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The ruins of the Han and Ba two kings' cities are located on Guangwu Mountain, about 17 kilometers northwest of Xingyang, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province.
During the Qin and Han dynasties, Liu Bang and Xiang Yu faced off against each other, building the East and West Guangwu Cities to maintain a stalemate. The West Cities were built by Liu Bang and were called the Han King Cities; the East Cities were built by Xiang Yu and were called the Overlord Cities. The two Cities were separated by the Guangwu Stream (some say it was the Hong Gou during the Warring States Period). The Stream was 200 meters deep[1], 100 meters wide, and about 800 meters wide at its mouth, running north to south. This Stream was known as the "Boundary between Chu and Han." The two Cities were close to the Yellow River to the north, and surrounded by mountains to the southwest, making the terrain dangerous.
The existing Han and Ba Wang cities have long since lost their original appearance due to the constant erosion of the Yellow River, with their northern walls, in particular, having collapsed into the water. According to measurements taken in 1980, the remaining Han Wang City measured 530 meters east to west and 190 meters north to south, with walls 30 meters wide, approximately 6 meters high, and a peak of 10 meters. The Ba Wang City measured 400 meters east to west and 340 meters north to south, with walls 28 meters wide, approximately 7 meters high, and a peak of approximately 15 meters. The rammed earth layers of the two cities are essentially the same, both constructed with flat rammed earth, and the soil is a yellowish-brown color. To the west of the Han Wang City lies another rammed earth city, said to be the "Zifang City" where Zhang Liang lived.
The city of Han and Ba, with its backdrop of the Chu River and Han River, is rich in cultural resources. In particular, the "Chu River and Han River" is a unique historical witness left on the Chinese chess board, a vivid testimony to the Chu-Han War over 2,000 years ago.
It was announced as a provincial cultural relic protection unit in July 1986, and in May 2013, it was approved by the State Council as the seventh batch of national key cultural relic protection units.
The temperate monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The old horse wailed
Over two thousand years of history have eroded the majestic appearance of the two imperial cities. The northern walls of both cities have collapsed into the water due to the constant erosion of the Yellow River. The remaining portion of the Hanwang City measures 530 meters from east to west and 190 meters from north to south, with walls 30 meters wide, approximately 6 meters high, and a peak of 10 meters. The remaining portion of the Bawang City measures 400 meters from east to west and 340 meters from north to south, with walls 28 meters wide, approximately 7 meters high, and a peak of approximately 15 meters. The rammed earth layers of the two cities are essentially the same, both constructed using flat rammed earth, and the soil is yellowish-brown in color.
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Hanba Second King City was once an important political and cultural center in ancient China. It is known for its strategic significance during the Han Dynasty and later periods. The ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient architecture and lifestyle of the time.
Hanba Second King City is located in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. You can get there by taxi or bus from the city center. It's also possible to reach the site by walking if you're staying nearby.
The site is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings and late afternoons to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler weather.
The entrance fee is approximately 50 CNY per person. Tickets can be bought on-site at the entrance, and online booking may also be available during peak seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory but recommended during peak tourist seasons. It’s advisable to book a few days before your visit to secure entry.
To fully explore Hanba Second King City, plan for 2 to 3 hours. This allows time to visit the ruins, temples, and enjoy the surrounding park area.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides may be available for rent in multiple languages, including English.
Start with the city gates and walls, then proceed to the temple area to explore the historical significance. Afterward, take a walk around the park and enjoy the natural beauty.
Currently, night visits and light shows are not available. However, the site is beautifully illuminated in the evenings, making it a pleasant spot for evening walks.
The site can be busy during weekends and holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays.
The site is accessible for elderly and children, with paved paths for easy walking. However, some areas may have uneven ground, so caution is advised for visitors with disabilities.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted throughout the site, and credit cards may be used at the ticket counter. Cash is not strictly necessary but can be used in some areas.
There are a few local restaurants offering traditional Chinese food near the entrance of the site. For a wider selection, you can head to Zhengzhou's city center.
Vegetarian and vegan food options are available in some local restaurants nearby. Halal food may be harder to find, but there are some restaurants in Zhengzhou offering halal dishes.
There are a few budget hotels and guesthouses within a 10-15 minute drive from the site. For more upscale options, you can find hotels in the city center of Zhengzhou.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance selling local crafts, historical replicas, and snacks.
Taxi and bus services are readily available. You can also use ride-hailing apps for convenience. The Zhengzhou Railway Station is around 30 minutes away by taxi.
