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Best Things to Do
Top 50 Best Things to Do near Zhangzi [2025]
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Longmen Grottoes
4.7
/5
51250 reviews
9.0
From £9.43
Based on 1,621 reviews
Longmen Station/Municipal government | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86037965980972
Address: 13 Long Men Zhong Jie, Luolong District, Luoyang, Henan, China, 471023
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
View grottoes on 1 km of cliffs along the Yi River
1 km cliffs & grottoes
Saved by 1495 users42377 positive reviews
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Longmen Grottoes are one of my four major grottoes. It is a world cultural heritage and a national tourist scenic spot. It was built in the years of the Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei and has been built through many dynasties. The excavation time spanned from the Northern Wei to the Northern Song Dynasty, and there are more than 2,300 caves and more than 100,000 Buddha statues. The statues of the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasty are mainly made, representing the peak of ancient stone carving art in China. Contains Lushena Buddha (the largest Buddha statue in the Tang Dynasty), Binyang Three Caves, Wanfo Cave, Guyang Cave, etc., of which Fengxian Temple Lushena Buddha Group carvings are iconic landscape. It is known as the "Treasure of Oriental Sculpture Art", which reflects ancient political, economic and religious culture, integrating Buddhist culture, sculpture skills and historical changes.
The Buddha statues inside are very spectacular, and the Vairocana Buddha is even more heavyweight. You can hear the sound of bells ringing on the hour. The tour guide told us a lot of stories behind the Buddha statues in detail.
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The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
4.7
/5
17483 reviews
8.6
From £9.44
Based on 213 reviews
Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8603577955000
Address: Yanhu Road, Hukou Town, Jixian County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Spring & fall thunderous waterfall
See the Thundering Falls in spring and fall
Saved by 157 users12775 positive reviews
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The scenic area has a ticket battery car package. You can get a 10 yuan discount if you buy it online one day in advance. It is recommended to bring your own disposable raincoat. The gift of nature has become a tool for making money 😂
This is a must-see place in your lifetime! The scenery here is on the back of the 50-yuan RMB bill! As a Chinese, you must come and see the majestic and surging Yellow River in your lifetime!
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Millennium City Park
4.5
/5
20368 reviews
8.6
From £12.59
Based on 264 reviews
Millennium City Park | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86037125663819
Address: No. 5, Longting West Road, Longting District, Kaifeng City
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
Highlights:
View ancient river scenery
Evening shows & performances
Saved by 269 users14917 positive reviews
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I caught up with the chrysanthemum exhibition, which was really beautiful. The pictures couldn't show the chrysanthemums. The night view was even better. It's suitable for taking children out for a trip. There are many non-powered parks and amusement projects that children like. It's not tiring to take the children out. Generally speaking, there are things to see, play, eat, and interact in the park. It's great.
During the summer vacation, I went on a family road trip with friends. Qingming Shanghe Park is definitely one of the best choices for adults and children. The Song Dynasty architecture makes people dream back to the Song Dynasty and experience the customs and culture of that time. It was a great experience!
No.
4
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Jinci Museum
4.8
/5
13975 reviews
8.6
From £8.38
Based on 119 reviews
Taiyuan Ancient County/Jinci Temple | >100 km from downtown
Phone +864006088608
Address: In Jinci Park, Jinyuan District, Taiyuan City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
Highlights:
Growing Buddhist Relics Tower overlooking Jinci's panorama
Jinci's Three Treasures showcase ancient architectural charm
Saved by 140 users10836 positive reviews
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It is said that if you don't visit Jin Temple, you will be in vain in Taiyuan. It is well-deserved and worth a visit. The pavilions, towers, bridges and flowing water are the place where dragons rise. It has a long history and ancient buildings. Every step is a beautiful view. It is a rare and good place to visit.
Jin Temple: A Living Museum of Shanxi Culture
Jin Temple, located at the foot of Xuanwen Mountain in southwest Taiyuan City, is China's oldest extant imperial sacrificial garden. Built to commemorate Tang Shuyu, a founding prince of the State of Jin, its history dates back to the Western Zhou Dynasty. Renovated over a millennium, it incorporates the architectural essence of the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, earning it the reputation of a "Cultural Treasure of Shanxi."
