Beijing to Shangqiu Drive: Best Stops & Tips

The G45 (Daguang Expressway) directly connects Beijing to Shangqiu, a prefecture-level city in eastern Henan. This route crosses the North China Plain, a region historically prone to flooding. Between Beijing and Shangqiu, the landscape transitions from the Yan Mountains to the flat agricultural heartland, with the drive covering about 700 kilometers.

How long to drive Beijing to Shangqiu? Typically, you'll spend 8 to 9 hours behind the wheel, but plan for 10 to 11 hours with breaks. Toll fees for a standard sedan amount to roughly 340 RMB. Fuel consumption for a mid-size car will be around 60 liters, and as of mid-2025, gasoline prices hover near 8.40 RMB per liter, so budget about 500 RMB for gas.

For EV drivers, fast-charging stations are available at most service areas along the G45, including the Dacheng and Suning service areas. It's wise to charge when your battery drops below 50%, as charging speeds can vary. Use apps like Amap or State Grid's e-Charging to locate working chargers in real-time. For a comprehensive guide on spotting useful stops, check this how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Road quality is good, but the G45 is prone to heavy truck traffic, especially at night. Speed limits range from 120 km/h on most sections to 100 km/h near bridges. Always keep a safe distance and use the left lane for overtaking. The weather can drastically reduce visibility in autumn mornings with dense fog, so check forecasts and avoid driving in zero-visibility conditions.

For families, the Langfang Service Area is a popular stop 50 km south of Beijing, featuring a children's play area and clean restrooms. If you're traveling with a pet, know that most service areas don't have designated pet zones, and some restaurants allow pets only outdoors. For breaks, rest every 2 hours; plan for the Qingxian and Weihui service areas as ample places to stretch and grab coffee. Hidden off-route spots include the Xiangtangshan Caves in Handan, accessible via a 10 km detour, where you can see ancient Buddhist statues carved into the rock.

The North China Plain's winter is dry and cold, with January temperatures averaging -5°C, while summer heat often reaches 35°C. The best seasons to drive are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when the skies are clear and the fields are lush. Trees along the highway are mostly poplars and locusts, providing sparse shade, so prepare sunglasses and sunscreen.

Near the border of Hebei and Henan, the route passes close to the Ancient City of Daming (about 15 km west of the G45), a well-preserved Ming dynasty fortress. For a detour, exit at Daming and explore its city walls and drum tower. Fuel stops and small restaurants cluster at the Shenzhou Service Area, where you can try local deep-fried dough sticks and sesame seed cakes. Shangqiu itself is the site of the Huashang Mausoleum, the reputed burial place of the legendary emperor Suirenshi, who folklore credits with discovering fire.