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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

1. Shangqiu has been a vital transportation hub for both railways and highways in China. The Eurasian Continental Bridge, spanning from Lianyungang in East China to Rotterdam of Holland, intersects the longest railway artery of China, Beijing-Kowloon Railway in Shangqiu. The Shangqiu-Hangzhou Railway runs through the city as well. The city is the junction of the national highway which runs from Beijing to Zhuhai and that which runs from Lianyungang to Horgas Port of Ili. Although there is not an airport in this city, the Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, which is over 200 kilometers (124 miles) away, may be may be conveniently reached by the expressway.

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

Shangqiu enjoys a warm temperate climate, featuring warm and windy springs, torrid and rainy summers, refreshing autumns and chilly winters. It has ample sunshine and moderate rainfall. The annual average temperature is 14°C (57.2°F).

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.

- Last updated on Jul. 22, 2024 by Serena Zhou -

Questions & Answers on Shangqiu Travel

Asked by liu from SENEGAL | Sep. 15, 2024 01:03

can i get there by high speed railway

Answers (1)

Answered by Joshua | Sep. 17, 2024 23:11

To Shangqiu Railway Station? The answer is "Yes".

Asked by richard lowe from UNITED KINGDOM | Aug. 29, 2018 04:26

Can I travel by train from Shangqiu to Xinzheng airport? Or maybe train + subway?

Answers (2)

Answered by Kelvin from CANADA | Aug. 29, 2018 21:01

Yes, you can take a high speed train from Shangqiu railway station to Zhengzhou East Station. The train depart from 7:13 to 20:50 and the journey time is about 1 hour. Then you can take a shuttle bus from the railway station to the airport.

Answered by richard from UNITED KINGDOM | Aug. 31, 2018 00:41

Great - thanks Kevin!

Asked by Daniel from INDONESIA | Nov. 13, 2016 23:04

How to go to Shangqiu from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur?

Answers (1)

Answered by Peter from NEW | Nov. 15, 2016 00:04

You may fly to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Kuala Lumpur (about 5.5 hours). Upon arrival, take metro line 2 from Pudong Airport to Hongqiao Railway Station (about 1.5 hours). Then, take a bulet train to SQ (about 4 hours). ;)

Asked by typsy gypsy from AUSTRALIA | Oct. 17, 2015 17:04

What is the Shangqiu University like ? Is it located near the city ?

Answers (1)

Answered by Ruby from FRANCE | Oct. 17, 2015 21:44

It is a famous university in the city. There are 10 schools and 44 majors. It was established in 2002. The university is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the city proper. :)