Shangqiu

Shangqiu is an underrated historic and cultural city. As the “source of the Three Shang” and the birthplace of fire culture, it has both a living Ming-dynasty ancient city and impressive Han cultural sites, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend trip. Here’s a classic 2-day, 1-night itinerary that’s easygoing and unhurried!

Must-Visit Attractions

Shangqiu’s attractions are mainly divided between the urban area and Yongcheng (Mangdang Mountain), so it’s best to plan them separately.

Local Food Guide

Shangqiu’s food is full of eastern Henan flavor: lively, hearty, and satisfyingly down-to-earth.

Classic 2-Day Itinerary

• Day 1: After arriving in Shangqiu in the morning, take a taxi to Huoshentai + Suihuang Mausoleum first (spend 2-3 hours there); at noon, return to the ancient city for shaobing stuffed with sliced mutton; in the afternoon, wander slowly through the ancient city (Confucian Temple → Zhuanghuitang → Zhang Xun Shrine), then climb the south city wall at dusk to watch the sunset; in the evening, go food-hopping through the night market.
• Day 2:
  • Option A (For Relaxed Travelers): Sleep in, visit Shangqiu Museum to see national treasures, buy some mahua and zaoyu as souvenirs, then head back leisurely in the afternoon.
  • Option B (For Culture Lovers): Get up early and take a bus or car to Mangdang Mountain, visit the Han Liang royal tombs and mural tombs, have sliced mutton stuffed in shaobing at the scenic area’s snack street in the afternoon, then return to the city in the evening to pick up your luggage and leave.

Practical Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Transportation: Shared bikes are very convenient within the urban area, but shared e-scooters are not available inside the ancient city, so walking is recommended; for Mangdang Mountain, self-driving or hiring a car is recommended, as the round trip can be tiring.
• Accommodation: Stay near the ancient city or around Jianye Shibacheng. Both areas are convenient for dining and shopping, and prices are relatively budget-friendly.
• Pitfalls to Avoid: Some internet-famous snacks inside the ancient city, such as certain long-queue shaobing or chicken wings, may taste fairly average. Ask locals about the old shops they actually frequent; power banks can be hard to return inside the ancient city, so bring your own or choose a fast-charging one and return it promptly while still in the ancient city.
• What to Wear: There are many Hanfu rentals in the ancient city, and ancient-style or modern Chinese-style outfits photograph beautifully; the tomb chambers at Mangdang Mountain are kept at a cool constant temperature, so bring a light jacket.