City Overview
Shangqiu is located in eastern Henan Province, at the junction of Henan, Shandong, Jiangsu, and Anhui provinces. It is a national famous historical and cultural city with over 4,000 years of urban history and 1,500 years of capital history. Shangqiu is the birthplace of Chinese commercial civilization — the Chinese character "商" (shāng), meaning commerce, traces its origins directly to this city. According to historical records, Xie, the ancestor of the Shang tribe, settled and multiplied here, and Shang Tang established the Shang Dynasty here, marking the beginning of China's second great unified dynasty. Shangqiu administers two districts, one city, and six counties, covering approximately 10,704 square kilometers with a resident population of about 7.7 million. Beyond its profound historical heritage, the city is also the birthplace of Chinese fire culture and the founding ground of the Northern Song Dynasty, occupying a pivotal position in the development of Chinese civilization.
Shangqiu's historical culture can be summarized as that of a "six-dynasty ancient capital." Nanbo, the founding capital of the Shang Dynasty; the State of Song during the Zhou Dynasty; Suichang, capital of the Liang Kingdom in the Western Han; Nanjing Yingtian Prefecture during the Northern Song; Guide Prefecture under the Jin Dynasty; and again Guide Prefecture during the Ming Dynasty — six dynasties established capitals or auxiliary capitals here, leaving behind an extraordinarily rich cultural legacy. During the Northern Song, Shangqiu served as "Nanjing Yingtian Prefecture," making it one of the era's political, economic, and cultural centers. Yingtian Academy reached its zenith in this period, ranking alongside Songyang, Yuelu, and White Deer Cave academies as the Four Great Academies of the Northern Song. During the Southern Song, Zhao Gou ascended the throne in Shangqiu, earning the city the title "Birthplace of the Southern Song." The Ming Dynasty's Guide Prefecture era produced numerous luminaries, including the renowned literatus Hou Fangyu. This profound cultural endowment gives Shangqiu eight national-level major heritage sites and over sixty provincial-level protected units — a veritable treasure house of history and culture.
Shangqiu's modern urban landscape is equally impressive. As an important regional center and transportation hub in Henan Province, Shangqiu sits at the intersection of the Beijing–Kowloon and Longhai railways, making it a key node on the "Eurasian Continental Bridge." In recent years, the city has vigorously advanced urban construction and industrial upgrading, with ever-improving infrastructure. A three-dimensional transportation network of high-speed rail, expressways, and aviation is now fully operational. Shangqiu is also a well-known energy city and a textile and garment industry base in China. In tourism, Shangqiu leverages its two core scenic areas — Shangqiu Ancient City and Mangdang Mountain — to offer a comprehensive tourism system integrating historical culture, natural scenery, red tourism, and industrial tourism. The annual International Huashang Festival attracts Chinese business representatives from around the world to trace their roots and honor their ancestors, becoming one of China's most influential Shang-culture themed events. The people of Shangqiu are warm and hospitable, and the affordable, delicious local cuisine will make you never want to leave.
Shangqiu Ancient City (商丘古城)
National 4A Scenic Area Six-Dynasty Ancient Capital SiteShangqiu Ancient City, located in Suiyang District, is one of the best-preserved ancient walled cities in China and one of the few still inhabited today. Originally built in the sixth year of the Zhengde reign (1511 AD) during the Ming Dynasty, it has a history of over 500 years. The city's layout is remarkably unique among Chinese ancient cities: a circular outer wall enclosing a square inner wall, symbolizing the traditional cosmological concept of "round heaven, square earth." Within the walls, the layout follows a strict north–south axis with civil offices on the left and military offices on the right, markets behind the palaces — built in strict accordance with ancient Chinese urban planning codes. The ancient city covers approximately 1.03 square kilometers with a wall circumference of about 3.6 kilometers, standing 8 meters high with a base width of 10 meters, all remarkably well preserved. The city still retains a large number of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, including the Zhuanghuitang (Hall of Heroic Remorse), the Mu Family Courtyard Compound, and the Hou Mansion. With their grey brick walls, upturned eaves, and time-honored alleyways, strolling through the old town feels like stepping back hundreds of years into the Ming and Qing era.
