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Explore the ancient ruins of Yanshi Shang City to witness the remnants of the Shang Dynasty, stroll through the archeological site to see artifacts, and enjoy the history of one of China's earliest capitals.
The Yanshi Shang City Ruins are the remains of an early Shang Dynasty capital city in China. Nestled against Mount Mang to the north and facing the Luo River to the south, it is one of Luoyang's renowned "Five Great Capital City Sites." The city walls are roughly rectangular, over 1,700 meters long from north to south, 1,215 meters wide in the north, approximately 1,120 meters in the middle, and 740 meters wide in the south. The walls were rammed earth, though the southern wall was washed away by the Luo River. The west, north, and east walls remain, and seven gates have been discovered: one in the north and three each on the east and west sides. The city walls comprise three layers of walls: the Great City, the Small City, and the Palace City.
Remains of city gates, roads, palaces, and residential structures have been discovered within the city site, along with numerous stone tools, pottery, bronze artifacts, and jade artifacts. The walls surrounding the larger city have been discovered, buried beneath the current surface, with the remaining height generally ranging from 1.5 to 3 meters. Several city gates have been discovered, and a moat has surrounded the city. The smaller city is located southwest of the larger city, its western and southern walls overlapping those of the larger city. The palace city is located slightly south of the smaller city center. Some scholars believe this was the Tang capital, Xibo, while others believe it was the Tong Palace, where Taijia was exiled.
The warm temperate continental monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
We recommend visiting the city site, which is roughly rectangular in plan, measuring over 1,700 meters from north to south and 1,215 to 740 meters from east to west. It comprises three layers of walls: the Great City, the Small City, and the Palace City. Remains of city gates, roads, palaces, and residential sites have been discovered within the site, along with numerous stone tools, pottery, bronze artifacts, and jade artifacts. The discovered remains indicate that the Yanshi Shang City housed both large palaces and military defenses, demonstrating the scale and characteristics of an early capital city.
free
Open all day
The Yanshi Shang City Ruins are one of the most important archaeological sites in China, believed to be the capital of the Shang Dynasty (1600–1046 BCE). The site holds immense historical significance for understanding early Chinese civilization, including its culture, urban development, and burial practices.
The ruins are located in Yanshi, Luoyang, Henan Province. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from Luoyang city center, with the drive taking around 30 minutes. Public buses are also available from the city.
The site is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. The best time to visit is in the spring or autumn when the weather is mild and comfortable for walking and exploring.
The entrance fee is around 60 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via local platforms such as WeChat or Alipay.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but it is recommended during peak seasons (especially in spring and autumn) to avoid long wait times. Booking a few days ahead is sufficient.
It typically takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore the ruins and enjoy the historical exhibitions.
The main highlights include the city walls, ancient residential areas, and the sacrificial pits where artifacts from the Shang Dynasty were found. The museum exhibits, showcasing relics and the development of the city, are also essential to visit.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides are offered in both Mandarin and English to enhance the visitor experience.
The best photography spots are near the ancient city walls, where you can capture the grandeur of the ruins, as well as the sacrificial pits with their relics.
Start at the main entrance and head to the excavation site, where you can view the city walls and residential areas. Then, visit the museum to learn about the site's history and the artifacts discovered. Finish with a stroll through the surrounding grounds for additional insights.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows at Yanshi Shang City Ruins. However, special tours may be available during certain cultural festivals or events.
The site can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The best time to visit to avoid crowds is during weekdays, especially early in the morning.
The site has basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and a small shop selling souvenirs. However, food and drink options are limited within the ruins, so it's recommended to bring your own or visit nearby restaurants.
The main pathways are accessible for elderly visitors and children, but some areas with ruins may be uneven. For disabled visitors, assistance may be needed as certain parts of the site are not fully accessible.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted at the site. Cash payments are also accepted, but credit cards may not be usable.
There are a few local restaurants near the site offering traditional Chinese food. For more variety, head to the city center of Luoyang, which has a range of dining options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some of the local restaurants nearby, but halal food may be more limited, so it's best to check with the restaurant beforehand.
There are several mid-range hotels in Luoyang that are a short drive away from the ruins, including options near the city center. There are also budget hotels closer to the attraction for more convenience.
Nearby attractions include the Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang Museum, and the White Horse Temple, all of which can be easily combined into a day trip from Yanshi Shang City Ruins.
Small souvenir shops near the site offer items such as miniature replicas of artifacts, traditional Chinese crafts, and local products like tea and calligraphy materials.
Public buses, taxis, and private cars are the best transportation options to continue your trip. Luoyang Railway Station is also nearby for those continuing their travels by train.
