientation Zhengzhou administers 6 districts, 1 county, and 5 county-level cities:

Districts: Zhongyuan District, Erqi District, Guancheng Hui District, Jinshui District, Shangjie District, Huiji District County: Zhongmu County County-level cities: Xinzheng, Xinmi, Gongyi, Dengfeng, and Xingyang Dengfeng, Gongyi, Xinmi and Zhongmu County have separate articles on Wikivoyage.

History According to the division of "Shangshu - Yugong", Zhengzhou belonged to the "domain of Yuzhou" among the nine states in the ancient times. China's second dynasty, the Shang Dynasty, established its capital in Zhengzhou more than 3,600 years ago as the founding capital, Bo Du. During the Ming Dynasty, a reform of the nation's local establishment was carried out, with the introduction of a three-tier system of provinces, prefectures (directly subordinate prefectures) and counties, and the Guancheng County was transferred to Zhengzhou. At that time, Zhengzhou still had four counties, Xingyang, Xingze, Heyin, and Sishui, but they were subordinate prefectures (county-level). Together with Zhongmou, Xinzheng and Mi counties, it was subordinate to Kaifeng Prefecture. In October 1948, after the liberation of Zhengzhou by the Central Plains Field Army, Zhengzhou City was established in the urban area of Zhengxian County, directly under the leadership of Henan Province. In 1954, Zhengzhou City became the capital of Henan Province.

Culture Zhengzhou is the birthplace of Xuanyuan Huangdi, the legendary ancestor of Chinese civilization. It is also a major origin of Legalist thought and Shaolin martial arts, nurturing world-renowned cultural figures such as Han Feizi, Du Fu, and Bai Juyi. To the southwest of Zhengzhou lies Mount Song (Songshan), considered by ancient people as the "Center of Heaven and Earth." It is a sacred site for Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism, as well as an ancient hub for Chinese astronomy, architecture, and martial arts. The area features eight UNESCO World Cultur

Getting there

Zhengzhou City is a national transport hub for railway, aviation and mail. As of September 2023, Zhengzhou has 2 terminals, 2 runways, 162 air routes, 6 railway stations, 2 main railway lines, 6 high-speed railway lines, 9 metro lines, 11 motorways, and 37 BRT lines.

By plane 1 Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO IATA 郑州新郑国际机场) (about 30 km outside of town). It has one terminal, confusingly named Terminal 2. Terminal 1 is the old terminal that has been closed. An airport shuttle bus leaves from Zhengzhou Hotel, centrally located and costs ¥15. A public bus runs from the airport to the Aviation Hotel (民航酒店 Mínháng Jiǔdiàn) on Jinshui Road (金水路 Jīnshuǐ Lù). It costs ¥25. Taxis to the airport will cost around ¥120-140. While the distance implies it should only be ¥60, you're charged for the round trip driving. Bargaining seldom helps as locals pay this price as well. The airport is now served by the Zhengzhou Metro Line 2's Chengjiao (Suburban) extension. The first and last trains depart at 06:30 and 20:00 respectively. Additionally, mainline rail service connects the airport to Zhengzhou and Kaifeng (mostly to Zhengzhou East Station), at intervals fluctuating between approximately 30–60 minutes.

By train Zhengzhou is China's biggest train hub; you can get here from nearly every major metropolitian area in China. There are several arrivals each day from Beijing (about 11 hours, or 5½ hours by high-speed rail), Guangzhou (about 18 hours), Xi'an (about 5 hours, or 2 hours by high-speed rail) and Shanghai (about 14 hours, or 6 hours by high speed rail). Trains arrive from other places less often. The Hanoi to Beijing train also stops here. Be sure to clarify which of the two stations your train will arrive at or depart from:

2 Zhengzhou Station (郑州站) (in the main city centre). Serves all regular and some high-speed trains. 3 Zhengzhou East Station (郑州东站) (on the east side of town in the Zhengzhou New Area). Exclusively serves high-speed trains. 45 min by metro from Erqi Square (二七广场). 4 Zhengzhou Hangkonggang railway station (郑州航空港火车站), Zhongmou County Airport District 107 National Road Po Liu Village, ☏ +86 37112306, toll-free: +86 37112306. Zhengzhou Airport Station is in the middle of Zhengzhou Airport Economic Comprehensive Experimental Zone. (updated Sep 2023)

