Top 50 Best Things to Do in Henan
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Henan

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  • Longmen Grottoestop_1
    󰺂9.0
    47.86
    Luoyang.Longmen Station/Municipal government87.7 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoSee the snow at Longmen for a limited time, and find yourself in nature | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󰋄View grottoes on 1 km of cliffs along the Yi River
    󰋄1 km cliffs & grottoes
    󱨠Saved by 1659 users󱨠43428 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    点点Wxx.点点Wxx.

    I stayed at a guesthouse near the scenic area the night before, and entered the park just in time for it to open the next morning. The weather was sunny, and it was truly beautiful. I walked the entire way and leisurely finished exploring around noon. It's definitely worth a visit.

  • Millennium City Parktop_2
    󰺂8.6
    63.81
    Kaifeng.Millennium City Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHenan's Hanfu Craze Attracts International Tourists Eager to Experience Millennia-Old Culture
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 Asia 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    View ancient river scenery
    󰀆Evening shows & performances
    󱨠Saved by 312 users󱨠15654 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    julycallajulycalla

    Our family generally doesn't think much of man-made tourist attractions, but we made a special trip to Kaifeng specifically for the Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden. This afternoon, we brought our two children there for the first time, and it was a wonderful surprise. The park was well-organized, with plenty of staff, games, and live performances, creating a fantastic atmosphere. We especially want to praise the restrooms; based on our year-long experience traveling throughout China, we can confidently say this is the best restroom in any 5A-level scenic area in the country. Not only were there no unpleasant odors, but they even had a pleasant fragrance. Hand sanitizer and toilet paper were plentiful, even in the toilet stalls. The only thing that puzzled us was the children performing acrobatics with the Wang Family Troupe. They looked only 12 or 13 years old, which made us a little worried. Shouldn't they be in school? Are they sure they're not child laborers?

  • Laojun Mountain Scenic Spottop_3
    󰺂8.5
    Luanchuan.Laojunshan Scenic Area>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoThe Laojun Mountain's Snowy Scenery Rivals a Heavenly Palace, Funiu Mountain's Peak Reveals Winter Splendor | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱓊Cable car & hike to peak
    󱓊Rich geological sites with caves & peaks
    󱨠Saved by 812 users󱨠10111 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    E11***34E11***34

    Drive to the parking lot at the lower station of the Yunjing Cableway, take two cable car rides up the mountain, then mostly enjoy the views of the Ten-Mile Painting Screen from the flat terrain, finally reaching the Golden Summit Taoist temple complex, and then take two more cable car rides down the mountain. The whole trip takes less than 3 hours and isn't tiring. The scenery is decent, but I didn't see any clouds or the protective array around the mountain.

  • Wanshuishanwuxiacheng
    4
    󰺂8.3
    Kaifeng.The old area of henan university>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoWansui Mountain Martial Arts City New Year's Celebration | Dec 31, 2025-Jan 2, 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Central performances & snacks festival
    Large festival & unique performances
    󱨠Saved by 204 users󱨠11242 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Absolutely worth it! The best theme park I've ever been to. The shows are dazzling, you can't possibly watch them all. The interactive experiences are incredibly fun, the prices are reasonable, the staff are very patient, the overall experience is fantastic, and it's incredibly popular!

  • Unique Henan Land of Dramas
    5
    󰺂8.1
    154.2
    Zhongmu80 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoOnly Henan Announces New Year's Eve Event: Welcome the New Year with Thousands of Sky Lanterns | Dec 31, 2025-Jan 3, 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Night Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱨜High-tech & Henan's cultural essence
    󱓊56 drama spaces let you be the star
    󱨠Saved by 300 users󱨠5658 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    M2f***roM2f***ro

