Puyang: Qicheng, Acrobatics, and Historic Cityscapes

The wider Puyang area lies in northeastern Henan Province, along the lower reaches of the Yellow River. It is known as a national historical and cultural city and bears the title “Hometown of Chinese Acrobatics.” Archaeological traces, the history of acrobatics, traditional crafts, and historic cityscapes offer a range of cultural highlights. If you are looking for a vacation rental in Puyang, you can start by considering which of these themes will shape your trip.

Qicheng: History and Archaeological Traces

In the wider Puyang area, Qicheng, also known as Longkui City, was an important city of the State of Wei during the Spring and Autumn period. The above-ground remains of the Qicheng Ruins have a circumference of 1,520 meters and cover an area of 1,440 square meters. Underground, relics from various periods have been preserved, ranging from the Yangshao culture more than 6,000 years ago to the Han Dynasty. The history of an important site in the State of Wei and archaeological traces spanning a long succession of eras are thus brought together in the same regional theme.

The Qicheng Ruins cultural and scenic area includes a historical exhibition hall, Longgong, and Kongzi Houguan. The latter is said to be where Confucius lived in the State of Wei for ten years. Alongside archaeological traces from different periods, the cultural highlights therefore include historic sites connected with the history of the State of Wei.

Acrobatics, Crafts, and Performing Arts

Puyang’s acrobatics originated during the Spring and Autumn period, flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and continued to develop in modern times. Black pottery and wheat-straw patchwork from the wider Puyang area are also known throughout China. Here, alongside historic sites, performances and crafts are other key cultural themes.

A historical description from July 2012 mentions a performance on July 6 at the Water Show International Grand Theatre, located in the wider Puyang area. It brought together acrobatics, opera, singing and dancing, Wushu, and magic. “水秀” featured a water screen as well as gymnastics, diving, magic, and dance, with performances underwater, on the water’s surface, and in the air. These elements offer a concrete impression of how movement, water, and performing arts were combined, without implying that this is a current program.

Historic Sites and Cityscapes

In the wider Puyang area, Si Pailou, also known as Zhong Xin Ge, stands at the center of an old town. Four streets there feature numerous buildings and shops in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Si Pailou was first built during the Ming Dynasty, and the area is suitable for shopping and sightseeing. The focus here is on streetscapes and historic architectural styles, unlike the far more ancient archaeological traces at Qicheng.

Another historic site in the wider area is the Cangjie Mausoleum. It consists of the Cangjie Tomb, the Cangjie Temple, and stone inscriptions. These three features give the site a character distinct from the Qicheng Ruins or the streetscapes around Si Pailou. Attractions in the broader Puyang travel area also include Puzhao Temple and the Maolou Ecological Tourist Zone.

When choosing a vacation rental in Puyang, you can start with the focus of your trip: Qicheng represents early history, Si Pailou offers a historic streetscape, and acrobatics and crafts reflect cultural traditions. These different themes can help you plan your trip around what interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Xuchang, Zhoukou, Luohe, Jiaozuo, Nanyang, Shangqiu, Zhumadian, Xinxiang

For the broader travel guide: Henan.