Places to Visit in Xuchang

A national 3A-level scenic area, Baling Bridge lies in the western suburbs of Xuchang, near Xuchang Railway Station on the Beijing-Guangzhou Railway. The resort consists of the time-honored Baling Bridge, Guan Yu Temple and classical garden architectures. Boasting pleasant scenery and profound cultural heritage, it is a leading tourist attraction in Xuchang and a well-known site along the Three Kingdoms cultural travel route of Tour of Chinese Cultural Relics and Historic Sites.

Originally named Bali Bridge, it spans the Qingni River, 4 kilometers west of downtown Xuchang. It earned widespread fame as the place where Guan Yu, a renowned general of the Three Kingdoms Period, bid farewell to Cao Cao and left with his robe slung over his shoulder. The original three-arch bluestone bridge stood over 3 meters above the water surface, with a length of 90 meters and a width enough for two vehicles to drive side by side. Willows line both river banks, creating a delightful landscape. Beside the bridge stands a stone tablet inscribed with Site where General Guan Yu of the Han Dynasty Slung His Robe, erected by Zuo Liangyu, a general in the late Ming Dynasty.

Transportation Take Bus No.5 from the railway station and get off at Baling Bridge Scenic Area Stop.

Located in the far northwest of Yuzhou, Dahong Stronghold features a main peak rising 1,156 meters above sea level, the highest mountain in Xuchang and known as the Roof of Xuchang. Standing atop the peak, visitors can overlook crisscrossing valleys and rolling green mountains stretching far and wide.

Not far east of the main peak stand other distinctive peaks: the sharp and towering Zhaimo Tower and the flat-topped Kela Mound. Nestled among the three peaks are more than 30 scenic spots, including Water Curtain Cave, Golden Turtle Emerging from the Sea, Rooster Peak and Guanyin Stone. These attractions perch on steep cliffs, hide amidst dense forests, lie in remote gullies or stand atop lofty summits. The views change at every step, offering endless surprises and great fun for tourists.

Ticket: 50 yuan

Transportation Take a coach bound for Yuzhou from the West Bus Station or Central Bus Station. Upon arriving in Yuzhou, take a taxi to Zhulin Hotel, then transfer to a minibus heading for Dahong Stronghold.

Situated on Wenmiao Front Street and facing Spring and Autumn Square, the Spring and Autumn Tower enjoys a long history and splendid culture. Also known as Grand Integrity Pavilion, it has been called Guan Yu's Residence, King Guan Temple, Prince Wu'an Temple, Two-Courtyard Heroic Spirit Temple and Guan Yu Temple in different periods.

As the main building of Guan Yu Temple, it is a brick-and-wood structure with a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, standing over 30 meters tall. The roof is covered with green glazed tiles. The main hall has three bays and is surrounded by 16 corridor pillars. Corridors run on both the upper and lower floors. The bluestone pillars are carved with vivid patterns of flowers, birds, insects, fish and human figures. With rigorous architectural layout, elegant shape, magnificent corridors and resplendent decorations, it is an outstanding ancient building.

Ticket: 25 yuan

Transportation Take Bus No.4, 5, 101 or 103 and alight at Spring and Autumn Square. A 5-minute walk will take you to the scenic area.

Lying on the east side of Emperor Weiwu Square in downtown Xuchang and covering an area of 18 mu, Prime Minister Cao's Mansion is China's first themed scenic area dedicated fully to Cao Wei culture. This was where Cao Cao handled state and military affairs. Both the Land Reclamation Decree and Talent Recruitment Decree, which laid the foundation for Cao Wei's hegemony, were issued here.

According to historical records, during the Jian'an reign, Cao Cao welcomed Emperor Xian of the Han Dynasty to Xuchang. He was appointed Prime Minister, held the emperor in his custody to issue orders to regional lords, was granted the Nine Special Ceremonial Gifts, and finally enfeoffed as Prince of Wei.

The architectural complex is built in the style of the Han Dynasty, comprising the main gate, Talent-seeking Hall, Seven-step Pavilion and Council Hall. It is a key part of Xuchang's Three Kingdoms cultural attractions and a landmark of the former Cao Wei capital.

Ticket: 60 yuan

Two kilometers north of Xuchang urban area and west of Chenzhuang Village stands the Eight Dragons Mound, the tomb of Xun Shu, Marquis of Langling in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. Xun Shu had eight sons, all distinguished scholars and celebrities in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the Cao Wei period, who were respectfully known as the Eight Dragons.

Among them, Xun Shuang mastered The Spring and Autumn Annals at the age of twelve. Starting as an ordinary commoner, he was promoted to one of the Three Dukes in just 95 days. Xun You, grandson of Xun Tan and nephew of Xun Shu, served as a chief advisor to Cao Cao. Cao Cao once praised him: "Since he first joined my service, Military Advisor Xun You has accompanied every campaign. All our victories over enemies were won thanks to his strategies."

Legend has it that after Xun Shu passed away, each of his eight sons planted a cypress tree on top of his tomb, hence the alternative name Eight Cypresses Mound. Eight scattered smaller tombs to the northwest were the burial places of his sons, which have long been leveled to the ground over the years. The main mound is round, about 5 meters high and 100 meters in circumference.

Ticket: Free admission

Transportation Take Bus No.102 or 104 to Xuchang North Railway Station in Zuzhuang, then walk for 10 minutes to reach the Eight Dragons Mound.