Abstract: Shangqiu ancient city is a tortoise-shaped city with a high value of scientific research. The pattern with a square inset in a round of integrating its contours, lakes and outer walls is deemed an exquisite model that reflects the principle of naturalism, the spirit of harmony between man and nature, the methodology of analogy thinking, and the logic of images, numbers, orderliness and particles based upon thorough knowledge about waters, soils and geographical positions, complete comprehension of historical contexts, and respect towards regional features. The pattern is also seen as a masterpiece of completely combining idealism with realism. The tortoise-shaped pattern of Shangqiu ancient city reflects Yinshang culture immersing, contains broad and profound humanistic connotations, provides strong evidence of Shangqiu as the source of Chinese trade in history, and evolves into a city full of culture and history