2-Day Trip to Shangqiu: Travel Through a Millennium of Han and Tang Dynasties, Savor the Charm of Central China

2 Days 1 Night Shangqiu Guide: Around 1500 RMB per Person, Journey Through a Millennium of Han and Tang, Experience the Vibrant Life of Central China Climb the South Gate of Shangqiu Ancient City, where rows of red flags flutter on the millennium-old city walls, beneath your feet lies a history spanning over five thousand years. If you ask me where to go for a spontaneous cultural trip over the weekend, I would definitely recommend this understated ancient city in Central China—Shangqiu. It is one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China, the origin of merchants, goods, and commerce, and carries the profound history of Han culture. I personally traveled this route, spending less than 1500 RMB for two days and one night, experiencing a historical journey from the Shang Dynasty to the Ming and Qing Dynasties. --- 01 Highlights of the Trip Shangqiu’s uniqueness lies in its uncommercialized rustic charm and deep historical heritage. Beneath this city lie the ruins of multiple dynasties, including the Zhou Dynasty’s Song State capital, the Sui and Tang Dynasty’s Suiyang City, and the Northern Song Dynasty’s Nanjing City. Shangqiu Ancient City is also one of China’s four best-preserved ancient cities. The city is round on the outside and square on the inside, shaped like an ancient bronze coin, embodying the ancient philosophy of “round heaven and square earth.” Notably, Shangqiu is the “Source of the Three Merchants,” meaning the birthplace of merchants, goods, and commerce. Here, you can trace the origins of Chinese commercial civilization. Mangdang Mountain is known as the “Birthplace of the Han Dynasty.” It not only holds the story of Liu Bang’s uprising by slaying the serpent but also houses the grand Western Han Liang Kingdom royal tomb complex. Unearthed treasures like the gold-threaded jade burial suit and the Four Divine Beasts cloud pattern murals showcase the exquisite craftsmanship of the Han era. 02 Detailed Itinerary Shangqiu’s attractions are relatively concentrated, allowing you to cover both historical culture and natural scenery in two days. Below is my carefully planned itinerary balancing time efficiency and depth of exploration. Day 1: Echoes of History in Shangqiu Ancient City · Morning: Arrive in Shangqiu and start exploring the ancient city · Activity: After arriving at Shangqiu Station or Shangqiu South Station, head straight to Shangqiu Ancient City. Enter through the South Gate (Gongchen Gate), climb the city wall, and overlook the entire ancient city. · Key sights: The city layout is unique, resembling an ancient bronze coin. The bluestone-paved streets and well-preserved Ming and Qing buildings, such as the former residence of Hou Fangyu (Zhuanghuitang) and the Mu family courtyard, are worth visiting. · Time: Recommended 3-4 hours. · Noon: Taste Shangqiu’s local specialties · Activity: Have lunch on the food street inside the ancient city. · Food recommendations: Must-try Shangqiu Hui noodles, with chewy noodles and flavorful broth. Duozi lamb is another local specialty, tender and free of gamey taste, paired with baked flatbread for a perfect combo. Pan-fried buns, crispy outside and tender inside, are also a great choice. · Time: About 1-1.5 hours for lunch and rest. · Afternoon: Deep dive into ancient city culture and museums · Activity: After lunch, visit the Shangqiu Museum. Located about 1.5 km southwest of the ancient city, it is China’s first museum dedicated to showcasing Shang culture, with over 20,000 artifacts. · Key sights: Focus on the origin story of “Xuan Bird giving birth to Shang,” and precious relics from the Western Han Liang Kingdom tombs, such as the gold-threaded jade burial suit and the Four Divine Beasts cloud pattern murals (replicas). The museum is free but closed on Mondays. · Transportation: Take a bus or taxi from the ancient city, about 10-15 minutes. · Time: Recommended 2-2.5 hours. · Evening: Night tour of the ancient city to experience a different charm · Activity: Return to the ancient city for dinner, then enjoy the night view. · Evening activities: If timing allows (such as during holidays), watch live performances or street art shows inside the ancient city. Alternatively, stroll through the night market to feel the lively local atmosphere. · Accommodation: It’s recommended to stay near Shangqiu Station or inside/around the ancient city. The area near Shangqiu Station offers convenient transport, many hotel options, and good value. There are also some unique guesthouses inside the ancient city for a more immersive experience. Day 2: Han Culture