What are the must-do things in Changge?

Don't miss these attractions in Changge: Cao Wei Ancient City, Prime Minister Cao’s Mansion, and Chunqiu Tower scenic spot. If you like Culture & history, try Luoyang Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes Day Tour(Optional Group Tour). If you enjoy Food & drink, try Kaifeng Song Banquet | Bian-Hang Dishes with Sichuan Flavor, Immersive Song Royal.

What are the must-try foods and restaurants in Changge?

You can give Kaifeng Song Banquet | Bian-Hang Dishes with Sichuan Flavor, Immersive Song Royal and Tianxia Grand Feast Zhengzhou | Historical Banquet & Optional Ancient Costume a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

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Top 10 Things to Do in Changge 2026

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Xuchang

Cao Wei Ancient City

5.9

4.1/5

77 reviews

Cao Wei Ancient City is located in Xuchang, Henan Province. This cultural attraction serves multiple functions including cultural exhibitions, tourism and leisure, commercial services, and distinctive residential areas. Bordered by Wenfeng Road to the east, Qiyi Road to the south, the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway to the west, and Bayi Road to the north, this historical and architectural themed attraction recreates the ambiance of the Three Kingdoms period. With its rich historical relics and immersive cultural experiences, it attracts numerous visitors eager to explore this magnificent chapter of history. The architectural complex within the ancient city recreates the building style of the Cao Wei period, with its blue bricks, gray tiles, and upturned eaves, exuding an aura of antiquity and grandeur. Strolling through the streets, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich historical atmosphere, as if transported back to the Three Kingdoms era. The city houses multiple historical exhibition halls showcasing abundant cultural relics and historical materials that detail the political, military, and cultural developments of the Cao Wei period. Beyond historical sightseeing, the attraction offers a variety of interactive activities such as Three Kingdoms cultural performances, traditional handicraft workshops, and ancient costume photography, allowing visitors to personally experience the charm of Three Kingdoms culture. This place is not only a paradise for history enthusiasts but also an ideal destination for family trips. Whether exploring history or immersing in cultural experiences, it promises a journey filled with discoveries and joy.

Xuchang · 18.5km from Changge

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Prime Minister Cao’s Mansion

5.7

3.9/5

1.2k reviews

Cao Chancellor's Office is in the downtown area of the old center of Xuchang City. It was rebuilt based on Cao Cao's camp and office. The featured scenic area displays the culture of the Cao and Wei Dynasty in a well-rounded manner. It consists of an office, Qiuxian Palace, the Fushi Building and the Council Chamber. Qiuxian Palace features relief sculptures of a group of people, reflecting that Cao Cao was eager for talent and had ambitions to rule the world. Council Chamber displays Cao Cao's political, economic and military achievements. Fushi Building has three stories. The first floor exhibits the literature achievement of Cao Cao and his three sons; the second floor features literature in Jian'an and the seven elites in the Jian'an Era; and the third floor mainly shows several famous women of the Three Kingdoms.

Xuchang · 18.1km from Changge

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Selected for Best Things to Do in Xuchang

