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Located in the central part of Yongcheng City, on the Zhengzhou-Yongcheng Highway, it stretches 45 kilometers from Zhengdian in Mamu Township in the west to Huzhuang in Houling Township in the east. It is a mound-like structure, rising 0.5 to 2 meters above the ground. The Ji Canal was opened in the first year of the Sui Dynasty (605 AD). Embankments were built on both sides of the canal, with peach and willow trees planted, providing a viewing platform for Emperor Yang Guang to enjoy while sailing south on his dragon boat. During the Northern Song Dynasty, it was called the Bian River. Later, the river silted up, but the embankment remains. This is a relatively visible section of the old embankment. In the past, "Sui Dynasty Embankment with Smoke and Willows" was one of the eight scenic spots in Yongcheng.
The Sui Dynasty embankment is located on the old course of the Bian River between Shangqiu and Yongcheng. In the first year of the Sui Dynasty (605), the Ji Canal was opened, and embankments were built on both sides, with peach and willow trees planted, for Emperor Yang Guang of the Sui Dynasty to admire during his dragon boat trips south of the Yangtze River. The river is now submerged, but the embankment remains.
Sui Dike, the name of an ancient dike, originally meant the dike of the Grand Canal during the Sui Dynasty. The site is located on the old course of the Bian River between Shangqiu City and Yongcheng City, passing through Xiayi in the west and connected to the Bian Road in the east and Taiqiu in the east. [1] Because it was built in the Sui Dynasty, it is named after it. In the first year of Emperor Yangdi of the Sui Dynasty, the Tongji Canal was opened, diverting Gushui and Luoshui from Xiyuan into the Yellow River; diverting the Yellow River from Banzhu into the Bianshui River, passing through Sishui River and reaching the Huai River; and the Han Canal was opened, from Shanyang to Yangzi River and into the Yangtze River.
The temperate monsoon climate makes it suitable for travel in all four seasons.
The canal is 40 steps wide, with an imperial road built alongside. Willows are planted in rows lining the water, stretching from the Yellow River in the west to the Huai River in the east, creating a scene of green shadows. Bai Juyi of the Tang Dynasty wrote in his poem "Willows on the Sui River Embankment": "The willows on the Sui River embankment, ageless and decaying, fluttering in the wind and rustling in the rain, three or two trees stand at the mouth of the Bian River." Liu Yuxi of the Tang Dynasty wrote in his poem "Willow Catkins": "Where is the wind, like snow, at the ancient Jiangjin on the Sui River embankment." He Guangyuan of the Later Shu Dynasty wrote in "Jianjinglu: Sounds of the Fallen State": "When Emperor Yangdi was about to visit Jiangdu, he opened the Bian River and planted willows. To this day, it is called the 'Sui River Embankment.'" Zhou Bangyan of the Song Dynasty wrote in his lyric "Prince Lanling": "On the Sui River Embankment, I have seen them many times, their graceful farewells swaying on the water." A leisurely stroll along the embankment allows you to appreciate the charm of the ancients.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
The Sui Dike is an ancient embankment built in the first year of the Sui Dynasty (605 AD) alongside the Ji Canal and the Bian River course in what is now eastern Henan (between Shangqiu and Yongcheng). It marked a key engineering and transport structure of the time.
The dike is located on the old course of the Bian River between the cities of Shangqiu and Yongcheng, passing through Xiayi to the west and other localities.
Getting there:
Admission: Free — there is no ticket fee reported for visiting the Sui Dike embankment.
Not required — since the site is free and outdoors, no advance booking is needed.
Plan around 1 to 2 hours to walk along a visible section of the embankment, take photos and soak in the historic atmosphere.
No widely published guided tours or audio guides are indicated specifically for this embankment. Visitors may need to explore independently or with a local guide if available.
No specific night tours, light shows or special events are advertised for this site. Best visited during daylight hours.
The site is typically lightly visited since it is more of a historic landscape than a major tourist “theme” park. Visit weekdays and early morning for the fewest people.
Since this is a mostly outdoor and historic embankment, visitor facilities may be limited. Visitors should bring water and snacks. Check local signage for rest areas. (No specific facility list found.)
The embankment is low-rise (0.5-2 m) and runs across flat terrain, making it reasonably accessible for families and elderly who can walk a gentle path. However, if there are no dedicated paths or railings, accessibility for wheelchair users may be limited — check onsite conditions.
Since there is no admission fee and no major commercial services listed, cash or payments are likely not needed specifically for entry. For any local vendors (snacks, photos), mobile payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) would likely be accepted in the region.
Near the village or rural area around the embankment, local eateries may serve Henan-style cuisine. Since the site is rural, facilities may be modest; plan to eat in the nearby town (e.g., Xiayi or Yongcheng) after your visit.
Yes — local restaurants in Henan generally offer vegetable dishes, tofu, noodles. Halal options may be present in larger towns nearby, but may be limited in rural spots around the embankment.
Accommodations would be best found in nearby towns such as Xiayi County or Yongcheng City (Henan) where mid-range or budget hotels exist. Staying overnight in a larger town provides more comfort.
Souvenir availability at rural heritage sites may be limited. In nearby towns, you might find postcards, local craft items (e.g., willow weaving from Shangqiu region) and books about the canal history or local heritage.
After visiting the embankment, you can take a taxi or bus back to your base town (Xiayi, Yongcheng or Shangqiu) and from there continue by high-speed train or long-distance bus to other Henan destinations. For example, Shangqiu railway station serves as a regional hub.
