A Treasure Hunt in Shangqiu | A Journey Through a Thousand Years of Adventure in the Central Plains

Hey everyone! If you're tired of the same old tourist hotspots, then you absolutely must come with me to Shangqiu, a city brimming with ancient charm and surprises! Shangqiu, this unassuming ancient city in the Central Plains, is like a thick history book, each page holding countless stories. Now, follow my guide and let's embark on this journey through a thousand years! 😎 🏨Accommodation Arrangements Shangqiu offers a wide range of accommodation options. For convenient travel, I highly recommend staying near Shangqiu Railway Station. Transportation is excellent, making it easy to reach various attractions and sample local cuisine. Hotel prices range from budget-friendly to luxurious, allowing you to choose according to your budget. Chain brands like Ji Hotel and Hanting Hotel offer great value for money, with clean, comfortable rooms and attentive service. 👍 🚗Transportation Guide ● External Transportation: Shangqiu boasts excellent transportation. If you choose to travel by plane, you can first fly to Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport and then take a high-speed train or bus to Shangqiu. For train travel, Shangqiu Station and Shangqiu South Station are the main stations, with direct trains to many cities. ● Internal Transportation: Within Shangqiu city, public buses have extensive coverage, reaching most major attractions. Taxis are also convenient and affordable. For a more flexible travel experience, you can rent a shared bicycle and leisurely explore the ancient city's alleys, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Shangqiu. 🚲 🌟 Must-Visit Attractions Shangqiu Ancient City Shangqiu Ancient City is a must-see attraction, one of China's four best-preserved ancient cities. The city's shape, round on the outside and square on the inside, resembles a giant ancient coin, embodying the ancient Chinese philosophy of a round heaven and a square earth. Strolling through the streets, the cobblestone paths seem to tell stories of a thousand years. You can climb the ancient city wall for a panoramic view of the entire city and feel the vicissitudes of history. Within the city, there are also ancient buildings such as the Chen Family Courtyard and the Mu Family Courtyard, with exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings that are truly breathtaking 🤩 Mangdang Mountain Tourist Area Mangdang Mountain is a historical and cultural mountain on the eastern Henan plain. It boasts numerous attractions, including the site where Liu Bang slew the snake, the grandeur of the Han Dynasty, and the Mangdang Mountain Geopark. The most worthwhile attraction is the Western Han Dynasty Liang King's Mausoleum Complex. These mausoleums are grand in scale and unique in structure, resembling underground palaces. Numerous artifacts have been unearthed from the tombs, such as jade burial suits and the Four Gods and Clouds painting, providing a deeper understanding of ancient craftsmanship and culture. At Mangdang Mountain, you can also watch a spectacular live performance and experience the charm of Han Dynasty culture 🥳 Ebo Terrace Ebo Terrace is an observatory built by Ebo, son of Emperor Ku, and is one of the oldest existing observatories in China. This area is the cultural origin of Shangqiu, possessing a profound historical heritage. Climbing to the top of Ebo Terrace allows you to learn about the development of ancient astronomy and experience the wisdom of the ancients. The temple atop the terrace is solemn and majestic, with incense smoke curling upwards, as if you can travel through time and converse with the ancients. 🙏 🍲Food Recommendations ● Shangqiu Braised Noodles: This is one of Shangqiu's specialty dishes. The noodles are chewy and springy, and the broth is fresh and delicious. Braised noodles also include mutton, tofu strips, and kelp strips, making it nutritious. A bowl of steaming hot braised noodles will definitely satisfy you. 😋 ● Duozi Mutton: Made with high-quality local mutton, it undergoes multiple processes such as marinating and steaming. The mutton is bright in color, tender, and has no gamey smell. It tastes even better when eaten with sesame flatbread. ● Pan-Fried Buns: Shangqiu's pan-fried buns are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a golden-brown, crispy bottom. The fillings are either meat or vegetarian. One bite, and the broth bursts forth, leaving you wanting more! 🤤 📌Important Notes ● Summer temperatures in Shangqiu are high with strong UV rays, so remember to bring sun protection items such as sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses. Winters are cold, so dress warmly with a thick coat. ● When visiting historical sites and temples, respect local culture and customs; do not touch artifacts or damage the environment. ● When enjoying local cuisine, pay attention to food hygiene to avoid consuming unclean food that may cause stomach upset. My darlings, Shangqiu is like a huge treasure trove, waiting for us to discover it. I believe this trip will leave you with unforgettable memories. Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip to Shangqiu! 🎉