Chunqiu Tower scenic spot

5.5

4.4/5

546 reviews

Located in the center of Xuchang City, it has been called Guan Gong Residence, Wu'an Wang Temple, Guan Wang Temple, "Liangyuan Yingfeng" Temple, Guan Fuzi Temple, and Guandi Temple in history. It is an ancient building complex in the style of Ming and Qing Dynasties and is a key cultural relic protection unit in Henan Province. In the fifth year of Jian'an in the Eastern Han Dynasty (200 AD), Cao Cao went on an expedition to the east and captured Guan Yu and Liu Bei's two wives, Gan and Mi, in the Battle of Xiapi. In order to protect the safety of his wife, Guan Yu temporarily surrendered to Cao Cao and came to Xuchang after the "Three Agreements on Tushan". Cao Cao loved talents and loved his generals, so he appointed Guan Yu as a general and gave him a mansion for Guan Yu and his two wives to live together. In order to avoid suspicion, he divided the mansion into two courtyards, letting the two wives live in the inner courtyard and himself in the outer courtyard. There was a building in the courtyard where Guan Yu read the "Spring and Autumn Annals" by candlelight all night long, and the Spring and Autumn Building got its name from this. The existing ancient building complex of Chunqiu Tower was first built during the Yuan Dynasty and was renovated many times during the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties. It has formed the basic pattern of "one house divided into two courtyards". On the central axis of the outer courtyard, there are the mountain gate, Chunqiu Tower and Guan Sheng Temple in turn. The architectural style of single, double and triple eaves is unique. The pavilions, platforms, towers and pavilions in the inner courtyard are scattered. It is adjacent to the Confucian Temple in the west. It is rare in the country to worship the two saints of "civil and military" at the same time. In particular, the main building of the Attraction, Guan Sheng Temple, is 33 meters high, and the 15-meter-high statue of Guan Gong inside is extremely rare. Today, the Chunqiu Tower Attraction is becoming a tourist attraction for tourists at home and abroad to visit and worship Guan Gong.

Xuchang · 18.7km from Changge

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No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Xuchang

Xuchang Baling Bridge Scenic Area

5.4

4.2/5

332 reviews

The Baling Bridge over the Qingni river in western Xuchang City was formerly known as the Bali Bridge. It was said this is the site where the famous general Guan Yu left Cao Cao after a disagreement, described in the famous historical story from the Three Kingdoms Period: "Ci Cao Tiao Pao“. After many instances of damage and subsequent repairs, the Baling Bridge has changed quite a bit from its original appearance. Even later, due to the construction of a water conservation project, the original bridge was demolished, and only the stone carving of the "Ci Cao Tu" was saved. The temple on the west side of Baling Bridge was built by Guan Yu for future generations. It is a famous scenic spot and a node on the travel itinerary of the "China Ancient Cultural Relics Tour".

Xuchang · 19.5km from Changge

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2026 Asia 100 - Family-friendly Attractions

