Key Takeaways:
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Xuchang offers rich Three Kingdoms history, scenic parks, ancient temples, and cultural landmarks that can be explored all year round.
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Visitors can discover historical sites, traditional gardens, local markets, and modern museums that showcase the city’s evolving identity.
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Its blend of history, nature, and modern development makes Xuchang a fascinating destination for travelers seeking authentic Chinese culture.
Xuchang, located in central Henan Province, is a city with deep historical roots, especially tied to the famous Three Kingdoms period. Once the capital of the state of Wei under the legendary warlord Cao Cao, Xuchang played a significant role in shaping ancient Chinese history. Today, the city balances its rich past with modern urban growth, tranquil parks, and cultural attractions that make it an increasingly popular destination. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins, strolling through peaceful gardens, or learning about its famous historical figures, Xuchang offers visitors a meaningful and well-rounded travel experience year-round.
Table of Contents
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Visit Cao Cao’s Military Barracks Site
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Explore Baling Bridge Cultural Park
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Tour Xuchang Museum
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Relax at Xuchang People’s Park
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Discover Wenfeng Pagoda
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Visit Xuchang Flower Market
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Explore Yanling Ancient Town
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Attend the Xuchang Three Kingdoms Cultural Festival
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Hike in Baiyun Mountain (nearby day trip)
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Experience the Hot Springs at Yuyang Hot Spring Resort
1. Visit Cao Cao’s Military Barracks Site
Cao Cao’s Military Barracks Site is one of the most historically significant attractions in Xuchang. This archaeological site offers visitors a chance to step directly into the world of the Three Kingdoms period, where Cao Cao established his power base over 1,800 years ago. Excavations have revealed remnants of ancient city walls, military command centers, and living quarters used by generals and soldiers. Informational displays and reconstructed models help visitors visualize how this important military base once functioned.
Open year-round, the site is especially enjoyable in spring and autumn when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor walking tours. Guided tours bring the Three Kingdoms stories to life, explaining the significance of the site in China’s long military history. Nearby souvenir shops sell books, miniatures, and cultural relics related to the Three Kingdoms. A visit here is a must for history lovers wanting to connect with Xuchang’s legacy.
2. Explore Baling Bridge Cultural Park
Baling Bridge Cultural Park is a beautiful riverside park that offers scenic walking paths, traditional Chinese architecture, and peaceful gardens. The park integrates natural beauty with cultural monuments, including classical pavilions, stone bridges, and cultural sculptures that reflect the city’s historical identity. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the riverside, take boat rides, and relax in shaded areas while appreciating the tranquil atmosphere. The park is especially photogenic during sunrise and sunset when the light dances across the water.
Accessible throughout the year, Baling Bridge is popular with both locals and tourists for morning exercise and weekend family outings. Seasonal flower displays bring bursts of color in spring, while autumn foliage creates a beautiful golden backdrop. The park also hosts occasional cultural performances, adding to its charm. Baling Bridge Cultural Park offers a refreshing break from the urban pace while showcasing Xuchang’s harmonious blend of nature and culture.
3. Tour Xuchang Museum
Xuchang Museum offers visitors a deep dive into the city’s long and fascinating history. Its collections include artifacts from the Neolithic period, bronze relics from ancient dynasties, and numerous items related to the Three Kingdoms era. Exhibits feature pottery, coins, ancient weapons, and even recently discovered royal tomb artifacts that shed light on the lives of Xuchang’s early rulers. The museum’s modern design and detailed explanations make it accessible to both casual visitors and history enthusiasts.
Open year-round, the museum is an excellent indoor attraction, especially during rainy or hot days. Interactive displays, multimedia exhibits, and guided tours bring the historical stories to life. Special exhibitions often rotate throughout the year, offering fresh content for repeat visitors. Xuchang Museum is a perfect starting point for anyone wanting to understand the rich cultural layers that make this city so unique.
4. Relax at Xuchang People’s Park
Xuchang People’s Park is a large public park that serves as one of the city’s main recreational spaces. Featuring lakes, flower gardens, traditional pavilions, and walking trails, the park offers a peaceful environment for exercise, picnics, or simply enjoying nature. The park is beautifully maintained, with seasonal flower beds and tree-lined paths that change with the seasons. Families often gather here for weekend outings while elderly residents practice tai chi or play chess beneath the shade.
Accessible year-round, the park is especially vibrant in spring and early summer when flowers are in full bloom. Paddle boat rentals on the park’s lake provide additional fun for children and couples. Small snack vendors offer local treats, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Visiting Xuchang People’s Park gives travelers a chance to experience local life in a green, urban oasis.
5. Discover Wenfeng Pagoda
Wenfeng Pagoda is one of Xuchang’s oldest architectural landmarks, standing tall as a symbol of the city’s ancient Buddhist roots. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the multi-story brick pagoda features elegant eaves, carved stone details, and panoramic views from its upper levels. The pagoda once served as both a religious site and a landmark for travelers entering the city centuries ago. Today, it remains a peaceful spot for visitors seeking quiet reflection and historical beauty.
