Stepping back in time, with clothing to match

When the Yellow River flows into the heart of the Central Plains in Henan province, it carries more than just silt from the Loess Plateau — it bears years of Chinese civilisation in its currents.

- By DENG ZHANGYU

A visitor clad in traditional attire enjoys the nightlife in Kaifeng, Henan province.

(LI ZONGXIAN / FOR CHINA DAILY)

Across this land steeped in history, the ancient capitals of Anyang, Luoyang and Kaifeng shimmer like pearls strung along the river, which forms a living chronicle of China's story.

Just follow the rhythm of the Yellow River and embark on a time-travel journey through the Shang (c. 16th century-11th century BC), Tang (618-907) and Northern Song (960-1127) dynasties.

Stepping into Anyang is akin to walking into the dawn of Chinese civilisation. This is where archaeologists discovered the Yinxu Ruins, the capital of China's Shang Dynasty.

The real magic lies in the oracle bone script, the earliest known form of Chinese writing. In Yinxu Museum visitors can see turtle shells and animal bones inscribed with mysterious symbols. These were not decorations but how ancient kings communicated with the gods about everything from weather forecasts to battle outcomes.