Zhengzhou is the cradle of Chinese civilisation and the site of the Shang Dynasty capital ruins. Key attractions include the Shaolin Temple (the birthplace of Chan Buddhism, a martial arts mecca, and home to the spectacular Pagoda Forest), Mount Song (one of the Five Great Mountains, a dual World Heritage site for its geology and culture), the Henan Museum (housing treasures such as the Jiahu bone flute and the Fu Hao owl-shaped zun), and the Erqi Memorial Tower. Local specialities include huimian (braised lamb noodles with rich broth and chewy noodles), hulatang with youmotou as a classic breakfast, barrel chicken with crispy skin and tender meat, and Geji braised flatbread with rich savoury sauce—all showcasing the hearty flavours of Central Plains cuisine.