I. Practical Information: Tickets and Admission
- Ticket Price: 80 yuan/person during peak season (April-October), 65 yuan/person during off-season (November-March). Discounts are available for students and seniors.
- Convenience of Admission: Tickets purchased online can be entered by swiping your ID card, and purchasing tickets at the venue is also very convenient. The scenic area includes the free Jin Temple Park and the ticketed Jin Temple Museum Core Area. We recommend visiting the core area directly.
II. Core Treasures: Three Treasures, Three Wonders, and Three Plaques
The essence of the Jin Temple is concentrated in the museum area, and its "Three Treasures," "Three Wonders," and "Three Plaques" are must-see cultural highlights:
1. Three Treasures: These are three national treasure-level buildings. The Holy Mother Hall is a prime example of Northern Song Dynasty timber construction, with the eight carved dragon-shaped columns in front of the hall being the earliest surviving in China; the Yunuma Flying Bridge is the world's oldest cross-shaped bridge; and the Offering Hall is an exquisite masterpiece of Jin Dynasty architecture.
2. Three Wonders: Song Dynasty painted maidservant statues (43 of which, each with a different expression, are housed in the Holy Mother Hall); the Zhou cypress (nearly 3,000 years old, a living witness to the long history of the Jin Temple); and the Nanlao Spring (the source of the Jin River, boasting clear and ever-flowing water).
3. Three Plaques: the "Nanlao" plaque (inscribed by Fu Shan and hung in the Nanlao Spring Pavilion); the "Duiyue" plaque (inscribed by Gao Yingyuan, meaning to repay the merits of ancestors); and the "Shuijingtai" plaque (inscribed by Yang Eryou, a plaque on an ancient stage).
III. Historical Origins and Value
The Jin Temple was first built in the Western Zhou Dynasty to commemorate Tang Shuyu, who was granted the title of "Union of Brothers with Paulownia Leaves." Expanded through successive generations, it has become a cultural complex integrating sacrificial offerings, gardens, architecture, and sculpture. Its value lies not only in the preciousness of its individual buildings, but also in its complete preservation of the sacrificial ritual sequence and architectural evolution from the Western Zhou Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It serves as a "living fossil" for studying ancient Chinese politics, religion, and art.
IV. Visiting Recommendations
- Time: It is recommended to allow 3-4 hours to explore along the central axis (Water Mirror Terrace → Golden Man Terrace → Offering Hall → Holy Mother Hall), and then visit the Zhou Cypress and Nanlao Spring.
- Best Time: Early morning or evening, when the light is softer and fewer visitors are, is ideal for a quiet experience.
- Parenting: Children can gain a direct understanding of history and nature through activities such as discovering physical objects of the "Three Treasures" and observing the growth rings of the Zhou Cypress.
Summary: The Jin Temple is not only a complex of ancient buildings, but also a tangible historical text. Its profound cultural heritage and exquisite artistic value are worthy of every visitor's careful appreciation.
No.
5
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Laojun Mountain Scenic Spot
4.7
/5
12124 reviews
8.5
Laojunshan Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86037966873890
Address: Laojun Mountain, Geological Square, Luanchuan County, Luoyang City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Cable car & hike to peak
Rich geological sites with caves & peaks
Saved by 710 users9730 positive reviews
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In recent years, Laojun Mountain's reputation has grown steadily, and it feels like it's become the most prestigious mountain. Of course, the publicity is one factor, but also the fact that it's the birthplace of Taoism, Laozi, and holds a high status. It's also said to be the only mountain that foreigners aren't allowed to climb. Is that true?
The weather was excellent during our climb, especially clear and sunny, and the scenery was truly stunning. While the climb was arduous, the scenery made it feel less tiring!
I went early this morning, and the fog was quite thick and the crowds were relatively few. I enjoyed a leisurely tour of Laojun Mountain. I bought a round-trip ticket for the Yunjing Class 1 cable car, which saved me time climbing. The staff were diligent and got up early. I boarded the cable car at 7:20 and arrived at Zhongtianmen at 7:30. The ride was very smooth, both up and down, and the noise level was quite good. 👍🏻 I walked through the Fairyland Tunnel, saw the Ten Miles of Cloud Sea, and visited the Five Treasures Hall. I exited the scenic area at 11:03. Are those three golden halls really made of gold? They look so rich. They don't accept foreign guests, so why are the signs in foreign languages? They say it's a 5A requirement, so you don't have to use them, but they're required. I'm confused.
