Weird & Unusual Attractions in Shangqiu, Henan, China

1. Iron Pagoda of Shangqiu

A unique octagonal-shaped iron pagoda dating back to the Ming Dynasty with intricate carvings.

Rare Iron Construction: One of the few remaining iron pagodas in China.
Historical Significance: An artifact from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) well preserved.
Carving Detail: Intricate carvings depicting mythical and historical scenes.

A park showcasing dinosaur footprints found in the area, some dating back over 160 million years.

Prehistoric Fossils: One of the largest collections of dinosaur footprints in China.
Educational Value: Provides insight into ancient ecosystems and dinosaur evolution.
Nature Preservation: Park serves as a protected area for these valuable fossils.

A museum dedicated to over 200 stone carvings dating back thousands of years.

Ancient Artifacts: One of the largest collections of ancient stone carvings in China.
Historical Importance: Carvings provide insight into early human civilization.
Artistic Expression: Carvings showcase unique artistic styles from ancient times.

A Taoist temple believed to have been built without using nails or mortar.

Unconventional Construction: One of the few temples in China built without nails or mortar.
Taoist Philosophy: Emphasizes harmony with nature and the universe.
Architectural Beauty: Beautifully designed temple with intricate carvings and structures.

A village said to be abandoned due to supernatural events, now a tourist attraction.

Natural mineral springs that produce water of seven different colors.

Geological Phenomenon: One of the few places in the world where this occurs naturally.
Medicinal Properties: Believed to have medicinal properties and used in traditional medicine.
Scenic Beauty: Provides a beautiful, colorful landscape for photography.

An ancient cave containing over 1,000 Buddhist statues and murals.

Artistic and Historical Significance: One of the largest collections of Buddhist art in China.
Buddhist Culture: Provides insight into ancient Buddhist practices and beliefs.
Cave Exploration: Offers a unique, adventurous experience for visitors.

A bridge designed to create a rainbow effect when struck by sunlight.

Architectural Innovation: One of the few bridges specifically designed to create a rainbow.
Photo Opportunity: Provides a unique and picturesque experience for visitors.
Symbolic Meaning: Represents unity, harmony, and prosperity in Chinese culture.

A museum displaying tomb artifacts from various historical periods.

Historical Insight: Provides insight into ancient Chinese burial customs.
Artistic Beauty: Beautifully crafted tomb artifacts showcasing unique artistic styles.
Educational Value: Helps visitors understand the historical development of Shangqiu.

A natural spring shaped like a dragon's head.

Natural Wonder: A rare, naturally occurring dragon-shaped spring.
Cultural Significance: Dragons are a symbol of power and auspiciousness in Chinese culture.
Scenic Beauty: Provides a beautiful, unique landscape for photography.

Coffins hanging on cliffs as a traditional burial practice.

Cultural Preservation: Preserves the traditional burial practices of ethnic minorities.
Historical Significance: Offers insight into ancient burial customs.
Photo Opportunity: Provides a unique and interesting experience for visitors.

An expansive bamboo forest covering over 30 square kilometers.

An underground palace built in the shape of a dragon, featuring intricate carvings.

Architectural Innovation: One of the few underground palaces in China.
Historical Significance: Built during the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
Artistic Expression: Intricate carvings depicting mythical and historical scenes.

A cave featuring phoenix-shaped stalactites.

Natural Wonder: A unique, naturally occurring phoenix-shaped stalactite.
Cultural Significance: Phoenix is a symbol of femininity and grace in Chinese culture.
Scenic Beauty: Provides a beautiful, unique landscape for photography.

A Taoist temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven.

Religious Significance: One of the few temples in China dedicated to the Jade Emperor.
Architectural Beauty: Beautifully designed temple with intricate carvings and structures.
Taoist Philosophy: Emphasizes harmony with nature and the universe.