Travel to Central China – Episode 923

Hear about travel to Central China as the Amateur Traveler talks to Larry Fan, who was born in the city of Zhengzhou and recently returned to explore his birth country.

Why should you go to Central China?

Larry says, “I think it’s particularly special because it’s considered the cradle of Chinese civilization. Xi’an was the first imperial capital of China. Zhengzhou also happened to be one of the first capitals of the Shang dynasty. Kaifeng and Luoyang, which are two other cities I’ll talk about, had also served as capitals of China during various times. It’s a very influential area for Chinese civilization and often not as much talked about versus places like Beijing, Shanghai. Etc. ”

Larry recommends a 7-10 day itinerary for visiting central China, covering historical and cultural highlights in Henan Province and Xi’an. Here’s the detailed breakdown of his suggested itinerary:

Days 1-2: Zhengzhou (Capital of Henan Province)

Day 1: Zhengzhou City Tour

1. Henan Museum
   • Spend 2-3 hours learning about the region’s history from the Shang to Tang dynasties.
2. Guancheng Muslim District
   • Visit the Beidajie Mosque (North Big Mosque), a Yuan dynasty mosque with Chinese architectural influences.
   • Try local food like Xi’an torn bread with lamb soup (羊肉泡饃).
3. Shang Dynasty Relic Park
   • Explore ruins of the Shang Dynasty’s capital, including city walls over 3,000 years old.
4. People’s Park
   • Relax in the park and experience local activities like dancing and exercise.
5. Erqi Memorial Tower (Feb 7th Square)
   • Learn about the area’s historical ties to railroad workers and admire the twin tower.
6.  Zhengdong New Area (CBD)
   • Visit the modern Central Business District featuring the iconic Corncob Building.

Day 2: Day Trip to the Yellow River or Kaifeng

• Option 1: Yellow River Scenic Area
  • About an hour north of Zhengzhou, visit this cradle of Chinese civilization.
  • See Tongji Canal, part of the Grand Canal (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Option 2: Kaifeng
  • Explore:
    • Baogong Temple (Taoist temple)
    • Daxiangguo Temple (Buddhist temple)
    • Millennium City Park: A cultural theme park recreating Song Dynasty Kaifeng.
    • Shudian Street: Enjoy food like Tangbao (soup dumplings) on this traditional walking street.

Days 3-4: Luoyang (40-min train or 2-hour drive from Zhengzhou)

Day 3: Luoyang City Tour

1. White Horse Temple
   • The first Chinese Buddhist temple, established in the 1st century.
2. Longmen Grottoes
   • UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 110,000 Buddhist statues carved into cliffs along the Yi River. Highlights include 60-foot statues and intricately carved smaller ones.
3. Lijing Gate and Old Town District
   • Explore this reconstructed ancient district and try local cuisine.

Day 4: Day Trip to Mount Laojun or Shaolin Temple

• Option 1: Mount Laojun (Laojunshan)
  • A 7,000-foot mountain with golden temples and breathtaking views, associated with Daoism and Lao Tzu.
  • Use a mix of hiking and cable cars to explore.
• Option 2: Shaolin Temple and Mount Song
  • Shaolin Temple: The birthplace of Kung Fu, with opportunities to watch Shaolin monks practice martial arts. UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Mount Song.
  • Pagoda Forest: A serene area with over 100 stone pagodas.
  • Mount Song: Known as the “Center of Heaven and Earth” for its cultural significance.

Days 5-7: Xi’an (2-hour train from Luoyang)

Day 5: Xi’an City Tour

1. Muslim Street (Huimin Street)
   • Enjoy food like lamb skewers, Biang Biang noodles, and rou jia mo (meat-filled pancakes).
2. Drum Tower and Bell Tower
   • Key landmarks in the old city center.
3. City Walls
   • Walk or bike along the well-preserved ancient walls for contrasting views of old and modern Xi’an.
4. Great Mosque of Xi’an
   • A beautiful blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.

Day 6: Terracotta Army

1. Terracotta Warriors Museum
   • UNESCO site featuring 8,000 life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots from the tomb of Qin Shi Huang.
   • Visit early in the day to avoid crowds.
2. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
   • Landmark of the Tang Dynasty and starting point of the Silk Road.
3. Datang Night Market
   • Experience vibrant nightlife and street food near the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

Day 7: Day Trip to Mount Hua

• Mount Hua (Huashan)
  • Famous for its breathtaking peaks and daring plank walk.
  • Use a cable car for easier access to scenic trails and temples.
  • Ideal for adventure and stunning mountain views.

Additional Notes

• Best Travel Seasons:
  • Spring (April-May) and Fall (September-October) for pleasant weather.
  • Avoid major Chinese holiday weeks like May 1st, October 1st, Mid-Autumn Festival (varies, but in September/October), and Chinese New Year (varies in January/February).
• Transportation:
  • Use DiDi Rider (Chinese ride-hailing app) for convenience.
  • High-speed trains efficiently connect Zhengzhou, Luoyang, and Xi’an.
• Food to Try:
  • Yangrou Paomo (Lamb soup with bread), Hu La Tang (spicy soup), Hui Mian (hearty noodles), Biang Biang noodles, rou jia mo, and cumin-heavy lamb kebabs.

This itinerary offers a rich mix of history, culture, nature, and local cuisine, showcasing why central China is called the “Cradle of Chinese Civilization.”

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Show Notes

Zhengzhou
Henan
Henan Museum
Guancheng, Zhengzhou
Beidajie Mosque
Beida Mosque
Xi’an torn bread with lamb soup 羊肉泡饃
Zhengzhou Shang City
People’s Park
Erqi Memorial Tower
Zhengdong New Area
Zhengzhou Greenland Plaza
Longhai railway
Yellow River
Grand Canal
Kaifeng
Kaifeng Jews
Baogong Temple
Daxiangguo Temple
Millennium City Park, Kaifeng
Shudian Street
Tangbao
Luoyang
White Horse Temple
Longmen Grottoes
DiDi Rider
Lijing Gate, Luoyang
Luoyang Old Town District
Luoyang Museum
Mount Laojun (Henan)
Shaolin Monastery
Pagoda Forest at Shaolin Temple
Mount Song
Xi’an
Muslim Street
Xian Biang Biang noodles
Drum Tower of Xi’an
Bell Tower of Xi’an
Fortifications of Xi’an
Daming Palace
Wu Zetian
Terracotta Army
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
The Most Popular Night Markets in Xi’an
Great Mosque of Xi’an
Mountain Huashan Plank Trail
Hulatang
Hui mian
Spicy Cumin Lamb Skewers

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