Journey at Mangdang Mountain · Morning: Head to Mangdang Mountain to explore the Han Liang royal tombs · Activity: After breakfast, depart from downtown Shangqiu to the Mangdang Mountain tourist area in Yongcheng City. The drive takes about 1.5-2 hours; an early start is recommended. · Key sights: Mangdang Mountain is a Han cultural landmark. The main attraction is the Han Liang royal tomb complex (such as the tombs of King Liu Wu and his queen). The tombs are grand, like underground palaces, with intricate structures. · Highlights: The murals inside the tomb of King Gong of Liang predate the Dunhuang murals by over 630 years. In the tomb of King Xiao of Liang’s queen, you can see China’s earliest stone toilet. · Time: Recommended 2.5-3 hours. · Noon: Lunch near the scenic area · Activity: Have lunch near Mangdang Mountain or in Yongcheng City on the way back. · Food recommendations: Continue to try Henan-style dishes or taste Suixian Beihu fermented fish, known for its tender bones and savory flavor. · Time: About 1 hour for lunch and rest. · Afternoon: Enjoy the view and conclude the trip · Activity: After lunch, visit the Great Han Hero Scenic Area at Mangdang Mountain and climb to the summit to overlook the eastern Henan plains. · Alternative options: If you are very interested in history and culture, you can visit Confucius Mountain Scenic Area or the site of Liu Bang’s serpent slaying. If time and energy permit, also consider visiting the nearby Chen Guanzhuang Huaihai Battle Memorial Hall. · Return: Finish sightseeing around 3-4 pm and head back to downtown Shangqiu to prepare for departure. · Time: Recommended 1.5-2 hours. 03 Budget Planning This 2-day 1-night trip can be comfortably done within a budget of 1500 RMB per person. Here is a detailed breakdown: Transportation (approx. 400-550 RMB total) · Major transport (round trip): For example, from Shanghai, high-speed rail round-trip tickets cost about 600-800 RMB. Choosing a hard sleeper train can reduce costs to under 400 RMB. This is the main variable in the budget; adjust according to your departure city. · Local transport: · Within Shangqiu city: Bus or taxi, about 50-80 RMB for two days. · Shangqiu to Mangdang Mountain: Long-distance bus or carpool, about 100-120 RMB per person round trip. Accommodation (approx. 150-300 RMB total) · Budget or comfortable guesthouses near Shangqiu Station or around the ancient city, about 150-300 RMB per night. Entrance fees (approx. 150-200 RMB total) · Shangqiu Ancient City: Some small sites (like Zhuanghuitang) may require separate tickets; city wall tickets about 20-30 RMB. · Mangdang Mountain Tourist Area: Combined ticket about 90 RMB, including main attractions like the Han Liang royal tombs. · Shangqiu Museum: Free admission. · Huoshen Platform: If added to the itinerary, ticket about 20-30 RMB. Meals (approx. 200-300 RMB total) · Based on five meals over two days (including lunch on day two), sampling local snacks and restaurant dishes, 200-300 RMB per person is sufficient for good meals. Miscellaneous (reserve 100 RMB) · For bottled water, snacks, souvenirs, etc. 04 Practical Tips · Best travel time: Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) offer the most comfortable climate. Summers are hot, winters cold—dress accordingly. · Transportation tips: Shangqiu is an important transport hub with many trains at Shangqiu Station and Shangqiu South Station. If flying, fly into Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport, then transfer by high-speed rail to Shangqiu (about 1 hour). · Tickets and reservations: Shangqiu Museum is free but closed on Mondays (except public holidays). Some scenic spots allow advance booking via official platforms or travel apps. · Food recommendations: Besides Hui noodles, Duozi lamb, and pan-fried buns, try Ningling Gangzi bread, known for its pure aroma and chewy texture. · Flexible itinerary adjustments: · If especially interested in Han culture, shorten some time in the ancient city on day one and spend more time at Mangdang Mountain on day two. · If traveling with children or preferring a lighter schedule, skip Mangdang Mountain and visit Huoshen Platform (Yanbo Platform) and Riyue Lake Park on day two. Huoshen Platform is China’s oldest existing astronomical observatory, and Riyue Lake features a musical fountain at night. Shangqiu’s value lies in its authenticity and depth. When you gaze from the ancient city walls or stare at millennia-old murals in Han tombs, you truly feel the heartbeat of history. Every brick and artifact in this city silently tells the long story from Shang civilization through Han and Tang to Ming and Qing. Spend two days here—Shangqiu will not disappoint you.