Shangqiu Yellow Riv. Former Ave Pk.

Updated April 6, 2026

Shangqiu Yellow Riv. Former Ave Pk. is a park located in Shangqiu, China.

Location

You can find Shangqiu Yellow Riv. Former Ave Pk. at China, Henan, Shangqiu, Liangyuan District, 11, 公里处 邮政编码: 476146.

What to Expect

Shangqiu Yellow Riv. Former Ave Pk. offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of Shangqiu, China. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk, a picnic spot, or simply a place to relax outdoors, this park provides a welcome green space.

Planning Your Visit

The park is located at China, Henan, Shangqiu, Liangyuan District, 11, 公里处 邮政编码: 476146. GPS coordinates: 34.564500, 115.618570. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

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The Yellow River once carved its path through Shangqiu for over 700 years. Today, Shangqiu Yellow Riv. Former Ave Pk. marks where that ancient waterway used to flow.

This park sits right on the historic floodplain, where the river ran from the 12th to the 19th century. After the river changed course, it left behind rich sediment that shaped the landscape you’re walking on now.

Strolling these trails, you’re literally stepping over centuries of buried history. If you’re into that sort of thing, it’s pretty wild to imagine.

It’s a peaceful spot for picnics and wildlife watching, especially when migration season brings flocks of birds through this corner of eastern Henan. The park feels worlds away from the busier Ancient City attractions nearby.

Sure, you won’t find the drama of a roaring river here. But there’s a quiet magic in a place that’s witnessed such massive change.

Most visitors to Shangqiu skip this park. Honestly, that’s exactly why I love it.

Flat terrain and scattered trails give you space to think about how floods kept reshaping this region—and the people who stuck it out.

Key Takeaways

• The park sits on the former Yellow River course that flowed through Shangqiu from the 12th to 19th centuries.
• You can enjoy trails, picnic areas, and seasonal birdwatching in this quiet historic landscape.
• The site offers a peaceful alternative to more crowded attractions while connecting you to centuries of geographic history.

About Shangqiu Yellow Riv. Former Ave Pk.

This park stretches along the old Yellow River channel in northern Shangqiu. It covers about 65 square kilometers of land that’s been totally transformed over time.

What started as windswept sand dunes is now China’s only entirely artificial forest turned national forest park. That’s a pretty wild turnaround.

History and Significance

The Yellow River flowed through Shangqiu for 723 years before shifting course in 1855. When it diverted north from Lankao County, locals suddenly had a new set of problems.

Sand dunes buried farmland, and windstorms stripped away topsoil with such force that people joked about eating “half yellow sand soup.” Not exactly appetizing.

In 1958, the government set up a state forest farm to fight back against the relentless sand. Workers planted 177,000 mu of trees over decades, building windbreaks that finally pinned down those mobile dunes.

Forest coverage hit 85.1%—mainly poplars, Robinia, and Paulownia. I’m always impressed by how much green they managed to squeeze out of such tough ground.

The area was named a national forest park in December 2002. It’s the only one in China’s plains built entirely from human-planted trees.

You’ll also come across the ancient Meng County city ruins here, and even the birthplace of Zhuangzi, the legendary Warring States philosopher. Not bad for a patch of land that used to be all sand and wind.

What Makes It Special

This place went from barren wasteland to a green corridor—honestly, that’s the main draw for me. There’s over 12,000 mu of water at the Tianmuyuan scenic area, and another 5,000 mu at Tianquan Lake.

The water’s not deep—just two meters on average—but it pulls in all kinds of wildlife. The old Yellow River dyke, nicknamed the “Great Wall on water,” sits a good 13 meters above ground level.

Standing up there, you get this odd feeling as the riverbed towers over the fields. It’s not something you see every day.

Nature walks wind through forests packed with apple, pear, and persimmon trees, mixed in with the more practical species. Migratory birds gather here year-round, especially near the lakes.

