Five days, four cities, one rail line

A first-timer's route from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng, with the timing that actually works.

Landing at Zhengzhou in the late afternoon is the easiest start. The airport train reaches the east station in half an hour, and every city on this list is a direct ride from there.

Day one stays in Zhengzhou: the Henan Museum in the morning, the theatre city after lunch and into the evening. It is the one day where you need to book ahead, because the free museum slots go quickly and the theatre has timed entry.

Day two is Luoyang by high-speed rail, forty minutes door to door. Book the grottoes for the first morning slot, then eat a water banquet in the old town and finish with the projection show at Yingtian Gate.

Day three continues in Luoyang for the White Horse Temple and the old city lanes, or pushes west to Laojun Mountain if you want the cloud inversion. The mountain needs a clear forecast, so keep it flexible.

Day four is Kaifeng, twenty minutes from Zhengzhou by rail. Arrive late afternoon, walk the Song-dynasty park until the lanterns come on, then eat at the Drum Tower until midnight.

Day five returns to Zhengzhou for the airport. Total spent on intercity rail for the loop: under ¥300 per person. That number is the reason this route works for a first visit.

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