Just Back from Zhengzhou: A Foolproof Travel Guide

Hey everyone! Just returned from the "Carb Paradise" of Zhengzhou! Spent four days and three nights experiencing both the ancient city vibes and modern trendy spots! I've prepared a super detailed guide 📝 including routes | food | tips to avoid tourist traps! Follow this and you won't go wrong! Cost breakdown 💰 at the end - even students can enjoy without breaking the bank! 🌟Day 1: First Taste of Old City Atmosphere 📍First Stop: [Henan Museum] 🚇Take subway Line 5 directly there, it's free! Remember to book in advance~ The "archaeological blind boxes" caught my eye immediately 👀 Jiahu bone flute, Duling square cauldron... each artifact tells a story 📜 Strongly recommend getting a guide (30 yuan/person), even better than watching documentaries! For lunch, head straight to [Noodle Universe Center] — Shunhe Road! 🍜[Xiao Ji Hui Noodles] Must order lamb hui noodles, wide noodles soaked in lamb broth, paired with sweet garlic is amazing! Add a portion of braised tofu skin, only 25 yuan per person to eat until full~ 📍Afternoon: [Purple Mountain Park] + [Shang Dynasty Ruins Park] Take subway Line 1 to Purple Mountain Station, first explore the free park to see water lilies 🌷 Stop by the "internet-famous wall" for atmospheric photos~ 10-minute walk to Shang Dynasty Ruins, the earthen city walls have a strong historical feel, perfect for vintage-style photos 📸 📍Evening: [Jiankang Road Night Market] Everything from grilled brain to almond tea, clothes to accessories! Recommended 🌟[Wang San Rice Skin] sweet and sour with mild spice, 🌟[Gao Laoda Steak Pepper Soup] night version of pepper soup with fried buns, remember to bargain! 🌟Day 2: A Magical Day Through Ancient and Modern Times 📍Morning: [Unique Henan · Drama Fantasy City] 🚗30-minute taxi ride (about 40 yuan), 290 yuan for all-access ticket, wear comfortable shoes! 21 theaters with rotating performances, must-see shows include "Fantasy City," "Li Family Village," and "Train Station"! The light and shadow effects will give you goosebumps 🎭 Lunch at the "Pit Courtyard Restaurant" in the park, recommend beef cakes + corn porridge 🌽 📍Afternoon: [Zhengzhou Garden Expo Park] 15-minute taxi ride (about 20 yuan), 45 yuan entrance fee, rent an electric cart (30 yuan/hour) to save energy! Suzhou Garden, Japanese Garden, Thai Garden... switch between different national styles in seconds 🏯 Perfect for Hanfu photos! 📍Evening: [Erqi Square] Visit the "Heart of Zhengzhou" Erqi Tower (free to climb), shop in the surrounding malls until your legs give out~ For dinner, eat at [Ali Tomato Noodles], super rich tomato broth, add a braised egg for just 18 yuan! After dinner, buy [Juan Tea] cheese grape drink, refreshing and cuts through the grease~ 🌟Day 3: Double Hit of Trendy Spots and Delicious Food 📍Morning: [Zhengzhou Art Museum (New Building)] + [Zhengzhou Museum] Take subway Line 14 directly there, the two museums are right next to each other! The pure white architecture of the art museum is perfect for photos 📸 The "Yellow River Civilization Exhibition" in the museum features dinosaur fossils 🦕 Free and educational~ 📍Noon: [National Trend Food Street — Dehua New Street] Hidden treasures in the underground pedestrian street! Recommended 🌟[Si Ji Tripe Noodles] super generous portions, 🌟[Zhao Ji Rice Skin] rich sesame sauce, plus [A'gan Kukui] with preserved vegetable filling, 30 yuan per person to taste foods from all over~ 📍Afternoon: [Jianye · Huayi Brothers Movie Town] 25-minute taxi ride (about 35 yuan), 100 yuan entrance fee, rent a Republic-era qipao costume (50 yuan/set) and become a movie protagonist! "Crossing Dehua Street" live performance is a must-see, the explosion scenes are super impressive 💥 📍Evening: [CBD Corn Tower] Watch the "Big Corn" light show 🌆 Walk to [Ruyi Lake] for a stroll, the evening breeze feels amazing~ For late night snack, try [Guoguo Lamb Soup], white as milk, paired with oil pancakes is perfect! 🌟Day 4: Shopping + Return Journey 📍Morning: [Zhongyuan Futa Tower] 90 yuan entrance fee, climb the tower for a panoramic view of Zhengzhou 🌇 The glass observation deck is a bit thrilling! Brave souls can try the high-altitude swing~ 📍Noon: [Guangcai Market] Come here for souvenirs! Red dates, Shaolin Temple shortbread - bargain for half price 💰[Cost Breakdown] (per person) Accommodation: 3 nights in budget hotel 600 yuan Transportation: Taxi + subway 150 yuan Tickets: Drama Fantasy City 290 + Garden Expo 45 + Movie Town 100 + Futa Tower 90 = 525 yuan Food: 150 yuan per day × 4 = 600 yuan Total: About 1,875 yuan (Flexible depending on your budget! Students can stay in hostels and keep it under 1,500) 💡[Helpful Tips] 1. Zhengzhou has big temperature differences in April, recommend wearing a hoodie + light jacket 🧥 2. Taxis between attractions cost about 20-40 yuan, subway is more convenient 🚇 3. Try to share night market snacks between two people, portions are too big to finish! 4. Bring power banks for photos! Ancient city walls and night scenes are so photogenic, battery drains super fast 📸 Zhengzhou is truly a city that "gets more addictive the more you explore"! From thousand-year cultural heritage to bustling markets, from carb happiness to trendy spots, four days is definitely not enough~