    Today's visit to "Only Henan: A City of Theatrical Fantasy" deeply moved me. In the grand narrative of *The Railway Station Theater*, I witnessed a poignant and intense brotherly bond—Li Shiyi, the elder brother of Li Shiba, harboring an almost tragic tolerance and boundless love for his brother. The horrors of the 1942 Henan famine were reenacted on stage, the desperate scene of starving people scrambling for food was suffocating. When Li Shiyi, desperately seeking some life-saving seeds from his brother, the stationmaster, learned that the price would be his brother's life, his world crumbled instantly. Ultimately, Li Shiba opened the granary to distribute the grain, sacrificing himself in the process. Li Shiyi's madness and breakdown upon learning all this vividly portrayed the struggle of humanity under extreme circumstances. The smaller theater production *Wheat, Oh Wheat* depicts the resilient landscape of the people of Henan, who have depended on the land for thousands of years. Those simple and hardworking farmers, dedicating their lives to the wheat fields, saw wheat not only as food but also as their roots and soul. With the southward advance of the Jin army at the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, Henan was forever cut off from the dynastic capital, a historical turning point tinged with desolation and regret. Another short play, "Su Shi's Henan," succinctly portrays the tumultuous life of the literary giant Su Shi in just thirty minutes. From his initial fame through the imperial examinations, to his repeated demotions and fluctuating fortunes, until his eventual pardon but failure to return to the capital Bianjing, where he died and was buried in Henan, his poetry is filled with a magnanimous outlook on life and an optimistic view of hardship. Yet, isn't this also a kind of spiritual transcendence under the pressure of reality? Behind that "forced magnanimity" lies a profound undercurrent of unfulfilled ambition throughout his life. This trip was not merely a theatrical experience, but a profound dialogue with the land, history, and the depths of human nature.

  • Kaifeng Fu (Kaifeng Palace)
    6
    󰺂7.8
    34.57
    Kaifeng.Kaifeng drum tower square>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoKaifeng Fu (Kaifeng Palace) Sponsored Tourist Train Sets Sail | Nov 17, 2025
    trip best small logoNo. 7 of Night Attractions in Henan
    Highlights:
    Live performance of Song Dynasty
    Watch Kaifeng's Northern Song reenactment
    󱨠Saved by 139 users󱨠7915 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    _ZF***75_ZF***75

    I hired a guide, and the explanation was quite detailed. I gained a better understanding of the official history. I also caught a performance in the afternoon, which was a good experience. And I must say, the restrooms in the scenic area were very clean.

  • Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area
    7
    󰺂7.8
    10.64
    Xiuwu>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoMultiple Attractions in Henan Announce Free Return Visits
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Spring Outings
    Highlights:
    󱓊World-class canyon & unique landscape
    󱓊Explore unique canyon landforms
    󱨠Saved by 219 users󱨠12581 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    TENNY楓夜TENNY楓夜

    Jiaozuo Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area: Visit the summit of Yuntai Mountain, Zhuyu Peak (1297 meters above sea level), the origin of the saying "Where there are dogwood branches, one less person"; check out the glass walkway at Phoenix Ridge (haha, it's really not scary at all); visit Xiaozhaigou, and explore Tanpu Gorge, Longevity Peach Stone, Golden Dragon Lying on the Waves, Immortal Spring, and Tang King's Sword Testing Stone, etc.

  • Luoyang Museum
    8
    󰺂7.6
    Luoyang.Longmen Station/Municipal government93.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoExhibition of Wonderful Cultural Relics at Luoyang Museum
    trip best small logoAchieved a 2-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Showcasing museum's top treasures
    󰋄Building shaped like a cauldron
    󱨠Saved by 309 users󱨠2452 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The Luoyang Museum is an absolute underrated treasure! As a concentrated essence of the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties, it tells the story of the "Divine Capital's" glory in the most direct way. The unearthed Northern Wei clay Buddha face, though incomplete, possesses a serene and compassionate beauty that touches the soul—a "Mona Lisa of the East." Be sure to allocate at least 3 hours; the exhibits are incredibly informative! If you are a history enthusiast, this is paradise; if you are just passing through, it is enough to plant a seed of wonder in your heart—that the pulse of Chinese civilization once beat so powerfully here.