The most famous building within the ancient city is Zhuanghuitang (壮悔堂). This was the residence of Hou Fangyu, a prominent literatus of the late Ming and early Qing periods, named after his collected works "Zhuanghuitang Wenji" written here. A typical Ming–Qing courtyard compound, it consists of a main hall, east and west wing rooms, a reception hall, and a garden, featuring exquisite architecture and elegant layout. The love story between Hou Fangyu and the legendary Qinhuai courtesan Li Xiangjun was immortalized by Kong Shangren in the famous play "The Peach Blossom Fan" (桃花扇), making Zhuanghuitang not merely a historic building but a celebrated episode in Chinese literary history. The Mu Family Courtyard Compound (穆氏四合院) within the city is the most completely preserved Qing dynasty residential complex in Shangqiu, built by the Mu family during the Daoguang reign. With seven courtyards and seventy-three rooms, featuring carved beams, painted rafters, and exquisite brick carvings, it is a precious physical resource for studying Central Plains vernacular architecture. The Guide Prefecture Confucian Temple (归德府文庙), also inside the ancient city, is the largest surviving Ming dynasty temple complex in Henan Province. Its grand Dacheng Hall showcases superb craftsmanship, and elaborate Confucian ceremonies are held here annually on the 27th day of the eighth lunar month to commemorate Confucius's birthday.
The Nanhu (South Lake) Scenic Area is a major highlight of any visit. Located south of the ancient city and expanded from the original moat, it offers expansive shimmering waters where visitors can take boat rides around the city walls, admiring their grandeur from below. The Yingtian Academy site also lies within the ancient city; though destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries, it has now been carefully reconstructed according to historical records, serving as a window into China's academy culture. Just outside the northern gate, Suihuang Mausoleum (燧皇陵) is traditionally believed to be the tomb of Suirenshi, the first of the Three Sovereigns, who invented fire-by-friction drilling — one of humanity's greatest technological breakthroughs — earning Shangqiu the title "Hometown of Chinese Fire Culture." Other historic complexes within the walls, such as the Chen Family Compound and the Ye Family Manor, each have their own distinctive character, showcasing Shangqiu's prosperity as a major commercial hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties. At night, the illuminated ancient city takes on an entirely different charm. Strolling through the softly lit old alleys creates a magical sense of time standing still.
Practical Information: The Ancient City scenic area is currently free to enter. A joint ticket for indoor attractions (Zhuanghuitang, Mu Family Courtyard, etc.) costs ¥70. The scenic area is open all day, with indoor attractions operating from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Take Bus 1 or 9 from downtown Shangqiu to reach the Ancient City directly. Plan for half a day to a full day. Several specialty restaurants and guesthouses inside the city offer authentic local cuisine and overnight stays. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for visiting.
Mangdang Mountain Han Culture Site (芒砀山汉文化景区)
National 5A Scenic Area Han Tomb MarvelMangdang Mountain, located in northern Yongcheng (under Shangqiu's jurisdiction) at the junction of four provinces, is a national 5A scenic area themed around Han Dynasty culture. The mountain range consists of thirteen peaks covering approximately 14 square kilometers. Though not tall (the highest peak reaches only 156 meters), it is world-renowned for housing a large cluster of Western Han royal tombs belonging to the Liang Kingdom. The Mangdang Mountain Han Tomb Complex is the largest, most structurally complex, and best-preserved Western Han vassal-king tomb group discovered in China, hailed as the "Number One Stone-Chamber Tomb Under Heaven." Since the 1970s, archaeologists have uncovered over twenty large Han tombs here, yielding more than 20,000 precious artifacts, including a jade burial suit sewn with gold thread and the "Four Divine Beasts Cloud and Qi" mural, both classified as national treasures. In 2001, the Mangdang Mountain Han Tombs were designated a Major National Historical and Cultural Heritage Site.
The core attraction at Mangdang Mountain is the Tomb of King Xiao of Liang's Queen Consort. This is the largest Western Han cliff-tomb discovered in China to date, stretching over 210 meters with a total area of approximately 1,600 square meters. Comprising dozens of sections including a front court, corridors, main chambers, side chambers, and connecting passages, its structural complexity and engineering scale are breathtaking. The tomb preserves a wealth of exquisite stone reliefs depicting chariot processions, mythological tales, and musical performances — invaluable resources for studying Han Dynasty art and social life. Most remarkably, the "Ice Crystal Stone Chamber" and "Ice Storage Cellar" demonstrate how ancient builders ingeniously used the mountain's natural geology to create refrigeration facilities, reflecting the advanced architectural technology and practical wisdom of the Western Han period. The Tomb of King Xiao of Liang is equally magnificent; the jade burial suit found within, assembled from over 2,000 jade plaques sewn with gold wire, represents the highest grade of Han Dynasty funerary attire and is now housed in the Henan Museum. The "Four Divine Beasts" mural tomb at Fuzi Mountain represents the pinnacle of Han Dynasty mural painting — the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise are rendered in vivid, brilliant colors, earning it the title "Dunhuang Before Dunhuang."
