The Millennium Secret of Shangqiu Ancient City

Shangqiu is a city with a long history and unique natural scenery. Here is a travel guide for Shangqiu:

Recommended Attractions

- Shangqiu Ancient City[__LINK_ICON]: The only Bagua City in China, the only existing ancient city that combines Bagua City, Water City, and City-on-City. With blue bricks and black tiles, it is full of ancient charm. You can climb Gongchen Gate for a panoramic view, visit Hou Family Residence, Confucian Temple, Chen Family Courtyard, and other attractions. The ancient city combined ticket costs 60 RMB, including Zhang Xun Temple and Yingtian Academy.
- Mangdangshan Han Culture Scenic Area: A national 5A scenic spot, home to the world's largest Western Han underground royal tomb group, such as the Tomb of King Liang Xiaowang and the Tomb of Queen Liang Xiaowang, and you can also visit the place where Liu Bang killed the snake. The scenic area combined ticket costs 100 RMB, children under 1.2 meters are free.
- Yingtian Academy: Known as one of the Four Great Academies of ancient China along with Songyang Academy, Yuelu Academy, and Bailudong Academy. Fan Zhongyan once lectured here. Existing buildings include Dacheng Hall, Minglun Hall, and Yueya Pond. Admission is free.
- Shangqiu Museum[__LINK_ICON]: A national second-level museum with over 20,000 cultural relics, including gold-threaded jade garments and authentic oracle bone inscriptions. You can learn about Shangqiu’s history and culture here. On Saturdays, there are cultural relic restoration experience activities. Admission is free.

Recommended Food[__LINK_ICON]

- Mutton Soup: The century-old "Ma Yuxing" clay pot mutton soup has a milky white and rich broth with delicious flavor.
- Zhao Family Pan-fried Buns: The Zhao Family Pan-fried Buns at the Ancient City store are very popular. The "two-mix" (pork + chives) paired with bean porridge is highly recommended for an excellent taste.
- Shuiji Mo: The Shuiji Mo at Guiding Night Market is crispy on the outside and soft inside, sweet but not greasy, a must-try specialty snack.
- Guocun Roast Chicken: Founded in 1912, the chicken is tender and flavorful, available in vacuum packaging for takeaway.

Recommended Accommodation[__LINK_ICON]

- Budget: Guidingfu Inn, located inside the ancient city, is a Ming-style old residence, priced around 150 RMB/night, allowing you to experience the tranquility and charm of the ancient city.
- Unique Experience: Mangdangshan Han-style Homestay, starting at 200 RMB/night, includes Han ceremony experience for an immersive Han Dynasty cultural experience.
- High-end Choice: Huayi Hotel, five-star standard, offers shuttle service to the ancient city, priced from 500 RMB/night, with complete facilities and excellent service.

Transportation Guide[__LINK_ICON]

- It takes about 15 minutes by taxi from Shangqiu Station to the ancient city. For city transportation, you can choose shared electric cars or buses, which are convenient and fast.
- It is recommended to charter a car to Mangdangshan, costing about 200 RMB/day, allowing more freedom to arrange your itinerary.