Enjoy Animal Kingdom

7.8

4.4/5

5.2k reviews

Enjoy Animal Kingdom is an immersive animal-themed park focused on interactive wildlife experiences, combining animal viewing, science education, animal shows, amusement rides, theater performances, 4D cinema, and more. It consists of six themed areas: dream zoo, fantasy world, emerald sea, life island, dragon valley, and Jiabao town. The highlight is the interactive safari experience, where visitors ride open-view amphibious vehicles or VIP safari trucks to interact closely with rare wildlife, traversing mountains, jungles, and rivers for a breathtaking immersive encounter. Additionally, the park features rare attractions like the family-friendly dual-track racing coaster "Tortoise and hare coaster" and fantasy box, alongside spectacular daily performances including the "Tree of life" show, three animal theaters, 4D cinema, and five interactive theaters. With its unique, diverse, and high-quality offerings, the park provides all-day colorful experiences, setting a new benchmark for cultural tourism in central China. Six themed play zones unlock six interactive animal park experiences Enjoy Animal Kingdom is dedicated to providing travelers with safe and fun animal interaction experiences, utilizing advanced technology to create six distinct themed zones with diverse elements for various interactive activities. The park's design centers around life island, with the main entrance Jambo town in the south, and four themed areas—emerald sea, dream wildlife park, dragon valley, and fantasy world—surrounding it. Jambo town immerses you in a colorful fantasy world. "Citizens of the animal kingdom" interact warmly here, where candy, toys, balloons, and cotton candy take center stage, beginning a fairy tale adventure. Follow captain Jambo's footsteps to unlock surprises layer by layer! Jambo town also features Zhengzhou's first "Coca-Cola themed store," offering novel experiences and showcasing the charm of this global brand. As the highlight of Enjoy Animal Kingdom's animal interactions, dream wildlife park recreates the natural landscapes of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, hosting dozens of rare large wildlife species like Siberian tigers, white tigers, white lions, South American tapirs, giraffes, and yaks roaming freely in habitats mimicking their wild environments. Led by captain Jambo, travelers board amphibious sightseeing vehicles or VIP tour cars accompanied by guides to explore rugged beast valley, traverse open grasslands and rivers, and witness the raw beauty of nature alongside predators. The white tiger diving show demonstrates their wild instincts through training while delivering stunning visuals. Tiger king restaurant in dream wildlife park offers a unique dining experience with views of these majestic forest lords. Abundant animal resources and interactive displays create magical adventures. Nestled in the southwest of Enjoy Animal Kingdom, emerald sea is a picturesque primitive coastal tribe. Here, you'll sail with captain Jambo to explore wondrous oceans and lakes. The tribe is home to adorable animals like viral alpacas, capybaras, kangaroos, and vibrant macaws, scarlet ibises, hornbills, and toucans, alongside a mysterious pirate ship—with more adventures awaiting discovery! At the heart of Enjoy Animal Kingdom lies life island, a vibrant garden isle. A colossal "tree of life" rises from its center, stretching skyward as the source and eternal home of all beings. This painterly garden features beautiful flora, enchanting fountains, and cute animal sculptures, complemented by high-tech 4D films and rotating performances. Venture into dragon valley, where legends speak of five hidden magic stones guarded by dragons. This area boasts thrilling rides for scream-filled fun. Interactive animal viewing mode: fun and educational for double the joy Enjoy Animal Kingdom is distinguished by three key features: free-roaming wildlife populations, interactive tours via animal sightseeing buses, and the seamless integration of animal exhibits with themed entertainment zones. It combines animal conservation, research, tourism, sightseeing, recreation, and science education into one immersive experience. Through extensive planting of native vegetation and landscape enrichment, the park recreates natural habitats like jungles, grasslands, and lakes, faithfully replicating the wild environments of these animals to showcase their authentic ecological behaviors. The park boasts a diverse collection of wildlife: rare predators like white lions and white tigers, iconic African species such as African lions, spotted hyenas, and giraffes, as well as internet-famous cuties like alpacas, raccoons, and long-eared rabbits. Large birds like scarlet ibises, flamingos, macaws, hornbills, and toucans also call the park home—totaling over 200 species and more than 3,000 rare terrestrial, aquatic, and aerial animals. To create a unique wildlife experience, Enjoy Animal Kingdom innovates with its interactive sightseeing bus tours. Travelers ride specially designed buses through predator zones, where big cats may stride alongside or even climb atop the vehicle to inspect passengers curiously. Through the bus's high-safety tempered glass, you can observe these predators just centimeters away—studying their fur, claws, and even the rise and fall of their breath as if they were right beside you. In the herbivore zone, you can stretch your hand out to feed giraffes and snap a close-up photo as they nibble leaves. Don't miss the clever Asian elephants waving their trunks in greeting, adorable alpacas bowing in follow-up, or the mighty white tigers leaping with vigor! These engaging interactions, paired with educational commentary from animal experts, let travelers learn about nature while having fun. The park also features varied natural landscapes like the Afro-Asian grasslands, primitive coastal tribes, and miniature Himalayan ranges, authentically recreating wild habitats for different species while offering travelers a rich and diverse exploration experience. [Wonderful performances day and night, don't miss the new family-friendly facilities] Beyond the dazzling array of interactive animal experiences, Enjoy Animal Kingdom also offers travelers an equally rich lineup of spectacular performances. Whether you prefer theater-style shows with real-time actor interactions, high-tech spectacles with blockbuster appeal, or parade performances that unite the crowd, Enjoy Animal Kingdom delivers it all at once! The adorable pet theater gathers cute animals, beloved by families. The Broadway theater blends birds with terrestrial and aquatic creatures, introducing travelers to a variety of marvelous animal friends through a multidimensional showcase spanning land, sea, and air. The brand-new family-friendly dual-track racing roller coaster—tortoise and hare roller coaster—makes a grand debut. Dual-track coasters have always been a popular category, with two trains launching simultaneously and crisscrossing for a uniquely unforgettable experience. This family-friendly coaster stands out as a special exception among dual-track rides, kicking off adventures for the whole family. The fantasy carousel is a particularly beloved attraction in theme parks—riding the horses as they spin and gallop transports you into a romantic, magical fairytale world. Countless thrilling shows and endless rides converge at Enjoy Animal Kingdom. Coca-Cola club debuts at Enjoy Animal Kingdom, adding another surprise to the theme park The Coca-Cola club debuts at Enjoy Animal Kingdom in Zhengzhou, Henan. It integrates functions such as a Coca-Cola pop-up store, museum, and restaurant, offering consumers a more unique, trendy, and personalized immersive interactive experience. This marks Coca-Cola's new attempt to collaborate with cultural tourism industry partners, signaling a new phase in exploring cross-industry, multi-dimensional cooperation models.

