Zhengzhou Henan, China Travel Guide
Most foreign nationals require a visa for getting into China. Planning this step well in advance of your trip is important. The Tourist Visa (L-visa) applies to general tourism. The application process typically involves submission at a Chinese Embassy, Consulate, or Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in your home country, either in person or by mail.
Your passport must hold at least six months of remaining validity from your intended entry date, alongside at least two blank visa pages. One recent (within six months) color passport-style photo, measuring 48mm x 33mm with a white background and bare head, is necessary. A complete and signed visa application form is also mandatory. Proof of itinerary, like round-trip flight bookings and hotel reservations, or an invitation letter from a Chinese citizen or resident, is typically part of the submission.
Visa fees vary by nationality and visa type. For instance, a single-entry L-visa for US citizens approximates USD 185, including service fees. Confirm current fees with your local CVASC or through services like IVisa or VisaHQ. Upon arrival, present your passport and valid visa. Complete an arrival card, and most foreign nationals provide fingerprints upon entry. No special permits are usually required for tourist travel within Zhengzhou or to major tourist attractions like Shaolin Temple. A health declaration form upon arrival may be necessary, requiring symptom declarations or recent travel history.
Some remote border regions in China require permits, but Zhengzhou is not among them.
Check with your local CVASC.
Passport, valid visa, arrival card, fingerprints.
Not usually needed for Zhengzhou tourist sites.
WeChat Pay & Alipay dominate.
Main financial institutions or ATMs widely available.
Not customary or expected in China.
May be required upon entry.
Consult a healthcare professional.
Can be a concern, especially in winter; check AQI.
The official currency is the Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY, RMB), symbolized by ¥. Major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP, JPY) exchange at large banks like Bank of The people's republic of china or ICBC. Some hotels exchange currency, but rates may be less favorable. ATMs are widespread and accept most international cards (Visa, Mastercard, Plus, Cirrus). WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate transactions; these apps link to international cards, offering convenience and often better exchange rates than cash. Cash usage is less frequent in daily transactions.
Hostel/guesthouse, street food, public transit, free sites.
3-4 star hotel, mid-range restaurants, taxis, paid attractions.
5-star hotel, fine dining, private car, specialized tours.
From hostels to luxury hotels.
From street snacks to fine dining.
No specific vaccinations are required for entry to China, unless arriving from a yellow fever endemic area. Consulting a healthcare professional well before your trip is advisable for recommended routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT, Polio), Hepatitis A, and Typhoid. Additional consideration for Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, and Rabies may be based on your activities and duration.
Zhengzhou has numerous public hospitals, with several reputable options. Modern medical you can find facilities. Emergency services: Police 110, Fire 119, Ambulance 120. Tap water is generally not safe for direct consumption; always use Bottled water, boiled water, or filtered water. Exercise caution with street food; select vendors with high customer turnover and fresh preparations. Reputable restaurants usually maintain good hygiene standards.
Explore typical price ranges for attractions and getting around locally methods to support you plan your budget effectively.
