Shangcai County Tourism

Shangcai County, Zhumadian, Henan - the capital site of the Western Zhou Cai State, known as the "Millennium Ancient Cai," integrating the Cai State Ancient City ruins, Fuxi painting hexagrams culture, and Li Si's Legalist thought heritage. A 2-day, 1-night in-depth tour to unlock the historical codes and cultural heritage of the pre-Qin period, appreciating the ancient charm of southern Henan.

3000+
Years of Ancient Cai State History
3
National Cultural Relics Protection Units
8+
Core Attractions
9+
Specialty Foods
Shangcai County Cai State Ancient City Ruins
Cai State Ancient City - Important Capital City Site of the Western Zhou Dynasty
National key cultural relics protection unit, existing city wall perimeter over 10 km, is the Western Zhou to Spring and Autumn period Cai State capital city remains, unearthed large quantities of bronze ritual vessels and pottery, known as the "Living Fossil of Pre-Qin History"

Shangcai County Two-Day One-Night Ancient Cai Culture Tour

Explore the ancient Cai State city to find Western Zhou relics, visit the hexagram painting holy site to comprehend Fuxi's wisdom, search for Li Si's hometown to feel the legacy of Legalist thought, and tour the Mingyuan Park to appreciate modern charm

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Cai State Ancient City, Fuxi Painting Hexagrams Pavilion, Li Si Hometown, Cai Mingyuan Park, Shangcai County Town
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, cultural researchers, families with children, archaeology interest groups
Budget Per Person
¥300-¥650
01
Tracing Ancient Cai
Cai State Ancient City · Fuxi Painting Hexagrams Pavilion · Shangcai County Museum
Highlights

Morning: Explore the Cai State Ancient City, touch the Western Zhou capital city remains, visit the ancient city site museum in the afternoon. Afternoon: Visit the Fuxi Painting Hexagrams Pavilion, explore the origins of the Eight Trigrams culture. Evening: Visit the County Museum to systematically understand the historical context of ancient Cai.

Attractions
Cai State Ancient City
National key cultural relics protection unit, initially built in the early Western Zhou Dynasty, as the capital city of Cai Shudu's fief. Existing city walls remain 4-11 meters high, with palace areas, handicraft workshop zones, and other relics discovered within the city, unearthed precious artifacts such as the "Cai Hou Shen" bronze ding.
Fuxi Painting Hexagrams Pavilion
Legendary site where Fuxi painted the Eight Trigrams, existing Qing Dynasty reconstructed hexagram painting pavilion and achillea garden. The pavilion contains a stone tablet inscribed "Fuxi Painting Hexagrams Site," surrounded by achillea grass, an important site for exploring the origins of Chinese I-Ching culture.
Shangcai County Museum
Collection of over 2,000 cultural relics, featuring Cai State bronze ware and Han Dynasty pottery. Systematically displays Shangcai's historical changes from Neolithic period to Ming-Qing dynasties. The Western Zhou "Cai Hou Bronze Bells" are the museum's treasure.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Shangcai Yingbin Hotel
  • Convenience hotels in county center
  • Homestays around Cai State Ancient City
Food Recommendations
  • Taqiao Pork Trotter
  • Shangcai Pan-Fried Buns
  • Caigou Dog Meat
  • Fried Dough Twists (Sanza)
Travel Tips
  • Cai State Ancient City is large; audio guide recommended (20 yuan/device)
  • Folk legend murals next to Fuxi Painting Hexagrams Pavilion for related stories
  • Museum reservation required 1 day in advance on official website
02
Cultural Heritage Trace
Li Si Hometown · Cai Mingyuan Park · Guangwutai Site
Highlights

Morning: Visit Li Si's hometown, learn about the life and deeds of the famous Qin Dynasty prime minister. Afternoon: Tour Cai Mingyuan Park, experience the blend of ancient and modern urban style. Evening: Visit Guangwutai Site, trace the historical imprint of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

