Things to do in Zhoukou

Guandi Temple in Zhoukou is a national key cultural relic protection unit and a national AAA-level tourist attraction. It is known as the "crown of the eight scenic spots in Zhoukou". It is like a solidified history, recording the prosperity of Zhoujiakou's business and the peak of its economy. Come here to experience Zhoukou culture, the spirit of the martial saint, and the influence of history.

Zhoukou Museum has a total of more than 2,000 collections, mainly cultural relics from the Zhoukou area, especially the first stone millstone in China, Yangshao culture vortex-patterned painted pottery jar, Western Zhou Dynasty Changzikou round tripod with ears and lid, etc. The ancient and modern cultural relics exhibited in the fixed exhibition halls of Zhoukou Museum range from the Neolithic Age to the Republic of China period, including square-shouldered silver cloth coins, Huaiyang inlaid gold sword of the King of Yue, owl-shaped handle wine vessel, Peiligang culture stone millstone, Song Dengfeng kiln white glaze carved pot, folded belly straight-mouthed painted pottery jar, etc.

The Ye Family Manor was also a chance encounter. There is a relatively large square in front of the manor, and parking is convenient around it. By the way, there are pig trotter shops all around the square, so you can eat nearby. We arrived in the morning and had lunch at the pig trotter shop at noon. The taste was good, and many locals also ate here. The Ye Family Manor was originally quite large, with three manors, but only one remains. You must ask a tour guide to introduce it. The price is not expensive and it is more interesting than seeing it by yourself. Of course, the whole garden is really not big, so it is not necessary to make a special trip to see it. You can take a look if you pass by.

It's very worthwhile, but it's also very crowded, which might slightly detract from the overall experience. However, the people are incredibly welcoming, and there are many beautiful spots for taking photos. The food is also affordable and inexpensive, which kids enjoy. I'll definitely go back when it's less crowded.

Our guide at the Luobo Museum, Mr. Pei, was excellent. He was considerate of the artifact display cases, reminding the children in our group and others to keep a safe distance to avoid obstructing photos or leaving handprints. His explanations were engaging and detailed, although latecomers sometimes interrupted him. Overall, it was a good experience, and we saw all the museum's treasures and popular artifacts within the limited time – definitely worth it.

The Henan Museum is very large and has a wide variety of exhibits. The guides are detailed and comprehensive, and they clearly explain the stories behind the artifacts. I highly recommend hiring a guide when you visit, as it's easy to rush through things on your own.

Kaifeng City Museum is located on Zhengkai Avenue, Sixth Street, Kaifeng City, Henan Province, east of Zhongyi Lake. It is a comprehensive local museum integrating cultural relic collection, preservation, scientific research, exhibitions, and public education. It is a unit under the Kaifeng Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television and Tourism. The museum is a national first-class museum. Admission is free on weekdays. It is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed on Mondays (the schedule may be adjusted for public holidays). It is recommended to make a reservation in advance via the official WeChat account or mini-program using your real name. Entry is by presenting the reservation code and your ID card.

I happened to be there during the chrysanthemum exhibition, and the all-inclusive ticket was quite cheap. The scenery inside was nice, and Bird Island was also quite interesting, with shows and various activities. You can easily spend a morning exploring at your own pace.

Yunlong Lake boasts a vast expanse of clear, clean water, nestled against the lush Yunlong Mountain, creating a picturesque and soothing landscape. A leisurely stroll along the lakeside path, with a gentle breeze rippleing across the surface, is incredibly pleasant. The popular submerged walkway is a must-see, offering close-up views of the fish, shrimp, and aquatic plants, making you feel as if you're walking in the middle of the lake – a truly immersive experience. The scenic area is rich in attractions, including the elegant Xiaonan Lake, the rustic Sugong Pagoda, the beautifully designed Fanyue Bridge, the Xuzhou Concert Hall, and the popular "Ten Thousand People Beach." Every step reveals a new vista, making every snapshot a potential photo opportunity. During the day, enjoy the stunning lake and mountain views; in the evening, watch the sunset; and at night, the lights reflecting on the lake create a gentle and tranquil atmosphere.

From Yuntaishan, we boarded a bus bound for Luoyang. The journey was long — more than four hours on the road. We left at 2:30 pm and only arrived close to 7:00 pm, which meant our first day in Luoyang was largely consumed by travel. That evening, drained from the ride, I managed only a brief visit to Yingtianmen, illuminated against the night sky.The following day was devoted entirely to two of Luoyang’s most iconic sites: the Longmen Grottoes and the White Horse Temple. After exploring the temple, we caught bus no. 58 directly to Luoyi Ancient City. By then, the hours of walking through grottoes and temple grounds had left us physically exhausted. Still, the ancient city welcomed us with free admission and a promise of cultural immersion.Dinner was taken at a basement food court along Minzhu Street. By the time we finished, night had fallen, and Luoyi Ancient City had transformed. The streets glittered with lanterns, music pulsed through the air, and the atmosphere was electric. Crowds gathered near the lake to watch 天女散花 — the “Fairy Scattering Flowers” dance performance — though we chose not to linger.Luoyi Ancient City (洛邑古城) remains one of China’s most authentic living historic districts. Here, 3,000 years of dynastic history — from the Zhou to the Ming — can still be felt in its preserved city walls, pagodas, canals, and performances. It is not simply a relic of the past, but a vibrant cultural stage where history and daily life coexist.