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The Zhengzhou Shang City Ruins are the ruins of the capital city in the middle period of the Shang Dynasty. They are located in Guancheng District, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, which is the old city of Zheng County and Beiguan area in the eastern part of Zhengzhou City, Henan Province.
The outer city wall of Zhengzhou Shang City was built in the first phase of the lower layer of the Erlitou period in the middle of the Shang Dynasty and was used until the second phase of the upper layer of the Erlitou period. It has a total area of 25 square kilometers and is a huge capital site second only to Yinxu in the pre-Zhou period. The latest data shows that the outer city wall of Zhengzhou Shang City was built around 1500 BC. It can be inferred that the inner city and the palace city were built no later than 1500 BC. A small number of scholars believe that this is the Bo capital where "Tang first lived in Bo".
In 1959, after visiting the archaeological site of Zhengzhou Shang City, Guo Moruo immediately composed a poem: "Zhengzhou is another Yin Ruins, perhaps the original capital of Zhongding..." Guo Moruo believed that Zhengzhou Shang City might be the Xi capital relocated by Zhongding. Most scholars believe it was the Xi capital relocated by Zhongding during the middle Shang Dynasty, and therefore belongs to the middle Shang Dynasty. Regardless, the excavation of Zhengzhou Shang City is of great value to the study of Shang history and the history of ancient urban development.
Temperate monsoon climate; Zhengzhou Shang City Ruins is an early Shang Dynasty city ruins that predates the "Anyang Yin Ruins". It has a history of about 3,500 years and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
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The Shang City Ruins, also known as the Yin Ruins, were the capital of the Shang Dynasty, which flourished between 1600 and 1046 BCE. The site is significant for its archaeological discoveries, including the remains of royal palaces, tombs, and bronze artifacts. The Shang Dynasty is recognized for its advanced culture, particularly in metallurgy, writing (oracle bone script), and religious practices.
The Shang City Ruins are located in the western part of Zhengzhou, Henan Province. You can take a taxi or public bus to the site. It is also accessible by metro, with a station nearby, making it easy to reach from central Zhengzhou. Walking is possible for visitors staying nearby.
The site is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. The best times to visit are in the morning or late afternoon, especially on weekdays, to avoid the crowds and enjoy cooler weather.
The entrance fee is around 60 RMB for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance on-site. Online ticketing is not commonly available, but mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, but if you are visiting during holidays or weekends, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid long lines.
A typical visit to the Shang City Ruins will take around 2 to 3 hours, including time spent exploring the site, the museum, and the nearby areas.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Some tours may also be available in English, though it’s advisable to confirm in advance. Audio guides in several languages might also be offered.
The best photography spots are near the Royal Tombs, the bronze vessels, and the museum exhibits. Additionally, the panoramic view of the ruins site from the elevated platforms offers great photo opportunities.
Start by visiting the museum to get an understanding of the history. Then, head to the excavation areas to explore the city walls, tombs, and royal burial sites. End your visit with a walk around the scenic spots to relax and reflect on the site’s historical significance.
Night visits and light shows are not typically available at the Shang City Ruins. Special tours may be offered during certain festivals, so it’s worth checking for events before your visit.
The site can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays, particularly in the morning when the site opens.
The Shang City Ruins is partially accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with paved paths for easier mobility. However, some parts of the site may involve walking on uneven surfaces, so it’s advisable to check accessibility options at the entrance before visiting.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area. Credit cards are generally not accepted at the ticket counter or shops.
Inside the site, there are small kiosks offering snacks and drinks. For more dining options, there are several restaurants located in the city center, a short drive away.
Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal options are also found in Zhengzhou, particularly in the Muslim quarter of the city.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the city center of Zhengzhou, which is a short distance from the Shang City Ruins. Popular hotels include those near the Zhengzhou Railway Station and other central areas.
Yes, there are souvenir shops near the entrance selling traditional Chinese artifacts, oracle bone replicas, and small items like postcards and local snacks.
The best transportation options after visiting are taxis, buses, or the metro. The site is well-connected to Zhengzhou’s transportation network, allowing for easy access to other parts of the city or onward travel.
