Travel Diary - Zhoukou

In the vast central plains of China, there is a city quietly telling a thousand-year-old story, and that is Zhoukou. Not only is it one of the important cradles of ancient Chinese civilization, but it also holds countless heart-stirring natural landscapes and cultural sights. As an experienced travel expert, I have planned this Zhoukou travel guide to take you through the past and present, to appreciate that unique charm. Attractions • Taichu Tomb: As the mausoleum of Fuxi, the progenitor of Chinese culture, Taichu Tomb is not only a solemn place of worship, its architectural art and historical value are also breathtaking. Every year from February 2nd to March 3rd, a grand Fuxi worship ceremony is held here, which is an excellent opportunity to experience traditional folk culture. • Guandi Temple: Located in Chuanhui District of Zhoukou City, Guandi Temple is famous for its exquisite woodcarving and stone carving art. Wandering through it, one can not only feel the inheritance of Guan Yu's spirit of loyalty and righteousness but also appreciate the style of ancient Ming and Qing architecture. • Longhu National Wetland Park: If you want to get close to nature, Longhu is undoubtedly the best choice. This wetland park, which integrates ecological protection, scientific research, education, and leisure entertainment, offers different scenery in each season, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts and a great destination for family trips. Itinerary Day 1: Depart from Zhoukou city center in the morning, first head to Taichu Tomb to participate in the morning worship ceremony and feel the solemn atmosphere. In the afternoon, move to Guandi Temple to savor the beauty of ancient architecture. In the evening, you can stroll around Zhoukou old street, taste authentic snacks, and experience local life. Day 2: Head to Longhu National Wetland Park early in the morning, it is recommended to rent a bicycle to cycle around the lake, enjoying the fresh air and beautiful natural scenery. In the afternoon, you can choose to participate in the park's ecological tour activities to gain a deeper understanding of the wetland ecosystem. Return to the city in the evening, and you can choose a highly-rated restaurant to enjoy Zhoukou's special dishes. Food Recommendations • Zhoukou Roast Chicken: Crispy skin, tender meat, and aromatic, it is a must-try local delicacy. • Hu La Soup: Have a bowl of hot Hu La Soup for breakfast, paired with fried dough sticks or buns, to start a day full of energy. • Hui Mian: Henan's special wide noodles, with fresh soup and smooth noodles, adding beef or mutton makes the flavor even richer. Transportation Tips • Arriving in Zhoukou: Zhoukou has its own train station and long-distance bus station, making it easy for outside visitors to arrive by train or long-distance bus. The nearest airport is Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, after which you can take a high-speed train or bus to Zhoukou, with a journey of about 2 hours. • City Transportation: The public transportation system in Zhoukou is quite complete, and taxis and ride-hailing services are also very convenient. If you want to explore more freely, it is recommended to rent a car or use shared bicycles or electric motorcycles. Zhoukou, a city with profound cultural heritage and natural scenery, is waiting for every traveler to explore. Whether it is the tracing of history or the embrace of nature, this place can leave you with unforgettable memories. Take this travel guide with you, let's embark on this journey of seeking roots together, and discover more unknown beauties!