Major city · China
Zhengzhou郑州
Give Zhengzhou 2 nights as a rail hub for the Henan Museum and Shaolin or Kaifeng day trips, not as a sightseeing city in its own right.
Zhengzhou is the capital of Henan and one of China's biggest rail junctions, about 2 h from Xi'an and 5.5 h from Beijing by high-speed train. The city itself is modern and spread out; its value is as a base for the Henan Museum, the Shaolin Temple at Dengfeng and the old capital of Kaifeng. Two nights covers the museum and one day trip; three nights adds a second.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- CNY
- Best months
- Apr–May, Sep–Oct
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot, wet), Chinese New Year travel rush
- Airport
- CGO
- Nights
- 2
Rules in force · 7
- East Asia ↗Every border in East Asia is a full international border, Hong Kong and Macau included: an entry permission for one never covers the next.
- East Asia ↗Ferries between Korea, Japan and China cancel in rough seas and typhoons; keep a flight or a spare day behind every sea leg.
- China ↗Most nationalities need a visa, a unilateral visa-free entry (the list and end dates change) or the transit exemption below. Confirm your route on the official sites before you buy a ticket.
- China ↗Transit stay without a visa: up to 240 hours (10 days) for citizens of about 55 listed countries who pass through China to a third country or region, with a confirmed onward ticket and a stay inside the permitted area (Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei count as one area). It replaced the 144-hour rule in December 2024, which some older pages still quote. Use the transit lane at immigration, show the onward ticket, and check the current nationality list. Hong Kong and Macau count as separate regions; check whether your ticket qualifies.
- China ↗Foreign visitors must register their address with the police within 24 hours; hotels do it at check-in with your passport. Carry the original passport at all times: hotels, trains, museums, Tiananmen Square and police checks ask for it.
- China ↗Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with a foreign card before you fly. QR payment is the default in shops, taxis and many stalls, and some places refuse cash or a foreign card. Carry cash as a backup.
- China ↗Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many news sites are blocked. Use an eSIM with roaming (it routes through your home network) or install and test a VPN before you fly; VPN sites and app stores are hard to reach inside China, and only government-approved VPNs are officially permitted.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Zhengzhou110 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Zhengzhou, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Alipay and WeChat Pay accept Visa, Mastercard, JCB and Amex cards; single payments over ¥200 (≈ US$30) carry a fee of about 3% on a foreign card (smaller ones…China-wide
- SIM or eSIMA roaming eSIM from outside China routes traffic through its home network, so Google, WhatsApp and Instagram work without a VPN — the simplest setup.China-wide
- Tap waterNot for drinking from the tap; bottled water ¥2–5 (≈ under US$1), and kettles and free bottles in hotel rooms.China-wide
- TippingRestaurants: No tip; upmarket hotels add 10–15% service.China-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/C/I. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): fits. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.China-wide
- SafetyZhengzhou is a normal big Chinese city and feels safe by day and night in the centre.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPublic toilets are frequent and free; squat toilets outside hotels and malls.China-wide
- Emergency numbers110 police · 119 fire · 120 ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums and palaces close on Mondays; the Forbidden City too (outside holidays).China-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportCGO Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (About 30 km (19 mi) southeast of the centre…CGO Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (About 19 mi (30 km) southeast of the centre…
- Getting aroundThe metro covers the centre and the airport; fares run ¥2–9 (≈ US$1–2) by distance and trains start about 06:00…The metro covers the centre and the airport; fares run ¥2–9 (≈ US$1–2) by distance and trains start about 6:00 AM…
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5)
- Street or quick mealNoodle soup or dumplings¥15–40 (≈ US$3–6)
- Beerdraught / can at a convenience store¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5)¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi3.1 mi (5 km) taxiLate-night surcharge after 22:00.Late-night surcharge after 10:00 PM.¥15–20 (≈ US$3)
- Metro or bus rideMetro ride¥2–9 (≈ US$1–2)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week¥50–150 (≈ US$7–25)
- Museum or sight ticketMuseum or tower entryFree–¥98 (≈ US$14)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCN¥60 (≈ US$9)
- Mid-range bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomCN¥350 (≈ US$50)
- High-end bedMid-range double room, a night, per roomCN¥700 (≈ US$100)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget CN¥300 (≈ US$45) · Mid CN¥600 (≈ US$85) · High CN¥1,200 (≈ US$170)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- CGO Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (About 30 km (19 mi) southeast of the centre; Metro Line 2's Chengjiao extension and mainline rail both reach it.)CGO Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (About 19 mi (30 km) southeast of the centre; Metro Line 2's Chengjiao extension and mainline rail both reach it.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Feb
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Mar
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Apr
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
May
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Jun
not flagged
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Sep
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Oct
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Nov
not flagged
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Dec
not flagged
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jun (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C) low), wettest Jul (11 rain days), driest Jan (4). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Zhengzhou: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
4 rd
Feb
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
5 rd
Mar
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
6 rd
Apr
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
May
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
7 rd
Jun
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
8 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
24°C (75°F)75°F (24°C)
11 rd
Aug
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
10 rd
Sep
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8 rd
Oct
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
7 rd
Nov
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
5 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
4 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The metro covers the centre and the airport; fares run ¥2–9 by distance and trains start about 06:00, last around 23:00 (Chengjiao line stops earlier, about 22:00). Buses cost ¥1–2. Taxis start at ¥8 by day, ¥10 after 22:00, then about ¥1.5 per km; insist on the meter.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng
goDoor to door: 3–4 h
Bus or car from Zhengzhou, about 1.5–2 h each way
A full day; leave early to beat the tour groups.
