Discover Shang Civilization, Wander Through the Taihang Mountains
Latest blogs
Scan to Follow
- May 1, 2026
- 5:17 pm
Looking for a getaway that combines thousands of years of history with breathtaking natural scenery this May Day holiday? Anyang, Henan is a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
As one of China’s Eight Ancient Capitals, Anyang is the birthplace of Oracle Bone Script and the cradle of the I Ching (Book of Changes). It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Yinxu and the world-famous Red Flag Canal, often called the “Artificial River in the Sky.”
Spend your morning uncovering the mysteries of the Shang Dynasty in world-class museums, then find yourself surrounded by waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and scenic mountain roads in the Taihang Grand Canyon by afternoon. This 3,000-year-old city invites you to experience a remarkable journey where ancient civilization meets spectacular nature.
Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Anyang
1. Yinxu Scenic Area + Huan Su: Great Shang Immersive Water Show
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yinxu, the ruins of the late Shang Dynasty capital and the birthplace of Oracle Bone Script. Walk through the palace foundations and royal tombs to witness the grandeur of one of China’s earliest civilizations.
In the evening, don’t miss Huan Su: Great Shang, a spectacular immersive outdoor water show inspired by Shang culture and the legendary female general Fu Hao. Combining fountains, lighting effects, lasers, and drone technology, the performance brings the glory of the Shang Dynasty vividly to life.
2. Yinxu Museum
Located beside the Yinxu archaeological site, the Yinxu Museum is China’s first national museum dedicated to presenting Shang civilization in its entirety. Immersive exhibitions and remarkable artifacts offer visitors an in-depth understanding of Shang rituals, bronze culture, and Oracle Bone Script.
3. National Museum of Chinese Writing
The world’s only national museum dedicated entirely to writing systems, this museum traces the evolution of Chinese characters from Oracle Bone Script to modern simplified Chinese. Interactive exhibits and priceless artifacts make it one of the best places to explore the history of Chinese civilization.
4. Taihang Grand Canyon
This national 5A scenic area is famous for its dramatic northern landscapes, featuring towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and breathtaking mountain scenery. Highlights include Peach Blossom Valley, Taihang Skyline Road, and Wangxiangyan, making it an ideal destination for hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying the fresh spring air.
5. Red Flag Canal Scenic Area + The Red Sun over Taihang Live Performance
Known as the “Artificial River in the Sky,” the Red Flag Canal stands as an extraordinary engineering achievement. Visit the famous Youth Cave and cliffside walkways while learning about the inspiring spirit of perseverance behind its construction.
As night falls, enjoy The Red Sun over Taihang, a large-scale live outdoor performance that recreates this remarkable chapter of history through stunning visual effects and immersive storytelling.
6. Anyang Ancient City (Wenfeng Pagoda & Four Historic Cultural Streets)
The historic heart of Anyang is home to the iconic Wenfeng Pagoda, famous for its unique design with a wider top than base.
- West Street celebrates traditional Chinese medicine.
- South Street offers an immersive old-town atmosphere filled with traditional restaurants, local brands, handicrafts, and shops.
- Xianqian Street is known for local delicacies and Hanfu experiences, where visitors can dress in traditional Chinese clothing while exploring.
- Cangxiang Street has become a lively cultural district filled with cafés, creative boutiques, and cozy bars—perfect for a leisurely stroll.
7. Yue Fei Temple (Tangyin County)
Dedicated to the renowned Song Dynasty general Yue Fei, this historic temple complex preserves magnificent traditional architecture, ancient stone inscriptions, and poems honoring one of China’s greatest national heroes.
8. Youli Castle
Recognized as the birthplace of the I Ching (Book of Changes), Youli Castle features a fascinating Bagua maze built according to the principles of the Eight Trigrams, allowing visitors to experience the philosophy and wisdom of ancient Chinese culture firsthand.
9. Cao Cao Mausoleum Site Museum
Discover the archaeological site of the tomb of the famous warlord Cao Cao. Through authentic excavation remains, artifacts, and multimedia exhibitions, the museum reveals the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures of the Three Kingdoms period.
10. Daokou Ancient Town (Huaxian County)
Once flourishing thanks to the Grand Canal, this charming ancient town preserves traditional grey-brick architecture and historic riverside docks. Wander its centuries-old streets, sample the famous Yixingzhang Daokou Roast Chicken, and soak in the timeless atmosphere of this canal town.
