Shangqiu Treasure Journey / Ancient City Fireworks, Exploring the Origin of Chinese Civilization.

Dear family, today I’m going to take you into a city favored by history—Shangqiu. This place has a profound cultural heritage, and every inch of land tells an ancient story. Come follow my guide to start this wonderful journey in Shangqiu! Preparation 1. Documents: ID card, student ID (don’t forget if you have discounts). 2. Clothing: Shangqiu has distinct seasons. In December, be sure to bring thick cotton clothes, scarves, gloves, and snow boots to keep warm. 3. Others: Charger, camera, toiletries, common medicines, etc. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation ○ Airplane: You can first fly to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, then transfer by high-speed train or bus to Shangqiu. ○ High-speed train: Shangqiu Station is an important transportation hub with direct high-speed trains from many cities, very convenient. 2. Internal Transportation ○ Bus: Shangqiu’s bus routes cover a wide area and can reach most attractions, but may be crowded. ○ Taxi/Ride-hailing: Convenient for travel, but may encounter traffic jams during peak hours. Food Recommendations 🍜 1. Duozi Mutton: This is a specialty of Shangqiu, made from selected local mutton, cooked and tied with hemp rope, then pressed. The meat is tender and flavorful, with no gamey taste, paired with baked flatbread, simply amazing 😋. 2. Suixian Beihu Pickled Fish: The fish meat is tender, bones crispy and soft, salty and delicious. Thanks to unique marinating and cooking techniques, even the fish bones can be eaten. A must-try. 3. Shangqiu Pan-fried Buns: Available in meat and vegetarian fillings; vegetarian usually chives and eggs, meat fillings include pork and beef. The bottom is pan-fried golden and crispy, the top soft and fragrant, super satisfying in one bite 🥰. 4. Ningling Gangzi Bread: The bread is pure and fragrant with a chewy texture. Freshly baked Gangzi bread shows layered structure when torn apart, becoming more flavorful the more you chew. Attractions Check-in 📍 Shangqiu Ancient City Shangqiu Ancient City is one of China’s four well-preserved ancient cities, with a history of over 4,000 years. ● City Gate Tower: Climb the city gate tower to overlook the entire ancient city, as if traveling back in time. Every brick on the city wall carries the marks of history. ● Guidufu Confucian Temple: The only Confucian temple in the country with a school built on the main hall, featuring a unique architectural style. Here you can experience ancient educational culture and see many precious cultural relics. ● Mu Family Courtyard: Typical Ming and Qing architectural style, with a rigorous layout and carved beams and painted rafters. Walking into the courtyard feels like seeing the life scenes of wealthy families in the past. Mangdang Mountain Tourist Area A scenic spot on the eastern border of Henan, known as the "Fairy Peak." ● Han Liang King Tomb Group: The tomb group of Liu Wu and his family from the Western Han Liang Kingdom, large in scale and complex in structure. The murals and stone carvings inside are exquisite, showcasing the wisdom and skills of ancient people. ● Confucius Mountain: Named because Confucius once took shelter from rain and taught here. Attractions include Confucius Temple and Guanyin Pavilion, where you can feel the influence of Confucian culture. ● Mangdang Mountain Geological Park: The park has rich geological relics and natural landscapes such as stone forests and caves. You can enjoy the scenery while learning about geology. Huoshentai Huoshentai is one of the earliest existing astronomical observation platforms in China and a landmark of Shangqiu. ● Temple Fair: Every Spring Festival and on the second day of the second lunar month, a grand temple fair is held here with various traditional performances and snacks, lively and bustling. ● Sacrificial Activities: You can participate in the Fire God sacrificial ceremony to learn about Shangqiu’s fire culture and experience the charm of traditional culture. Accommodation Suggestions 🏨 1. Inside Shangqiu Ancient City: Staying inside the ancient city allows you to better feel its atmosphere and convenient travel. There are many characteristic guesthouses and inns with moderate prices. 2. Shangqiu City Center: More hotel options with better facilities. If you want more convenient services and entertainment choices, staying in the city center is a good option. Itinerary 📅 Day 1 ● Morning: Arrive in Shangqiu, head to Shangqiu Ancient City, check into a guesthouse inside the ancient city. After a short rest, visit the City Gate Tower and Guidufu Confucian Temple. ● Noon: Taste Shangqiu pan-fried buns, duozi mutton, and other delicacies inside the ancient city. ● Afternoon: Visit the Mu Family Courtyard to appreciate the charm of Ming and Qing architecture. ● Evening: Stroll through the ancient city night market, try various snacks, and enjoy the night view of the ancient city. Day 2 ● Morning: Head to Mangdang Mountain Tourist Area, visit the Han Liang King Tomb Group. ● Noon: Dine at nearby restaurants and try Suixian Beihu pickled fish and other local dishes. ● Afternoon: Tour Confucius Mountain and Mangdang Mountain Geological Park. ● Evening: Return to Shangqiu city center and check into a hotel. Day 3 ● Morning: Visit Huoshentai, participate in sacrificial activities, and experience fire culture. ● Noon: Enjoy Ningling Gangzi bread and other local foods nearby. ● Afternoon: Visit Shangqiu’s shopping malls to buy some specialties and prepare for departure. Dear family, Shangqiu is truly full of surprises and charm. Whether it’s history, culture, or food, it’s unforgettable. Pack your bags quickly and embark on a spontaneous Shangqiu trip! Remember to share your travel plans in the comments 😘.