We have lived in China seven months now and we are on our summer vacation traveling around the country. We stayed in Zhengzhou for two days to see the Shaolin Temple and other sights. We did not enjoy Zhengzhou at all - the most unfriendly and rude people we have met in China so far. Many of the city folks called us laowai to our faces (unusual for Chinese in most places) and there was even an argument at our bus station because a woman was angry two laowai were riding the same bus as Chinese (she didn't think we paid for our ticket). They finally stormed the bus, checked our tickets, and then stormed off again as we waved goodbye from our seats.

Travel Tip: To Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou, take the bus from Zhengzhou to Denfeng City (1.5 hours ride), but then pay 10 yuan to take a taxi up to the Shaolin Temple - do not get on the mini-bus because they stop for all passengers, taking xtra money on the side, and it will take you hours to travel the 9 miles up to the Temple.

If you have a choice, we suggest staying in Luoyang instead of going near Zhengzhou, you can get to Shaoilin Temple easily and you can get to the famous grotto caves from here too.

Zie Jian, Zhengzhou!