Henan 5-Day, 4-Night Solo Traveler Guide: See all the mountains, rivers, and clouds, and savor Central Plains cuisine, even when traveling alone!🌄

🌟Itinerary Highlights: • Experience the misty wonderland of Laojun Mountain • Indulge in the Luoyang Water Feast • Enjoy the Longmen Grottoes at dusk all to yourself Day 1: First Impressions of Zhengzhou 📍Henan Museum (No. 8 Nongye Road, Jinshui District, Zhengzhou City) It's recommended to rent an audio guide to explore at your own pace. The Jiahu bone flute, a treasure of the museum, is a must-see! After your visit, head to the nearby Xiaoji Huimian (Zheng Bian Road Store) for a bowl of authentic Huimian noodles. It's super satisfying for about 35 RMB per person. Day 2: Laojun Mountain, a Sea of Clouds Wonderland 🚌Take a long-distance bus from Zhengzhou Bus Station to Luanchuan (approx. 4 hours) It's recommended to bring a jacket, as the temperature on the mountain is about 10℃ lower than in the city. The sea of clouds at the Jinding Taoist Temple Complex is truly breathtaking. Remember to fully charge your phone; every shot will be a masterpiece! After descending, be sure to try the Luanchuan Tofu Feast – it's smooth, tender, and flavorful. Day 3: Roaming the Divine Capital, Luoyang 🏮Longmen Grottoes (Longmen Avenue, Luolong District, Luoyang City) Entering the park at 4 PM allows you to avoid tour groups. The Lushena Buddha looks especially solemn under the setting sun. In the evening, go to Zhenbutong Restaurant (Zhongzhou East Road, Old Town) for a Water Feast. The Peony Swallow Vegetable and Aohuo are highly recommended! Day 4: A Day of Zen at Shaolin 🕌Shaolin Temple (Songshan Shaolin Scenic Area, Dengfeng City) Remember to find a spot early for the Wushu monk performance. The Pagoda Forest is great for photos. On your way down the mountain, you must buy Dengfeng Shaobing from a roadside stall; the sesame is so crispy it crumbles. Day 5: A Nostalgic Trip to Kaifeng 🏯Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden (Longting West Road, Longting District, Kaifeng City) It's recommended to wear Hanfu for better photos. The evening live-action show "Grand Song Dynasty·Tokyo Dream" is definitely worth the ticket price! 🍜Solo Traveler Food Guide: • Geji Menbing at Erqi Square, Zhengzhou • Potstickers at Xigong Xiaojie, Luoyang • Stir-fried Liangfen at Gulou Night Market, Kaifeng 🚆Transportation TIPS: Henan's intercity high-speed rail is super convenient; most attractions are reachable within 1-2 hours. It's more cost-effective to book tickets in advance on 12306. Choose a youth hostel near a subway station; the Eucalyptus Youth Hostel in Zhengzhou where I stayed had a great atmosphere, and I even found dinner companions there!