- 2ba2 Henan Province
- Information
- Traveler Advice
- Forums
48HourVisit.com
Planning a short visit? Check out 48HourVisit.com, your online guide for short stays and weekend getaways. Ad
The Glossary
Henan Province Travel Guide
The real "Mulan," the famous Shaolin Temple, and the whole Chinese nation in general, trace back their roots to Henan, the cradle of China's 5000-year-old civilization, the birthplace of Chinese family names, and the political, cultural, and economic powerhouse of over 200 emperors from more than 20 dynasties. As such, Henan is among China's provinces with the most historical relics (over 160,000). One-eighth of China's total museum treasures are found in Henan.
With nearly a hundred million inhabitants, Henan is China's most populous province by residency. The founder of Daoism, Lao Tzu, along with some of China's greatest poets, Du Fu and Han Yu, and greatest athletes like Deng Yaping and Ge Xin'ai, are all born in Henan.
Stone Age potteries and 8,000-year-old musical instruments were found on the banks of Yellow River, the "mother of the Chinese nation" that slices through the north of the province. The Yellow River was a center of activity for many kingdoms, starting from the 21 BC Xia Dynasty, to the 12 AD Northern Song Dynasty.
Three of China's Seven Ancient Capitals are in Henan: Anyang, Kaifeng and Luoyang. A home to prehistoric cavemen, Anyang has a museum, Yinxu, that is inscribed as a World Heritage Site for its Shang Dynasty ruins and Tomb of Lady Fu Tao, which contains the personal belongings and remains of a Chinese queen and military general, Fu Tao, from which the Legend of Mulan is said to be based.
Another World Heritage Site is Luoyang's rock-carved Longmen Grottoes, which has more than 30,000 Buddhist statues from the Northern Wei Dynasty. The town is also the site of Empress Dowager's Tomb, the resting place of a Northern Wei Dynasty queen and one of China's most controversial rulers.
Visited by Marco Polo, Kaifeng is famed for its brightly-lit City Wall and Iron Pagoda, China's most famous pagoda, built during the Yuan Dynasty. Kaifeng's Xiangguo Monastery has golden Buddhist goddess statues and several emerald Buddhas.
Henan has plenty of national parks, but the most visited is Songshan National Park, home of the kung fu center, Shaolin Temple. Songshan is a sacred Daoist mountain that has China's oldest brick pagoda (Songyue) and earliest observatory (Gaocheng Guanxing Tai). Around 40 kung fu schools are in Shaolin, and the largest is Tagou's Shaolin Monastery Wushu Institute that offers a one-day class including board and lodging.
Henan Province Landmarks:
Henan Province Traveler Advice
User blogs:
What to see in Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a charming town on the banks of the Salzach River. On the left bank, on top of the Monchsberg, stands the fortress, which dominates the center of town with many houses in the '500 and '600. In addition to wander through the streets and pastries, you can visit the Cathedral, the Residenz in which they lived archbishops and princes, the castle of Maribel with the beautiful gardens ... Read full Blog post
Road To Sri Lanka Tours- Inbound Tour Operaters in Sri Lanka
OUR MISSION The mission of Road To Sri Lanka Tours is to provide unique, tours and travel experiences, for a niche market of discriminating clients, which results in their satisfaction, evidenced by repeat booking as well as favorable word-of-mouth comments. Road To Sri Lanka Tours seeks to distinguish itself as a specialist in the field of luxury travel and to be recognized for ... Read full Blog post
Baguio: City of Pines
This is SM City Baguio. The biggest mall in the city. I never imagine to live here in Baguio for a long time. But becuase of studies, I prefer to take my college course here than in Manila. After a two year long of staying in here I am learning to appreciate what Baguio has to offer to its tourists and locals. But seeing its changes from its foundation last 1909, Baguio grew a lot faster ... Read full Blog post
San Gimignano and San Pellegrino
Night falls on the flourishing and industrious San Gimignano, its 72 towers stand on the low roofs of the houses lit by the moon. This is not a luxury travel spot but is something you don't see every day. In the distance the clatter of hooves echoed tired in the Via Francigena. The hand of the blacksmith stops beating, the frame of the weaver becomes silent, the streets of the tank only a concert ... Read full Blog post
Destinations
See AllIn our Magazine
Summer Destination to Avoid: Gulf of Mexico
EPA is failing to do their job monitoring the air and reporting factual data. The people need to be made aware that their lives and long term livelihood are at stake because of the air quality in Gulf of Mexico.
How to Avoid Traveling Troubles
Traveling to a certain destination might not become memorable if there are too many troubles along the way. Remember that even the best trips are usually not trouble-free. Follow these tips that help lessen the hassles.
Unique Toys from Japan
Japan is known for its fascinating, and sometimes, eccentric culture. From anime, karaoke, to advanced technology, the Land of the Rising Sun always has something unique to offer.