Xinmi · 40.9km from Changge

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Xuchang Museum

4.4

4.7/5

126 reviews

Xuchang Museum is a medium-sized local comprehensive museum with more than 12,000 cultural relics, including bronzes, pottery, porcelain, jade, calligraphy and painting, and stone carvings. Most of them are from the Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms period, especially the stone carvings and pottery from the Han Dynasty. Chang Museum is large in scale, majestic, with novel architecture, simple and elegant. The layout is symmetrical from north to south with Wenfeng Tower as the central axis. The exhibition area adopts a "U"-shaped plane architectural pattern, forming two quadrangles: the sightseeing area is connected by a long corridor with pavilions, platforms, towers and pavilions. The entire building is a single-eaved rolled-roof antique building with white walls, gray tiles, red painted columns, flying eaves and corners, which are scattered and well-arranged, forming a perfect antique building group that integrates Suzhou gardens and northern quadrangles. It has both the exquisiteness, beauty and exquisiteness of southern architecture and the strength, dignity and strictness of northern architecture, which are in harmony with the ancient tower and complement each other. Han Dynasty portrait art is one of the collection features of Xuchang Museum. Its categories include exquisite stone carvings and molded and fired portrait bricks. The exhibition is divided into indoor portrait brick and stone exquisite display and outdoor portrait stone gallery exhibition area. Xuchang Han Dynasty paintings are relatively late, and most of them are works from the late Eastern Han Dynasty. The portraits are detailed, mostly flat reliefs with negative lines or shallow reliefs with positive lines. The lines are simple, clear, vigorous and powerful; the themes are mostly auspicious birds and beasts, exotic flowers and trees, chariots and horses, hunting, architecture, etc.; the portraits pursue the spirit, and the images are vivid and lifelike, showing the individual characteristics of Xuchang Han Dynasty paintings. Xuchang Han Dynasty paintings represent a leap forward in the development of Han Dynasty paintings, representing the artistic achievements of paintings in the late Han Dynasty, and have certain historical and artistic values. In addition, there are also collections of coins from various dynasties. The collections are of a long time, wide range, large quantity, and complete categories, showing the evolution and development of Chinese currency from various dynasties, and reflecting the economic development of China in different social periods.

Xuchang · 18.2km from Changge

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No. 2 of Night Attractions in Zhengzhou

