Among our China tours, the 7-day Henan Heritage and Nature Tour explores one of China's most historically significant regions, where ancient capitals, Buddhist traditions, martial arts, and spectacular natural landscapes come together in a single journey.
Starting in Dengfeng, home to the legendary Shaolin Temple, you'll uncover the origins of Shaolin Kung Fu and explore sites closely tied to the development of Chan (Zen) Buddhism. From there, Luoyang – one of China's ancient capitals – offers the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes and the White Horse Temple, widely regarded as the first Buddhist temple established in China.
Chenjiagou, the birthplace of Tai Chi, comes next, where you'll learn the foundational principles of this traditional martial art. The tour then moves into the open scenery of Mount Yuntai, a UNESCO Global Geopark defined by dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, and waterfalls.
Kaifeng, another storied capital, brings the Song Dynasty to life through cultural performances and heritage sites, including the iconic Iron Pagoda. The journey wraps up in Zhengzhou, where the Henan Museum offers a fitting close – a clear-eyed look at the history and cultural achievements of one of the cradles of Chinese civilization.
For travellers drawn to China's cultural roots, the 7-day Henan Heritage and Nature Tour delivers a well-paced mix of historic landmarks, traditional arts, and natural scenery without ever feeling rushed.
Tour itinerary:
Check in to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Continue to the Pagoda Forest, an outstanding complex of memorial pagodas built over several centuries to honor eminent monks of the Shaolin Temple. With more than 250 brick and stone pagodas, it is considered the largest pagoda complex in China.
Later, visit a local Kung Fu school, where you’ll have an opportunity to take part in a one-hour introductory Kung Fu lesson.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Note: You can also visit the Shaolin Zen Music Ritual. It is a large-scale outdoor performance held near Mount Song, combining Zen philosophy, martial arts, music and modern stage technology. Tickets can be arranged upon request.
Begin with a visit to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Buddhist art in China. Carved into limestone cliffs along the Yi River, the grottoes contain thousands of Buddhist statues and inscriptions created over several centuries.
Continue to the White Horse Temple, widely regarded as the first Buddhist temple in China. Founded in the I century AD, it played a key role in the introduction and spread of Buddhism throughout the country.
Later, enjoy free time in the Old Town of Luoyang, where traditional streets, local shops and historic architecture reflect the city's rich history.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Continue to Mount Yuntai (90 km, 1.5 hours), a UNESCO Global Geopark known for its dramatic cliffs, deep valleys, waterfalls and unique geological formations. It considers as one of China's main natural attractions, the park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Henan Province.
Upon arrival, begin exploring the scenic area.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Later, drive to Kaifeng (140 km, 2-2.5 hours), one of China's ancient capitals and an important cultural centre during the Song Dynasty.
Visit Millennium City Park, a large cultural theme park inspired by the famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival. The park recreates the atmosphere of Kaifeng during the Song Dynasty, featuring traditional streets, workshops, performances and scenes of everyday life from nearly a thousand years ago.
In the evening, attend the spectacular Dongjing Dreaming Show, a large-scale outdoor performance that brings the history and culture of the Song Dynasty to life through music, dance, lighting effects and storytelling.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing: 7-8 hours
Continue to Zhengzhou (about 80 km, 1.5 hours) and visit the Henan Museum, one of China's leading provincial museums. Its extensive collections showcase the history, culture and archaeological discoveries of Henan Province, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.
After the visit, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace.
Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of the sightseeing: 5-6 hours
Price includes:
- All transfers: 1-2 pax by Sedan type car, 3-7 pax on minivan/van, 8-16 pax by 20 seat bus;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- English-speaking local guide;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Government taxes and fees.
Price doesn't include:
- All transfers: 1-2 pax by Sedan type car, 3-7 pax on minivan/van, 8-16 pax by 20 seat bus;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- English-speaking local guide;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- Government taxes and fees.
