Visiting the Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of China’s most famous martial art, is one of the best things to do in Zhengzhou. Located on Shaoshi Shan, about two hours from Zhengzhou by bus, the temple dazzles visitors with live displays of Shaolin kung fu, the centuries-old practice based on the movements of animals and insects. Take your time exploring the temple grounds, especially the West Facing Hall, where generations of monks practicing stances have left grooves in the floor.

Zhengzhou has been an important centre of life, commerce and culture for millennia. From the Neolithic settlements along the Yellow River to Zhengzhou’s days as the capital of the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BCE), the Henan Provincial Museum traces the city’s history with a collection of 130,000 cultural relics, including ancient stone carvings, bronze wares and jade artefacts at the museum.

One of China’s five sacred mountains, Mount Song has long been one of the most important places to visit in Zhengzhou. Comprising two peaks – Taishi Shan and Shaoshi Shan – Mount Song attracted Chinese emperors, poets and ministers who prayed for prosperity and sought inspiration. These days, tourists come to admire the misty valleys, lush waterfalls and scenic shrines. Stone steps lead hikers to the top of Taishi Shan, but you can also take cable cars up Shaoshi Shan.

About two hours from Zhengzhou, you’ll discover the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes. Set on either side of the Yi River, just south of the ancient capital of Luoyang, this vast collection of limestone caves and niches showcases magnificent Buddhist carvings – more than 100,000 Buddhist stone statues, 60 stupas and 2,800 carved inscriptions – all dating to the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907).

In recent years, the ancient capital has grown into a thriving metropolis with an ever-changing skyline. Visit the Zhengdong New Area to witness the city’s evolution. Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kisho Kurokawa, this park-filled district boasts iconic buildings like the Zhongyuan Tower, the Zhengzhou Greenland Plaza – known as “the big corn” for its yellow colour when it lights up at night – and 284-metre-tall Zhengzhou Greenland Central Plaza.

As the provincial capital, Zhengzhou offers the full spectrum of Henan flavours. Start with a local breakfast, hualatang, or beef broth-based hot pepper soup. Then fill up on other local specialities, from Yellow River carp in baked noodles to almond tea soup, deep-fried tofu, dumplings, and delicious Muslim bites in the Guancheng Hui District.

When it comes to what to do in Zhengzhou the city’s namesake antique market offers a peek into local life you won’t find elsewhere. In this shopper’s paradise, you’ll find everything from old paintings and calligraphy to jade and wooden crafts to old coins and stamps. Soak up the traditional setting while you browse for rare finds.

Whether you’re hoping for some karaoke, live music or craft beer, there are plenty of places to visit in Zhengzhou come nightfall. For a more low-key evening out, head to Wen Bo Road East, between peaceful Shuma and Wenbo Parks. This walkable neighbourhood is home to several great restaurants, cocktails bars, and friendly pubs serving local and international craft beers.

About an hour away from the city centre, the Yellow River Scenic Area is the perfect Zhengzhou attraction for those looking to reconnect with nature. The main sights include the two large statues of ancient deity-emperors Yandi and Huangdi – their 106-metre-tall heads gaze across the gorge, overlooking one of China’s most important waterways. There are dozens of pavilions and statues as well, each offering places to admire the mountains in the distance.