Enjoy International Resort

7.3

4.5/5

508 reviews

Enjoy international resort is a large-scale cultural tourism and vacation complex invested and constructed by the Enjoy group. Located in the southwest of Zhengzhou, it is 37 km from Zhengzhou high-speed rail station and 25 km from Zhengzhou Xinzheng international airport, with the Zhengyao expressway passing through, offering extremely convenient transportation. As a comprehensive cultural tourism project in the central plains, Enjoy international resort strives to create a top-tier international vacation destination with distinctive central plains cultural characteristics. The resort is nestled by the Yunyan reservoir and Wuding lake, built around the "Yellow Emperor palace known as the first palace under heaven". It paints a grand masterpiece with the vast landscape as its canvas and millennia as its brush, inheriting and carrying forward the great achievements of the Yellow Emperor, the ancestor of Chinese civilization. The blessings of heaven, the virtues of earth, the grace of Leizu, and the fortune of Dahong will surely take root, be passed down, flourish, and grow in this world-class future-oriented creative city. Enjoy Animal Kingdom is an internationally-standard animal theme park built with significant investment by Enjoy International Resort, officially opened on August 18, 2020. Located in Xinmi City, the cultural new district of Zhengzhou (capital of Henan Province), it is a key cultural tourism project in Henan. With a total investment of 5 billion CNY and covering 570,000 square meters, the park features areas like Jiabao Town, Animal Kingdom, Fantasy World, Life Island, Emerald Sea, and Grand Mountains, along with 10 large amusement rides. Showcasing over 200 species and more than 3,000 rare wild animals, it integrates animal viewing, science education, behavioral displays, rides, theater performances, and 3D cinemas into a comprehensive interactive wildlife-themed destination. Zhengzhou Yinji Ice & Snow World was planned and designed by the world-renowned design firm OKE. It is a comprehensive indoor ice and snow theme park operating year-round, integrating an ice lake, snow play area, and amusement rides. Covering an area of 60 mu with an investment of 500 million yuan, it offers full-day, year-round operation. Visitors can not only enjoy winter fun but also thrilling amusement experiences. The park features a unique 3,000 m² dreamlike ice lake, a 360 m dazzling ice loop, and four themed zones: Christmas World, White Castle, Snow Cat Town, and Emerald Valley, along with eight amusement rides and twelve play attractions. Enjoy Lehai Myth World is a Chinese mythology-themed immersive experience park developed by Enjoy Cultural Tourism Group with significant investment, targeting Gen Z as the core demographic while also catering to Gen Y young adults and family-friendly visitors. Through "all-scenario performances," it integrates deity-themed photo spots, interactive immortal shows, and mythological scene-based consumption. Located within Enjoy International Resort in Zhengzhou, Henan province, this project pioneers a new exploration of Chinese mythological universes. It combines Zhengzhou's internet-famous landmark "Enjoy Ferris Wheel" with the summer water fun of Lehai Water World, offering visitors extraordinary mythological experiences—visually stunning, incredibly fun, deliciously satisfying, and perfect for photography. Zhengzhou Yinchiji Huangdigong Royal Hot Spring consists of five sections: Chinese wellness culture zone, Southeast Asian style zone, Japanese onsen therapy zone, hot spring villa zone, and functional leisure zone. It features 108 distinctive indoor and outdoor hot spring pools, along with 34 exquisite villas and courtyards. The outdoor hot spring area covers 48,000 m², while the indoor hot spring pavilion spans 4,000 m² with 2,901 lockers. Comprehensive facilities cater to diverse needs. Meticulously designed with beautiful views and comfortable hot spring experiences, it harmonizes mind and nature through scenic immersion, offering relaxation and premium enjoyment. Zhengzhou Yinchiji Huangdigong Royal Hot Spring Hotel (Animal Kingdom Branch) offers various room types in its main building, including deluxe rooms, luxury suites, family-friendly rooms, and presidential suites. The hot spring villas and luxury villas, located in separate areas, are a highlight featuring private courtyards, exclusive hot spring pools, and standalone accommodations for travelers seeking privacy. Zhengzhou Yinji Ice & Snow Hotel (Animal Kingdom Branch) is a polar ecology-themed hotel designed by the world-renowned architectural firm WATG from the United States. Covering an area of 390 mu, the hotel features various luxury suites and cozy family rooms with premium lake views. Its diverse restaurants and bars offer Chinese, Western, and Asian specialty cuisines. Banquet halls, conference venues, and multifunctional rooms cater to business and wedding needs. A 1,000 m scenic moat surrounds the hotel, creating a dreamlike private castle. The hotel boasts 1,314 themed guest rooms, distinctive specialty restaurants, a Chinese restaurant, a vibrant leisure commercial street, an outdoor wedding pavilion, a unique barbecue camping park, an outdoor slide amusement park, a 9-hole mini golf course, a fitness center, a foot spa, a children's driving school, and indoor/outdoor heated pools. Additionally, its large and small banquet halls along with 19 multifunctional meeting rooms serve as ideal venues for various events and dream weddings.

