Live Your Best Lives
The ancient Yellow River course consists of two sections in Shangqiu, Henan Province, the southern section is the ancient Yellow River road from the late Jin Dynasty Aizong period to the Ming Dynasty Hongzhi period; the northern section is the ancient Yellow River road from the Ming Dynasty Hongzhi period to the Qing Dynasty Xianfeng period.
In December of the second year of Tianxing in the Jin Dynasty (1232 AD), when the Jin Dynasty was about to perish, Emperor Aizong of Jin moved the capital from Bian Jing to Guide Prefecture (now Shangqiu, Henan). The Mongolian army attacked Guide Prefecture for a long time but failed. They artificially broke the Yellow River in the northwest of today's Shangqiu, and the river water diverted from the Sui River into the Si River.
In 1855, during the fifth year of Emperor Xianfeng's reign during the Qing Dynasty, the Yellow River breached its Dongbatou dam in Tongwaxiang (now Lankao County) in Henan Province, diverting its flow northeastward and emptying into the Bohai Sea near Lijin County, Dongying City, Shandong Province. This left a tail stream of the Yellow River in northern Shangqiu, hence the name "Abandoned Yellow River" or "Ancient Yellow River Course." The ancient Yellow River course flows through four counties within Shangqiu: Minquan, Ningling, Liangyuan, and Yucheng, encompassing 26 townships, five state-owned forest farms, and five reservoirs, totaling 136 kilometers within Shangqiu.
After two major north-south changes in course, the Yellow River flowed through Shangqiu for a total of 621 years.
The temperate monsoon climate, good environment, wild fish, peony garden, mother river, horse riding field, as well as the newly built lavender manor and farmyard, where you can eat authentic clay pot stewed chicken, makes it a suitable place for travel in all seasons.
Yellow River Levee, Shangqiu Yellow River Ancient Course National Forest Park, Liangyuan District Sunfuji Wetland, Yucheng County Tianmiao Wetland, Minquan County Longze Lake and Qiushui Lake, Liangyuan District Tianquan Lake and Tianmu Lake, Yucheng County Shizhuang Lake and Wang'an Lake, etc.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
free
Open all day
The Old Yellow River Course represents the historical path of the Yellow River in Shangqiu, Henan. It has great geographical and cultural significance, showing how the river shaped local settlements, agriculture, and history over centuries.
The area is open year-round. Early morning or late afternoon provides the best lighting and cooler temperatures, especially for photography.
Visiting the Old Yellow River Course is free; there are no formal entrance tickets.
No advance booking is required.
2 to 3 hours is sufficient for the main viewpoints, though a full-day cycling trip can cover more areas.
Guided tours are generally not available; visitors explore the area independently.
Start at the nearest access point from Shangqiu, walk or cycle along the riverbanks, visit nearby villages or wetlands, and return via a different path for varied scenery.
There are no organized night visits or light shows; evening walks offer natural scenery.
The area is generally quiet. Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times.
Facilities are minimal. Visitors should bring water and snacks. Basic amenities may be found in nearby villages.
Some paths are uneven, which may challenge elderly or disabled visitors. Children can explore safely with supervision.
Cash is recommended for any small purchases in nearby villages; mobile payments may be accepted in limited stores.
Small local eateries in nearby villages serve Henan cuisine and simple meals.
Vegetarian options are generally available; halal options are limited and require local inquiry.
Hotels and guesthouses in Shangqiu city provide convenient access to the river course.
Small shops may offer local handicrafts, river-themed souvenirs, and regional specialty products.
