Henan Transportation

Henan Province (河南省) lies in the centre of China and has long been regarded as a major crossroads between northern, southern, eastern and western China. Its position makes the province one of the easiest cultural destinations to combine with Beijing, Xi’an, Wuhan, Shandong, Shanxi and the Yangtze River region.

By the end of 2025, Henan’s expressway network had reached 10,088 kilometres. The province also had approximately 6,810 kilometres of operating railway, including 2,263 kilometres of high-speed railway, and had completed a radial high-speed rail network centred on Zhengzhou. Henan’s combined transport network reached approximately 292,000 kilometres during the 14th Five-Year Plan period.

For most visitors, the most practical travel pattern is:

Arrive in Zhengzhou by flight or high-speed train → travel between major cities by high-speed rail → use metro, tourist buses, taxis or private vehicles for local attractions.

Public transportation is particularly convenient for Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Anyang, Xinxiang, Jiaozuo, Xuchang and other cities along major railway corridors. Private transportation is more useful for mountain destinations such as Songshan, the South Taihang Mountains, Funiu Mountain, Yaoshan, Jigong Mountain and the Dabie Mountains.

How to Get to Henan by Air

Henan currently has five licensed civil transport airports:

The Civil Aviation Administration of China listed these five Henan transport airports as operating airports as of December 31, 2025. Regional airports normally have fewer routes and lower flight frequencies than Zhengzhou, so schedules should be checked before building an itinerary around a direct flight.

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport is Henan’s principal aviation gateway. It is the best arrival airport for travellers planning a multi-city itinerary covering Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Dengfeng, Jiaozuo or northern Henan.

The airport’s integrated transport centre connects air services with metro, intercity rail, airport buses, coaches, taxis and private vehicles. The Xinzheng Airport metro station is directly connected with Terminal 2, while intercity railway services can connect the airport with Zhengzhou’s principal railway hubs according to the current timetable.

Travellers arriving late at night should normally stay near the airport or in Zhengzhou rather than continuing immediately to Luoyang, Dengfeng or a mountain attraction.

Regional Airports

Luoyang Airport is useful during the Peony Festival and for travellers focusing on western Henan, although many international visitors will still find the high-speed train from Zhengzhou more convenient.

Nanyang, Xinyang and Anyang airports are suitable when their limited schedules match the itinerary. A rental vehicle, taxi or arranged transfer is normally needed after arriving at these regional airports.

How to Get to Henan by High-Speed Train

High-speed rail is the most convenient way to enter Henan from most major Chinese cities. Zhengzhou is connected with Beijing, Xi’an, Wuhan, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Jinan, Taiyuan and many other cities.

Henan was the first province to complete a radial, “米”-shaped high-speed rail network, and all prefecture-level cities now have high-speed rail access. Zhengzhou–Luoyang journeys can take less than half an hour on selected services, while Zhengzhou–Beijing and Zhengzhou–Wuhan journeys can be completed in a few hours. Exact times vary by train and date.

Principal Railway Gateways

Train schedules, station assignments and ticket availability should be checked through China Railway 12306. Foreign passports and several other international travel documents can be used when registering and purchasing tickets through the official railway system.

Entering Henan by Road

Henan shares borders with Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Hubei, Anhui and Shandong. Major expressways connect the province with Beijing, Xi’an, Wuhan, Jinan, Hefei, Taiyuan and surrounding regional centres.

Important national and regional corridors include the Beijing–Hong Kong–Macao Expressway, Lianyungang–Khorgos Expressway, Daqing–Guangzhou Expressway, Erlianghot–Guangzhou Expressway and several newer routes along the Yellow River, Taihang Mountains and southern Henan.

Henan added 1,126 kilometres of expressway in 2025, bringing the provincial total to 10,088 kilometres. New roads have improved access to mountain areas and reduced travel times between many county-level destinations, but construction and widening projects continue on some busy routes.

Water Transportation in Henan

Henan has approximately 1,825 kilometres of navigable inland waterways, with developing ports and cargo services around Zhoukou, Xinyang, Luohe and the Shaying River system. However, water transport is mainly important for freight rather than ordinary tourism.