By bus Across from the train station, you will find a long-distance bus station. Buses arrive regularly from almost anywhere in Henan province. Buses may be less comfortable than the trains, but are cheaper and you do not have to push and shove your way in and out of the tr

Getting around

The city's focal point is Erqi (February 7) Square (二七广场). This large public square comes alive at night, when an entire market fills the space with vendors and locals hanging out. From the square, several main streets fan out to different areas of the city. Since Zhengzhou was handpicked to serve as a transportation hub - and does not have a very long history as a large city - the urban planning is more noticeable here than in other places of China. This means there is plenty of green space, tree-lined streets and logical arrangement to the city. Zhengzhou is relatively spread out, but most sites are accessible by public bus, which costs ¥1 or ¥2 per ride - depending on whether or not there is air-conditioning, those with A/C being more expensive but usually less crowded. For access to Xinmi City, Xinmi Railway Station offers connections to Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and other cities. The Lianhuo Expressway and the Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway provide quick access to downtown Xinmi.

By taxi Taxi fares begin at ¥8 in the day, and ¥10 late at night (after 22:00), with each kilometer after the second costing ¥1.5. All taxis are metered but sometimes the drivers will try to cheat foreigners. Local taxis and private car owners often ask '走不走'(Pinyin: zōu bǔ zōu, 'Going or not?') to solicit passengers.

By metro The Metro system has seven lines in operation:

Line 1 runs east-west that connects Zhengzhou Station, Zhengzhou East Station and a few other points of interest. Line 2 is a north-south route, and runs to Nansihuan (with through services to Zhengzhou International Airport on the Chengjiao line). You can transfer to Line 1 at Zijingshan (紫荊山) station. Line 3 is an L-shaped line connecting the northwest with the southeast. It runs south from the Henan Sports Center in the southern part of Huiji District and then turns east after reaching Erqi Square before eventually reaching Henan Orthopaedics Hospital in Guancheng District. Line 4 is another L-shaped line running from northwest to southeast. It begins at Laoyachen in Huiji District, intersects with Line 3 at the Henan Sports Center, then continues east until it reaches Dragon Lake, whereupon it turns south and heads toward Langzhuang in central Guancheng. Line 5 functions as a loop line around the city center. Line 14 serves the CBD area to the west of the city, though as of January 2021, only 3 stations have opened. Chengjiao line is a suburban metro line, starting from Nansihuan in Guancheng and ending in Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport. There are through services through Line 2. The so

See

Historical sites 1 Shang Dynasty Wall Ruins (商城遗址, 商都遗址公园 Shang Capital Ruins Park), Intersection of Dongda Street and Chengdong Road, Guancheng Hui District (管城回族区东大街与城东路交叉口) (a few hundred metres east of Dongda Street Metro Station on Line 2; Bus # 206 and s162). Normally open 09:00-17:00. Opens at 06:00 during the first 15 days of Chinese New Year. You can see remnants of the wall in the east side of town. Be warned: these mounds are not terribly impressive. Free. 2 Zhengzhou Confucius Temple (郑州文庙), 301 Dongda Street, Guancheng Hui District (管城回族区东大街301号) (near the metro station of the same name on Line 3), ☏ +86 371 66322939. 08:00-17:30. The Zhengzhou Confucius Temple is one of the largest historical building complexes in Zhengzhou. the first temple was built here in the first century AD, but it has been rebuilt several times due to being repeatedly destroyed by wars and fires. The Dacheng Hall, which dates from the Qing Dynasty, is the main building of historical value. The other buildings that make up the complex are largely modern reconstructions. Free. (updated Jan 2021)

Landmarks 3 Er Qi (February 7) Memorial Tower (二七纪念塔), Er Qi Square, 230 Er Qi Road, Er Qi District (二七区二七路230号二七广场) (just outside Er Qi Square Station on Metro Line 1), ☏ +86 371 66966798, [email protected]. 09:00-17:00, closed on Mondays. Museum inside a rather garish double pagoda that looms over February 7 Square. Inside there are exhibits explaining the city's development. Free. 4 Ruyi Lake (如意湖; Ruyi Hu), Jinshui District (金水区) (Metro Line 1 to Exhibition Centre (会展中心) station). The centrepiece of the Zhengzhou New Area, surrounded by an impressive ring of modern apartments, malls and office towers, including the Henan Arts Centre, and crowned by a JW Marriott designed like a Chinese lantern. The area is lit up in a charmingly tacky fashion at night. 5 Zhongyuan Tower (Fu Tower, 中原福塔), 1206 Hanghai East Road, Guancheng Hui District (管城回族区航海东路1206号) (Zhongyuan Tower Station, Metro Line 5), ☏ +86 371 60609199. 09:30-19:00. This 388-metre high tower is the 10th tallest tower in the world and has great views of the city. On the third and fourth floors of the observation deck, you can see the largest panoramic painting in the world. Standard ticket price is ¥98. Children under 1.2 metres in height and adults over 70 may enter for free. (updated Dec 2019) 6 Henan · Drama Fantasy City (只有河南·戏剧幻城), Northwest corner of Ping’an Avenue and Guangxin Street intersection, Dameng Subdistrict, ☏ +86 4000001992. daily 10:00–20:00. The park is built with 56 blocks, featuring yellow e

