Trip Overview
Henan, is situated on the plain between the Yellow River and Huaihe River. Henan means “south of the river” in Mandarin, gets its name due to its location to the south of the Yellow River.
Henan is the most populous province in China with 98.2 million residents. It plays an important role in China’s history, with 3 of China’s ancient capitals (Luoyang, Kaifeng and Anyang) being located there. More than 10 dynasties have successively established their capital in Henan throughout China’s history. This has substantially contributed to the vast number of ruins and relics found throughout this province.
Itinerary
All meals listed as breakfast as B, Lunch as L and Dinner as D.
Day 1 Arrival Kaifeng
Today, arrive at Kaifeng. Kaifeng has a history lasting more than 2,700 years as the capital of seven dynasties. Its heyday was during the Northern Song, when it was known as East Capital (Dongjing), the most prosperous city in the world, with a population of 1.5 million. Upon arrival, be met by our Henan local guide at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Then visit the Dragon Pavilion, former site of the Song Dynasty’s Imperial Palace.
In the afternoon, go to the Iron Pagoda built in 1049 and the Millennium City Theme Park. It’s located in western shore of beautiful Longting Lake and represents lively flourishing scenes of Kaifeng in Northern Song Dynasty.
Overnight Jinyuan Hotel
(L,D)
Day 2 Kaifeng to Jiaozuo
Today drive about 2 hours from Kaifeng to Jiaozuo to visit the birthplace of Tai Chi --- Chen Village, learn simple Tai Chi boxing. The Chen style Tai Chi Chuan (boxing) is the oldest form, all the other styles of Tai Chi Chuan having derived from it either directly or indirectly. The Chen style Tai Chi Chuan falls into two categories - the old and new frames. The old frame was created by Chen Wangting himself. It had five routines which were also known as the 13-move boxing.
In the afternoon, learn a Taichi lesson taught by a master.
Overnight Shanyang Jianguo Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Jiaozuo to Dengfeng
Today drive about 2.5 hours to Dengfeng. In the morning visit Zhongyue Temple which is one of the oldest of its kind in China, originally built in the Qin Dynasty over 2,200 years ago, and moved to its present site in the Tang (618-907).
After lunch, go to the Shaolin Temple. Believed by many many people, Shaolin temple is the place where Chinese Kongfu is from. When we get to Shaolin Temple, the large sculpture of a Kongfu Monk hints it is the place. We get into the temple and visit the pagoda forest, watching the Kongfu performance look around the old temple. In China, there is no temple has enjoyed such a high reputation among all Chinese people, both in and out of China.
Tonight, stay in the Shaoling Internatinal Hotel in the city of Dengfeng. And it is the best available hotel in Dengfeng City around Shaolin Temple.
Overnight Shaolin International Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Dengfeng to Luoyang
In the morning visit Astronomical Observatory, which was built in 13th in Yuan Dynasty. There, we still can see the observatory, of masonry construction, consists of the body and the stone gnomon (or the night-blooming cereus, unofficially). Then drive about 1 hour to Luoyang.
After lunch, visit the Longmen Grottoes firstly. Longmen Grottoes, the refinement of carving arts, over half of have been destroyed dues to different reasons. Standing on the steps to face the grottoes, nobody could stop tracing back history in mind. Then we go to Baima Temple, which has been believed to be the first Buddhism temple of China since Han dynasty.
Overnight Cygnus International Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Depart Luoyang
After the breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight back your home or next destinations.
Trip ends.
(B)
