A visit to Guidefu City - the ancient capital Shangqiu (Part One)

Also known as Guideng Fu City, it was built during the Zhengde period of the Ming Dynasty and is located in Suixian District, Shangqiu City. Its city walls, moats, and inner city are well preserved, making it a rare ancient city in the country. The brick city is rectangular, 1200 meters long from north to south, and 1000 meters long from east to west. There are currently four arch bridges and seven horse-face bridges, as well as four walls. Unfortunately, the original four urn-shaped cities could not be preserved.

Gongchen Gate

The north gate of the ancient city of Shangqiu is named Gongchen Gate. It is relatively well-preserved, and visitors can now stand on the city wall to enjoy the historical and cultural sights of the city.

Hou Mansion

The Hou Residence includes the former residence of Hou Xun and his son Hou Fangyu (the protagonist of 'The Peach Blossom Fan') and its Zhuanghui Hall. The former residence of Hou Xun consists of one house and three courtyards, currently featuring buildings such as the main hall, east and west wing rooms, and other structures. There are also remnants in the east and west courtyards, all built in the late Ming Dynasty, characterized by their simplicity and elegance. The main hall is composed of the main building, east and west auxiliary buildings, passage hall, east and west wing rooms, and the main gate, forming a typical two-entry courtyard, representative of late Ming Dynasty official residences. In fact, the Hou Residence is a set of modern imitation ancient buildings, and it is only the love story of Hou Fangyu and Li Xiangjun, one of the 'Eight Beauties of Qinhuai,' that brings it to life.

Guidefu Confucian Temple

The Guidefu Confucian Temple, originally built in the early Yuan Dynasty, consists of the Dacheng Hall, Minglun Hall, Pan Pond, and other structures. It is the largest existing Confucian temple complex in Henan Province. A major attraction in the temple is the thousand-year-old Chinese honey locust tree located to the east of the Dacheng Hall. Despite its trunk being almost hollow, the tree crown remains lush and green. It is said that Zhao Kuangyin once tied his horse to this tree, hence it is also known as the Zhao Kuangyin Horse Tying Tree.

Shangqiu Art Museum

Mu's Siheyuan, originally a Qing Dynasty architectural complex with one residence, three courtyards, and five gates, now only the central courtyard and the main hall remain. It is the location of the Shangqiu Art Museum. Apart from some textual display boards, there are no exhibits. The attraction is relatively hidden, located at the junction of Guide Mansion and Confucian Temple, in front of Suiyang Hotel.