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Today, it is a nationally recognized historical and cultural city. Built in 1511, the sixth year of the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty, it is an ancient castle-like structure, round on the outside and square on the inside, resembling a copper coin. Its brick walls have a circumference of 7.25 li (approximately 1.25 li), and its gates are arched and rolled-up. The terrain within the city is shaped like a turtle's back, giving it a chessboard-like appearance from above.
The city's buildings primarily consist of quadrangle courtyards with gatehouses and five gates facing each other. Based on the theory of the Five Elements, the east and west gates were staggered to prevent conflict between metal and wood. The east gate was slightly south, while the west gate was slightly north, separated by a street, creating two corners that intersected the north-south axis.
From the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty to the early Qing Dynasty, the city produced two Grand Secretaries (Prime Ministers), five Shangshu (Secretaries of State), and over a dozen Vice Ministers, Provincial Governors, Censors, Generals, and renowned scholars. A broad moat, rippling with emerald waters, encircles the city. Underneath its surface lie the ancient cities of Suiyang from the Han and Tang dynasties, Nanjing from the Song dynasty, and the ruins of Guide Prefecture from the Yuan dynasty. Guide Ancient City, with its walls and gates remaining remarkably well-preserved, is considered one of the rarest ancient cities in China.
The temperate monsoon climate cannot erase the ancient capital's outstanding contribution to history. While walking in every corner of the ancient city and savoring the historical culture, the local specialties are also amazing. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.
Guide Ancient City was built during the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty. It is the only remaining large-scale ancient city site in the world that combines the trinity of an eight-diagram city, a water city, and a city upon a city. The city gates are well-preserved. Inside the city, there are the Temple of Confucius and Zhuanghui Hall. Near the city walls are the Yingtian Academy and Baguanzhai. Nearby are the Shangqiu Museum and the Tomb of Emperor Sui. The beautiful Nanhu Lake outside the South Gate is a great place for a stroll.
It is recommended to play for about 3 hours.
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Open all day
Guide Ancient City in Shangqiu is a historic urban site dating back to the Shang and Han dynasties. It served as an important political, economic, and cultural center in ancient Henan. The preserved city walls, gates, and streets reflect traditional Chinese urban planning and provide a glimpse into the life and governance of ancient China.
The city is located in Shangqiu, Henan Province, typically accessible by taxi or local bus from the city center. Visitors can take buses heading toward the old city area or use ride-hailing apps. Walking is suitable for exploring the site itself once you arrive.
Guide Ancient City is generally open daily from 08:00 to 18:00. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday crowds and enjoy pleasant lighting for photography.
Entrance fees vary by section and season, generally around CNY 30–50 for adults. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site at the entrance or via local travel websites.
Advance booking is not required on regular days. For holidays or weekends, it is recommended to book 1–3 days in advance to secure entry and guided tours.
Plan for 2–3 hours to walk the walls, explore streets, and visit main historic buildings. A full day can be spent if including all museums and guided tours.
Guided tours in Chinese are available, with occasional English-speaking guides on request. Audio guides may be available in Chinese; visitors can use translation apps if needed.
Start at the main city gate → walk along the city walls → explore key streets and alleys → visit temples and museums → finish at the central square or main cultural exhibition area.
Occasional evening events or cultural performances may take place, but regular night access is limited. Check local announcements for special tours or festivals.
Weekdays are the least crowded. Weekends, holidays, and festival days can attract larger visitor groups.
Facilities include public restrooms, small snack stalls, rest areas along main streets, and souvenir shops near the entrance or central squares.
Most main streets and key sites are accessible to children and elderly. Some ramps are available, but steep steps at certain gates may be challenging for wheelchair users. Assistance may be requested at entry points.
Most entrance fees and shops accept cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. Having small cash on hand is recommended for minor purchases.
Local Henan-style restaurants, street food vendors, and small cafes are available around the old city. There are no large restaurants inside the city walls.
Vegetarian options like noodles and vegetable stir-fries are available. Halal food may be found at specific local eateries—ask vendors or check signage.
Several mid-range and budget hotels are within 5–15 minutes’ walk from the ancient city. Staying in downtown Shangqiu provides easy access to transportation and dining.
Souvenir shops sell postcards, local crafts, miniature models of city gates, and Henan specialty snacks such as peanuts and dried tofu sticks.
Visitors can take taxis, local buses, or ride-hailing services to Shangqiu Railway Station or other nearby attractions. Walking is suitable for short distances within the old city area.