No.
6
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Pingyao Ancient City
4.6
/5
21144 reviews
8.5
From £12.90
Based on 1,382 reviews
Inside Pingyao Ancient City | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8603545690000
Address: No. 58 Zhaobi South Street, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
Enjoy stunning sunset views from the city wall in the evening
World-class photography exhibition
Saved by 463 users13389 positive reviews
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The ancient city is very large and beautiful. Most of it was built in the Ming Dynasty. It has high city walls, spacious county government offices, money houses, and escort agencies... It is worth spending two or three days to savor and stroll around.
Pingyao Ancient City is a living "museum on earth." Taking children on a stroll through it is like taking a vivid, hands-on lesson on Ming and Qing dynasty history. Its core value lies in the intact ancient city ecosystem—the city walls, streets, government offices, temples, and shops all coexisting harmoniously, ensuring that history remains ever present.
Highlights of the child-friendly tour are as follows:
1. Ancient City Wall: Climb the city wall for a lesson on ancient military defense, where children can intuitively understand the defensive logic of the urn, battlements, and crenellations. From a high vantage point, overlooking the "Turtle City," the wisdom of ancient city planning becomes clear.
2. South Street/West Street: A lesson on Ming and Qing Dynasty commerce and finance: Stroll along "China's Ancient Wall Street." Rishengchang Bank offers a perfect opportunity to learn about the origins of bank drafts. The escort agencies and shops along the way vividly demonstrate how Shanxi merchants managed to wield wealth.
3. Confucian Temple: A lesson on ancient imperial examination education: From Zhuangyuan Bridge to Kuixing Tower, the path taken by scholars to pursue their studies is perfectly preserved. Children can personally experience the traditional concept that "all things are inferior, only learning is superior" and understand the profound impact of the imperial examination system on ancient society.
4. City God Temple: A lesson in folk morality and beliefs. The "temple within a temple" layout and murals depicting karma vividly illustrate the moral codes of traditional society, providing a window into folk beliefs.
5. County Yamen: An introduction to ancient politics and law. From court hearings to prison instruments, this place clearly demonstrates the workings of grassroots government, offering a vivid introduction to ancient law and power.
Family Tour Suggestions:
* Storytelling: Use "treasure hunt" games to spark interest, such as finding the smallest bill of exchange or guessing how the county magistrate would decide a case.
* Selected Itinerary: Focus on the core attractions listed above to avoid information overload.
* Experience: Try pushing the stone locks of the escort agency and praying at the Confucian Temple for a more engaging experience.
Pingyao's charm lies in its ability to transform history into tangible reality. This trip will help children understand that history was once a living reality, and this ancient city is the perfect bridge for dialogue with the past.
No.
7
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Wanshuishanwuxiacheng
4.7
/5
12708 reviews
8.3
Based on 5 reviews
The old area of henan university | >100 km from downtown
Phone +86037122203006
Address: Middle section of Tokyo Avenue, Longting District, Kaifeng City, Henan Province (opposite to Kaifeng Municipal Party School)
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 days
Highlights:
Central performances & snacks festival
Large festival & unique performances
Saved by 164 users10931 positive reviews
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It's a good place to bring children to play, with many entertainment programs and performances. If you don't like interaction, it may not be that interesting. There are too many people and you can't squeeze in to watch the performances.
Located on the ruins of Mount Genyue in Kaifeng during the Northern Song Dynasty, Wansuishan Wuxia City, steeped in martial arts culture and steeped in Song Dynasty charm, is a prime example of immersive cultural tourism. NPCs in period costumes roam the streets of Jianghu, a street clad in grey bricks and tiles. Realistic buildings like escort agencies and liquor stores recreate the urban life of the Song Dynasty. A casual game of pitching pots immerses you in the world of Jianghu. The core attraction lies in the performances. Over 3,000 performances are held daily. "Three Strikes on Zhujiazhuang" features breathtaking artillery sieges and wire-drafting stunts, "Yue Fei Challenges the Young Prince of Liang" features a live horse performance accompanied by the scent of gunpowder, and "Wu Song Drunkenly Defeats Jiang Menshen" offers a truly engaging and engaging experience. The scenery becomes even more stunning at night, with lanterns framing the ancient streets and 1,600°C ironwork blooming like golden flowers. Nightly lantern parades and dragon and lion dances evoke a sense of the Jianghu atmosphere. Affordable dining options make this a great getaway.
