ChinaTrip Logo
PreviousDiscover the Perfect Weekend Retreat at the Longmen Caves in Gongyi, Zhengzhou, Away from the Crowds

A Must-Visit Immersive Theater Experience in Zhengzhou

2025-07-24T06:30:26.126-04:00

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.
The aerial view of the entrance is truly stunning


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

Ticket TypeIncludesBest ForMy Suggestion
1-Day Pass1 main show + unlimited smaller onesTight on timeRush in at 8:30 AM, catch the main show before noon, then watch the smaller ones in the afternoon.
2-Day Pass3 main shows + unlimited smaller onesWant to enjoy fullyJust go for this one, one day for main shows and another for smaller ones, super chill, plus you can rewatch the ones you loved.

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.
The snow in Li Family Village feels so real


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

NameKeywordsWhy Go
Xue Huai YiLots of historical jokesA tight half hour full of hilarious quips; the guy next to me was laughing so hard he was stomping his feet.
Tomb of the Emperor's CarriageReviving relicsA Zhou Dynasty king roasting modern people in Henan accent—priceless contrast.
Cao Cao’s Wheat FieldLight and shadow showThe last five minutes were pure golden light all over the walls; I almost dropped my phone.

Best Photo Spots I Found

Qian Tai really feels futuristic


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.


Recommended in the Same City

A Comprehensive Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Zhengzhou: Enjoying a Flawless City Walk
The ultimate city walk guide for Zhengzhou‼️ Featuring a detailed ranking of must-see attractions as well as those you might skip, this guide helps visitors plan their trips for a seamless city exploration experience.
A Comprehensive Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Zhengzhou: Enjoying a Flawless City Walk
Discover the Perfect Weekend Retreat at the Longmen Caves in Gongyi, Zhengzhou, Away from the Crowds
Explore the Longmen Caves in Gongyi, Henan, and experience a millennium of artistic charm. A perfect weekend getaway to enjoy the tranquility of classical beauty and nature.
Discover the Perfect Weekend Retreat at the Longmen Caves in Gongyi, Zhengzhou, Away from the Crowds