Henan

Cluding over 400 stone carvings after the Northern Qi Dynasty (550-577), more than 250 caxdas from the Tang (618-907) to Qing (1616-1911) Dynasty, the Hall of First Zen Patnartr re Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) and the colored mural of 500 arhats of the Ming Dynast i1368-1644), as well as the collection of Shaolin boxing and the colored mural of the Q*( Dynasty that depicts thirteen monks rescuing the Prince of Tang Dynasty.

Kaifeng

Abbreviated as Bian, the provincial municipality Kaifeng is known as one of the anoee capitals in China and is one of the earliest cities of historical and cultural significance that we* nominated by the State Council.

It has served as the capital for seven past dynasties. Nine emperors of the Northern Dynasty located their capital in Kaifeng. During their reigns of 168 years, the city boasted boomrrc economy and prosperous education. At the time, its population exceeded a million. It was not or* the political, economic and cultural center of the nation, but also one of the most bustling metropolises around the world.

Garden of Pure Brightness Festival on the River

In the northwest comer of Kaifeng, there is a theme park that reproduces the living scenes and folk customs of the Song Dynasy depicted by Zhang Zeduar a noted painter at that time in his Pure Brightness Festival on the River.

Here, you can find artisans making embroideries, porcelain and spring festival pictures, and you can also enjoy folk performances, gambling and cock or dog fighting. The garden also offers more than 20 regula- performances, such as Bao Zheng Welcoming Guests, Inspection Tour around Bianjing, Outing of the Emperor and Chime Bell Dance.

Greater Xiangguo Temple

As a famous Buddhist temple in China, it was first built in 555, the 6th year during the Tianbao reign of the Northern Qi Dynasty. During the Northern Song Dynasty, it won favor from the royalty, and after several reconstructions, it became the largest temple in the capital and the center for Buddhist activities around the nation. Its Octagonal Hall houses a 7-meter-tall statue of the Goddess of Mercy with 1,000 Hands and 1,000 Eyes. Exquisitely carved from a gingko trunk, the statue is a masterpiece of ancient Chinese sculpture.

Iron Pagoda Scenic Resort

First built in 1049 during the Northern Song Dynasty, it is used to worship the relics of Buddha Asoka. Reputed as the No.1 Pagoda under Heaven, the 13-story building rises 55.88 meters and features a traditional octagonal wooden structure. Coated with brown glazed tiles, the pagoda looks as if it were made of cast iron, so it has been named Iron Pagoda since the Yuan Dynasty. Made of seamless bricks, it is carved with dozens of vivid motifs, such as flying maidens, musical performers and unicorns.

Kaifeng Mansion

The well-known Kaifeng Mansion was the government office for administrative and judicial affairs of the capital of the Northern Song Dynasty. Historical records show that 183 governors took office at the mansion, of which the most famous was Bao Zheng. It features magnificent and imposing architectures. Here, visitors can enjoy such performances as Bao Zheng hearing cases, martial arts, traditional operas and imperial music and dance of the Song Dynasty.

Yanqing Taoist Temple

First built in 1233, the fifth year during the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Yuan Dynasty, it occupies an important place in the history of Taoism. Originally named Chongyang Taoist Temple, it was contracted in memory of Wang Chongyang, the founder of Taoism who preached and died here. The only existing building is the 3-storied Jade Emperor Pavilion. Rising 13 meters, the pavilion features a structure of bricks and glazed tiles. With a round rood and a square foundation, the exquisitely-designed pavilion combines the characteristics of Mongolian tents and Han storied towers and shows the architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty. Now it is a historical site under state special protection.

Memorial Hall of Bao Zheng

Lying on the bank of Baogong Lake southwest to urban Kaifeng, it is used to commemorate Bao Zheng, an incorruptible official during the Northern Song Dynasty. As he served as the governor of Kaifeng, Bao Zheng insisted on justice and fairness without fear of pressure from higher officials, and his virtues have been praised from generation to generation. Housed in the 3-meter-tall main hall is an impressive bronze statue of Bao Zheng, which weights 2.5 tons.

Terrace of King Dayu Scenic Resort

Located southeast of urban Kaifeng, it boasts beautiful landscapes. Legend has that during the Spring and Autumn Period (770BC-476BC), Shi Kuang, a blind musician of the Jin State (265BC-420BC), often performed music here, hence its name Terrace of Ancient Music. In 1522, the Temple of King Dayu in honor of Dayu, who led people against flood, was constructed here. The temple was later renamed the Terrace of King Dayu. Every April, the King Dayu Temple Fair was held here.