Things To Do
in Shangqiu
Shangqiu is an ancient city in northeastern Henan province, known as one of China’s Eight Ancient Capitals. It sits along the Ying River, surrounded by fertile plains that blend urban life with pastoral scenery. The city preserves relics from the Sui and Tang dynasties, including temples, tombs and sections of the old city wall.
Today Shangqiu balances traditional heritage with modern developments, offering an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Stroll through the ancient city gates at sunrise, listening to the echoes of history along the old ramparts. Savor a local savory pancake and soy milk at a bustling street stall by the moat. Chat with artisans demonstrating traditional pottery and weaving techniques in restored courtyard houses.
Join a guided tour of the Zhaoge City Museum, uncovering relics from the Shang and Zhou dynasties with vivid storytelling. Wander through narrow alleys to find hidden shrines and ornate temples tucked behind weathered stone walls. Pause at a teahouse for jasmine tea and poetry readings by local scholars.
Watch the sun dip below the city skyline as lanterns glow along the ancient walls. Sample hearty braised noodles at a family-run eatery where recipes have been passed down for generations. Cap off the night with a folk music performance in a restored courtyard, the melodies drifting under the stars.
Set out early for the canyon’s panoramic overlook, breathing in crisp mountain air as dawn light illuminates the red sandstone cliffs. Pause to photograph layers of rock carved by time and to spot playful mountain goats on distant ledges. Enjoy a picnic breakfast of steamed buns and fresh fruit with sweeping canyon views.
Trek along winding trails that hug the canyon walls, passing hidden waterfalls and sculpted rock formations. Stop at a shaded grotto for a rest and sip homemade herbal tea brewed by local guides. Learn about the geology and legends tied to this dramatic landscape as you explore secret caves and narrow gorges.
Return to the visitor center village to share stories with locals over a communal hotpot dinner. Watch dusk settle over the canyon in hues of purple and gold as fireflies begin to dance around you. Retire to a cozy guesthouse built into the hillside, lulled to sleep by the sound of a nearby stream.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Bowl of local noodles | $2–3 |
| 🍖Mid-range restaurant meal for two | $10–15 |
| 🏨Budget hotel (per night) | $25–40 |
| 🚖Taxi start (daytime) | $1 |
| 🎟️Museum or temple entry | $3–5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich ancient history and well-preserved sites
- Affordable prices and authentic local culture
- Scenic natural areas nearby
- Fewer foreign tourists for an off-the-beaten-path feel
- Limited English signage and staff
- Summer can be uncomfortably hot and humid
- Public transit beyond downtown can be sparse
- Fewer international dining options
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱 (Duōshǎo qián)" - How much does it cost?
- "这儿有美食吗？ (Zhèr yǒu měishí ma?)" - Is there good food here?
Places to Visit in Shangqiu
Visit one of these nice places.
Sunset and sunrise light reflects on the river, with old stone bridges and willow trees in frame.
Sections of restored Tang-dynasty brick walls make dramatic foregrounds against modern skyline views.
Temple complexes and forested slopes provide misty, atmospheric vistas perfect for wide-angle shots.
Red sandstone cliffs and waterfalls form eye-catching compositions, especially in autumn foliage.
Food in Shangqiu
Shangqiu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A spicy red pepper and beef broth loaded with offal and bread pieces, best found at street stalls near Jiefang Road.
Must-Try!
Wide, hand-pulled wheat noodles served with chili oil, vinegar, garlic and greens; try them at Liu Lao Po on Xinhua Street.
Tear-and-soak flat bread in a lamb broth—Shanghai Road’s Muslim Quarter offers some of the most authentic bowls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open after sunset, this market has dozens of stalls selling skewers, soups and local sweets under colorful tents.
A daytime market near Yinghu Park where you can taste steamed buns, fried dough sticks and fresh soy milk.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Always take off your shoes before entering someone’s home or certain temple halls.
Offer seats to older people on public transport and address them with polite titles like “lao” (elder).
When visiting a friend, bring fruit or tea; present and receive items with both hands.
Steer clear of political discussions or criticism of local government in casual conversation.
Safety
Tipping in Shangqiu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not expected in most local establishments, but rounding up taxi fares is appreciated.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate; cash (RMB) is accepted everywhere, credit cards work in hotels and chain restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures (10–20 °C), light rain and blossoming flowers—ideal for temple visits and countryside walks.
Hot and humid (25–35 °C), frequent afternoon thunderstorms—carry water, sunscreen and an umbrella.
Clear skies and comfortable days (15–25 °C), perfect for hiking and outdoor photography of golden fields.
Cold and dry (–5 to 8 °C), occasional light snow—pack layers and a warm coat for evening sightseeing.
Shangqiu at Night
Hiking in Shangqiu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A moderate 3–4 km path through forest to ancient Taoist temples and cliffside pavilions.
Multiple loop trails ranging from 2 to 10 km through red sandstone cliffs, streams and bamboo groves.
Airports
How to reach Shangqiu by plane.
About 200 km west of Shangqiu; reach by high-speed rail or intercity bus in 2.5–3 hours.
Roughly 180 km east; serves domestic flights and links to Shangqiu by bus or train in around 3 hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Over 95% of residents are ethnic Han, engaged in agriculture, manufacturing and services.
A small but visible Muslim community concentrated around the Muslim Quarter, running halal eateries.
Shangqiu Normal University and vocational colleges bring an energetic youth presence to the city.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played in parks and schoolyards; pickup games are common in the evenings.
Available in community centers and many teahouses; locals often challenge visitors to friendly matches.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shangqiu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many noodle shops and Buddhist vegetarian restaurants offer mock-meat dishes and vegetable dumplings.
The Muslim Quarter near Shanghai Road has several Hui-run restaurants serving halal lamb and beef specialties.
Less common, but rice noodle dishes and soups without wheat can be ordered in larger hotels or specialty cafés.