Beyond the Han tombs, Mangdang Mountain offers several other noteworthy attractions. The Gaizu Snake-Slaying Stele is one of the site's iconic landmarks — legend holds that Liu Bang slew a white snake here to launch the rebellion that would found the Han Dynasty. When illuminated at night, the stele mysteriously reveals the silhouette of two golden-armored warriors, earning it the title "Number One Wonder Under Heaven." The Mangdang Mountain Confucian Temple is one of the largest surviving Qing dynasty Confucian temples in Henan, featuring simple and elegant architecture. The Tomb of Chen Sheng, leader of the peasant uprising at the end of the Qin Dynasty, is another important historical landmark on the mountain. The scenic area also features a Han Culture Experience Hall and a Hanfu (traditional Han clothing) center, where visitors can don Han attire, learn Han Dynasty etiquette, and try traditional activities like pitch-pot and archery for an immersive cultural experience. The large-scale live performance "Autumn Moon at the Han Palace" (汉宫秋月), regularly staged at the site, recreates the courtly life and ceremonial culture of the Western Han Liang Kingdom — a spectacular show not to be missed for anyone interested in Han culture.
Practical Information: The Mangdang Mountain joint ticket costs ¥100, covering the Tomb of King Xiao's Queen, King Xiao's Tomb, the Han-Liang Royal Tomb Zone, the Snake-Slaying Stele, and other major attractions. The scenic area is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Take the tourist shuttle bus from downtown Yongcheng (approximately 30 minutes). From Shangqiu city, take the high-speed rail to Yongcheng North Station (about 20 minutes) or a coach bus (about 1.5 hours). Plan for a full day. On-site guided tours are available and highly recommended for a deeper understanding of the tombs' history and culture.
Yingtian Academy (应天书院)
Major National Heritage Site Four Great Academies of Northern SongYingtian Academy, located within Shangqiu Ancient City, ranks alongside Songyang, Yuelu, and White Deer Cave academies as one of the Four Great Academies of the Northern Song Dynasty, and is an important birthplace of classical Chinese academy education. Originally founded in the Later Jin period of the Five Dynasties (936 AD) as "Nandu Study Hall" by the Shangqiu scholar Yang Que, it was officially recognized as a higher learning institution in 1009 AD when Emperor Zhenzong of Song granted it the name "Yingtian Prefecture Academy." In 1043 AD, Emperor Renzong elevated Yingtian Academy to "Nanjing Imperial Academy" (国子监), making it one of the Northern Song's highest educational institutions, on par with the Imperial Academy in the capital Bianliang (Kaifeng). During the Northern Song, Yingtian Academy nurtured numerous outstanding talents, the most famous being the eminent statesman Fan Zhongyan, who studied here and later administered the academy, leaving behind the immortal words: "Be the first to worry about the world's troubles and the last to rejoice in its happiness" (先天下之忧而忧，后天下之乐而乐).
The brilliant achievements of Yingtian Academy during the Northern Song give it an extremely important place in Chinese educational history. At its peak, the academy covered over 30,000 square meters with comprehensive facilities including lecture halls, a library, dormitories, and dining halls. Its collection exceeded 100,000 volumes, and enrollment reached several thousand students at its height. The academy recruited the era's top scholars as professors, with a curriculum centered on Confucian classics supplemented by history, mathematics, astronomy, and law. Its educational philosophy emphasized "understanding principles and applying them in practice" — students were expected to master Confucian doctrine and be able to apply it to governance and statecraft. This pragmatic approach to education had a profound influence on later academy-based education throughout China. Yingtian Academy also pioneered the "joint lecture" system, regularly inviting scholars from different schools to deliver lectures and engage in debates, promoting intellectual exchange and playing a significant role in the formation and development of Neo-Confucianism during the Northern Song.
The present-day Yingtian Academy has been reconstructed on its original site based on historical records, with the entire complex built in Song Dynasty architectural style — simple, elegant, and dignified. The main buildings include the main gate, lecture hall, library, and Chongsheng Hall, arranged along a central axis with stone tablet corridors and exhibition areas on both sides. The lecture hall recreates the teaching environment of a Song Dynasty academy with antique desks and seating, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into a classroom from a thousand years ago. The library displays numerous historical documents and artifact replicas related to the academy, including Song Dynasty block-printed books, academy regulations, and authentic calligraphy by famous scholars. The tablet corridor preserves dozens of steles from various dynasties, with Fan Zhongyan's "Memorial to Yueyang Tower" (岳阳楼记) inscription being the most precious. Each spring and autumn, the academy hosts traditional Confucian ceremonies such as the First Writing Ceremony and the Coming-of-Age Ceremony, along with cultural lectures and academic forums, continuing the cultural mission of this thousand-year-old institution of learning.
