7 Days in Shangqiu

Walk the Ming wall at dusk and wait for the moat lights; the west gate area has the liveliest food streets.

1. Shangqiu Ancient City
2. Nanhu Lake

Yingtian Academy opens early; pair the Fire God Terrace with the museum's Han dynasty finds in the afternoon.

1. Yingtian Academy
2. Fire God Terrace
3. Shangqiu Museum

Budget a full day for the Han tombs and the giant Liu Bang statue; the underground tomb halls stay cool even in summer.

1. Mangdang Mountain

The river moved south centuries ago — today it is forest trails and wetlands; rent a bike at the gate for the long loop.

1. Yellow River Old Course Forest Park

A slow morning at Zhangxun Temple and the Baguan Pavilion stele, then souvenir streets around the west gate.

1. Zhangxun Temple
2. Baguan Pavilion

Under an hour by rail to Kaifeng's Northern Song parks and night market; return for a late Shangqiu dinner.

1. Kaifeng

Circle the lake one last time in morning light, then catch a temple-fair morning if your dates land on one.

1. Nanhu Lake
2. Fire God Terrace