The Han population accounts for 91% of the total population of Shangqiu City. The cultural customs and dietary habits of Shangqiu, Henan are dominated by the Han people.

As of the end of 2016, there were 43 ethnic minorities in Shangqiu City, with a total ethnic minority population of 160,000, accounting for 85% of the city's total population, mainly including Hui, Mongolian, Manchu, etc.

The fifteenth day of the first lunar month is the Lantern Festival.

In Shangqiu, the Lantern Festival is a major folk festival that people within the territory attach great importance to. Whether in urban or rural areas, the atmosphere of celebrating the Lantern Festival is very lively, reflecting the unique carnival spirit of Shangqiu people when celebrating the festival.

Like most northerners, pasta is still the main dish, supplemented of course by rice.

And Shangqiu is also famous for its pasta, such as Yongcheng’s fried beef buns, Cody glutinous rice balls, and dumplings. If you don’t believe it, you are welcome to come to Shangqiu to try it.

According to historical records, Qi Zuoyu, the founder of the Shang tribe, made great achievements in controlling floods and was granted the title of Shang. Later, he migrated. Later generations called the ruined place where the Shang tribe lived "Shangqiu".

The special history of Shangqiu City's development from a small market town to an emerging city has gradually resulted in differences in the dialects of the county and city.