A Must-Visit Immersive Theater Experience in Zhengzhou

Why I Cracked Up

Before heading to Zhengzhou, I was just planning to grab a bowl of spicy soup and bounce. I didn’t expect “Only Henan” to hit me hard.
As soon as I got off the high-speed train, I jumped into a taxi. After 40 minutes zipping through wheat fields, my heart started racing the moment I saw those clay walls. When I swiped my two-day ticket, I didn't think too much about it, but by the time I exited the park the next day, I was totally wiped out: my eyes hurt, my head was pounding, but my mind was filled with the sounds of the wheat waves and the heavy snow of 1942.

How to Get There? One-Liner for Transport

1. The easiest way is to take the high-speed train to Zhengzhou East Station.
2. After getting out, just call a ride and type “Only Henan,” and you’ll be there in about 40 minutes. The fare is around sixty bucks.
3. If you're trying to save some cash, take the subway to Green Expo Park and then grab a taxi, which will cost about twenty. But waiting for a ride share can be a drag.

No Nonsense on Tickets

I went for the two-day pass and extended my stay at the hotel right next door. The front desk was full of visitors with dark circles under their eyes, and we all nodded at each other in understanding.

Don’t Miss These Three Main Shows

1. Train Station Theater

You follow the actors all the way, and as the space turns into tents, the lights flash, and I was almost in tears.
Tip: Sit in the front row; the actors’ gazes hit you straight on, totally impactful +100%.

2. Li Family Village Theater

It’s a continuation of the “Train Station” show, and as soon as you step in, you’re greeted with artificial snow falling on your neck.
Tip: Don’t wear a scarf; the snow might block your view. It’s really cold, but totally worth it.

3. Illusion City Theater

This one’s seated; there’s a giant L-shaped water curtain with a moving stage. After watching it, all I could think was that Wang Chao Ge must be a magician.
Tip: Sit in the third-to-last row in the center so your photos won’t have the heads in front blocking your shot.

Don’t Skip the Smaller Theaters (In the Order That Made Me Cry)

Best Photo Spots I Found

• Entrance: Head there at 9 AM for some drone shots; the clay walls look like a puzzle. If you don’t have a drone, just go to the side steps for an upward angle—still gives great depth.
• Qian Tai: Sci-fi ladders and a chessboard, squat down to get that feel like you stumbled into a parallel universe.
• Chair Array: 300 chairs arranged in a matrix—sitting at the far end to look back is like a scene straight out of Inception.
• Overturned Book Garden: A red cross ladder—wearing black clothes stands out for a nice shot.

Tips I’ve Tried and Tested

1. Make sure to download the mini program in advance
   It has queue times, navigation, and show schedules. I got lost under a tree for five minutes, and it saved me.
2. Bring your ID + a power bank
   You’ll need facial recognition to get in, and if your battery dips below 20%, you start freaking out—don’t ask me how I know.
3. Don’t be late for the main shows
   Even a minute late, they won’t let you in; I watched others walk into the snow while I was stuck at Li Family Village.
4. What to do with the kids
   Little ones under kindergarten age might not sit still; I recommend taking them to see the “Seventh Locomotive Vehicle Factory Hall,” where there’s a projection that won’t scare them.

Sample Itinerary, Feel Free to Use

Day 1 Main Show Day
09:30 Enter the park and store bags
10:30 Train Station Theater
13:00 Lunch at the park’s dining area—beef noodles (25 bucks, super generous portion)
14:30 Li Family Village Theater
16:00 Illusion City Theater
18:00 Sunset photo shoot at the Chair Array
19:30 Night show at the Tomb of the Emperor's Carriage
21:00 Leave the park and have some skewers

Day 2 Small Theater + Photo Day
09:00 Rewatch Xue Huai Yi (scored the front row)
11:00 Photo shoot at Qian Tai + coffee
13:00 Cao Cao’s Wheat Field
15:00 Overturned Book Garden’s red stairs
17:00 Go back to the hotel completely covered in clay.

I still have the photo of the “Only Henan” wall from that night on my phone, yellow background with black letters, and the wind made the fabric flap loudly.
If you find yourself in Zhengzhou, give yourself an extra day to let the wheat ripen again.