Shangqiu reveals its history in many ways: through the layout of the Ancient City, literary and calligraphic records, and the themes explored in its museums. These different areas of focus can help you decide which aspects you would like to learn more about on your trip.
The layout and history of the Ancient City
Shangqiu Ancient City comprises a brick city, a city lake and an outer city. It was built in 1511, the sixth year of the Zhengde era during the Ming dynasty. Together, the city wall, outer city and city lake form a round outer shape and a square inner shape. The combination of these three elements gives the site its distinctive layout.
In 1986, Shangqiu Ancient City was recognized as a national historical and cultural city. It is also a national AAAA-rated tourist attraction. A 2026 account of the visitor experience describes how visitors can take in views of the city from atop the city wall. If you plan to enjoy this view, check access in advance.
Literary, calligraphic and museum themes
Zhuanghui Hall, located in the Ancient City, is associated with the writer Hou Fangyu, who lived during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, and attracts visitors. At the Yanbo Terrace site, guides explained the stories of Yanbo, along with the associated history of stargazing and calendar development, to visiting groups as part of a study program described in 2025.
Ba Guan Zhai is located on the Gusu River, south of the city. An inscription there, in the hand of Tang-dynasty calligrapher Yan Zhenqing, bears the text “Ba Guan Zhai Hui Bao De Ji.” The Fire Culture Museum explains the history of human use of fire through exhibited artifacts and reconstructed scenes of ancient production.
The Shangqiu Museum offers another cultural focus. It is a local general museum, founded in October 1983. Its architecture incorporates elements of the culture of the ancient city and Shang culture. Alongside its presentation on the use of fire, it offers another perspective on Shangqiu’s cultural history.
Study programs and practical activities
The Shangqiu Ancient City scenic area’s offerings, as described in 2025, included five themed study routes and more than twenty special courses. The topics therefore extend beyond architectural history to encompass different forms of learning and cultural education.
Specific examples from student programs include activities at Huoshen Terrace, where students made pottery with fire patterns in a program described in 2025. Another student activity at Huoshen Terrace described in 2025 involved a student riding in a reconstructed Wang Hai ox cart. At the Suihuang Mausoleum, students practiced making fire by drilling into wood as part of a student program described in 2025.
Discover more destinations: Sanmenxia, Xuchang, Puyang, Zhoukou, Zhumadian, Xinyang, Anyang, Hebi
For the broader travel overview: Henan.
