Day Trips from Shangqiu. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Kaifeng (开封): Approximately 1.5-2 hours by high-speed train or bus. Kaifeng was an ancient capital from the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127 AD), featuring historical sites. Noteworthy attractions include the Iron Pagoda, Dragon Pavilion, and the Qingming Riverside Landscape Garden. Transportation includes frequent high-speed trains departing from Shangqiu Railway Station to Kaifeng North, and long-distance buses. Allocate a full day (8-10 hours).

Xuzhou (徐州): Around 40 minutes by high-speed train. Xuzhou is in Jiangsu Province, known for its Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) tombs and museums, offering a glimpse into ancient empires. High-speed trains connect Shangqiu Railway Station to Xuzhou East. A half to full day allows for visits to the Han Cultural Park (Han Terracotta Warriors, Han Tombs) and the Xuzhou Museum.

Traveler's Choice

Zhoukou (周口): Approximately 1 hour by high-speed train. Zhoukou is a city in Henan with historical hyperlinks to Fuxi, a mythical ancestor. A half to full day reveals its historical sites and Fuxi legends.
Independent Travel: Highly feasible with China's high-speed rail network. Design your own pace and itinerary.
Organized Tours: Local Shangqiu operators might arrange tours. These can potentially cater to domestic tourists, mainly in Mandarin. For personalized experiences, consider private car hire with a driver if language presents a barrier.
For day trips, book high-speed train tickets in advance using apps like GetYourGuide, especially on weekends or during Chinese holidays.

Natural Escapes & Cultural Depths

Discover serene natural settings and rich cultural heritage beyond the city center.

Natural Environments

Shangqiu's immediate surroundings are mainly even. Some options provide a break into more natural environments.

Exploration Ideas

Huanghe Gudaoshenmu Forest Park (黄河故道森林公园): Situated beyond downtown, this park features forests and landscapes formed by the ancient Yellow River course. A calm environment ideal for half-day walks.
Scenic Landscapes: The region is an even plain. Its beauty resides in expansive agricultural fields and historical riverine areas.
Rural Areas: Exploring rural areas shows agricultural life in Henan Province, a contrasting experience to urban centers.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Shangqiu's immediate attractions, nearby cities extend cultural and historical exploration.

Further Discoveries

Historical Sites: Kaifeng is a gateway to Northern Song Dynasty history. Smaller towns in Shangqiu prefecture may hold local temples or historical sites for authentic local charm.
Rural Villages: Experience traditional Henan rural life amidst vast fields of wheat and corn.
Pilgrimage Sites: Local temples draw domestic pilgrims, providing a look into local spiritual practices. Prominent sites for international visitors are limited in the immediate region.

Multi-Day Extensions

Suggested Additions 1-3 Days

Shangqiu + Kaifeng: Combine a visit to Shangqiu with 1-2 days in Kaifeng to explore two ancient Henan capitals.
Reach to Zhengzhou: Add 1-2 days for Zhengzhou, Henan's provincial capital. Visit the Henan Provincial Museum, Erqi Square, and perhaps a day trip to Shaolin Temple.
Further East (Xuzhou/Nanjing): Consider adding a day or two in Xuzhou for more Han Dynasty history, or continue to Nanjing, another ancient capital.
Logical Next Destinations: Zhengzhou (transport hub), Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes), Xi'an (Terracotta Army), Xuzhou (Han culture).

Longer Regional Routes

Henan Historical Circuit: Shangqiu, then Kaifeng, followed by Zhengzhou, and conclude in Luoyang.
East China Cultural Route: Begin in Xuzhou, move to Shangqiu, then Zhengzhou, and potentially extend to Nanjing or Shanghai.
High-speed rail connects Shangqiu efficiently to major cities, making multi-day regional travel easy. Book tickets in advance.
When planning multi-day extensions, China's high-speed rail network offers swift and pleasant travel between cities, maximizing sightseeing.

Transportation Connections

High-speed rail to Zhengzhou~1 hour
High-speed rail to Kaifeng~1.5-2 hours
High-speed rail to Luoyang~2-3 hours (via Zhengzhou)
High-speed rail to Xi'an~3-4 hours (via Zhengzhou)

High-speed rail to Xuzhou~40 minutes
High-speed rail to Zhoukou~1 hour
Long-distance buses to Kaifeng~2-2.5 hours
Local bus networkExtensive

Travel Insight

Planning your regional travel in China becomes effortless with the country's extensive high-speed railway network.

Airport Services

Basic services for a smooth airport experience.

Lounge Access

For regular travelers, independent airport lounge access worldwide Priority Pass a comfortable waiting experience.

Flight Compensation

Should your flight experience delays or cancellations, Compensair assists with receiving due compensation.

Baggage Solutions

Ensure your luggage travels safely and securely with various airport baggage services.

Seamless Arrivals

Upon arriving at the airport, several services ease your transition into Shangqiu.

Arrival Services

Taxi & Ride-sharing: Readily available for transport to your accommodation.
Currency Exchange: Booths operate at the airport for converting foreign currency.
Information Desks: Staff assist with directions, local transportation, and general inquiries.

Departure Convenience

Before your departure, utilize these services for a relaxed and efficient exit.

Departure Essentials

Check-in Counters: Clearly marked for various airlines.
Baggage Drop: Streamlined process for checked luggage.
Duty-Free Shopping: Last-minute souvenirs or gifts are available.

