Central Plains Ancient Capitals

A cluster of ancient capitals in the heartland of Chinese civilization: Luoyang's Longmen Grottoes, Zhengzhou's Shaolin Temple, Kaifeng's Qingming Shanghe Park and the Yin Ruins in Anyang.

The Central Plains is the cradle of Chinese civilization, and four of China's eight great ancient capitals (Luoyang, Kaifeng, Anyang and Zhengzhou) are in Henan. Luoyang has the Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple, the Yingtian Gate of the Sui-Tang Luoyang City site and the saying “Luoyang peonies are the best under heaven”; touring the old town at night in Hanfu is hugely popular, especially in Luoyi Ancient City. Zhengzhou has the Henan Museum, Shaolin Temple on Mount Song and Zhongyue Temple. Kaifeng has Qingming Shanghe Park, Wansui Mountain, the Kaifeng Prefecture complex and the Drum Tower Night Market, all rich in “Northern Song Dongjing” atmosphere. In Anyang, the Yin Ruins and the Chinese Characters Museum showcase Shang-dynasty oracle bone culture, and the Red Flag Canal also lies within its jurisdiction. Sanmenxia's Swan Lake and Hangu Pass, as well as Shangqiu Ancient City, make good extensions. A classic 5–6-day itinerary: Zhengzhou – Luoyang (2 days) – Kaifeng (1–2 days) – Anyang (1 day). The Zhengzhou–Xi'an, Zhengzhou–Kaifeng and Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed railways make getting around easy. Museums require advance reservations, and crowds peak during peony season. Henan's “immersive cultural tourism” has drawn great attention in recent years: Only Henan · Drama Fantasy City, Hanfu experiences in Luoyang's Luoyi Ancient City and Kaifeng's live-action show Grand Song: Dream of the Eastern Capital have extended ancient-capital travel from viewing relics to immersive experiences.

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