  • Henan Museum
    9
    󰺂7.5
    Zhengzhou.Wenhua Road/Henan Museum61.4 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoHenan Museum Trials Night Opening Hours
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Family-friendly Attractions
    Highlights:
    󱓊Modern facilities & scanning electron microscope
    󱓊View museum's "Eight Treasures"
    󱨠Saved by 276 users󱨠7322 positive reviews
    4.8/5
    M52***87M52***87

    The Henan Museum's exhibition on Confucius's travels around the states: This classic portrait is probably in every school...we've seen it since we were little. Although we don't know what Confucius actually looked like, the Sage Master was indeed a strong man over nine feet tall... Confucius looked like Yang Hu, and one of his disciples looked very much like him. It seems many portraits of ancient figures depict two large front teeth...like Confucius, the Yellow Emperor, Shennong...perhaps this was an auspicious omen for sages (or immortals) in the eyes of the ancients. The earliest known portrait of Confucius was unearthed from the Haihunhou Tomb (along with the Qi Analects, the Book of Songs, 125 kilograms of gold, and a mountain of copper coins...). The Confucius Family Mansion's collection, "Illustrations of Sacred Sites," depicts the main events in Confucius's life from childhood. In the childhood portrait, who is wearing a hat? A headscarf? Is that child Confucius...? There's also a rubbing of a brick depicting Confucius asking Laozi about rites, and a short animation of it, which is quite interesting. (I wonder if the Confucius Mansion will publish a comic book version of "Illustrations of Sacred Sites"?) The "Illustrations of the Book of Songs" is very interesting, but unfortunately, only a small section can be seen. Confucius's hometown was in the State of Song. Confucius traveled to many countries. He visited the State of Qi. "In Qi, upon hearing the Shao music, I forgot the taste of meat for three months." Qi was known for its beautiful women, the most famous probably being the one in the poem "Shuoren" (The Great Woman). "The Great Woman of Wei" "The Great Woman is tall and slender, dressed in brocade and a simple robe. She is the daughter of the Marquis of Qi, the wife of the Marquis of Wei, the younger sister of the Crown Prince, the aunt of the Marquis of Xing, and the concubine of the Duke of Tan. Her hands are like tender shoots, her skin like congealed fat, her neck like a cicada's, her teeth like melon seeds, her forehead broad and her eyebrows arched, her smile enchanting, her eyes bright and beautiful." Xuan Jiang, from the poem "Two Sons in a Boat," was also a beauty from Qi (and married into Wei...it seems the rulers of Wei were either licentious and tyrannical, or utterly foolish...how could such a small state survive until the end of the Warring States period...) *The Book of Songs: Two Sons in a Boat* Two sons in a boat, drifting aimlessly. I long for my sons, my heart aches with longing! Two sons in a boat, drifting aimlessly away. I long for my sons, without fear of harm! The brotherly love between Ji Zi and Gongzi Shou is truly touching! Especially considering the many fratricide during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods... I once visited Wei. Confucius said, "I have never seen anyone who loves virtue as much as he loves beauty." Confucius met Nanzi. "Heaven despises him! Heaven despises him!" There was a movie called *Confucius* starring Chow Yun-fat and Zhou Xun, with Faye Wong singing the theme song. Although Nanzi's headdress was a bit bizarre, the movie was alright... I once got lost at the east gate of Zheng... "Confucius went to Zheng, and lost his disciples. Confucius alone..." A man from Zheng said to Zigong, “There is a man at the east gate of Zheng. His face resembles Yao, his neck resembles Gao Yao, and his shoulders resemble Zichan. However, from the waist down, he is three inches shorter than Yu, and he looks like a homeless dog.” Zigong told Confucius the truth. Confucius laughed and said, “Appearance is secondary. But to say he looks like a homeless dog, is that true? Is that true?” This east gate of Zheng should be the same east gate from the poem “Going out of the east gate, there are women like clouds.” (From the *Zheng Feng* section of the *Book of Songs*, "Going out of the East Gate") Going out of the east gate, there are women like clouds. Though they are like clouds, they are not what I desire. In white robes and black kerchiefs, they bring me joy. Going out of the gate, there are women like withered leaves. Though they are like withered leaves, they are not what I desire. In white robes and withered leaves, they bring me some amusement. It is hard to imagine that, surrounded by joyful young men and women, Confucius wandered aimlessly, looking like a homeless dog. The city gate currently under construction in Zhenwei River City is probably the East Gate. Perhaps NPCs could play the role of disciples, searching for Confucius amidst a sea of ​​beautiful women... (But this would require a tall, refined, and robust man...) The *Records of the Grand Historian* states, "In the past, King Wen of Zhou was imprisoned in Youli, where he developed the *Book of Changes*; Confucius was trapped in Chen and Cai, where he wrote the *Spring and Autumn Annals*; Qu Yuan was exiled, where he composed the *Li Sao*." He was once trapped between Chen and Cai. He did not eat for seven days, yet his music and singing never ceased. Today, there is still a "Musical Stage" in Huaiyang, Zhoukou, to commemorate him. The State of Chen also had many beautiful women. Lady Xi, also known as Lady Peach Blossom, was the daughter of the ruler of Chen. She married the Marquis of Xi, but was later forcibly taken by the King of Chu. There was a short animation about Lady Xi in *Six Hundred Years of Cai* (the Xinyang Museum also has a statue of Lady Xi, as well as Lord Chunshen). Wang Wei wrote a poem: Lady Xi Do not let present favor make you forget past kindness. Tears well up at the sight of flowers, I cannot speak with the King of Chu. There is a beautiful poem in the *Chen Feng* section of the *Book of Songs*, which is the very same poem from Su Shi's *Ode to the Red Cliff*: "Reciting the poem of the bright moon, singing the graceful verses." *Chen Feng* - The Moon Rises The moon rises bright. Beautiful is the fair maiden. Graceful and charming. My heart is troubled. The moon rises white. Beautiful is the radiant maiden. Sorrowful and nurtured. My heart is troubled. The moon rises shining. Beautiful is the dazzling maiden. Graceful and charming. My heart is filled with sorrow. Combining this with other poems from the *Book of Songs* evokes a unique feeling.

