Live Your Best Lives
Explore the ancient architecture, visit the archaeological sites, take a stroll along the city's historic walls, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Photography is highly recommended to capture the beauty of the ruins and surrounding nature.
Youli City (also known as Lingli City ), located approximately 4 kilometers north of Tangyin County, Anyang City, Henan Province , is a Neolithic, Shang, and Zhou dynasty site. It is the world's oldest surviving state prison and the birthplace of the globally renowned Zhouyi culture. Renowned for its profound cultural heritage, it is the site of the " dividing the land into a prison " and " King Wen of Zhou expounding the Book of Changes " —both originating here.
Here, King Wen of Zhou deduced 64 hexagrams and 384 lines based on Fuxi's eight trigrams. Later generations built a temple for King Wen on the ruins of Youli City to commemorate King Jichang. During his long imprisonment in Youli, Jichang wrote the Zhouyi, which was later listed as the first of the Five Classics.
The ruins of Youli City currently include the Yanyi Square, the mountain gate, the Yanyi Platform of King Wen of Zhou, the ancient temple base, etc., as well as more than ten steles such as "Youli City of King Wen of Zhou", "Yu Stele", and "King Wen's Changes". The Yanyi Platform is the place where the legendary Ji Chang was imprisoned. It is divided into two floors, and the three words " Yanyi Platform " are engraved on the lintel .
The Bagua Maze was built entirely according to the Bagua diagram, with eight formations: Heroes Formation, Chain Formation, Enemy Decoy Formation, General Formation, Crouching Dragon Formation, Long Snake Formation, Soul-Bafflement Formation, and Ten-Sided Ambush Formation. According to legend, it was a battle formation drawn up by Zhuge Liang during the Three Kingdoms period according to the directions of the Nine Palaces and Bagua and the principle of the Five Elements.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
40 yuan/person
Summer : 8:00-18:30
Winter : 8:00-17:30
Youli City in Anyang, Henan, is a historical site with remnants from the ancient Shang Dynasty. It was an important political and cultural center and is famous for its well-preserved ruins, including city walls, palaces, and tombs.
Youli City is located in Anyang, Henan Province. It is accessible by taxi or private car from central Anyang. Public buses may also be available, though taxis are the most convenient mode of transport to the site.
The site is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is cooler, and the site is less crowded.
The entrance fee is approximately ¥30-50. Tickets can be bought at the entrance, and during peak seasons, it’s advisable to buy tickets in advance through local travel agencies or online platforms.
It’s not usually necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during public holidays or weekends. Booking 1-2 days ahead is usually sufficient.
Plan to spend around 2-3 hours exploring the city ruins, including walking along the city walls and visiting the archaeological sites. If you wish to take your time with photography, allow an additional hour.
Must-see highlights include the city walls, ancient palaces, royal tombs, and the archaeological museum that showcases artifacts from the Shang Dynasty.
Guided tours in Chinese are available. Audio guides may be offered in Mandarin, and sometimes in English, depending on availability. It is advisable to check on-site for the availability of English-speaking guides.
The best viewpoints are from the top of the city walls, where you can capture panoramic shots of the ruins and surrounding landscapes. The royal tombs also offer unique angles for photography.
Start by visiting the main entrance and walking along the city walls. Then explore the archaeological museum before heading to the royal tombs and concluding with a stroll through the palace ruins.
Night visits are not available, but special tours might be arranged during certain festivals. It’s recommended to visit during the day to fully appreciate the archaeological site and its history.
The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
There are basic facilities available, including public toilets and rest areas. Food and drinks are available at nearby shops, but it is recommended to bring your own water, especially during warmer months.
The attraction is accessible for elderly and children, though some parts may be challenging due to uneven terrain. There may be limited accessibility for visitors with disabilities, so it’s best to inquire at the entrance for specific assistance.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely used and accepted. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller shops within the area.
There are local restaurants offering traditional Henan cuisine nearby. Inside the site, only small snack kiosks are available. For a full meal, it’s better to visit restaurants in the nearby city of Anyang.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in local restaurants in Anyang. Halal food options may be limited, so it’s best to check before visiting.
There are several hotels in Anyang, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range options. Some hotels closer to the site offer convenient access to the archaeological park.
Nearby attractions include the Yin Ruins (another UNESCO World Heritage Site), the Anyang Museum, and the famous Wenfeng Pagoda. These can be combined in a day trip from Youli City.
Souvenir shops near the site sell local crafts, such as pottery, traditional Chinese artwork, and replicas of artifacts from the Shang Dynasty. Silk products are also commonly available.
Taxis and local buses are available for further travel. For flexibility, renting a car or using ride-hailing services (like Didi) is a good option to explore nearby attractions or continue your journey to other parts of Henan.
