When it comes to tourist attractions in Henan, one cannot miss the snowy scenes of its four ancient capitals. After a heavy snowfall, numerous sites in Zhengzhou, Kaifeng, Luoyang, and Anyang are draped in silver, exuding a uniquely captivating charm.

In Zhengzhou, the Zhengzhou Shang City National Archaeological Site Park carries the strongest historical aura. The gray-brown city walls, blanketed in snow, quietly recount stories of the Shang capital from 3,600 years ago. The upturned eaves of Zhengzhou Confucian Temple are adorned with a light layer of snow, and stepping into its courtyard evokes a sense of ancient elegance. The buildings of Henan Museum, shrouded in snow, trade bustle for tranquility, making the visit especially pleasant.

Kaifeng is imbued with the charm of the Northern Song Dynasty. In the Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden, pavilions and towers are clad in silver, boats gently sway on the Bian River, and red lanterns reflect off the white snow, resembling scenes from the Along the River During the Qingming Festival painting. The snow-covered gray bricks and dark tiles of the Kaifeng Prefecture add to the majestic aura of this ancient government office.

Luoyang hides the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. The snow-laden flying eaves of Yingtian Gate in Sui-Tang Luoyang City, with its red walls contrasting beautifully against the white snow, transport visitors back to the heyday of the Tang Dynasty. The red walls of the White Horse Temple are tinged with a blush-like hue by the snow, making the ancient temple appear even more timeless. At the Longmen Grottoes, the gentle smile of the Vairocana Buddha seems to slow down time as snowflakes settle on the statues.

Anyang boasts a profound cultural heritage. In the Yinxu Museum, oracle bones and bronze ware are displayed silently in the snow, narrating tales of the Shang Dynasty. The exhibition walls of the Chinese Character Museum are illuminated by the snowy light, clearly tracing the evolution of Chinese writing. The snow-clad Daokou Ancient Town blends natural beauty with human warmth, and the soft footsteps in its ancient alleys evoke a sense of gentle serenity.

The beauty of tourist attractions in Henan is fully revealed on snowy days. These places, steeped in history and everyday life, are worth experiencing firsthand—walking through them and taking in their charm.

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Zhang Rui