Practical Information: Yingtian Academy is included in the Ancient City joint ticket (¥70). Open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays. It is reachable on foot from within the Ancient City. Plan for 1–2 hours. Free guided tours are available at scheduled times daily, and audio guide devices can also be rented.
Fire God Terrace / Suihuang Mausoleum (火神台 / 燧皇陵)
Major National Heritage Site Birthplace of Chinese Fire CultureFire God Terrace (火神台), located about one kilometer southwest of Shangqiu Ancient City in Suiyang District, is a sacred site commemorating Suirenshi, the first of the Three Sovereigns, and a major birthplace of Chinese fire culture. According to legend, in ancient times, Suirenshi observed natural phenomena in the Suiming Kingdom near Shangqiu and, inspired by seeing a bird peck at a particular tree and produce sparks, invented the technique of making fire by friction drilling. This discovery ended humanity's primitive life of eating raw food and ushered in a new era of civilization. Fire-by-drilling is one of humanity's greatest technological inventions, and Suirenshi was posthumously honored as the "Ancestor of Fire" and "Ancestor of Human Civilization." Fire God Terrace was built by later generations to commemorate Suirenshi's monumental achievement and has a history of over 4,000 years. Also known as "Ebo Terrace" (阏伯台), it is said that Ebo, son of Emperor Ku, served here as the "Fire Official" (火正), responsible for observing celestial bodies, promulgating calendars, and managing fire — an important transmitter of ancient astronomical knowledge.
The architectural form of Fire God Terrace is unique — it is one of the oldest surviving ancient observatory sites in China. The entire structure takes an inverted-bowl shape, approximately 35 meters tall with a base circumference of about 300 meters, built from rammed earth and clad in grey bricks. Three main halls sit atop the terrace, housing a statue of Suirenshi. Climbing the steps to the top rewards visitors with sweeping views of the surrounding plains. In ancient times, this was an important observation point for tracking the planet Mars; Ebo's long-term observations of Mars's movements allowed him to develop an astronomical calendar suited to agricultural production, making a significant contribution to the development of Chinese agrarian civilization. The Suihuang Mausoleum scenic area surrounding the terrace also includes Suirenshi's Tomb, the Ebo Shrine, and the Fire Culture Museum. The Fire Culture Museum, through extensive artifacts, photographs, and multimedia displays, provides a comprehensive introduction to the history of human fire use and the evolution of fire culture across different civilizations — a vivid lesson in the progress of human civilization.
Every year from the 7th to the 9th day of the first lunar month, Shangqiu hosts the grand Fire God Terrace Temple Fair, one of the largest and oldest traditional temple fairs in Henan Province with a history of over 2,000 years. During the fair, the area around Fire God Terrace is brilliantly decorated and thronged with crowds. A dazzling variety of folk performances unfolds: dragon and lion dances, stilt-walking, land-boat dances, and suona horn playing take turns entertaining the masses. Countless food stalls and peddlers from all directions offer an overwhelming array of local specialties. In recent years, Shangqiu has also organized the International Fire Culture Forum and the Fire God Terrace Sacrificial Ceremony during the temple fair, inviting domestic and international scholars to discuss the historical transmission and contemporary significance of fire culture, breathing new cultural vitality into this ancient sacred site. The Fire God Terrace Temple Fair has been inscribed on Henan Province's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
Practical Information: Fire God Terrace tickets cost ¥30. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Reachable on foot from the Ancient City in about 15 minutes or by bus. The Chinese New Year period during the Fire God Terrace Temple Fair is the best time to visit for the most authentic traditional cultural atmosphere. The nearby Suihuang Mausoleum scenic area can be visited together in the same trip.
Getting There & Around
- ✈️Air: Shangqiu Guantang Airport is now operational with flights to major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. It takes about 20 minutes from the airport to downtown by airport shuttle or taxi.
- 🚄High-speed Rail: Shangqiu Station is a key interchange on the Zhengzhou–Xuzhou and Shangqiu–Hefei–Hangzhou high-speed lines. It takes approximately 40 minutes from Zhengzhou, 30 minutes from Xuzhou, and 3 hours from Hangzhou. The high-speed station is adjacent to the conventional rail station for easy transfers.