Attractions
Li Si Hometown
Hometown of Qin Dynasty Prime Minister Li Si, existing Li Si Well, Li Si Mansion site, etc. The scenic area has Li Si Life Exhibition Hall, displaying his historical contributions such as assisting in "standardizing writing and axles" and historical controversies like "burning books and burying scholars."
Cai Mingyuan Park
Landmark urban park of Shangcai County, integrating ancient Cai culture with modern garden style. Contains Cai Hou Tower, Eight Trigrams Square, historical figures sculpture group, etc. An important venue for citizen leisure and cultural display.
Guangwutai Site
Eastern Han Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu's garrison site, existing high platform remains and "Guangwutai" stone inscription. Legend says it was Liu Xiu's command platform during battles against Wang Mang's army, an important physical evidence for studying early Eastern Han military history.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • County attractions accessible by bus routes 1/3
  • Guangwutai Site 25 km from county; recommended to drive or take rural bus
  • Cai Mingyuan Park in city center, convenient for walking or cycling
Ticket Information
  • Cai State Ancient City: 30 yuan
  • Fuxi Painting Hexagrams Pavilion: 10 yuan
  • Li Si Hometown: 20 yuan
  • Shangcai County Museum: Free
  • Guangwutai Site: Free
Travel Tips
  • Li Si Hometown has "Small Seal Calligraphy Experience" activity (advance reservation required)
  • Cai Mingyuan Park evening light show (19:30-21:00)
  • Taqiao Town 15 km from county; can visit specifically for authentic Taqiao Pork Trotter

Must-Try Foods in Shangcai County

Taqiao Pork Trotter

Iconic food of Shangcai, produced in Taqiao Town, made from local black pig trotters, braised for hours with over twenty spices. Tender meat falls off the bone, savory and flavorful. Famous for being a tribute during Qing Dynasty, known as the "Number One Trotter in Southern Henan."

Shangcai Pan-Fried Buns

Traditional Shangcai breakfast, filled with chive eggs or pork, wrapped in dough, first pan-fried then steamed. Bottom is golden crispy, top is soft and fragrant. Eaten with local spicy soup, an authentic street flavor.

Caigou Dog Meat

Specialty of Caigou Town, Shangcai, using local free-range native dogs, cooked with unique techniques. Tender meat, rich aroma, served with garlic chili oil dip. A special dish for local festive banquets (Note: Consumption requires compliance with relevant regulations).

Shangcai Fried Dough Twists

Traditional Shangcai fried food, made from flour, sesame, salt, etc., formed into thin strips, coiled and deep-fried until golden. Crispy texture, savory and delicious. Both daily snack and holiday gift, known as "Golden Stick Sanza."

Shangcai County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (April-May): Rapeseed flowers bloom around Cai State Ancient City, ideal for photography
  • Autumn (September-October): Pleasant climate, suitable for outdoor site exploration
  • Lunar March 3: Fuxi Painting Hexagrams Pavilion holds "Sacrifice to Fuxi" folk activities
Must-Try Foods
  • Taqiao Pork Trotter
  • Shangcai Pan-Fried Buns
  • Caigou Dog Meat
  • Shangcai Fried Dough Twists
  • Fenjiang Rice (Fermented Rice Soup)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: About 60 yuan
  • Accommodation: 70-150 yuan/night
  • Dining: 30-60 yuan/day
  • Transportation: About 40 yuan
  • Total: 300-650 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long to visit Cai State Ancient City? → Recommend 3-4 hours
  • Which Taqiao Pork Trotter shop is most authentic? → Taqiao Town "Old Ding's Pork Trotter" (century-old heritage)
  • Does Li Si Hometown have guided tours? → Yes, scheduled guided tours (10:00/15:00)
  • Does Shangcai Museum have interactive experiences? → Yes, bronze ware rubbing experience (reservation required)

Explore All Districts and Counties of Zhumadian City