Shangqiu Ancient City (Guide Prefecture)
商丘古城
The Ming-dynasty walled city of Guide Prefecture. Its walls, moat, and outer enclosure form a “round outside, square inside” shape like an ancient coin, and the Song and Suiyang ancient cities lie layered beneath it.
The surviving city walls were built in the sixth year of the Zhengde era of the Ming dynasty (1511). The walls are about 3.6 kilometers in circumference, encircled by a moat and a round outer enclosure. Seen from above, the city resembles an ancient coin. Beneath it lie the Han-dynasty Suiyang City and the ruins of the Song state, earning the site the nickname “city stacked upon city.” Inside, chessboard-pattern streets preserve many Ming and Qing dwellings. The Guide Prefecture Confucian Temple, the Mu Family Siheyuan, Zhuanghui Hall, and the Shangqiu Catholic Church are all within walking distance. Entry to the ancient city is free. You can walk or cycle along the city walls, and the gates and moat are lit at night. Local specialties include Duozi mutton and shuijixian steamed buns.
Opening hours
Open all day (individual sights have their own hours)