Xuchang 3-Day Guide: Ancient Capital of the Three Kingdoms, Hometown of Jun Porcelain

Xuchang, hailed by Cao Cao as "the strategic hub of the empire," is a millennium-old city nestled in the heart of Henan Province. In the first year of the Jian'an era (196 AD) of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Cao Cao moved Emperor Xian of Han to this city, making Xuchang the political, economic, and cultural center of China at that time. Today, it boasts the most complete collection of Three Kingdoms-era relics in China, a living tradition of Jun porcelain kilns that have burned for over a thousand years, and Pang Donglai — the legendary department store dubbed "the ceiling of Chinese supermarkets." Three days are just enough to journey through a thousand years of history and discover this understated yet profound Central Plains gem.

🌤️ Best Seasons to Visit

Xuchang has a warm temperate monsoon climate with four distinct seasons — short springs and autumns, long summers and winters.

Spring (April–May) is the best season to visit, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The willow trees along the moat turn lush green, flowers burst into bloom, and the weeping willows at Baling Bridge create a dreamy, mist-like scene — perfect for photography. This is also the spring sacrificial season at Guandi Temple, rich with cultural atmosphere.

Autumn (September–October) is equally wonderful, with temperatures of 18–25°C and crisp, clear skies. The ginkgo trees around Wenfeng Pagoda turn brilliant gold, and the thousand-year-old ginkgo king at Dahongzhai Mountain blazes with color, surrounded by maple-covered hills. The Dahongzhai Red Leaf Festival in October is a prime time for autumn hiking.

Summer (June–August) is hot and rainy, with highs often exceeding 35°C, though Shenhou Ancient Town and Huadu Hot Spring make good summer retreats. Winter (December–February) is cold and dry, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing, but the ancient town in snow is hauntingly beautiful and hot spring bathing feels especially cozy in the chill.

🚄 Transportation Guide

Xuchang sits at the heart of the Central Plains, where the Beijing–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway and Zhengzhou–Wanzhou High-Speed Railway intersect, making it a key hub in the Central Plains urban cluster.

Arriving by High-Speed Rail:

• Xuchang East Station (high-speed rail): Located in the eastern district, about 6 km from the city center. A taxi ride costs approximately ¥15. Multiple bus routes run from the station directly to Cao Wei Ancient City.
• Xuchang Station (conventional rail): Right in the city center of Weidu District. A 5-minute walk from the station brings you to the south gate of Cao Wei Ancient City — incredibly convenient for visitors arriving from Zhengzhou and nearby cities.