Two-Day Travel Guide for Zhoukou
Hello darlings, I’m travel blogger Xiao Li! Today, I’ll take you to one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization—Zhoukou, Henan. This place is not only the footprint of the "ancestors of Huaxia," but also the cradle of Fuxi culture and Laozi’s philosophy. Though it’s not as bustling or popular as big cities, it quietly tells the 5,000-year story of the Central Plains with its profound historical heritage and simple, authentic local life. This two-day, two-night in-depth travel guide keeps the budget under 1,500 RMB, with a relaxed and healthy itinerary, reasonable pace, and trustworthy content. It fully complies with Trip.com’s travel platform standards and is perfect for families, culture enthusiasts, and short leisure trips.
💰 Total Budget: 1,486 RMB/person
Item Expense Details
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Round-trip Transportation 400 RMB (e.g., from Zhengzhou, high-speed train second class round trip about 200 RMB × 2)
Accommodation 480 RMB × 2 nights = 960 RMB (Comfortable chain hotels in Chuanhui District, such as All Seasons, Hanting, GreenTree Inn)
Meals 300 RMB (150 RMB per day, covering three meals + local specialties)
Attraction Tickets + Local Transport 70 RMB (some attractions free + bus/taxi about 70 RMB)
Specialty Souvenirs 16 RMB (Xiaoyao Town spicy soup seasoning pack, Huaiyang Nini Dog cultural creative products)
Day 1: Pay Homage to the Cultural Ancestor · Explore the Sacred Land of Fuxi
🚄 Arrive at [Zhoukou East Station] → Taxi to city hotel (about 25 RMB, 20 minutes)
🪷 Morning: Trace the Roots of Chinese Civilization—Huaiyang Taihao Mausoleum (National 4A Scenic Area)
- Ticket about 40 RMB (can be purchased in advance on Trip.com), said to be the tomb of Fuxi, the "First of the Three Sovereigns"
- Vast scale, ancient cypress trees towering, central axis 750 meters long, known as "The World’s Number One Mausoleum"
- Spring sees more visitors; it’s recommended to visit off-peak or on weekdays to experience the solemn sacrificial culture
🍜 Lunch: Taste authentic Eastern Henan flavors
✅ Recommended: Huaiyang oven-baked flatbread + tofu pudding + stewed noodles
✅ Or try the local old brand “Chenzhou Shifu,” about 60 RMB per person
🌳 Afternoon: Stroll at Wugutai Ruins or Bailou Wetland Park
Wugutai: Said to be where Shennong tasted hundreds of grains, culturally significant (free admission, peaceful environment)
Bailou Wetland Park: The city’s green lung, great for walking, cycling, and photo ops
🌙 Evening: Night tour of Zhoukou Shaying Riverside Promenade
- Brilliant lights, sculptures along the shore telling Zhoukou’s history
- View the Zhoukou ship lock from afar, feel the canal charm of the "Little Hankou"
- Try a steaming bowl of Xiaoyao Town spicy soup (add pepper for authenticity) to warm your night
Day 2: Savor the Millennium Medicine Capital · Experience Taoist Wisdom
🏯 Morning: Visit Laozi’s hometown—Luyi Taiqing Palace & Mingdao Palace (National 4A Scenic Area)
- Combined ticket about 60 RMB (can be purchased as a joint ticket on Trip.com)
Taiqing Palace is one of Taoism’s ancestral temples, said to be Laozi’s birthplace; Mingdao Palace is a place for preaching Taoism
- Simple architecture, many steles, perfect for quietly contemplating Taoist philosophy of "The highest good is like water"
📚 Alternative option (budget-friendly): Free visit to Zhoukou City Museum (reservation required)
Exhibits include Huaiyang Nini Dog, Han Dynasty pottery figurines, bronze artifacts, and other precious cultural relics
- The best window to understand Zhoukou’s "one mausoleum, one temple, one ancient city" culture
🍜 Lunch: Experience Luyi specialties
✅ Must-try: Kongji roast chicken, Mahu (nutritious soy milk drink), crispy baked flatbread
✅ Recommended restaurant: “Li Ji Mahu Restaurant,” about 50 RMB per person
🛍️ Afternoon return plan:
Return to city before 14:00 to pick up luggage
- Shop for souvenirs at supermarkets or specialty stores:
✅ Xiaoyao Town spicy soup seasoning pack (vacuum-packed, easy to cook)
✅ Huaiyang Nini Dog (intangible cultural heritage handmade small doll symbolizing good luck)
✅ Kongji roast chicken (vacuum-packed for easy carrying)
- Arrive at Zhoukou East Station before 15:30 to take the high-speed train back
📌 Blogger’s Warm Tips:
All attraction info can be checked and booked via the “Zhoukou Culture & Tourism” WeChat official account or Trip.com app;
2. Large temperature differences in spring and autumn mornings and evenings, please bring a jacket; in summer, beware of heat and sun protection;
Respect religious site etiquette—no loud noises, no climbing on cultural relics;
Diet mainly consists of noodles; it’s recommended to drink plenty of water and eat light vegetables to maintain a balanced diet.
In Zhoukou, every step treads on the source of Chinese civilization. I’m travel blogger Xiao Li, here to help you understand the cultural heartbeat of a city.