Weekend Getaway from Suzhou to Shangqiu

Weekend Escape from Suzhou to Shangqiu! Explore the Ancient City of a Thousand Years and Encounter Emperor Gaozu of Han, Liu Bang! || Fleeing the Crowds of Jiangsu-Zhejiang-Shanghai for the Weekend! A Surprising Road Trip with Kids from Suzhou to Shangqiu Reveals This Hidden Gem City! Full of Delight! 🌟

Why Strongly Recommend Shangqiu?
✅ Few people! Few people! Few people! Important things must be said three times! No need to fight for the best photo spots in the ancient city or attractions, no pushing while walking—strolling leisurely is pure bliss! Compared to the "sea of people" in Suzhou, Shanghai, and Nanjing, this place is heaven!
✅ King of Cost-Effectiveness! Accommodation and shopping are genuinely cheap! Double the experience with the same budget!
✅ Food Paradise (but watch out for pitfalls—see below) Loads of local specialties at wallet-friendly prices!

🚗 Itinerary & Real Experience:
Day 1️⃣: Drive straight to the ancient city for an immersive tour
Driving TIPS: The journey isn’t short, so start early! We had a smooth ride and arrived in the afternoon.
Lunch - Nanhuwan Fish Head with Pancake: First meal upon arrival! The fish head stew is rich and flavorful, the signature pan-fried buns are crispy and stuffed, and the Tiger Pole Chicken is uniquely tasty (a bit salty but perfect with rice!). Pure happiness! 😋
Afternoon - Shangqiu Ancient City: Huge! Breathtaking! Not an overly commercialized imitation ancient street. Tons of grand courtyards to explore, each with different scenery—perfect for ancient-style photos! 📸 Caught a traditional opera performance (quite skilled!), interactive street performances with NPCs (kids were thrilled!), and a lively food street! The vibe was perfect!
Evening - Huoshentai: *Right next to the ancient city, so we dropped by! There were performances (we missed them as we arrived late), but the night lights were beautiful—worth a visit!

Day 2️⃣: Explore Han Culture and Escape the Heat at Mangdang Mountain
Destination - Mangdang Mountain: Easy drive, not crowded, plenty of parking!
Highlights:
Liu Bang’s White Snake Slaying Spot: A legendary historical site.
Great Han Scenic Area: Majestic and awe-inspiring, showcasing the grandeur of the Han Dynasty.
Han Liang King Tombs (Must-See!): A true summer retreat! ❄️ The underground palace is super cool—almost chilly (bring a light jacket for kids!). It’s said the ancients even used ice for cooling—brilliant! Exploring the mysterious underground palace was thrilling.

🍜 Food Red & Black List (Tested!):
❤️ Must-Try Red List:
Small Fish Soup! Small Fish Soup! Small Fish Soup! My favorite! So fresh I could drink two bowls! Please recommend the most authentic local spot! 👏
⚠️ Black List to Avoid:
Some "trendy" but non-local foods in the ancient city or streets... some are truly bad! High chance of disappointment! Be cautious and follow where locals eat!

💡 Summary & Strong Recommendation:
Shangqiu is an underrated travel gem! Rich in history (Shang and Han cultures), unique attractions—perfect for history lovers and those who hate crowds! Especially convenient for road trips! Two days packed with fun and no rush—amazing experience!