Shangqiu
Ancient Shang base, modern transport hub in eastern Henan.
Shangqiu (Chinese: 商丘), alternately romanized as Shangkiu, is a city in eastern Henan province, Central China. It borders Kaifeng to the northwest, Zhoukou to the southwest, and the provinces of Shandong and Anhui to the northeast and southeast respectively. Shangqiu and surrounding area was an important base for the Shang dynasty (c. Shangqiu has grown significantly in recent years. It is located at an important location at the junction of several major railways, making it a major regional transportation hub.
- Elevation range
- 30 to 70 m
- Climate
- Monsoon-influenced humid subtropical (Köppen Cwa)
- Annual mean temperature
- 14.4 °C
Lore & Background
Before he ascended to the imperial throne as the Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin was the jiedushi (military governor) of Guidejun (歸德軍), a region centered in Songzhou. The city was the southern capital of the Northern Song dynasty under the name Nanjing. Shangqiu was the first in a series of temporary capitals that the Song dynasty government moved to during their retreat from the north, when most of northern China had been conquered by the Jurchens in the Jin–Song wars. The court moved to Shangqiu because of its historical importance to Emperor Taizu. In the Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties, Shangqiu was governed as Guide Prefecture (歸德府).
Reader's Guide
Shangqiu's significance lies in its deep historical roots as a base for the Shang dynasty and its role as a political and military center across multiple Chinese dynasties. It was the capital of the state of Song during the Zhou period, a key Liang Kingdom capital under the Han, and the site of a pivotal siege during the An Lushan rebellion. In modern times, Shangqiu became a strategic railway junction and a forward airbase for the Nationalist Air Force during World War II. Its legacy includes being a traditional center for the cult of Huoshen (Fire God) and the headquarters of Liguaism, a denomination of Baguadao.
Did You Know?
- The city's name 'Shangqiu' means 'Hills of Shang' and is closely linked to the Shang dynasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is Shangqiu located?
Shangqiu sits in the eastern part of Henan province, flanked by Kaifeng to the northwest, Zhoukou to the southwest, and the neighboring provinces of Shandong and Anhui to the northeast and southeast.
What is the climate like in Shangqiu?
Shangqiu enjoys a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cwa) with an annual mean temperature around 14.4 °C. Elevation across the city ranges from about 30 to 70 meters above sea level.
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