Henan's Version of Jingdezhen is Totally Worth the Trip!

🌟 Shenhou Ancient Town, hailed as the "Living Millennium Ancient Town" and "China's Capital of Jun Porcelain," is the perfect destination to immerse yourself in historical charm and intangible cultural heritage. This guide will take you through the secrets of Jun porcelain, the allure of ancient streets, and breathtaking landscapes—save it now! 🚀 ⏰ Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November), with pleasant weather ideal for hiking and Jun porcelain experiences. 📍 Transportation Guide: - **Self-drive**: Navigate to "Shenhou Ancient Town Visitor Center." About 2 hours from Zhengzhou, 1.5 hours from Xuchang. Parking fee: 5-10 RMB. - **Public transport**: High-speed rail to Yuzhou Station → Transfer to bus (5 RMB) to Shenhou, or rent a car. 🎫 Ticket Info: - The ancient town is free to enter, but some attractions (e.g., Jun Porcelain Museum, workshops) require separate tickets (approx. 30-50 RMB). 🔥 Must-Visit Spots & Itinerary: **Day 1️⃣: Deep Dive into Jun Porcelain Culture** - **Morning**: Head straight to **Shenhou Old Street** 🏯. Stroll along the "Seven-Mile Long Street," visit Boling Weng Temple (Kiln God Temple) and the Ceramics Office, and admire Ming-Qing era brick and wood carvings. - **Noon**: Try local specialties 🍜—**Shenhou Huoshao Jia Rou** (crispy flatbread with braised meat, ~20 RMB/person) and **Huashi Mutton Soup** (unbelievably fresh). - **Afternoon**: Experience Jun porcelain DIY ✨! Try wheel-throwing at **Yongchun Pottery Studio** (30 RMB/person) or glaze mixing (50 RMB) to create your own "kiln transformation" masterpiece. - **Evening**: Climb **Tianbao Fort** for a panoramic view of the town. Capture the red-brick Jun porcelain village—drone shots are epic 📸. **Day 2️⃣: Nature & Culinary Delights** - **Morning**: Hike to the 1,156-meter summit of **Dahongzhai National Forest Park** 🌄 for sea-of-clouds views and the glass walkway (wear sports shoes!). - **Noon**: In Jiushan Town, savor **Huashi Mutton Soup** + **Yuzhou Fenpi** (sweet potato starch noodles)—comforting and delicious. - **Afternoon**: Boat ride on **Baisha Lake** 🚣, dubbed "Little Qiandao Lake of Central China." Cycle along the lakeside boardwalk and photograph cliffside Buddhist niches at sunset. - **Night**: Stay at a lakeside B&B or try **hidden activities**—night fishing 🎣 (bring gear) or a medicinal plant tour at the forest botanical garden 🌿. 🌃 Accommodation Picks: - **Artsy vibe**: Shenhou Star Lodge (Jun porcelain-themed courtyard, ~200 RMB/person, stargazing views). - **Convenience**: GreenTree Inn Yuwang Plaza (downtown lake-view rooms + free laundry, ~150 RMB/person). - **Luxury**: Yuzhou Hotel (hot spring SPA + banquet halls, ideal for business or leisure). 🍴 Must-Try Eats: - **Shenhou Huoshao Jia Rou** | Crispy flatbread meets tender braised meat. - **Yuzhou Menzi** | Chewy steamed sweet potato starch cakes, pan-fried or stir-fried. - **Zake Beef Bone Soup** | Rich broth with offal and fried tofu—addictively good. - **Hidden gems**: Herbal lamb tripe in alleys, spicy claypot chicken on Old Street. ⚠️ Tips: - Wear comfy shoes—cobblestone streets abound. - Pack layers for spring/autumn temperature swings. - Book early for National Day/weekends. - Handle Jun porcelain with care; confirm packaging when buying. 📸 Photo Ops: - Boling Weng Temple eaves + Jun porcelain mosaics. - Old Street’s stone-paved lanes + vintage shopfronts. - Dahongzhai’s glass walkway amid clouds. - Baisha Lake sunset + cliff niches. - Nighttime lanterns and starry skies.