Zhengzhou is a sprawling industrial metropolis, home to some 7 million people and capital of Henan Province. Although not completely without charm or things to do and see, Zhengzhou is widely regarded as a transit hub—a place at which you have to stop on the way to somewhere nicer. If you have a particular interest in the textile industry, Zhengzhou's primary industry, you might find it significantly more interesting than most. It lies about half way along the Beijing to Guangzhou train line and also the Beijing to Xi'an line, qualifying it China's largest train hub. Just about every major city in China can be accessed from a train that passes through Zhengzhou.
In the late 1940's, Zhengzhou was recognized as Henan's capital city. Urban planners went to work churned out a city as grid like as you are likely to see. Most roads run on a north to south or east to west axis. Although this kind of urban planning will regarded as somewhat soulless to many, the roads are wide and lined with trees and are charming in their own way.
If you should find yourself in transit in Zhengzhou with some time to kill, chances are you'll find Zhengzhou only slightly more exciting than the train ride there or away. Depending on how much time there is, you're faced with a few options. If your time is short a quick dash out to the banks of the Yellow River (approx. 28 km from the train station) is a good way to while away a couple of hours, as is a trip to Erqi Square—the town square which springs to life with markets during the evening hours. If your time is longer, check out some other things to do on Zhengzhou's attraction page.
History
The city lies adjacent to the Yellow River, long considered by many as the cradle Chinese civilization. Unfortunately for early Chinese civilization, this cradle is prone to ferocious floods which would lay havoc upon residences and crops on the rich alluvial plains. Ceramic pots have been discovered in the region which date back over 3,500 years and are the oldest such specimens to have been unearthed.
Zhengzhou, despite its ancient beginnings and continuous inhabitance, has weathered the ages in relative obscurity. Aside from a stint as Henan's capital during the Shang Dynasty and (1600 -1046 BC) a name change from Chenggao in the Sui Dynasty (581 – 618 AD), Zhengzhou went unnoticed by most until in 1949 when, due to its strategic location, it was designated as China's transportation hub and renamed as Henan's capital.
Climate
Climate-wise, Zhengzhou is a pretty nice place to be most of the year round, spring and autumn being the best times to visit. Summer temperatures average out at around 27°C (81°F), while winter's lows average out at around zero degrees (32°F).
Zhengzhou has a comprehensive selection of decent hotels. The Ramada Plaza is an interesting five-star choice for under RMB 500 a night. For a cheaper option in the downtown area, the three-star Haitian Hotel is a typical Chinese style hotel, marble lobby, pokey rooms, for RMB 200-300 a night. For those on a tight budget, you might risk a night at the White Dove for RMB 130.
Zhengzhou is not well known for its diverse culinary culture, nor do any of its local specialties rate very highly on the "list of stuff to eat before you die" that many Chinese folks subconsciously keep in the back of their minds.
Henan food in general is nothing to write home about, main dishes consist mainly of fish (river carp) and chicken. Liangfen, a sort of wide, flat transparent noodle is a popular quick meal with locals, often followed up a pipasu—a traditional pastry.
Head down to Jinshui Lu for the best selection of restaurants and variety of culinary styles.
Getting Around
The base rate for taxis in Zhengzhou is RMB 7 for the first three kilometers and then RMB 1 per additional kilometer (RMB 1.2 for a Santana).
To and From Zhengzhou
Air
Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport is one of the five main airports in China. It's located 30 km to the south of downtown with flights to more than 40 domestic cities like Beihai, Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Haikou, Kunming, Shanghai, Xian, Shenzhen and Hong Kong etc.
Railway
Zhenzhou has always been regarded as the heart of Chinese railway system. Two main railway lines meet here and four other lines run around it. Zhengzhou Railway Station is located downtown with direct trains to 25 provinces, cities and prefectures.
Bus
Zhengzhou is also a transportation hub of the Chinese highway system. National Highway No. 107 runs through the city from south to the north while National Highway No. 310 runs from the east to the west. From Zhengzhou, you can go northwards to Beijing, southwards to Wuhan and Changsha and westwards to Xian. Freeways connect Zhengzhou with Luoyang, Kaifeng, Luohe and Beijing.
The tour buses from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng leave from the East Bus Station, taking about one hour. Buses to the famous Shaolin Temple on Song Shan Mountain are also available in the bus station opposite the railway station, taking about three and a half hours. Tour buses to Luoyang take about two hours.
Despite its favorable geographic location, the retail industry in Zhengzhou is relatively weak, due largely to low consumption rates.
In terms of traditional goods, reproduction Tang porcelain figures, jade and lacquer-ware are all made here and calligraphy and paintings are also popular. This is a good place to buy paint equipment and tools including writing brushes, ink stones and bars. The Zhengzhou Jade Carving Factory cuts pretty stones and prices are usually reasonable—provided you bargain hard first.
Zhengzhou has a number of fun things to keep you busy outside of working hours. If you're interested in a bit of interesting shopping, head to Erqi Square after dark and check out the markets that spring up there each night.
There are also plenty of bars and clubs if drinking and dancing is on your mind. Crowne Plaza has a bar and a small selection of Western style restaurants. However, Weiyi Lu is the best location to enjoy a drink, having several bars to choose from.