5 Days in Zhengzhou

The Henan Museum (1927) holds more than 170,000 pieces, among them a roughly 8,700-year-old flute from Jiahu; the twin Erqi tower of 1971 — 63 metres, fourteen storeys — remembers the 1923 strike.

1. zhengzhou henan museum
2. zhengzhou erqi memorial tower

Morning on the rammed-earth ramparts of the early-Shang capital, some 3,600 years old, with nearly 7 kilometres of wall still traceable. Afternoon north to the river for the 106-metre Emperors Yan and Huang carving of 2007.

1. zhengzhou shang city ruins
2. zhengzhou yellow river scenic area

About 80 kilometres west to Dengfeng: the monastery founded in 495, the Pagoda Forest's more than 240 brick stupas, and a kung fu show on site. The valley's 2010 UNESCO listing covers the whole cluster. Sleep in Dengfeng.

1. zhengzhou shaolin temple
2. zhengzhou pagoda forest

Morning plank-walks of Sanhuangzhai under the Shaoshi cliffs, then down into town for the academy of 484 and its cypresses said to be 4,500 years old. Return to Zhengzhou at dusk and catch an Only Henan evening show if you like.

1. zhengzhou sanhuangzhai
2. zhengzhou songyang academy

The full-morning-to-night drama compound east of the city opened in 2021 with 21 theatres; pick two or three shows between courtyard meals, then depart from Zhengzhou East or the airport.

1. zhengzhou only henan drama city