Zhengzhou Travel Guide

Henan people's morning C and evening A: morning Hulatang (C), evening Huimian (A). Hulatang: Xiaozhen/Beiwudu two schools, strong pepper flavor, served with youtiao/shuijianbao. Recommendations: Fang Zhongshan (most famous but also spiciest), Xiaoyao Zhen. Huimian: lamb broth base + wide noodles + fen tiao + qianzhang + wood ear mushrooms, fresh and rich. Recommendations: Xiao Ji/He Ji. Spice level: Hulatang medium spicy (pepper spicy, not chili spicy), Huimian not spicy.

2 days: D1 Henan Museum (free, reservation required, one of China's most underrated museums!) + Erqi Memorial Tower + Dehua Street; D2 Shaolin Temple (Dengfeng, 80km from Zhengzhou, 1.5h drive) + Pagoda Forest + Songyang Academy. 3 days: add Yellow River Scenic Area + Zhengzhou East District CBD. Budget: 600-1200 yuan. Zhengzhou is a transfer hub for Luoyang/Kaifeng, suitable for combined trips.