Flat riverside parks along the confluence of the Sha and Li rivers, the easiest walking in the city.
The Sha-Li River Riverside Walk follows the parks and embankments of the Sha-Li River Scenic Area (沙澧河风景区) in Luohe, Henan Province, China. The scenic area is built around the confluence of the Shaying tributary Sha River and the Li River, which meet in the middle of the city and divide it into several districts. Riverside parks run for roughly 36 km in total, covering sections in Yuanhui, Yancheng and Shaoling districts, so visitors can choose any stretch and turn back whenever they wish. The area is classed as a 4A scenic area but is open-air and free to enter.
Access is simple. From Luohe Railway Station, city buses and taxi or DiDi rides reach the Shabei Road area of Yancheng District for roughly ¥10-20 (about $1.50-3). Parking is generally available beside the park entrances on the embankment roads, and no permit is required. The walk is completely flat, with no elevation gain, so the technical difficulty is minimal and the route suits first-time walkers, families and joggers.
The surface is a mix of paved promenades, brick-paved plazas and tamped paths along the water. Exposure is low, but shade is patchy: willow and poplar plantings give cover in places, while the open embankments are sunny, so a hat helps in summer. Typical outings cover a few kilometres between bridges and take one to three hours depending on pace. Landmarks include the road and pedestrian bridges that cross the two rivers, riverside plazas, waterfront lawns and the junction where the rivers meet, which makes a natural turn-around point for shorter walks.
Water and shelter are not a concern on this route. Kiosks, shops and restaurants are close to the park edges, and the city grid is never far away, so refreshment and toilets can be found without leaving the area. There are no refuge huts, since none are needed on an urban route. Evenings are popular with local residents for exercise, dancing and fishing along the banks, and the walk gives an easy look at everyday life in Luohe. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons, with mild temperatures and clear skies on many days, while midsummer is hot and humid and winter mornings can be cold.
| Distance | Riverbank parks run about 36 km in total; a typical walk is a few kilometres between bridges |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-3 hours, as desired |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Free, open-air 4A scenic area; city bus or taxi/DiDi from Luohe Railway Station (¥10-20, ~$1.50-3) |
| Best season | March-May, September-November |
| Address | Sha-Li River Scenic Area (沙澧河风景区), Shabei Road area, Yancheng District, Luohe |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Yuanhui, Yancheng and Shaoling Districts, Luohe
What to bring
- Walking shoes
- Water
- Sun hat
Location
Sha-Li River Scenic Area (沙澧河风景区), Shabei Road area, Yancheng District, Luohe
33.5785, 114.0025 View on map
Highlights
- Flat riverbank parks of about 36 km in total, with free entry to the 4A scenic area
- Confluence of the Sha and Li rivers at the heart of Luohe
- Bridges and waterfront plazas that give natural turn-around points
- Evening promenade scene with local walkers, dancers and anglers
Tips for visiting
- Walk in the early morning or after 17:00 in summer, when the open embankments are cooler.
- Carry a hat and water; shade is patchy on the open stretches.
- Pick a stretch between two bridges for a loop of a few kilometres and return the same way.
- Use DiDi from Luohe Railway Station for a fare of roughly ¥10-20.
- Spring and autumn give the best conditions; avoid the hottest afternoons in July and August.
When to visit
March to May and September to November offer mild weather, and early morning or evening is the most pleasant time. Evenings are busiest with local walkers.
Accessibility
The paved, flat promenades are generally suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Some embankment sections have steps or ramps at bridges, so visitors may need to choose their access points.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an entrance fee for the Sha-Li River Scenic Area?
No. The riverside parks are open-air and free to enter, though some attractions or boat rides inside the area may charge separately.
How long is the walk?
The riverbank parks total about 36 km, but most visitors walk a few kilometres between bridges, which takes one to three hours.
How do visitors reach it from the railway station?
City buses and taxi or DiDi rides run from Luohe Railway Station to the Shabei Road area of Yancheng District. A taxi costs roughly ¥10-20 (about $1.50-3).
Is the route suitable for children?
Yes. The path is flat and paved, with no climbing, so families with children can walk any section at an easy pace.