Zhengzhou (郑州 Zhèngzhōu) is a city on the south bank of Yellow River (Huang He) in China. It is the capital of Henan Province. Zhengzhou is a convenient starting point to explore a series of Chinese cultural sites, like Kaifeng, Luoyang and Shaolin Temple.
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The name Zhengzhou comes from a city in the Sui Dynasty, but its actual location was in modern day Chenggao. During the Tang Dynasty, the name switched here. The area remained an unimportant backwater until it was selected for development by the Chinese Government after 1949. Zhengzhou is now a major transportation hub in the center of the country, and a rapidly growing city. Zhengzhou City is located in the north-central part of Henan Province, where the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River divide.
The city's focal point is Erqi (February 7) Square (二七广场). This large public square comes alive at night, when an entire market fills the space with vendors and locals hanging out. From the square, several main streets fan out to different areas of the city. Since Zhengzhou was handpicked to serve as a transportation hub - and does not have a very long history as a large city - the urban planning is more noticeable here than in other places of China.
1 Shang Dynasty Wall Ruins (商城遗址, 商都遗址公园 Shang Capital Ruins Park), Intersection of Dongda Street and Chengdong Road, Guancheng Hui District (管城回族区东大街与城东路交叉口) (a few hundred metres east of Dongda Street Metro Station on Line 2; Bus # 206 and s162). Normally open 09:00-17:00. Opens at 06:00 during the first 15 days of Chinese New Year. You can see remnants of the wall in the east side of town. Be warned: these mounds are not terribly impressive. Free. 2 Zhengzhou Confucius Temple (郑州文庙), 301 Dongda Street, Guancheng Hui District (管城回族区东大街301号) (near the metro station of the same name on Line 3), ☏ +86 371 66322939. 08:00-17:30.
There's relatively few things to do in Zhengzhou but a possible evening might involve eating at a Sichuan or Henanese restaurant, buying yourself a bottle of decent Dynasty wine, parleying with the local clientele, getting lazy, and rounding off the evening at a KTV bar. Museum Area. One thing worth knowing about is that the museum area is also the area of the 2 branches of government - federal and communist - so the area is much nicer. We are talking trees and some flowers along with a more neighborhood feel that might remind you of Shanghai. Do not expect wild nightclubs, but it is a more pleasant place to be if you are looking for a walk.
Zhengzhou has a diverse array of fine Chinese cuisine. Its location at China's center means you can find almost any type of Chinese food here. The city is big enough to have a scattering of cosmopolitan restaurants, and while there are a number of imitation Korean, Japanese, Indian, and Western options about, you will do best to stick with Chinese food. One of the most representative delicacies in Zhengzhou, braised noodles. Zhengzhou braised noodles are made from high-quality fresh lamb and lamb bones. After soaking, the bones and meat are boiled together over high heat to form a white soup, and then flour is mixed to form a soft noodle.
There are bars around the city, but the best area for drinking is around the tree-lined Weiyi Road: Target Pub, On the southernmost block of Jingliu Road (经六路) near the corner of Weiyi Road (纬一路). Old ex-pat favorite. Lao Wang, who speaks great English, is the proprietor of this staple Zhengzhou dive bar. Helen's, Just north of Target across the street. ¥6 Tsingtao for foreigners, popular Tao Bar, Near the corner of Jinshui Lu and Jingqi Lu. A lively new bar opened near the corner Jinshui Lu and Jing Qi Lu. Bird Bar, On Jing Qi Lu, a ways off Jinshui Lu, the main road. A small bar on Jing qi Lu. Laid-back mood, fooseball, etc.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Zhengzhou typically sees ~36°C daytime highs and 7 rainy days.
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