Visitors should not plan to travel between Henan’s main tourist cities by passenger boat. Scenic cruises are local experiences offered at destinations such as Xiaolangdi Reservoir, Yellow River scenic areas, Danjiangkou Reservoir and selected lakes rather than intercity transportation.

Travelling Around Henan

High-Speed Train and Local Transportation

High-speed rail is ideal for travelling between Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Anyang, Xinxiang, Jiaozuo, Xuchang, Nanyang, Shangqiu and other cities. It is often faster and more reliable than driving when the attractions are located near urban areas.

After arriving at the railway station, travellers can continue by metro, city bus, taxi, ride-hailing vehicle, tourist shuttle or private transfer. Railway stations in newer city districts can be far from historic centres, so transfer time must be included in the itinerary.

Private Car and Driver

A private vehicle with a local driver is recommended for international visitors, families, elderly travellers and groups visiting several attractions in one day. It is particularly useful for:

• Shaolin Temple and Songshan Mountain
• Longmen Grottoes and White Horse Temple combinations
• Yuntai Mountain and the South Taihang Mountains
• Red Flag Canal and the Taihang Grand Canyon
• Luanchuan, Yaoshan and the Funiu Mountains
• Jigong Mountain and the Dabie Mountains
• Xiaolangdi, Wangwu Mountain and Jiyuan

The driver should be familiar with attraction entrances, holiday traffic controls and scenic-area parking arrangements.

Long-Distance Coaches

Long-distance buses connect Zhengzhou with most counties and tourist towns. Coaches are economical but usually operate between bus stations rather than directly between individual attractions.

In mountain areas, the last public departure may be relatively early. Visitors relying on buses should confirm the return service immediately after arrival instead of waiting until the end of the sightseeing day.

Tourist Buses and Dedicated Scenic Lines

Henan’s major tourist cities increasingly operate tourist bus routes during peak periods. These may connect railway stations, park-and-ride facilities and major attractions.

Kaifeng operates tourist routes linking Kaifeng Railway Station, Kaifeng North Station or Songcheng Road with Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, Longting Park, Millennium City Park and other major attractions during important tourism periods.

Luoyang has developed tourist bus services connecting Luoyang Longmen Railway Station with Longmen Grottoes and linking metro stations with White Horse Temple and other heritage areas. A dedicated Longmen Railway Station–Longmen Grottoes shuttle covers approximately five kilometres.

Transportation Guide by City and Region

Transportation to Major Henan Attractions

Shaolin Temple and Songshan Mountain

Best gateways: Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou Airport, Luoyang or Dengfeng
Recommended transport: Private car, tourist coach or long-distance bus to Dengfeng

Shaolin Temple (少林寺) is located near Dengfeng, approximately midway between Zhengzhou and Luoyang. Dengfeng currently has no regular high-speed railway station in the city centre, so the final section is completed by road.

From Zhengzhou, travellers can use a private vehicle, organised day tour or coach to Dengfeng. From Luoyang, road travel is also convenient, making it possible to combine Shaolin Temple with Longmen Grottoes in a long private day tour, although an overnight stay creates a more comfortable schedule.

During weekends and public holidays, congestion can occur on the Zhengzhou–Dengfeng and Dengfeng–Shaolin corridors. Arriving before the main tour groups is recommended.

Longmen Grottoes

Best gateway: Luoyang Longmen Railway Station
Recommended transport: Tourist shuttle, city bus, taxi or private transfer

Longmen Grottoes (龙门石窟) is approximately five kilometres from Luoyang Longmen Railway Station. Luoyang has introduced a direct station-to-attraction shuttle, with the road journey taking around 12 minutes under normal conditions.

A full Luoyang programme can combine Longmen Grottoes with Luoyang Museum, the Sui–Tang Luoyang City area or Luoyi Ancient City. White Horse Temple lies east of the city and should be arranged separately or visited by private vehicle.

White Horse Temple

Best gateway: Luoyang
Recommended transport: Metro connection plus shuttle, public bus, taxi or private car

White Horse Temple (白马寺) is located east of central Luoyang. Luoyang’s transport authorities have operated a shuttle between Yangwan metro station and the temple area, improving access for independent visitors.

Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden and Kaifeng Old City

Best gateways: Kaifeng Railway Station, Kaifeng North Station or Songcheng Road Station
Recommended transport: Tourist bus, taxi or city bus

Kaifeng’s main attractions are concentrated around the historic centre. Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (清明上河园), Longting Park (龙亭公园), China Hanyuan Stele Forest (中国翰园碑林), Kaifeng Prefecture (开封府) and Daxiangguo Temple (大相国寺) can be linked by walking and short bus or taxi journeys.

Kaifeng has operated tourism routes connecting railway stations with the major old-city attractions, especially during festivals and holiday periods.

Yuntai Mountain

Best gateways: Xiuwu West Station or Jiaozuo Station
Recommended transport: Tourist shuttle, direct bus or private car

Travellers can take the Zhengzhou–Jiaozuo intercity railway to Xiuwu West or Jiaozuo. From either station, buses and seasonal tourist services connect with the Baijia Rock visitor and parking area of Yuntai Mountain.

Xiuwu West is closer to the scenic area, while Jiaozuo normally offers more railway services. Official 2026 travel information confirms transfers from both stations to Yuntai Mountain.

The attraction is large and uses internal sightseeing vehicles. Visitors should not expect to drive their own vehicle between all individual valleys and scenic sections.

Red Flag Canal and Taihang Grand Canyon

Best gateway: Anyang East Station or Anyang Hongqiqu Airport
Recommended transport: Private vehicle or coach to Linzhou

Red Flag Canal (红旗渠) and the Taihang Grand Canyon (太行大峡谷) are located near Linzhou, west of central Anyang. Independent travellers can first reach Anyang or Linzhou, but a private vehicle is normally more convenient for combining different scenic sections.

A cultural-tourism shuttle linking Red Flag Canal-related attractions began operating in August 2025. Self-driving visitors should use designated scenic parking areas and avoid roadside parking on mountain routes.

Yinxu and the National Museum of Chinese Writing

Best gateway: Anyang East Station
Recommended transport: City bus, taxi or private transfer

Anyang East Station is linked with the city by regular and tourist bus routes. The station served several city and tourism lines by 2024, making urban attractions easier to reach without a car.

Yinxu Museum, the archaeological site and the National Museum of Chinese Writing are in different parts of the city, so a taxi or private transfer is useful when visiting all of them in one day.

South Taihang Mountains, Baligou and Guoliang Village

Best gateway: Xinxiang East Station
Recommended transport: Private vehicle, organised coach or transfer through Huixian

The major mountain attractions are located north and northwest of Xinxiang, often within Huixian. Public coaches may reach the county or scenic towns, but they are less convenient for combining Baligou, Wanxian Mountain and Guoliang Village.

Mountain access roads can be narrow and crowded during public holidays. Large vehicles may be subject to scenic-area traffic controls, and visitors may need to change to authorised sightseeing transport.

Luanchuan and the Funiu Mountains

Best gateway: Luoyang
Recommended transport: Private vehicle or long-distance coach

Laojun Mountain (老君山), Chongdugou (重渡沟), Jiguan Cave (鸡冠洞) and other Luanchuan attractions lie southwest of Luoyang. They are not directly served by high-speed rail, so most visitors travel by road from Luoyang.

At least two days should be allowed for a Luanchuan itinerary. Winter snow, summer storms and holiday congestion can affect mountain access.

Yaoshan and Central Funiu Mountain

Best gateway: Pingdingshan West Station
Recommended transport: Private vehicle or coach through Lushan County

Yaoshan (尧山) lies in western Lushan County and is separated from Pingdingshan’s main urban area. A private vehicle is more efficient than relying on multiple bus transfers, especially when combining Yaoshan with hot springs or nearby rural attractions.

Xiaolangdi and Wangwu Mountain

Best gateways: Luoyang, Jiaozuo or Jiyuan
Recommended transport: Private vehicle

The Xiaolangdi Reservoir and Yellow River scenic areas extend across municipal boundaries. Navigation should use the exact attraction entrance because “Xiaolangdi” may refer to several viewing points, dams, reservoir areas and villages.

