Shangqiu South Lake Scenic Area

Shangqiu South Lake Scenic Area

Shangqiu Ancient City is a renowned historical and cultural city in China. Built during the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty, it boasts a history of 490 years. The ancient city was constructed according to the Eight Trigrams, featuring an outer circle and inner square shape resembling an ancient coin. Its four gates and corner towers are well-preserved, and the three-thousand-mu city lake spans a vast expanse, while the ancient eight-li perimeter is shaded by lush greenery. The city features uniquely and rationally designed chessboard-like streets, turtle-back terrain, and plum-blossom-patterned well layouts. The inner city has a circumference of seven li, two fen, and five li, with the base of the city wall being three zhang wide, narrowing to two zhang at the top, and standing two zhang and five chi high. The four city gates are named Binyang Gate, Gongyang Gate, Gongchen Gate, and Dize Gate. The city perimeter is circular, while the inner city is square, symbolizing the concept of the round heaven and square earth, the harmony of yin and yang, and the attraction of wealth and prosperity. The city wall is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit. The city lake encircles the perimeter, forming a trinity with the perimeter and the wall. Its exceptional state of preservation and rich cultural significance are rare in China. In December 1986, it was designated as a Historical and Cultural City by the State Council.

Scenic Area Transportation

It is 7 kilometers from the city center via Kaishe Road to the scenic area, about a 10-minute drive.

Embracing the historic Shangqiu Ancient City, the tranquil waters of the lake exude a deep sense of peace that seems to stem from the city’s long history. The lake’s azure waves and fragrant flowers and trees create a refreshing atmosphere. The vast and beautiful city lake is dotted with numerous historical sites, offering delightful scenery that captivates visitors and makes them linger. It has earned the praise of being “more beautiful than West Lake, though not West Lake itself.” Major attractions in the South Lake Scenic Area include the Zhang Xun Memorial Temple, Yingtian Academy, Baguan Zhai, Lakeside Park, Xuan Niao Island Resort, and the Water Amusement Park.