A top cultural institution in Zhengzhou is Henan Museum, which has a wealth of priceless ceramics and statues, wall hangings and scrolls, from prehistoric times through the Qing Dynasty. The town is not really on the tourist trail, so you are all but guaranteed an authentic experience—just come armed with lists in Chinese with destinations you want to hit, and dishes you want to eat. Come evening there’s a massive large water, light, and music show at Zheng Dong Xin Qu.