Wangwu Mountain (王屋山) and Wulongkou (五龙口) are most conveniently visited from Jiyuan by private vehicle.

Jigong Mountain and Nanwan Lake

Best gateway: Xinyang East Station or Xinyang Minggang Airport
Recommended transport: Coach, taxi or private vehicle

Jigong Mountain (鸡公山) lies south of Xinyang, while Nanwan Lake (南湾湖) is closer to the city. They can be combined in a two-day programme, but a private vehicle provides more flexibility than ordinary buses.

Dabie Mountain and Xinxian County

Best gateway: Xinyang
Recommended transport: Private vehicle or county coach

The Dabie Mountain destinations of Xinxian, Shangcheng and Luoshan are spread across southern Henan. Public transportation reaches the county towns, but revolutionary heritage sites, villages and mountain areas require additional local transfers.

Chaya Mountain

Best gateway: Zhumadian West Station
Recommended transport: Private vehicle or coach to Suiping County

Chaya Mountain (嵖岈山) is outside central Zhumadian. A day trip is possible, although travellers should confirm the last public return service when not using a private vehicle.

Mangdang Mountain

Best gateway: Shangqiu or Yongcheng
Recommended transport: High-speed train plus taxi, coach or private vehicle

Mangdang Mountain (芒砀山) is located in Yongcheng in eastern Henan. Travellers can approach through Shangqiu or a suitable station in the Yongcheng area, depending on the actual train service.

Self-Driving in Henan

Henan is well suited to self-driving because its cultural cities are connected by expressways while its mountain attractions are reached through scenic national, provincial and county roads.

Documents for International Drivers

A foreign driving licence or International Driving Permit alone does not permit a traveller to drive in mainland China. Short-term visitors holding an overseas licence must obtain a Chinese temporary motor-vehicle driving permit before renting and driving a vehicle.

A short-stay permit may be valid for three months, while the validity can be extended to one year when the permitted stay exceeds three months. The approved vehicle category must correspond with the applicant’s foreign licence and the Chinese permit.

Travellers should confirm the document translation, medical declaration, photograph and application arrangements with the rental company and local vehicle management office before arrival.

Choosing a Vehicle

A normal sedan is sufficient for the Zhengzhou–Kaifeng–Luoyang–Anyang cultural corridor and most established paved highways.

An SUV is preferable for the South Taihang Mountains, Luanchuan, Yaoshan, the Dabie Mountains and winter travel. Four-wheel drive is rarely necessary for recognised tourist routes and does not authorise entry onto closed forest, farm or scenic-maintenance roads.

The Four Major Scenic Highway Systems

Henan has developed more than 10,000 kilometres of tourism roads around four major themes: Yellow River Ancient Capitals, Taihang Sky Road, Ecological Funiu and Red Dabie Mountain.

Yellow River Ancient Capitals Scenic Road

This broad corridor links western Henan with the Yellow River cultural belt and the ancient capitals of Luoyang, Zhengzhou and Kaifeng.

A practical self-driving route is:

Sanmenxia–Luoyang–Jiyuan–Jiaozuo–Zhengzhou–Kaifeng–Puyang

The route can include the Yellow River, Xiaolangdi, Longmen Grottoes, ancient capital sites, Kaifeng’s Song-dynasty culture and rural river landscapes.

Taihang Sky Road

This route follows the Taihang Mountain zone of northern Henan:

Anyang–Linzhou–Hebi–Xinxiang South Taihang–Jiaozuo–Jiyuan

It is suitable for Red Flag Canal, Taihang Grand Canyon, Guoliang Village, Baligou, Yuntai Mountain and mountain-road photography.

Ecological Funiu Scenic Road

This system covers the mountain region of western and southwestern Henan:

Luoyang–Songxian–Luanchuan–Lushan–Xixia–Neixiang–Nanyang

The landscape includes forests, mountain resorts, caves, geological attractions and traditional villages.

Red Dabie Scenic Road

This route crosses southern Henan:

Xinyang–Luoshan–Xinxian–Shangcheng–Gushi

It combines red heritage, tea-growing areas, forest scenery and traditional villages.