- 🚂Rail: Shangqiu Station sits at the junction of the Beijing–Kowloon and Longhai railways, with over 100 train pairs stopping daily. It connects to nearly all provincial capitals and major cities nationwide, serving as an important transit hub between eastern/southern China and the northwest.
- 🚌Bus: Shangqiu Central Bus Station operates frequent departures to cities and counties across Henan as well as nearby cities like Xuzhou, Hefei, and Jinan. Fares are affordable.
- 🚗Driving: Multiple expressways cross Shangqiu, including the Lianyungang–Khorgos, Jinan–Guangzhou, and Shangqiu–Zhoukou expressways. It takes about 2 hours 40 minutes from Zhengzhou and 1.5 hours from Xuzhou by car.
- 🚌Local Transport: Shangqiu has over 30 bus routes with fares of ¥1–2. Take Bus 1 or 9 to reach the Ancient City, and Bus 2 to the Fire God Terrace.
Shangqiu Food & Dining
Shuiji Doumo (水激豆沫)
Shangqiu's most iconic traditional breakfast. Made from millet flour simmered with crushed peanuts, sesame, shredded tofu, and glass noodles into a thick, silky-smooth porridge with a savory flavor. The name comes from the technique of "shocking" the millet flour with water before cooking. A daily morning ritual for Shangqiu locals.
Guide Prefecture Baked Cake (归德府烧饼)
A traditional delicacy from the Ancient City's Guide Prefecture era. Made from premium flour with a seasoned filling, baked until the outside is golden and crispy while the inside stays fluffy and layered. Freshly baked, these cakes fill the old town streets with an irresistible aroma — the most beloved street snack in Shangqiu.
Sha Soup (糝汤)
A signature Shangqiu soup made from wheat kernels slow-cooked with chicken, flour, and spices. The result is a creamy, rich broth with tender chicken and soft wheat berries. Legend says it was once a Song Dynasty imperial recipe. Locals pair it with deep-fried dough sticks or baked cakes for the perfect breakfast.
Jing Family Fried Dough Twist (景家麻花)
A specialty snack from Yucheng County, hand-twisted from flour, sesame, and vegetable oil, then deep-fried at low temperature. These golden, crispy, and fluffy twists are delightfully sweet without being cloying. Their best feature? They stay crunchy for months — making them Shangqiu's most popular traditional souvenir pastry.
Yongcheng Bean Porridge (永城豆粥)
A hearty Yongcheng specialty made from mung beans or soybeans, slow-simmered until the beans burst and the broth turns thick and creamy. Served with sesame salt and chili oil. In summer, it's refreshing chilled; in winter, it's a warming comfort food. Delicious in any season.
Xiayi Pan-fried Buns (夏邑水煎包)
A traditional Xiayi County delicacy — pork and glass noodle-filled buns pan-fried until the bottom turns golden-crisp while the top stays soft and white. One bite reveals a perfect contrast: crispy bottom, fluffy crown, and juicy savory filling. The most soulful street food in all of Shangqiu.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the Ancient City and Mangdang Mountain. The Fire God Terrace Temple Fair during Chinese New Year is the best time to experience traditional culture.
- Mangdang Mountain — Allow a Full Day: The scenic area is large with attractions spread out. Start early and plan for a full day. Some Han tombs are dimly lit and cool inside — bring a light jacket.
- Ancient City Night Tour: The illuminated old town is magical after dark. Arrive in the afternoon, explore until dusk, then dine inside the city walls. Several boutique guesthouses offer overnight stays.
- Brush Up on Han Dynasty History: You'll get far more from the Mangdang Mountain tombs with some background knowledge. Hiring a guide is highly recommended.
- International Huashang Festival: Held annually in September or October, this is Shangqiu's largest cultural event featuring grand ancestral ceremonies, cultural exhibitions, and trade fairs.
- Shopping: Guide Prefecture baked cakes, Jing Family dough twists, Yongcheng dried dates, and Yucheng paper cuttings make excellent souvenirs. The Ancient City's specialty shops have a full selection.
- Safety Notes: Some Ancient City paths are stone-paved — watch your step in rain. Han tombs have many stairs and narrow spaces; those with mobility concerns should take caution.
- Suggested Itinerary: Plan 2–3 days: Day 1 — Ancient City + Fire God Terrace; Day 2 — Mangdang Mountain Han Culture Site; Day 3 — Shangqiu Museum for a comprehensive historical overview.