Do

There's relatively few things to do in Zhengzhou but a possible evening might involve eating at a Sichuan or Henanese restaurant, buying yourself a bottle of decent Dynasty wine, parleying with the local clientele, getting lazy, and rounding off the evening at a KTV bar.

Museum Area. One thing worth knowing about is that the museum area is also the area of the 2 branches of government - federal and communist - so the area is much nicer. We are talking trees and some flowers along with a more neighborhood feel that might remind you of Shanghai. Do not expect wild nightclubs, but it is a more pleasant place to be if you are looking for a walk. Erqilou is fine, but a bit dirty, so see this other side of Zhengzhou if you get a chance. Also, some nice places to eat are in this area.

Amusement parks 1 Century Fun Park (郑州世纪欢乐园), 1 Shihua Road, Guancheng Hui District (管城回族区石化路1号) (20-30 minutes away from Er Qi Square; about 1.4 km north of Qili River Station on Metro Line 5; bus routes 321, b15, s126, and s163), ☏ +86 371 63282288. 09:00-17:30 (March 15th-October 14th), 09:30-17:30 (October 15th-March 14th), 17:00-22:00 (extended opening hours on select days). It is quite a huge amusement park. Be aware most rides have a 90-kg limit for anyone using them, sometimes staff can be strict and refuse to let you ride even after you have paid to get in. ¥160 (adults), ¥80 (children between 1.2 and 1.5 metres in height), ¥50 (special price for entry after 17:00). Free entry is granted to children under 1.2 m in height and adults over 70. Zhengzhou Fonte Happy World, People's humanities road (intersection of Zhengkai Avenue and Humanities Road). This is a cultural and technological theme park featuring science fiction and interactive experience. $39.

Nearby 2 Yinji International Tourism Resort (Enjoyland, Yinji Animal Kingdom, 銀基國際旅遊度假區), 1 Dahong Road, Liuzhai Town, Xinmi City (刘寨镇大鸿路1号) (if coming from Zhengzhou, take bus # 563 from the Xinghua Street Bus Stop (兴华街公交站) about 600 m east of Jiliyan Metro Station on Line 5; get off at the 3rd or 2nd last stop), ☏ +86 4000 178 178. Features an amusement park (Enjoy Animal Kingdom), snow resorts for skiing, and hot springs. It has six themed zones (Jiabao Town, Life Island, Dreamland Zoo, Emerald Sea, Fantasy World, and Dragon Valley). It houses more than over 200 species and 3,000 rare wild animals. It has 19 large-scale amusement rides, including an amphibious animal sightseeing vehicle, VIP animal sightseeing vehicles, and dual-track racing roller coasters. The park's centerpiece, the "Tree of Life", fea

Buy

Large department stores and international brands tend to be concentrated around Erqi (February 7) Square. The two major department stores are Kingbird (金博大) and Beijing Hualien (北京华联), which are next to each other. Both stores have supermarkets in their basements. Some of the most interesting gifts can be purchased at the city's antique market. Most of the shop owners will have a calculator handy so you can bargain by typing in prices. Consider that you got a good deal if you pay half of what they had quoted. The people are friendly but many of the shops sell fake antiques made to look old. Nevertheless there are interesting items that will decorate your walls or look great on a stand back at home. You can even impress your friends by telling them you bought them an antique from China. Some of the small shops sell real antiquities. You'll know when you're buying one because the prices will rise dramatically from about ¥100 or less for fake goods to well over ¥5,000 for the real deal. China will not let foreigners take antiques out of the country that are over 200 years old or possibly even more recent items depending on their cultural value. Make sure you know where your wallet is at all times. There are some unsavory characters in the markets. This is, in fact, true of Zhengzhou in general, which has a reputation for pickpockets. Buses are especially risky. Keep your wallet in your front pocket.