  • White Horse Temple
    10
    󰺂7.5
    46.8
    Luoyang85.8 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰀆Ginkgo trees & ancient buildings
    Temple with 4 national styles
    󱨠Saved by 383 users󱨠1910 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    小强小强

    The hotel is conveniently located, within walking distance of Yingtianmen, Lijingmen, and Jiuzhouchi, and is also a pick-up point for day trips around Luoyang. The rooms were very clean, the service was excellent, and a complimentary gift was given upon check-out.

Best things to do in Henan (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Henan? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Henan offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Henan

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Henan experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Longmen Grottoes

• Luoyang.Longmen Station/Municipal government | 87.7 km from downtown

• : View grottoes on 1 km of cliffs along the Yi River,1 km cliffs & grottoes

Millennium City Park

• Kaifeng.Millennium City Park | >100 km from downtown

• : View ancient river scenery,Evening shows & performances

Laojun Mountain Scenic Spot

• Luanchuan.Laojunshan Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown

• : Cable car & hike to peak,Rich geological sites with caves & peaks

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Henan

If you want to explore attractions just outside Henan, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Henan, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Henan special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Henan

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Henan

Ready to explore the best of Henan? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Henan?
These are all Best Things to Do in Henan:Longmen Grottoes, Millennium City Park, Laojun Mountain Scenic Spot, Wanshuishanwuxiacheng, Unique Henan Land of Dramas
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Henan?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Henan include:Longmen Grottoes:4.7, Millennium City Park:4.5, Laojun Mountain Scenic Spot:4.7, Wanshuishanwuxiacheng:4.7, Unique Henan Land of Dramas:4.8
At what locations in Henan can Best Things to Do in Henan be found?
The Best Things to Do in Henan are mainly located in:Longmen Grottoes:Luoyang, Millennium City Park:Kaifeng, Laojun Mountain Scenic Spot:Luanchuan, Wanshuishanwuxiacheng:Kaifeng, Unique Henan Land of Dramas:Zhongmu
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