Kaifeng
goDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
High-speed or regular train from Zhengzhou East or Zhengzhou Station, about 30–60 min
Former Song dynasty capital; easy half-day or full-day trip.
Gongyi
goDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Train or bus west of the city, about 1 h
Home of the Song imperial tombs and the Kang Baiwan mansion.
Zhongmu County
cautionDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Metro or bus east of the centre, about 1 h
Mainly for the Drama Fantasy City theatre park; check tickets ahead.
Xuchang
cautionDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
High-speed train south, about 30–40 min
Worth it for the Three Kingdoms sites if you have a spare day.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Erqi Square
City centre, Line 1 and Line 3, walk to the tower and the night market; loudest and busiest.
Zhengzhou East Station area
Zhengdong New Area; best if you arrive or leave by high-speed rail, 45 min by metro from Erqi Square.
Jinshui / CBD around Ruyi Lake
Modern hotels, malls and the lake; quieter, good metro links on Line 1.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- ¥250–450 (≈ US$35–65) excl. bed
- Mid
- ¥450–900 (≈ US$65–130) excl. bed
- High
- ¥900 (≈ US$130)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range double room1 × 2 nights × CN¥350 | CN¥700 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × CN¥600 | CN¥2,400 |
| Airport shuttle bus to the city2 × CN¥15 · check | CN¥30 |
| Metro ride in the centre2 × CN¥3 · check | CN¥6 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × CN¥100 | CN¥200 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | CN¥334 |
| Trip total≈ CN¥918 per person per day, bed included | CN¥3,670≈ US$550 |
2026 estimate in yuan; flights and rail passes excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | ¥15–35 (≈ US$3–5) |
| Noodle soup or dumplings | ¥15–40 (≈ US$3–6) |
| Beer: draught / can at a convenience store | ¥15–30 (≈ US$3–5) / ¥5–10 (≈ US$1–2) |
| 5 km taxiLate-night surcharge after 22:00.Late-night surcharge after 10:00 PM. | ¥15–20 (≈ US$3) |
| Metro ride | ¥2–9 (≈ US$1–2) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | ¥50–150 (≈ US$7–25) |
| Museum or tower entry | Free–¥98 (≈ US$14) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Zhengzhou Station and Zhengzhou East Station are different places: check which one your train uses before you book a hotel.
- Some taxi drivers ask a flat fare instead of using the meter; ask for the meter or use the metro.
- Summer is hot and wet, with most rain in July and August; winter is dry and cold.
- The Henan Museum and several other museums close on Mondays and stop issuing tickets in the last hour.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 110
- Fire
- 119
- Ambulance
- 120
Pocket card
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Zhengzhou郑州
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
请到这个地址To this address, please
Emergency
- Police110
- Fire119
- Ambulance120
Embassy
Most embassies are in Beijing; several countries keep consulates-general in Shanghai, Guangzhou or Chengdu. Check your own country's list before you travel.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Airport → city, shuttle bus: about ¥15 (≈ US$3), roughly 1 h (check)
- Airport → city, taxi: about ¥120–140 (≈ US$17–20) (check)
- Metro, central ride: ¥2–9 (≈ US$1–2)
- High-speed train Zhengzhou → Xi'an: about 2 h (check)
Say or show
- 你好 — Hello (nǐ hǎo)
- 谢谢 — Thank you (xiè xie)
- 多少钱？ — How much is it? (duō shao qián)
- 请打表 — Please use the meter (qǐng dǎ biǎo)
- 地铁站在哪里？ — Where is the metro? (dì tiě zhàn zài nǎ lǐ)
- 我不懂 — I don't understand (wǒ bù dǒng)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Zhengzhou. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–May, Sep–Oct · avoid Jul–Aug (hot, wet), Chinese New Year travel rush · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 5 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for CGO: last metro and rail times field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Erqi Square, the Henan Museum and Jinshui, the Zhengdong New Area and Ruyi Lake, the Shang city wall and Confucius Temple.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Henan Museum, Erqi Tower, Zhongyuan Tower, Shang wall ruins) and eat pages with last orders.
- Golden and hostile arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.