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Shangqiu Ancient City, also known as Guide Prefecture City, is located in Suiyang District, Shangqiu City, Henan Province, and boasts a history of nearly 500 years. Shaped like a copper coin, the ancient city, with its circular exterior and square interior, also features the characteristics of an eight-diagram city, a water city, and a city upon a city. Its integrated structure of inner city, city lake, and city walls makes it the best-preserved ancient city in China.
Shangqiu Ancient City consists of a brick city wall, a city lake, and a city wall. Its outer circle and inner square resemble an ancient coin, creating a unique architectural form. This well-preserved trinity of inner city, city lake, and city wall is a rare sight in China.
The ancient city is laid out in a chessboard pattern. The central north-south streets, though weathered by vicissitudes of time, still exude a rich Ming and Qing dynasty atmosphere. The North and South City Gates, also known as Gongchen Gate and Gongyang Gate respectively, were built during the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty.
Zhuanghui Hall is where Hou Fangyu, the protagonist of "Peach Blossom Fan," one of the "Four Great Ancient Chinese Dramas," wrote his works in his prime. It was also the retreat he shared with Li Xiangjun , one of the " Eight Beauties of Qinhuai . " Key attractions within the ancient city include the majestic North and South Gate Towers, the deeply moving Zhuanghui Hall, the tranquil and unique Mu Family Quadrangle, the Dacheng Hall, a sacred site for Confucius, and the towering Minglun Hall, a prestigious institution of learning.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: more than 3 hours
The ancient city is open to the public free of charge, and small attractions in the ancient city are charged separately
Winter : 8:00-17:00
Summer : 8:00-18:00
Shangqiu Ancient City is a historically significant city located in the central region of China. It dates back over 2,000 years and served as a key political and cultural center throughout various dynasties. The city is known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, which offers a glimpse into China's past and the role of Shangqiu as a hub of commerce and trade.
Shangqiu Ancient City is located in the city of Shangqiu in Henan Province, China. It is accessible by taxi or public buses from the main areas of Shangqiu. The city's train station also provides good connectivity to other major cities, making it easy to reach by train.
The city itself is open for visits all year round. The best time to visit is during spring or autumn when the weather is more comfortable, and the city is less crowded. During weekends or national holidays, it tends to get more crowded.
Entry to the main attractions within the ancient city may have a ticket price of around ¥40-¥60. Tickets can be bought on-site at the entrance to the specific attractions, and online booking may be available for certain sites.
It is not strictly necessary to book tickets in advance for individual visitors, but during peak seasons or holidays, it is recommended to book at least a few days in advance to avoid long lines.
A visit to the Shangqiu Ancient City typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring the historical sites, streets, and exhibits.
Guided tours in Mandarin are available on-site. Audio guides are typically provided in Chinese, though some tourist information might be available in English at certain spots.
Start by exploring the ancient gates and city wall for a historical overview. Then, move through the old streets, stopping by local museums and cultural exhibits. Finish by walking along the canal for a scenic view of the area.
Currently, there are no regular night visits or light shows, though special events or festivals might be organized on occasion. It’s advisable to check with local tourism authorities for specific details on events.
The site can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit during weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon, particularly in the off-peak seasons (spring and autumn).
There are public toilets available within the ancient city. Food stalls and shops selling local snacks and souvenirs are present. There are also some rest areas where visitors can take a break during their tour.
While the ancient city is mostly accessible, some areas, especially the ancient streets and city walls, may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven terrain. It’s recommended to check with the local tourism office for specific accessibility details.
Both cash and mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted for most transactions in the area. It’s advisable to carry a small amount of cash for smaller purchases or in case mobile payment options are unavailable at certain spots.
There are several local restaurants and tea houses around the area offering traditional Henan cuisine. Local dishes like steamed buns, lamb skewers, and noodles are popular choices.
Vegetarian options are available in many of the local restaurants. Halal food options may be less common, but some larger restaurants or eateries may cater to halal dietary requirements.
There are several mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Shangqiu city center, with a few accommodations located near the ancient city for convenience.
Souvenir shops are located within the ancient city, selling traditional crafts like pottery, silk products, and local snacks. Traditional calligraphy and paintings are also common souvenirs.
Taxis and public buses are readily available for onward travel. The Shangqiu Railway Station is located nearby, offering further connections to other cities in Henan and beyond.