No.
8
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Little Western Paradise
4.8
/5
3957 reviews
8.2
From £3.68
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8603576733033
Address: Xiaoxitian, Xicheng Qu, Beijing Shi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2 hours
Highlights:
Check out Black Myth: Wukong
Ancient Zen temple from Ming
3649 positive reviews10K views in last month
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We went there after National Day, and the traffic was smooth and traffic-free. The attraction isn't large, but it's truly breathtaking. The upper hall, the Main Hall, houses 169 square meters of space, housing 1,978 suspended statues of various shapes. Moon princesses play various instruments and sing, while celestial kings and powerful warriors guard the surrounding areas. Human-faced celestial beings of various shapes wander among the jade-like buildings. Divine birds spread their wings, dragons soar, and auspicious clouds swirl. Pavilions, towers, birds, animals, and exotic flowers and plants create a peaceful paradise that is truly breathtaking. Despite its 400-year history, the hall remains spotless and untouched. Legend has it that the hall contained dust-repelling beads, but in reality, none exist. The reason for this is the unique material: the ancients used local red clay, mixed with glutinous rice and cotton threads. The clay is very sticky, allowing the suspended sculptures to adhere perfectly, retaining their appearance for centuries. For visual aesthetics, the statues are tilted slightly forward by a dozen degrees, so that dust can fall behind them, out of sight. The painted surface is painted with mineral pigments, which maintain their vibrant color and repel insects, leaving spiderwebs untouched for nearly 400 years. The glittering gold on the hanging sculptures is entirely covered in gold leaf, one-twelfth the thickness of an A4 sheet of paper. Seven kilograms of gold were used throughout the entire hall. The gilded surfaces are exceptionally smooth, resistant to dust. These so-called dust-repelling beads are the product of the ingenuity of ancient artisans. Their meticulous craftsmanship has created this stunning, world-renowned pure land of the Western Paradise. Amazing!
There were too many people and cars, which was not a good feeling. The car could not enter the parking lot and had to park on the roadside. The hanging sculptures in the Xiaoxitian Hall were very impressive, but the crowds squeezed out after a few minutes. As a scenic spot that requires climbing up and down, it would be better if the slope of the stairs could be improved.
No.
9
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Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
4.6
/5
13577 reviews
8.2
From £9.44
Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown
Phone +8609114838030
Address: Yanhu Road, Hukou Town, Yichuan County, Yan'an City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Feel waterfall's power up close
Hukou Waterfall panoramic view
Saved by 223 users8936 positive reviews
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The Yellow River's waters descend from the sky, their mist reflecting in the sunlight like arc-shaped rainbows, a striking contrast to the turbid, rushing current. The relentless rush of the Yellow River carves out a smooth rock bed. Suddenly, the melody of "Yellow River Cantata" rang in my ears, blending perfectly with the roar of the waterfall. As I left, I looked back to see the waterfall still roaring, a sound that, through millennia, remains the most powerful hymn of life on this land.
The ticket price is worth it. I took my children to watch it. It mainly tells the story of how the children along the Yellow River defended their country during the Anti-Japanese War. The plot is very touching. I also like watching it. It feels great to watch it by the Yellow River. There are also gunshots. The actors are very dedicated.
No.
10
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Unique Henan Land of Dramas
4.8
/5
5900 reviews
8.1
From £30.42
>100 km from downtown
Phone +864000001992
Address: Northwest corner of the intersection of Ping'an Avenue and Guangxin Street, Zhongmu County, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
Highlights:
High-tech & Henan's cultural essence
56 drama spaces let you be the star
Saved by 272 users5536 positive reviews
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It's currently the top-rated show in China, bar none! It's incredibly thoughtful, with a truly exceptional environment, screenplay, choreography, storytelling, and artistic conception. Time constraints mean I still have eight shows left to watch, but I'll definitely go back for more.
It's a great attraction, with a large area and many performances. If you want to see all the performances relatively leisurely, you need three days. One day is simply not enough to see them all. You must make a good plan. There are 21 theaters of various sizes. Research the time of each performance in advance. We saw 8 performances from morning to night, which basically left no time for leisurely strolling.
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