Anyang Travel

Anyang, Henan — an ancient capital of seven dynasties, the birthplace of Chinese writing. Home to famous attractions including Yin Xu, the Red Flag Canal, Taihang Grand Canyon, and Wenfeng Tower, it is a tourist destination combining Yin-Shang culture, red tourism culture, and Taihang mountain-and-water culture.

3300+
Years of City History
7
Dynasties as Capital
15.6
sq km Old City Area
5.4M+
Resident Population

Anyang City Districts & Counties Travel

Anyang Three-Day Yin-Shang Culture and Taihang Landscape Tour

Explore Yin Xu to decipher oracle bone script, visit the Red Flag Canal to feel its spirit, admire the majesty of Taihang, and trace the cultural lineage at ancient temples

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Yin Xu, Red Flag Canal, Taihang Grand Canyon, Youli Town
Suitable For
Culture researchers, outdoor enthusiasts, red tourism lovers, families with children
Budget Per Person
¥1500 - ¥3000
01
Yin-Shang Discovery
Journey into the Origins of Writing and Ancient Capital Civilization
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Yin Xu Museum to uncover the mysteries of oracle bone script. In the afternoon, tour the National Museum of Chinese Writing to systematically learn about the evolution of Chinese characters. In the evening, stroll through Cangxiang Street to experience the night scenery of the ancient city.

Attractions
Yin Xu
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the capital ruins of the late Shang Dynasty of China. A large number of oracle bones and bronze artifacts (including the Simuwu Ding) were unearthed here. It is the first capital site in Chinese history that can be verified through written records and confirmed by archaeology and oracle bone script.
National Museum of Chinese Writing
A national-level museum integrating cultural relic preservation, exhibitions, and scientific research. It systematically displays the evolution of Chinese characters from oracle bone script to modern writing, and is hailed as the "Hall of Writing."
Practical Info
Recommended Accommodation
  • Boutique hotels in Wenfeng District
  • Characteristic guesthouses near Yin Xu
  • Business hotels in the city center
Recommended Food
  • Bianfen Cai (flat noodle dish)
  • Fenjiang Fan (fermented rice porridge)
  • Jianxue Guanchang (fried blood sausage)
  • Anyang Braised Noodles
Travel Tips
  • It is recommended to hire a guide (or rent an audio guide) at Yin Xu
  • Advance reservation required for the National Museum of Chinese Writing
  • Best time for Cangxiang Street night view is after 19:00
02
Spirit of Taihang
Red Spirit and Spectacular Landscape Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit the Red Flag Canal Memorial Hall and hike the Youth Cave scenic area to experience the spirit of "self-reliance and hard work." In the afternoon, tour the Taihang Grand Canyon to enjoy the majestic beauty of the Taihang Mountains.

Attractions
Red Flag Canal
Known as the "Artificial Milky Way," this project was built in the 1960s by the people of Lin County (now Linzhou City) under extremely difficult conditions, channeling water from the Zhang River along the mountainside of Taihang. It is a miracle of Chinese hydraulic engineering and a classic red tourism scenic spot.
Taihang Grand Canyon
One of the ten most beautiful canyons in China, combining majesty, wonder, danger, tranquility, elegance, and beauty. Main attractions include Peach Blossom Valley, Wangxiang Rock, and Taihang Sky Road. It is a paradise for landscape sightseeing, leisure vacations, rock climbing, and exploration.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • About 1.5 hours drive from Anyang to Linzhou
  • Shuttle buses available within the scenic area
  • Many mountain roads, comfortable sports shoes recommended
Ticket Info
  • Red Flag Canal: ¥100
  • Taihang Grand Canyon: ¥140 (includes shuttle bus)
  • Wangxiang Rock cable car charged separately
Tour Tips
  • At Red Flag Canal, it is recommended to listen to the red story narration
  • Taihang Grand Canyon is suitable for a full-day hike
  • Large temperature difference in mountainous areas, bring a jacket
03
Tracing the Cultural Vein
I Ching Culture and Ancient Architecture Tour
Highlights

In the morning, visit Youli Town to experience I Ching culture. In the afternoon, visit Yue Fei Temple to pay tribute to the national hero. Before returning, you can purchase local specialties such as Daokou Braised Chicken.

Attractions
Youli Town
The first recorded state prison in Chinese history. King Wen of Zhou was imprisoned here and developed the Eight Trigrams into the Sixty-Four Hexagrams, forming the book I Ching. It is the birthplace of I Ching culture.
Yue Fei Temple
Built in memory of the famous Southern Song anti-Jin general Yue Fei. The existing buildings feature Ming and Qing dynasty styles, with magnificent halls and ancient cypress trees. The temple houses Yue Fei statues, steles, and other precious cultural relics, showcasing his patriotic spirit of "loyalty to the country."
Practical Info
Return Advice
  • Tangyin to Anyang East Station: about 40 minutes
  • Anyang to Zhengzhou high-speed rail: about 1.5 hours
  • Recommended to start return journey before 3:00 PM
Food Map
  • Daokou Braised Chicken
  • Laomiao Beef
  • Neihuang Sausage
  • Anyang Three-Smoked Delicacies
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Oracle bone replicas
  • Red Flag Canal souvenirs
  • Vacuum-packed Daokou Braised Chicken
  • Anyang paper-cutting

Must-Try Foods in Anyang

Anyang Bianfen Cai (Flat Noodle Dish)

A signature Anyang breakfast made with flat vermicelli as the main ingredient, combined with greens, tofu, pig blood, etc., simmered in bone broth and topped with special chili oil. Spicy and delicious, it warms the body and stimulates the appetite.

Daokou Braised Chicken

A famous Chinese specialty originating from Daokou, Hua County, Anyang. Dating back to the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty, it is renowned for its beautiful shape, golden color, tender meat, and rich aroma, earning the title "Number One Chicken Under Heaven."

Fenjiang Fan (Fermented Rice Porridge)

A traditional Anyang snack made by cooking fermented mung bean starch liquid with millet, soybeans, peanuts, and vegetables. Sour and fragrant with a unique fermented flavor, it is a popular summer refreshment in the region.

Jianxue Guanchang (Fried Blood Sausage)

A folk specialty snack in Anyang. Pig blood mixed with flour is stuffed into pig intestines, steamed until cooked, then sliced and pan-fried until golden on both sides. Crispy on the outside, tender inside, served with garlic water for a unique flavor.

Anyang Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • April-May: Spring flowers bloom on Taihang Mountain, pleasant climate
  • September-October: Autumn with clear skies, ideal for mountain and water tours
  • June-August: Summer escape to the Taihang mountain area
  • November-March: Fewer tourists in winter, suitable for visiting cultural venues
Must-Do Experiences
  • Recognize oracle bone script at Yin Xu Museum
  • Walk the "Water Great Wall" at Red Flag Canal
  • Hike and enjoy the views at Taihang Grand Canyon
  • Calculate I Ching hexagrams at Youli Town
  • Taste authentic Bianfen Cai breakfast
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥500-700
  • Accommodation: ¥350-700/night
  • Meals: ¥180-350/day
  • Transportation: ¥300-500 (including round trip to Linzhou)
  • Total: ¥1500-3000
FAQ
  • Which is more worth seeing, Yin Xu or the National Museum of Chinese Writing? → They complement each other; it is recommended to visit both.
  • Does the Taihang Grand Canyon require hiking? → Some spots do; you can also take the shuttle bus.
  • Can the Red Flag Canal and Taihang Grand Canyon be done in one day? → Tight on time; it is recommended to split them over two days.
  • Where are the best places to find Anyang's specialty foods? → North Street in the old city and Tangzi Lane.