Henan Vernacular Culture Tour

Day By Day Itinerary

Arrival at Anyang by highspeed train ( excluding train tickets ) in the morning, you are met by our English speaking tour guide and transferred directly to the Archaeological Site of Yinxu, 14km to the northeast of the city center of Anyang. Yinxu, literally "Yin Ruins", is the remnants of Yin, the last capital of China's Shang Dynasty（1600BC - 1046BC) , the second dynasty in China. The capital Yin lasted 255 years, 12 kings and 8 generations.

The Yinxu now is one of China's oldest and largest archeological sites , and is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site (2006).

Yinxu is home to the first form of Chinese writing ( oracle bone script ). On the over 80 rammed earth foundation sites, you also see other remnants such as palace area, emperor tomb area, royal cemertry, handcraft workshop area, buried chariots.

After visiting Yinxu, move on to visit Wenfeng Pogoda (also known as Tianning Temple Pagoda) in the downtown of Anyang City, a pride for the people in Anyang. Wenfeng Pagoda was originally built in 952AD, a 5-storey buddhist pagoda, 38.65m high with a perimeter of 40m. Unlike normal buddhist pagodas, this pagoda is very much unique with upper storey bigger than the lower one like an umbrella rarely seen in China.

Then drive directly to the next city of Xinxiang (113km) Stay overnight at ( Xinxiang Hotel ) in Xinxiang

Meals: Chinese lunch

After breakfast, drive 80km directly to Guoliang Village (Gaoliangcun). Guoliang Village perches on the clifftop at the Wanxian Mountains (part of Taihang Mountains) in the north of Henan with the sea-level of 1200 meters . The village is famed for its mountain scenery and vernacular dwellings. Many of the old village dwellings are hewn from the local mountain stones that also pave the cobbledways, narrow alleys, and make the bridges and the gates. The village is notable for its caves, springs, stone steps and amazing mountain views.

On the route to Guoliang Village, you can view the magnificent gorge known as "Red Gorge", a 200m deep, 500m wide and 20km long. You will pass a 1300m long man-made tunnel cut through the rock of the gorge. The rock tunnel was built between 1972 and 1977 using 6 years to finish. The tunnel is called "Long Corridor in the cliffs" with terrific views!

Then drive directly to the next city of Kaifeng (170km). Stay overnight at (Jinyuan Hotel) in Kaifeng.

Meals: Breakfast at hotel and Chinese lunch

After breakfast, first visit the Temple of the Chief Minister (Daxiangguo Temple), the biggest draw in Kaifeng. The famous temple is located in the center of Kaifeng City. It was first built AD555 during the Qi Dynasty with new buildings added in 1661 and 1766. It has three main halls - the large rectangular Tathagata Hall (Daxiongbaodian), the octagonal Arhat Hall (Louhandian) and the rear Tripitaka Hall. The entrance gate is the Hall of the Revarajas (Tianwangdian).

Then continue to visit Shanshaangan Guild Hall with a history of over 200 years. This guild hall was built by the merchants from Shanxi, Shaanxi and Gansu provinces, a meeting and lodging place for them. Today what we see is only a small remnant of the original guild hall. But this tiny remnant will prove it is worth your visit with its elaberate brick, stone and wood carvings. This old guild hall is full of treasures, honored as " the treasure house of Chinese ancient architechural arts.

Afterwards head to Iron Pagoda. Iron Pagoda is the symbol of Kaifeng City. It was built in Northern Song Dynasty, about A.D.1049. The dark-colored glazed roof tiles with inlaid surface looks like iron, so it is called "Iron Pagoda". The pagoda is 55.88 meters tall, and on the building, you can see a lot of different pictures of Buddhist images and mythical characters.

Finally, move on to Longting Park (Dragon Pavilion Park). Long Park is where the imperial palaces were located for the six dynasties when Kaifeng had served as the capital cities. Now this site is covered by largely by lakes and causeways with dramatic views.

Stay overnight at ( Jinyuan hotel ) in Kaifeng.

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese lunch

After breakfast, drive 23km south for Zhuxian Town. Zhuxian Town is just about 23km south of Luoyang, one of the four great ancient towns in China - the other three are Foshan, Jingdezhan and Hankou. Zhuxian Zhen is famous for its 1000-year-old craft of woodlock printing.

Visit Tiancheng Nianhua Old Shop. The woodlock printing shop has been operated for the 7th generation with the present owner and the artist being Mr.Yin. His family has been in business for over 200 years. His works has been presented to 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2010 Shanghai World Expo.

Continue to explore the old town and visit Yuefei Temple in Zhuxian Town.

Then drive directly to the next city of Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan Province. After lunch, visit Henan Museum. As one of the four grand museums in China, Henan Museum is a history and art museum with an area of more than 100,000 square. There are basic exhibition halls, specialized exhibition halls and provisional exhibition halls. For the first batch of exhibitions, two basic displays and six specialized displays are offered. They are rich in contents, presenting a spectacular sight to visitors.

Stay overnight at ( Xinhua Jianguo Hotel ) in Zhengzhou.

Meals: Breakfast, Chinese lunch

After breakfast, you are free at your leisure to explore the city of Zhengzhou till transfer to Zhengzhou Railway for your next destination.

Note: From Zhengzhou, you may go to Luoyang, Xian, Beijing and Guangzhou by highspeed train or D train to Shanghai.

Meals: Breakfast

Price List for this tour (Price per person in US dollars)

Price inclusion: 1.All transfers and city transportation for your own use 2.Entrance fees and meals as mentioned 3.Private car or van with English speaking guide 4.The prices above are based two persons sharing one room at our designated hotels 5.The above private escorted tour is customized for you, your family or your friends exclusively. No other travelers will join in your group.

Price exclusion: Tips to your tour guide

Reservation Notes

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