Zhoukou

Spring and autumn are good seasons for exploring Zhoukou on foot. Located in eastern Henan, Zhoukou offers historic sites associated with Fuxi and Laozi, old streets, and a zoo for families. Here is a three-day, two-night itinerary.

Three-day, two-night itinerary

• Day 1: City sights and old streets
  • Morning: After arriving in Zhoukou, visit the Zhoukou Museum (free; reservation required). Its more than 7,000 artifacts include a gold-inlaid sword of a Yue king and a green-glazed ceramic ram, offering an introduction to eastern Henan’s long history.

• Afternoon: Visit the Guandi Temple and look for the wood and stone carvings in its Qing-era buildings.
  • Evening: Walk through the Nanzhai Historic and Cultural District, or try grilled gluten and stir-fried yogurt on Wuyi Road Food Street before browsing the old town’s night market.
• Day 2: Huaiyang’s historic sites and family attractions
  • Morning: Head to Huaiyang District, about a 40-minute drive from the city center, and visit Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum.
  • Midday: Try yasuo mo and Longhu fish in Huaiyang, then take a sightseeing boat ride at Longhu National Wetland Park. Allow time to watch the sunset and evening sky.
  • Afternoon: Go to Zhoukou Wildlife World. Explore by car or small train, feed large predators and other animals up close, and watch a Forest Theater show.
• Day 3: Daoist culture in Luyi
  • All day: Drive to Luyi County, about an hour from the city center. Explore the Laozi Hometown Tourist Area, visiting Taiqing Palace, Mingdao Palace, and Laojun Terrace in that order. Stop at the Laozi Academy to learn about Chinese aesthetics and Daoist culture.

Local food specialties

Where to stay and how to get around

• Accommodation: Stay near Qiyi Road in Chuanhui District or Wanda Plaza for easy access to central Zhoukou and plenty of dining and shopping options. Hotels cost about ¥80–200 per night. You can also stay in Huaiyang District while exploring the area.
• Getting to Zhoukou: High-speed trains run directly to Zhoukou East Station. You can also drive there via the expressway.
• Getting around the city: Take a bus, use a shared bike such as Hellobike, or take a taxi. Taxi fares are relatively low.
• Travel between districts and counties: For Huaiyang District, Luyi County, and other areas, drive or hire a car for more control over your schedule. Coaches also depart from the city center.

Travel tips

• Book ahead: Zhoukou Museum, Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum, and other attractions require reservations through their official WeChat accounts. Visitor numbers may be limited during holidays, so check availability before you go.
• Temple fair traffic: The Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum temple fair runs from the second day of the second lunar month to the third day of the third lunar month. It draws large crowds, and roads from the city center to Huaiyang can become congested. Set off one to two hours early or avoid the busiest days.
• When to visit: Spring and autumn are comfortable. Visit Huaiyang’s Longhu Lake in June or July to see the lotus flowers. Winter is windy and fairly cold, so dress warmly.
• Walking: Exploring the historic buildings and parks involves walking; wear comfortable sneakers.
• Admission guide: Guandi Temple is free; Taihao Fuxi Mausoleum costs about ¥40, Laozi Hometown Tourist Area about ¥60, and Zhoukou Wildlife World about ¥138.