Xinmi · 40.6km from Changge

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No. 1 of Hot Springs Attractions in Henan

Huadu Hot Spring Resort

4.8

4.8/5

649 reviews

Huadu Hot Spring Resort is located in Yanling County, Xuchang City. It is a large-scale comprehensive resort integrating health care, leisure vacation, tourism, business conference, etc. with hot springs and flowers as the core products. Flowers bloom all year round, and tourists can enjoy themselves in the hot spring pool with natural flower fragrance. The resort uses natural high-quality mineral water to build more than 80 outdoor garden-style hot springs and indoor atrium-style hot springs of different styles, including special hot springs and five-element hot springs, and has developed SPA facilities suitable for all types of guests, such as famous flower hot springs, famous wine hot springs, famous wood hot springs, stone slab baths, and nude baths. Step into Huadu Hot Springs, feel the spring breeze on your face, listen to the rhythm of the hot springs, and experience hot springs with different functions.

Yanling · 26km from Changge

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2026 Asia 100 - Night Attractions

Millennium City Park

8.8

4.6/5

29k reviews

Millennium City Park is located by the shores of Longting Lake in Kaifeng. It is a large-scale historical and cultural theme park of the Song Dynasty, recreated one-to-one based on the famous painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival by Song Dynasty painter Zhang Zeduan. The park is divided into two sections by the Shuangting Bridge: the South Garden recreates the bustling street life of the Bianjing city, with taverns, eateries, teahouses, and pharmacies lined up along the streets; the North Garden is an imperial garden, with waterside halls, the Sifang Courtyard, and other palace buildings standing by the lake. Performers and street vendors in the park mostly wear Song Dynasty costumes, with ancient music lingering and bells and drums sounding, so that after a few steps visitors can easily fall under the illusion of "stepping into a painting in one morning, dreaming back a thousand years in one day." Architecture is the intuitive and tangible highlight here: the Rainbow Bridge spanning the Bian River is a replica of the famous bridge in the painting, shaped like a long rainbow, and standing on the bridge watching the grain boats pass by feels much like being inside the painting; the Fuyun Pavilion towers above all the other pavilions in the garden, with its tiered red towers and golden tiles on all four eaves, inviting one to climb from afar; the Shangshan Gate is rebuilt after the Northern Song dynasty Dongjing city gate, tall and majestic with brilliant painted decorations, making it the most imposing gate tower in the garden; and the Shuixin Xie, Shuangting Bridge, Jiulong Bridge, and other pavilions and waterside structures are scattered among the blue waves. The main attraction of the day is the immersive performances staged throughout the park: "Bao Zheng Inspects the Bian River Grain Transport" unfolds on the water on both sides of the Rainbow Bridge; "Squire Wang Seeks a Son-in-Law" features a decorated tower erected in front of Squire Wang's house where a silk ball is tossed to choose a groom; "Yue Fei Challenges Prince Xiao Liang" raises dust on the Song dynasty parade ground as horses gallop; and folk performances such as cockfighting, stilt walking, and pan drumming are interspersed throughout. To step into the action yourself, head to the Four Directions Courtyard to don traditional costumes and enter the examination cells for a hands-on Song dynasty imperial exam experience; families with children can enjoy carousel rides, roller coasters, and other amusement facilities wrapped in Song dynasty storytelling at the Song Dynasty·Royal Pleasure Ground; and in the entertainment quarters, face-changing, qigong fire-breathing, ancient magic, and other Song dynasty variety acts take turns on stage, with intangible cultural heritage feats ready to break out at any moment right beside you. After nightfall, the park takes on a different face: red lanterns light up one after another, the market streets are brightly illuminated, and it feels like a completely different park from the daytime. The large-scale water-based live performance "The Great Song Dynasty's Eastern Capital: A Dream of Splendor" is staged on the surface of Jinglong Lake. The entire show is woven together from eight classic Song ci poems and the painting Along the River During the Qingming Festival, drawing the audience back to the Northern Song dynasty's Eastern Capital a thousand years ago. The performance runs about 70 minutes, and many visitors deliberately plan their itinerary to stay until the evening to catch this show. Dining in the park is also convenient: the snack street at Dongjing Food Court brings together Kaifeng snacks such as fried liangfen, tongzi chicken, and almond tea, perfect for eating while strolling; if you want to sit down for a proper meal, you can visit the reconstructed Sun Yang Zheng Dian in the park, which was originally one of the seventy-two official restaurants of Bianjing in the Northern Song Dynasty, where you can taste traditional Henan dishes such as soup dumplings and carp with baked noodles.