Driving Conditions

Expressways are generally modern and well maintained, but traffic can be extremely heavy during the Spring Festival, Labour Day, National Day, the Luoyang Peony Festival and popular mountain weekends.

Mountain roads in Linzhou, Huixian, Luanchuan, Lushan and Dabie Mountain areas may contain sharp bends, tunnels, steep gradients and limited overtaking opportunities. Avoid night driving and allow extra time after heavy rain, snow or fog.

Parking at Scenic Attractions

Large attractions generally require visitors to park at an external visitor centre and transfer to sightseeing buses. This is common at Yuntai Mountain, mountain resorts and some large heritage areas.

During holiday traffic controls, drivers may be directed to temporary parking facilities and shuttle buses. Follow local signs rather than relying solely on navigation applications.

Electric Vehicles

Charging infrastructure is extensive along major expressways and in large cities, but mountain counties and scenic access roads may have fewer reliable chargers. Cold winter temperatures, air-conditioning and prolonged mountain climbs can reduce practical range.

An electric vehicle is suitable for the Zhengzhou–Kaifeng–Luoyang urban corridor when charging is planned in advance. A petrol or hybrid vehicle remains more flexible for multi-day mountain itineraries.

Bicycle Touring in Henan

Henan offers urban greenways, river routes, rural roads and mountain cycling, but riders must distinguish between ordinary roads and expressways.

Chinese law prohibits bicycles and other non-motor vehicles from entering expressways. Riders must use cycleways, ordinary roads or permitted tourism routes.

Recommended Cycling Areas

Yellow River Cycling

The Yellow River embankments and tourism roads around Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Luoyang, Sanmenxia and Puyang provide long-distance landscapes, cultural sites and agricultural scenery.

Some sections have viewing platforms, service areas and slow-traffic facilities, but the route is not one continuous protected bicycle path. Riders must check each road section individually.

Zhengzhou and Kaifeng

Daytime cycling on designated roads and greenways can be enjoyable, but long group rides should be organised responsibly. Do not rely on a shared bicycle for intercity travel unless the operator explicitly permits cross-city use and parking.

Avoid night riding, large unmanaged groups and major traffic corridors. Carry lights, reflective clothing and identification.

Luoyang Urban Cycling

The Luo River and Yi River corridors provide gentler cycling than the mountain areas. Urban cycling can be combined with parks and outer sections of the ancient-city area, but bicycles may not be permitted inside major archaeological attractions.

Taihang Mountain Cycling

Linzhou, Xinxiang and Jiaozuo offer demanding climbs and dramatic mountain roads. These routes are suitable for experienced cyclists with strong braking skills and appropriate gearing.

A support vehicle is advisable for group cycling, particularly in summer heat or rapidly changing mountain weather.

Dabie Mountain and Tea Country

Xinyang and southern Henan provide forest roads, tea plantations and rolling terrain. Rainfall is higher than in northern Henan, so waterproof clothing and effective brakes are important.

Motorcycle Touring in Henan

Henan is attractive for motorcycle touring, especially along ordinary roads in the Yellow River, Taihang, Funiu and Dabie Mountain regions. However, motorcycles are prohibited from entering Henan’s expressways under the provincial expressway regulations. Riders must plan routes using national highways, provincial highways, county roads and permitted tourism roads.

Recommended Motorcycle Routes

Yellow River Route: Sanmenxia–Luoyang–Jiyuan–Zhengzhou–Kaifeng

Taihang Route: Anyang–Linzhou–Guoliang–Yuntai Mountain–Jiyuan

Funiu Route: Luoyang–Songxian–Luanchuan–Xixia–Nanyang

Dabie Route: Xinyang–Xinxian–Shangcheng–Gushi

Riders should verify whether individual cities impose local motorcycle restrictions within central urban districts. Navigation applications may direct vehicles toward expressways, so the route settings must exclude expressways.

A valid Chinese motorcycle licence or temporary permit containing the correct motorcycle category is required. A temporary permit for an ordinary passenger car does not authorise motorcycle riding.