Shangqiu Travel Guide
Shangqiu Facts
Chinese Name: 商丘市 (shāng qiū shì)
Population: 9,261,700
Area: 10,704 square kilometers (4,133 square miles)
Location: in the east of Henan Province, east-central China
Administrative Division: 2 districts (Liangyuan, Suiyang); 6 counties (Yucheng, Minquan, Ningling, Suixian, Xiayi, Zhecheng); 1 county-level city (Yongcheng)
Area Code: 0370
Zip Code: 476000
GDP (2018): CNY 238.904 billion (USD 36.105 billion)
First Capital in the Shang Dynasty
Shangqiu is situated in the eastern region of Henan Province. It touches the borders of neighboring Kaifeng to the west, Anhui to the south and Shandong to the north. Shangqiu is a high speed rail hub of Henan as 16 high-speed rail lines meet here and more railways are under construction. It was the first capital in the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC - 1046 BC) and has a close connection with Chinese business civilization. Shang literally means trade in Chinese. Hence such wordings as merchant, commodity and commerce all originated from Shangqiu. On a trip to Shangqiu, visitors can still see the parts of ancient Shangqiu city, temples, the earliest observatory and a famous academy here.
10 Old Capitals of China Top 10 Ancient Cities in China
Shangqiu Attractions - Things to Do
Old Town of Shangqiu is a well preserved town in the southwest section of the city proper. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the brick construction retains great historic and cultural relics, especially in the traditional residential houses and courtyards characteristic of the period. Ebo Tai: a platform which is known as the earliest observatory in China. Baiyun Temple: As one of the four holy temples in Central China, Baiyun Temple was first built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in what is now known as Minquan County, 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of the county seat.
Other Scenic Spots: Mangdang Mountain Cultural Relics Tourism Area, Diku Mausoleum.
How to get to Shangqiu
2. Shangqiu Central Bus Station is located in Liangyuan District, just opposite the railway station on Zhanqian Lu.
3. Shangqiu Guantang Airport is located in Guantang Town, Liangyuan District, 20 kilometers (12.5 miles) from downtown Shangqiu. The airport has been closed for expansion from May, 2019 on. The opening time is not known yet.
Weather
When to Go: Spring and autumn.
Shangqiu Travel Tips
History: Shangqiu played an important role in the history of the Chinese nation. It is reportedly the place in China where the first fire was lit by a human. After the first emperor of the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC) defeated Xia (21st - 16th century BC), he chose this place as the capital. It was authorized as the assistant capital by the first emperor of the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127) for he grew up in this old city. Physical Features: The city has always been an important farming area with convenient irrigation supplied by the Yellow River. The land is basically flat, sloping downward from the northwest to the southeast, with a spattering of dunes, bottomland troughs and some low-lying areas. Special Local Products: Apples, grape, persimmons, honey peaches, sheep skin, handmade embroidery.