1 丹尼斯大卫城 (Dennis David), At the intersection of Erqi Road and Taikang Road in the central business district of Zhengzhou, toll-free: +86 317-56151000. 10:00-22:00. Retail business is located in Tower A 1F-9F, luxury goods, domestic boutique, boutique home furnishing and accessories are available. Shopping mall is located in 1F-6F. Catering and leisure: B1-9F scattered catering and leisure on each floor, 10-12F focus on local specialties, chain restaurants to enjoy the feast of gluttony. The boutique supermarket is located in B1F, and the hotel is located in 7F-24F of Tower B. The international five-star standard hotel is luxurious, elegant, comfortable and fresh. The club is located in 14F. David City Ice Park is located on the 5F of David City and is the most luxurious indoor ice skating rink in Zhengzhou. The Korean CGV cinema is located on the 6th floor. (updated Nov 2023) 2 CityOn (郑州熙地港购物中心), No.15, East Agricultural Road, Zhengdong New District, toll-free: +86 371-55570800. 10:00-22:30. (updated Nov 2023) 3 Zhenghongcheng Mall (郑州正弘城). Combining shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural activities, it is a popular destination for tourists and local

Eat

Zhengzhou has a diverse array of fine Chinese cuisine. Its location at China's center means you can find almost any type of Chinese food here. The city is big enough to have a scattering of cosmopolitan restaurants, and while there are a number of imitation Korean, Japanese, Indian, and Western options about, you will do best to stick with Chinese food. One of the most representative delicacies in Zhengzhou, braised noodles. Zhengzhou braised noodles are made from high-quality fresh lamb and lamb bones. After soaking, the bones and meat are boiled together over high heat to form a white soup, and then flour is mixed to form a soft noodle. After repeated kneading, the noodles are manually pulled into strips of varying widths and thicknesses and placed in the pot. The lamb is then paired with yellow cauliflower, black fungus, and vermicelli. When dining, small dishes such as coriander, chili oil, and sugar garlic are added to make the taste more fresh.

Budget There is the usual assortment of dumpling shops and noodle joints on every street and back alley. There is a good number of Sichuan restaurants, which makes sense considering the proximity to the Province of Spice. You should not miss a special breakfast in Zhengzhou (hulatang), it is a special soup, a little spicy. You better go to Shunhelu where you will find the best hulatang in town. Noodles, especially the mutton noodle (羊肉烩面 yangrouhuimian) and beef noodle (牛肉拉面 niuroulamian) are must-eat in Zhengzhou. There are three good yangrouhuimian restaurants with many locations, ask a taxi driver to take you the nearest one, and you will taste the best delicilous huimian in Zhengzhou:

1 Heji (合记), No. 92, Huayuan Road, Jinshui District, ☏ +86 130 7103 8832. 11:00-21:50. ¥41. Other cheap eating places include:

Night market in Erqi (February 7) Square. A good place for a snack and scenery.

Mid-range

Chinese Some of the finest Chinese restaurants are located on Jingsan Road (经三路). To find these restaurants, ask a taxi driver to take you to Xiaonanguo Restaurant and just look around. You will find a number of options about:

Xiaonanguo (小南国), 经三路北16号. Excellent restaurant featuring regional dishes from all over China.

Other Asian Korean:

Tudali (near the corner of Wenhua Road and Huanghe Road). Korean-style restaurant and bar. If you have an affinity for soju, this is the place for you. Muslim halal food is available all throughout Zhengzhou, with the banner on the entrance board saying Mata'am al muslimeen (Restaurant of the Muslims) in Arabic. The food tastes delicious. Once you go a

Drink & nightlife

There are bars around the city, but the best area for drinking is around the tree-lined Weiyi Road:

Target Pub, On the southernmost block of Jingliu Road (经六路) near the corner of Weiyi Road (纬一路). Old ex-pat favorite. Lao Wang, who speaks great English, is the proprietor of this staple Zhengzhou dive bar. Helen's, Just north of Target across the street. ¥6 Tsingtao for foreigners, popular Tao Bar, Near the corner of Jinshui Lu and Jingqi Lu. A lively new bar opened near the corner Jinshui Lu and Jing Qi Lu. Bird Bar, On Jing Qi Lu, a ways off Jinshui Lu, the main road. A small bar on Jing qi Lu. Laid-back mood, fooseball, etc. Other areas:

Western Pub, Nongye Road (to the right of the Henan Provincial Museum). For an unusual drinking experience, consider this pub, located in a bunker-like concrete building. This place features a cabaret-style show with a mix of song, dance, and jokes. Unless you understand Chinese, it will be mostly incomprehensible, yet the experience will give you insight into Chinese drinking culture. The place is noisy, smoky, crowded, and occasionally bizarre. You can order half-a-dozen or so bottles of beer by the bucket. Try to get there early, around 19:00, as the show ends around 22:00 or 23:00. This building also houses one of Zhengzhou's movie theaters.

Sleep

Budget Zhengzhou is not a major backpacker stop, so there are few cheap lodgings in the city. That said, there are some hotels that offer real value for money if you are more than two people. As with most Chinese cities, there are several a bit run down hotels to be found near the train station. These might be your cheapest options. Most likely English is not spoken but you can get a room for ¥50 or even cheaper if there are two people splitting a bill for a double room. Bargain, especially if you are staying more than one night.

Home Inn, Jiefang Road (解放路) (short walk from Erqi Square). This is your best bet on a budget hotel. It is a relatively new chain with several locations around town. This listing is the most centrally located. Another good location is on Zhengyi Street (政一街) near Jinshui Road (金水路). The rooms are super-clean with tile and laminate floors and a fresh coat of paint. Complimentary high-speed Internet hookups are installed in all the rooms. A standard going for around ¥180, breakfast buffet for ¥10. White Dove Hotel (郑州白鸽宾馆), 中原区中原西路183号, ☏ +86 371 67621616, fax: +86 371 65319618. Discounted rates for doubles start just above ¥100.

Mid-range Home Hotel. Chain of business hotels scattered about the city. Their rooms are clean and have a style that invokes a SoHo loft more than a Chinese hotel. Jinjiang Inn, 92 Hongqilu. Double rooms have one large and one standard bed. There is another branch on 46 Zhonghanghailu. ¥138-159. Guangzhou Hotel, Erqi Road (Near the corner of Jinshui Road). Caters to business travelers. Doubles start at around ¥240 with a discount. Erqi Hotel (in the main square). This hotel might be a little loud at night. Full service rooms are about ¥250, budget rooms with shared bathroom for ¥150 (can be hard to get). Londoo Hotel, Erqi Street (close to Erqi Square). Massive Chinese-style business hotel with well-worn carpets and paper-thin walls, but otherwise functional. A discounted standard room goes for ¥190.

Splurge Sheraton Grand Zhengzhou Hotel, No.33 Jinshui East Road, Zhengdong New District (Nongye South Road (Zhengzhou Metro Line 1), Exit 3), ☏ +86 371 6063 6666, [email protected]. New hotel. The rooms are well appointed, and the buffet breakfast spread has good reports. (updated Sep 2017) JW Marriott Hotel Zhengzhou, Millennium Royal Plaza, No 2 Central Business District, Zhengdong New District (Exhibition Center station (Zhengzhou Metro Line 1), exit C2 - 5-10 minute walk), ☏ +86 371 8882 8888. A glitzy joint around Ruyi Lake and near facilities such as an exhibition

Go next

Henan awaits:

Kaifeng is a laid-back town about 90 minutes to the east of Zhengzhou. Enjoy ancient temples and an escape from Chinese skyscrapers. Sizeable night market comes to life in the evenings too. Kaifeng was the capital of several dynasties before it slid into irrelevance the last 200 years. Buses leave every half hour from Zhengzhou central bus station (90 min). Alternatively, there are quite a few trains in the morning and evening to Kaifeng station (45 min) from Zhengzhou station. High speed trains depart half hourly to Songchenglu station from Zhengzhou East. Another great city nearby by is the ancient capital of Luoyang, home to the Longmen Grottoes. The city is worth a look, with an interesting old section and easy walking downtown. It's about three hours by bus, which leave Zhengzhou every hour or so. An express - the "elephant bus" or kuai che - costs ¥40. One train in the morning departs from Zhengzhou station straight to Luoyang Longmen station (45 min) very close to the grottoes. Yuzhou is a small and relatively undeveloped city, off the main rail network, but well worth a visit to see the Jun Royal Kiln Museum and to get an insight into life in Henan off the tourist trail. One and a half hours by bus, and very walkable once you get there.