Essential Airport Facts

Closest International AirportZhengzhou Xinzheng (CGO)

Distance to ShangqiuApprox. 180 km

Travel Time from CGO by trainApprox. 1 hour

Common AirlinesMajor Chinese and international carriers

Airport CodeCGO

Airport LoungesAvailable in major terminals

Smooth Connections

Consider booking airport transfers in advance.
Check real-time flight status via airline apps.
Arrive with ample time before international flights.
Ensure your passport and visa are readily accessible.
Be aware of baggage restrictions and customs regulations.

Multi-Day Experiences

Extend your journey to combine Shangqiu with other significant destinations in Henan or neighboring provinces.

Extended Itineraries 1-3 Days

Beyond Shangqiu, Henan offers different cultural and historical sites for longer stays.

Recommended Pairings

Shangqiu + Kaifeng: Experience two ancient capitals of Henan, each with distinct historical periods and attractions.
Zhengzhou Addition: Dedicate 1-2 days for Zhengzhou. Visit the Henan Provincial Museum, Erqi Square, or a day trip to Shaolin Temple.
Further East: Add a day or two in Xuzhou for more Han Dynasty history, or continue to Nanjing for a rich historical experience.

Next Destinations

Plan your onward journey with these logical next stops for exploration.

Connectivity Hubs & Sights

Zhengzhou: A provincial capital and convenient transport hub.
Luoyang: Home to the Longmen Grottoes (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and Pale Horse Temple.
Xi'an: Features the Terracotta Army, ancient City Wall, and Muslim Quarter.

Regional Travel

Leverage China's high-speed rail for quick and comfortable connections.

Suggested Routes

Henan Historical Circuit: Shangqiu, Kaifeng, Zhengzhou, Luoyang. Explore major historical and cultural points.
East China Cultural Route: Xuzhou, Shangqiu, Zhengzhou, with potential extensions to Nanjing or Shanghai.
Book high-speed rail tickets in advance, specifically during peak travel.

Extended Exploration

Maximize your time by exploring more of Henan and outside the area.

Deep Dive Destinations

Anyang: Explore the Yin Ruins, a significant Shang Dynasty archaeological site.
Nanjing: A vibrant city with a deep history and modern attractions.
Shanghai: A major metropolitan center offering a dynamic urban experience.

Strategic Planning

Effective planning for multi-day trips includes booking early and utilizing a well-run transport network.

High-Speed Rail

The main mode of inter-city travel, offering speed and comfort.

Advance Booking

Secure your train tickets well in advance, notably during busy times.

Flexible Itineraries

While structured, allow for spontaneous adjustments based on local discoveries.

Regional Travel Tip

China's high-speed rail network expedites travel between major cities, maximizing your time for sightseeing and cultural immersion.

Trip Planning & Exploration

Tailor your visit to Shangqiu with various planning tools and considerations.

Time-Based Itineraries

24H

Layover Highlights

Morning: Shangqiu Ancient City. Lunch: Local Henan cuisine. Afternoon: Shangqiu Museum or Wenfeng Pagoda. Evening: Dinner, Fenghuangzhou Park, or illuminated Ancient City.

2-3D

Weekend Getaway

Day 1: Ancient City exploration. Day 2: Houling Tomb, Mausoleum of Zhuangzi, Fenghuangzhou Park or Huanghe Gudaoshenmu Wooded Park. Day 3: Optional trip to Kaifeng or Xuzhou, or local departure.

7D

Comprehensive Experience

Days 1-3: Deep dive into Shangqiu. Days 4-5: Kaifeng exploration. Days 6-7: Zhengzhou & Shaolin Temple. Depart from Zhengzhou.

Longer Stays

Two-Week In-Depth Exploration: Combine Shangqiu, Kaifeng, and Zhengzhou with Luoyang (Longmen Grottoes, White Horse Temple) and potentially Anyang (Yin Ruins). Regional extensions to Shandong or Jiangsu also possible.
Long-Term Stay: Shangqiu presents a lower cost of living. Consider renting an apartment for an extended period. Engage with the local community for language immersion.
Explore volunteering or studying Chinese at Shangqiu Normal University.

Interest-Based Routes

Historical Heritage: Focus on Shangqiu Ancient City, Houling Tomb, Mausoleum of Zhuangzi. Extend to Kaifeng, Luoyang, and Anyang.
Food & Culinary: Explore local markets, street food stalls, and traditional Henan restaurants. Try Hu La Tang, Braised Noodles, Daokou Roast Chicken.
Adventure & Outdoors: Limited in Shangqiu's flat terrain. Walks on Ancient City walls and Huanghe Gudaoshenmu Forest Park are options. For more, travel to mountainous regions of western Henan.
Family-Friendly: Activities like Fenghuangzhou Park, Ancient City boat ride. Consider Zhengzhou for funfairs.
Art & Architecture: Appreciate Ming and Qing dynasty architecture of Shangqiu Ancient City. Visit temples and pagodas. Explore Shangqiu Museum.
Spiritual & Wellness: Kong Xiang Place of worship and Mausoleum of Zhuangzi for reflection. Explore Traditional Chinese Medicine practices.

Budget-Based Plans

Backpacker's Guide

Stay in budget hotels or guesthouses. Eat street food and at small local eateries. Rely on public buses and high-speed rail (book early). Prioritize free attractions.

Mid-Range Traveler

Stay in 3-4 star hotels. Enjoy a mix of local and mid-range dining. Use taxis or DiDi for convenience. Visit paid attractions and museums.

Luxury Experience

Stay in 4-5 star hotels. Dine at upscale restaurants. Book private transport. Enjoy more exclusive experiences or exclusive guided tours.

Value-Focused Travel

Travel during the shoulder season for fewer crowds. Book accommodation and transport in advance. Utilize mobile payment apps for potential discounts. Dining like a local authentic the type of food at lower costs.

Day Trips from Shangqiu