Why is the brilliance of the "Han and Wei Xu Capital" rarely mentioned in history textbooks?

## Xuchang Travel Guide: A Time-Travel Journey to the Former Capital of Cao Wei Xuchang, a city praised by Cao Cao as "my Fengpei," is an important birthplace of Three Kingdoms culture and one of the core cities in the Central Plains urban cluster. Here, you will find not only profound historical and cultural heritage but also beautiful natural scenery and unique folk customs. This guide will take you on an in-depth exploration of Xuchang, experiencing a cultural journey through a thousand years. **1. Preparation Before Travel** * **Best Travel Time:** Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October) with pleasant weather, ideal for visiting Xuchang. * **Transportation:** * **By Air:** The nearest airport is Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, about 80 km from Xuchang, accessible by airport shuttle or high-speed train. * **By High-Speed Rail:** Xuchang East Station is an important stop on the Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, with direct trains from Beijing, Wuhan, Guangzhou, and other cities. * **By Car:** Xuchang has convenient transportation with several expressways including the Jinggang'ao Expressway and Xuguang Expressway running through the area. * **Accommodation Recommendations:** * **Near Cao Wei Ancient City:** Convenient for visiting main attractions; recommended hotels include Xuchang Grand Hotel and Three Kingdoms Hotel. * **East District:** A modern commercial area with a wide range of accommodations; recommended hotels include Wanda Realm Hotel and Jianguo Hotel. * **Essentials to Bring:** Comfortable shoes (many attractions require walking), sunscreen, rain gear, camera (to capture the beauty of the ancient city). **2. Must-Visit Attractions** **1. Cao Wei Ancient City** * **Features:** A historical and cultural street themed around the Three Kingdoms' Cao Wei culture, recreating Han dynasty architectural styles and urban life. * **Tips for Visiting:** * Visit iconic buildings such as Cao Cao’s Prime Minister’s Mansion and Yuxiu Terrace to learn about Cao Cao’s life and achievements. * Stroll through the ancient city streets, taste Xuchang’s specialty snacks, and immerse yourself in the strong Three Kingdoms atmosphere. * The ancient city is brilliantly lit at night, offering a unique charm; it is recommended to stay until evening to enjoy the night view. * **Admission:** Free * **Opening Hours:** All day * **Recommended Visit Duration:** 2-3 hours **2. Chunqiu Tower** * **Features:** The place where Guan Yu read the "Spring and Autumn Annals" at night, one of Xuchang’s landmark buildings. * **Tips for Visiting:** * Climb the tower for a panoramic view of Xuchang cityscape. * Visit the Guan Gong cultural exhibition to learn about Guan Yu’s loyalty and righteousness. * **Opening Hours:** 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM * **Recommended Visit Duration:** 1 hour **3. Baling Bridge** * **Features:** The site where Guan Yu declined Cao Cao’s robe, an important relic of Three Kingdoms culture. * **Tips for Visiting:** * Visit Baling Bridge Ruins Park to learn the historical story of Guan Yu’s farewell to Cao Cao. * Admire the statue of Guan Yu at the bridgehead, feeling his image of loyalty and righteousness. * **Admission:** Free * **Opening Hours:** All day * **Recommended Visit Duration:** 1 hour **4. Xuchang Museum** * **Features:** A comprehensive museum showcasing Xuchang’s history and culture with a rich collection. * **Tips for Visiting:** * Focus on the Three Kingdoms relics exhibition to understand Xuchang’s important status during the Three Kingdoms period. * Appreciate precious artifacts such as Han dynasty stone portraits and pottery. * **Admission:** Free * **Opening Hours:** 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (closed on Mondays) * **Recommended Visit Duration:** 1-2 hours **5. Shenhou Ancient Town** * **Features:** The capital of Chinese Jun porcelain, with well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. * **Tips for Visiting:** * Visit the Jun porcelain kiln site and museum to learn about the craftsmanship and history of Jun porcelain. * Stroll through the ancient town streets and admire the rustic architectural style. * Purchase Jun porcelain crafts as souvenirs. * **Admission:** Free * **Opening Hours:** All day * **Recommended Visit Duration:** Half a day **3. Food Recommendations** * **Xuchang Huimian:** A local specialty noodle dish with rich broth and chewy noodles. * **Yuzhou Vermicelli:** Smooth texture, can be served cold or stir-fried hot. * **Yanling Salted Duck Eggs:** Rich, oily yolks with a savory taste. * **Xiangcheng Braised Noodles:** Noodles braised to perfection with a fragrant aroma. * **Recommended Restaurants:** * Time-honored Huimian Restaurant * Three Kingdoms Banquet * Junzhou Dining Hall **4. Suggested Itineraries** * **One-Day Tour:** Cao Wei Ancient City - Chunqiu Tower - Baling Bridge - Xuchang Museum * **Two-Day Tour:** * **Day 1:** Cao Wei Ancient City - Chunqiu Tower - Baling Bridge * **Day 2:** Xuchang Museum - Shenhou Ancient Town * **Three-Day Tour:** * **Day 1:** Cao Wei Ancient City - Chunqiu Tower - Baling Bridge * **Day 2:** Xuchang Museum - Shenhou Ancient Town * **Day 3:** Yanling National Flower and Tree Expo Park (spring flower viewing) or Yuzhou Dahongzhai (autumn mountain climbing) **5. Practical Tips** * Xuchang’s attractions are relatively concentrated; walking or cycling is recommended to fully experience the charm of the ancient city. * The Xuchang dialect belongs to Central Plains Mandarin and is close to standard Mandarin, so communication is easy. * The cost of living in Xuchang is moderate, offering good value for travelers. * When purchasing Jun porcelain, be sure to distinguish authenticity and choose reputable merchants. **6. In-Depth Experiences** * **Wearing Hanfu to Tour the Ancient City:** Rent a Hanfu costume in Cao Wei Ancient City and transform into a Three Kingdoms character for memorable photos. * **Watch the "Dream Back to Xudu" Performance:** A large-scale live show that recreates the glorious history of the Three Kingdoms period. * **Taste the Three Kingdoms Banquet:** A themed dining experience based on Three Kingdoms stories, savoring the flavors of the era. **Conclusion** Xuchang, a city full of historical charm, awaits your exploration. Whether tracing the footsteps of the Three Kingdoms or savoring Central Plains culture, Xuchang will bring you an unforgettable travel experience. We hope this guide helps you plan a perfect trip to Xuchang!