Kaifeng · 83.4km from Changge

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2026 Asia 100 - Best Things to Do

Longmen Grottoes

8.9

4.7/5

62.4k reviews

Longmen Grottoes are located in the southern suburbs of Luoyang, Henan Province, on the cliffs along both banks of the Yi River. As one of China's three major grotto art treasures, they were inscribed on the World Cultural Heritage list in 2000. The grottoes were first carved when Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei moved the capital to Luoyang, and construction continued through the Eastern Wei, Western Wei, Northern Qi, Sui, and Tang dynasties, with the vast majority of niches and statues left from the Northern Wei and Tang periods. Today, more than 2,000 niches and over 100,000 statues remain, along with a large number of inscriptions and steles, making the site an important representative of Chinese stone carving art. The attraction is divided by the Yi River into two parts: West Hill and East Hill. The West Hill Grottoes are the essence of the site, carved from the Northern Dynasties through the Sui and Tang periods. Famous caves include Guyang Cave, Binyang Cave, Lotus Cave, Wanfo Cave, and Fengxian Temple. The Lushena Buddha at Fengxian Temple stands about 17 m tall, making it one of the larger Buddha statues at Longmen Grottoes. Its face is dignified and serene, with a faint smile, and legend holds that it was modeled on the appearance of Wu Zetian, earning it the name "Oriental Mona Lisa." The inner walls of Wanfo Cave are densely covered with about 15,000 small Buddha statues, each only a few cm tall, neatly arranged and finely crafted. Guyang Cave is the earliest cave carved at Longmen, and its inscription calligraphy is exquisite; the selected "Twenty Masterpieces of Longmen" are representative works of Wei stele calligraphy. Binyang Cave consists of the South, Middle, and North caves and took more than twenty years to complete. Its original reliefs depicting emperors and empresses worshipping the Buddha were looted and lost overseas in the 1930s. In Binyang North Cave, a Buddha statue has a distinctive hand gesture, with the right index and middle fingers raised in a shape resembling the modern "scissors hand," though it is actually a Buddhist mudra, and it once sparked heated discussion online. The East Hill Grottoes are mostly Tang dynasty works and are smaller in scale than those on West Hill, but from the opposite bank visitors can enjoy panoramic views of West Hill from different angles, especially distant views of the Lushena Buddha. The attraction also includes Xiangshan Temple and Bai Juyi Memorial Park (Bai Garden). The Tang dynasty poet Bai Juyi lived in Luoyang in his later years and once praised it, saying, "Of the scenic splendors of Luoyang's surrounding mountains and waters, Longmen ranks first." When visiting, simply follow the route West Hill—East Hill—Xiangshan Temple—Bai Garden, proceeding in one direction without backtracking. The West Hill Grottoes are densely packed with content, so it is advisable to set aside ample time for a closer look; East Hill is quieter and more secluded, suitable for a brief visit and gazing across the river when energy is limited.

China · Luoyang

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