Shangqiu

Shangqiu (商丘) is a prefecture-level city in eastern Henan Province, located on the border with Shandong. It is one of China's oldest cities, with a history of over 4,000 years, and was the capital of the Shang dynasty (c. 1600–1046 BCE) from which the name "Shang" derives. The city's ancient walled town is among the best-preserved in Henan.

Shangqiu is also known as the "Hometown of Merchants" — the character for "merchant" (商) comes from the Shang dynasty's reputation for trade. The city preserves the Huashang Temple, dedicated to the legendary merchant Wang Hai, and the ancient city wall with its four gates.

Shangqiu has a temperate monsoon climate. Spring and autumn are the best seasons.

By Plane

Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO IATA) is about 200 km west. The drive takes about 2.5 hours.

By Train

Shangqiu Railway Station and Shangqiu South Railway Station serve the Beijing–Kowloon and Longhai railways, with trains to Zhengzhou (1.5 hr), Beijing (3 hr), and Nanjing (3 hr).

By Car / Road

The G30 Lianyungang–Khorgas Expressway and G45 Daqing–Guangzhou Expressway pass through Shangqiu. The drive from Zhengzhou takes about 2.5 hours.

Buses and taxis serve the urban area. The ancient walled city is compact and walkable.

• Shangqiu Ancient City Wall: The well-preserved Ming dynasty city wall with its four gates. The walled city is still inhabited and retains its traditional layout.

• Huashang Temple (华商寺): A temple dedicated to Wang Hai, the legendary merchant of the Shang dynasty. An important pilgrimage site for Chinese businesspeople.

• Shangqiu Museum: Housed in a historic building, covering the city's 4,000-year history from the Shang dynasty onward.

• Mulan Temple (木兰祠): A temple dedicated to Hua Mulan, the legendary female warrior — historical records suggest she may have come from this area.

• Suihuang Mausoleum: The tomb of the Yellow Emperor's descendant, a significant pre-historic site.

• Ancient City Walk: Walk the city wall and explore the lanes inside the walled town.

• Merchant Pilgrimage: Visit the Huashang Temple to learn about the origins of Chinese commerce.

• Local Museum Tour: The Shangqiu Museum has excellent Shang dynasty artifacts.

• Shangqiu Braised Noodles: Henan-style thick noodles in a meat broth.
• Shangqiu Steamed Lamb: Lamb steamed with herbs — a local specialty.
• Shangqiu Steamed Buns: Large, fluffy steamed buns filled with pork or vegetables.
• Henan Steamed Dumplings: Dumplings filled with pork and chives.

Bottled water is recommended. Green tea is the standard.

• Budget: Hotels near the train station charge ¥80–150 per night.
• Mid-range: Hotels in the city center, such as the Shangqiu Hotel, offer rooms from ¥150–300 per night.

Shangqiu produces wine and food products. Local crafts include paper-cutting and traditional pastries.

• Zhengzhou (200 km west, 1.5 hr by train) — The capital of Henan.
• Kaifeng (140 km west, 2 hr) — The ancient capital of the Northern Song dynasty.
• Bozhou (80 km south, 1 hr in Anhui) — The TCM capital of China.
• Xuzhou (150 km northeast, 2 hr in Jiangsu) — A historic city with Han dynasty sites.