White birds cluster in the Central Park area, and fish are easy to spot in the shallow, clear water. There’s a wetland vibe you just don’t expect from the northern plains.

What to See and Do

The park sprawls across about 65 square kilometers along the old Yellow River channel in northern Liangyuan District. There’s plenty of space to wander—wetlands, forests, river views, you name it.

My favorite way to experience it? Take a leisurely walk through the Shenggan forest belt, then hang out by the lakes and observation decks.

Main Attractions and Highlights

The wetlands and lake areas are the park’s heart. During spring and fall, you can catch migratory birds stopping over.

The forest belt hugs the old river course, with shaded paths winding under thick tree cover. If you’re into birdwatching, bring binoculars—waterfowl love these wetlands.

Scenic overlooks along the old riverbed give you wide-open views across the eastern Henan plains. The way the forested areas meet the water is pretty photogenic, especially at golden hour.

Compared to other tourist spots in Shangqiu, the park feels way less manicured. It’s got a more natural, unpolished vibe.

You’ll sometimes see small boats for rent near the lakes if the weather’s good. Cycling works here too, though check locally for bike rentals—availability seems to change all the time.

Bring water and snacks, since food options inside are pretty slim.

Best Time to Visit

March through April is hard to beat—rapeseed flowers bloom in golden waves along the park’s edge. Spring weather is usually mild, perfect for walking and birdwatching.

This time also lines up with bird migration, so the lakes get busy with feathered visitors. It’s a great excuse to linger outdoors.

September to early November is another sweet spot. Autumn colors take over the forest, and the air turns crisp—much more comfortable than the sticky summer.

If you’re hoping for solitude, weekday mornings in fall are your best bet. The park is almost empty then.

Summer gets hot and humid, so unless you love sweating through your shirt, midday visits aren’t much fun. Winter is possible, but expect bare trees and a biting wind across the old riverbed.

Visitor Information

You’ll find the park in Liangyuan District, on Shangqiu’s north side, running along the old Yellow River course. It’s easy to reach from the city center, and you’ll want to give yourself several hours to really explore.

Location and How to Get There

Shangqiu Yellow River Old Road National Forest Park sits just north of Liangyuan District, in northeastern Shangqiu City. A taxi from downtown gets you there in 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Staying near the old city walls? The ride should cost around 30-40 yuan. Not bad.

Public buses go out this way too, but routes can get confusing if you’re new to Shangqiu. Local bus lines run from the city center to the main entrance, but the numbers change sometimes—ask your hotel staff for the latest info.

The park marks the eastern highlight of Henan’s Great Yellow River Tourist Route. If you’re driving, parking is available near the main entrances, though spots fill up fast during spring weekends when the rapeseed flowers are out.

GPS works fine here. Still, having the park name written in Chinese characters is a lifesaver when asking locals for directions.

Tips for Visitors

Always check locally for the current hours—Shangqiu Yellow Riv. Former Ave Pk. loves to tweak its opening times with the seasons. In spring (March-April), the park really comes alive with those famous rapeseed flowers. Golden blooms spill across the landscape, and honestly, it’s hard not to stop every few steps for a photo.

Autumn’s not bad either. The air cools off, the leaves turn, and the whole place feels a little more peaceful.

You’ll want comfortable walking shoes for the nature walks. The forest belts and those winding wetland boardwalks? They’re worth it. The paths are mostly flat, so you don’t need to be an athlete, but this park sprawls—65 square kilometers isn’t a joke. If you’re aiming to see the big highlights, expect to put in some miles.

Bring water and snacks. Facilities are scattered, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll get hungry halfway between points of interest. There’s a playground for families, though it’s pretty modest—don’t expect a theme park vibe. The real magic here is in the landscape: lakes, those old river channels, and endless tree-lined trails.

Birdwatchers, this is your spot during migration. Wetland species swing through, especially in the early morning. If you’re up for it, sunrise is when you’ll catch the best wildlife action and—bonus—almost no crowds.