Anyang

Anyang is a seriously underrated ancient gem of a city, with both 3,000 years of Yin-Shang civilization and the magnificent landscapes of the Taihang Mountains. Prices are friendly, and the pace is comfortable. Here is a classic 3-day, 2-night itinerary for you; follow it and you can basically avoid any major pitfalls!

Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary

• Day 1: A Journey Through Yin-Shang History and Writing: In the morning, head to the new Yinxu Museum building. It is recommended to start from the third floor and work your way down, focusing on the Ya Chang Niu Zun and genuine oracle bone inscriptions. In the afternoon, visit the Yinxu Palace and Ancestral Temple Site to experience the impact of Fu Hao's Tomb and the chariot-and-horse pits. In the evening, go to Cangxiang Street and Xianqian Street for food and strolling, night views, and Hanfu experiences.
• Day 2: Taihang Landscapes and Revolutionary Spirit: Drive or charter a car from the city center to Linzhou, about 1.5 hours. In the morning, visit the Red Flag Canal Memorial Hall and walk through Youth Cave in person to appreciate the miracle of this man-made “heavenly river.” In the afternoon, tour Peach Blossom Valley in the Taihang Grand Canyon and see waterfalls and pools. In the evening, stay in Shibanyan Town and enjoy the quiet of this artsy little town.
• Day 3: Explore Ancient Tombs and Return at Leisure: In the morning, head to the Cao Cao Mausoleum Site Museum to see the stone tablet of King Wu of Wei with your own eyes; Three Kingdoms fans should definitely go. In the afternoon, return to the city center to visit the National Museum of Chinese Writing and learn about the evolution of Chinese characters, or go to Wenfeng Pagoda to check in at this rare umbrella-shaped, inverted ancient pagoda. Then make your way back at an easy pace.

Must-Visit Attractions

Anyang’s attractions are mainly divided into two categories: urban cultural sites and Linzhou’s mountain-and-water scenery. It is recommended to mix and match them according to your interests.

Local Food and Restaurant Recommendations

Portions in Anyang are huge; for 30-50 yuan per person, you can eat until you are stuffed. Flavors lean salty and savory, so if you cannot eat spicy food, remember to mention it in advance.

Accommodation and Transport Pitfall-Avoidance Guide

• Where to Stay: It is recommended to stay in the city center on the first day, such as Wenfeng District or near Wanda Plaza, where restaurants are right downstairs and attractions are close by. On the second day, if you go to Linzhou, you can stay near Shibanyan Town, which is convenient for night views and the next day’s sightseeing.
• City Transport: Anyang’s urban area is not large, and taxis between attractions are very convenient. You can usually arrive in 10-15 minutes, so there is no need to rent a car specially.
• Linzhou Transport: For the Red Flag Canal and Taihang Grand Canyon, self-driving or chartering a car is recommended. There are many mountain roads, but the scenery is truly worth it.
• Reservation Reminder: Yinxu and the National Museum of Chinese Writing require real-name reservations in advance via their official WeChat accounts. Entry is by ID card, so do not make a wasted trip. The Museum of Chinese Writing is closed on Mondays.
• Timing Notes: Many bianfen cai shops close in the afternoon, so be sure to get up early to eat it. The last Yinxu shuttle bus is at 16:30, so do not stay too late.