Anyang Travel Guide

Anyang Facts

Chinese Name: 安阳市 (ān yáng shì)
Population: 5,922,700
Area: 7,413 square kilometers (2,862 square miles)
Location: in the north of Henan Province, east-central China
Administrative Division: 4 districts (Beiguan, Wenfeng, Yindu, Long'an); 4 counties (Anyang, Tangyin, Huaxian, Neihuang); 1 county-level city (Linzhou)
Area Code: 0372
Zip Code: 455000
GDP (2018): CNY 239.322 billion (USD 36.168 billion)

Ancient City Unearthed Oracle Bone Inscriptions and Houmuwu Ding

Anyang City lies in the northernmost section of Henan Province and is separated from Shanxi Province by the Taihang Mountains to the west and from Hebei Province by the Zhanghe River to the north. It is 170 kilometers (106 miles) away from the capital city of the Henan, Zhengzhou. Anyang has a history of more than 3,000 years. Since the Shang Dynasty (1600 BC - 1046 BC) moved its capital to Anyang, 6 countries built their capital in this city. Many historical sites and cultural relics had been left. The earliest Chinese characters oracle bone inscriptions and Houmuwu Square Cauldron (Ding), the largest bronze ware in the world were unearthed here. Yin Ruins, the earliest capital of China, has been listed in the world heritage list as a world cultural heritage. The Book of Changes also originated from Anyang, which is the theoretical source of natural philosophy and human practice in Chinese traditional ideology and culture.

 10 Old Capitals of China

Anyang Attractions - Things to Do

Yin Ruins

Yin is the ancient name for present-day Xiaodun village, where inscriptions on bones and tortoise shells, the oldest characters in the world, were discovered in 1899. The ruins cover a total area of 24 square kilometers (9 square miles), preserving a great number of bronze, stone, bone and jade articles. The 87-kilogram Simuwu four-legged square bronze caldron is the biggest bronze article in the world. 

Grand Taihang Canyon

It lies to the west of Linzhou City at the eastern foot of the southern Taihang Mountains. The relative relief reaches 1000 meters (3,281 feet). Spectacular peaks, cliffs, gorges and waterfalls generate this outstanding natural scenery in North China. People have lived there since the remote Shang Dynasty, and the residence building there are all made of locally quarried stone, integrating them well with the surrounding landscape. 

Other Scenic Spots: Museum of Yin Ruins, Gaoge Temple, Wenfeng Pagoda
 

How to get to Anyang

Beijing-Guangzhou Railway runs through the city and it has trains going north to Beijing and south to Shanghai, Zhengzhou and Wuhan. The railway station of the city in the west end of Jiefang Lu. The long-distance bus station of Anyang is just located in the east side of the railway station (West section of Heping Lu). Through the expressway, Zhengzhou can be reached from Anyang in three hours.

 See more Shanghai - Anyang Train

Weather

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Situated in the warm northern temperate zone, Anyang enjoys a continental monsoon climate. Its annual average temperature falls around 14 degrees centigrade (57.2 degree Fahrenheit), and the rainfall is mainly concentrated in July and August.

 When to go: Anyang is chilly in winter and hot in summer, therefore, spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit the city.

Anyang Travel Tips

 History: Anyang is one of the eight great ancient capitals of ancient China, making it an important focal-point of the Chinese nation and culture. It was authorized as the capital city of the Shang Dynasty (16th - 11th century BC) in the 14th century BC. This is the site where over 150,000 oracle bones were discovered. The name of Anyang first appeared in history during the Warring States Period (476BC-221BC).

 Physical Features: The city stands at the base of the eastern foothills of the Taihang Mountains. Its terrain basically slopes downward from west to east. The western part of the city belongs to the Taihang Mountains, while eastern part is a part of the North China (Huabei) Plain.

 Special Local Products: Chinese dates of Neihuang County, hawthorn, walnut, pear, chestnut  

- Last updated on Apr. 18, 2024 -
Questions & Answers on Anyang Travel
Asked by Cao Pi from BRUNEI | Apr. 16, 2024 06:11Reply
How to get to Cao Cao's mausoleum?
Is Cao Cao's mausoleum open to public? Any info about it?
Why is it not listed as a place of attraction?
Can somebody please update and add Cao Cao"s mausoleum as an attraction in Anyang.
Answers (2)
Answered by Rita | Apr. 17, 2024 00:15
00Reply


Yes. It opens from 08:30 - 18:00.
I can tell that you really like Cao Cao.
I guess it's because it's not famous as other attractions in Henan like Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes and it's not located in the capital city.
You can take bus no. 58 at Anyang East Railwayu Station to Caocao's mausoleum.
Answered by Cao Pi | Apr. 18, 2024 14:46
00Reply


Thank you for the swift reply Rita. Yes, I admire alot about Cao Cao. The discovery of it's tomb was only found recently about a few years ago. It's a valuable part of history as his burial site was found after 2000years.
Asked by sondongwook from KOREA | May. 22, 2017 04:40Reply
How to go to Linzhou from Anyang East Railway Station?
Answers (1)
Answered by Olivia from POLAND | May. 23, 2017 03:31
10Reply


You can take tourist bus line 1 from East Railway Station to AY Bus Station first. Then you can find several direct coaches to Linzhou. The bus schedules are 06:00 to 18:00. The ticket fare is CNY 14 per person.
Asked by Giorgia Croppi from CHINA | Apr. 26, 2017 06:15Reply
What is the best way to reach Anyang from Shanghai without taking a plane?
Answers (1)
Answered by Isaac from DENMARK | Apr. 27, 2017 04:00
10Reply


As I know, there is no direct coach that operates between these two places. Thus you are advised to take high-speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and arrive at AY East Railway Station.
The train schedules are 08:15, 11:59 and 16:24. The ticket fare of second class seat is CNY526.5, first class seat is CNY866.5 and Business Class Seat is CNY1662.5.
Asked by Dmitry from RUSSIA | Mar. 07, 2017 09:09Reply
How can I get to Taihang Grand Canyon from Linzhou?
Answers (1)
Answered by Lucas from GERMANY | Mar. 09, 2017 00:28
10Reply


You can take a coach from Linzhou Bus Station to Shibanyan County first. It takes around an hour on the way. After arriving, hire a private car to the scenic area directly.
Asked by Lynn from USA | Nov. 14, 2016 11:07Reply
How far is Anyang from Beijing? I would like to go by train or bus.
Also, how far is AY from the Great Wall, closest to Beijing?

I am wondering if it's possible to go to AY and see the Great Wall in one day.
Answers (1)
Answered by Linda from USA | Nov. 15, 2016 01:01
00Reply


Hi, dear! The Juyongguan Great Wall is the closest Great Wall section to Beijing. AY is about 317 miles (510km) from Beijing, and about 342 miles (550km) from Juyongguan.

You can take a bullet train to shuttle between AY East and Bejing West Railway Station (about 2.5 hours). I am afraid that you can hardly cover them within one day. You should spare at least two days. Have a good day! ;)
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