The pagoda is open throughout the year, though clear spring and autumn days offer the best visibility from its top levels. Local guides share stories about the pagoda’s significance, architectural features, and Buddhist traditions. The surrounding grounds include small gardens and pathways for leisurely exploration. Wenfeng Pagoda offers a spiritual and historical perspective on Xuchang that complements the city’s more famous Three Kingdoms attractions.
6. Visit Xuchang Flower Market
Xuchang’s Flower Market is a vibrant destination where visitors can experience the city’s passion for gardening and horticulture. Stalls are filled with colorful blooms, ornamental plants, bonsai trees, and local herbs. The market reflects not only the region’s agricultural traditions but also its cultural appreciation for beauty and balance in nature. Visitors can shop for unique souvenirs, garden supplies, and traditional Chinese decorative plants.
Open year-round, the flower market is especially lively during the spring planting season and major holidays such as Chinese New Year. Seasonal festivals often bring special flower displays and larger crowds, creating a festive atmosphere. Even if you’re not purchasing plants, strolling through the market offers a sensory experience filled with bright colors and fragrant air. The flower market showcases a charming and less-touristy side of Xuchang life.
7. Explore Yanling Ancient Town
Yanling Ancient Town, located just outside Xuchang, offers a glimpse into traditional village life and ancient architecture. Stone streets, preserved wooden homes, ancestral halls, and temples paint a picture of life during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The town’s slow pace, local markets, and authentic craftsmanship make it a perfect spot for cultural immersion. Small tea shops and family-run eateries serve regional dishes that highlight Henan’s culinary traditions.
Open throughout the year, Yanling Ancient Town is most vibrant during local temple fairs and cultural festivals, when parades, folk dances, and lantern displays fill the streets. Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture historic buildings, colorful details, and quiet alleyways. The town offers a peaceful escape from the busier city center while showcasing authentic rural heritage. Visiting Yanling provides a timeless experience that connects visitors to Xuchang’s deeper cultural roots.
8. Attend the Xuchang Three Kingdoms Cultural Festival
The Xuchang Three Kingdoms Cultural Festival celebrates the city’s most famous historical period with colorful parades, traditional performances, and historical reenactments. Locals dress in period costumes, reenact famous battles, and perform classic operas based on legendary stories of Cao Cao, Guan Yu, and other historical figures. The festival includes craft fairs, calligraphy demonstrations, and culinary showcases of regional Henan dishes. Visitors can watch sword-fighting shows, archery contests, and participate in hands-on cultural workshops.
Held annually, typically in spring or autumn, the festival draws large crowds of locals, tourists, and Three Kingdoms enthusiasts. It’s an excellent opportunity to see the city’s history brought to life while enjoying family-friendly entertainment. The festive atmosphere, complete with music, food stalls, and elaborate decorations, makes it one of Xuchang’s most anticipated events. Attending the festival offers an unforgettable cultural highlight for any trip to the city.
9. Hike in Baiyun Mountain (nearby day trip)
Baiyun Mountain, located a few hours from Xuchang, offers beautiful hiking trails, lush forests, and stunning mountain views. Known as one of Henan Province’s most scenic natural areas, Baiyun Mountain features waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and clear streams flowing through its valleys. Well-maintained trails make the hike accessible for visitors of all fitness levels, and several lookout points offer sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Open year-round, Baiyun Mountain is especially stunning in autumn when the forest bursts into vibrant red and gold foliage. Springtime brings blooming wildflowers, while winter snows create a peaceful, frosted landscape. Visitors can enjoy guided tours or explore independently, with several temples and pavilions along the way. A day trip to Baiyun Mountain offers an excellent natural balance to Xuchang’s rich historical attractions.
10. Experience the Hot Springs at Yuyang Hot Spring Resort
Yuyang Hot Spring Resort offers a relaxing retreat with mineral-rich hot springs located just outside of Xuchang. Visitors can soak in open-air pools surrounded by serene landscapes, as well as private indoor spa rooms for a more luxurious experience. The natural thermal waters are believed to offer health benefits, including improved circulation and stress relief. In addition to the hot springs, the resort offers massage therapy, wellness treatments, and local cuisine.
Open year-round, the hot springs are especially enjoyable during the cooler months when the contrast of warm water and crisp air creates a truly rejuvenating experience. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Many visitors combine a hot spring visit with nearby hiking or cultural sightseeing. Yuyang Hot Spring Resort provides a perfect way to relax and recharge after exploring the city.
What to do if you have kids?
Xuchang offers plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep families entertained. Children can explore history interactively at Xuchang Museum and the Three Kingdoms Cultural Festival. Parks like People’s Park provide safe spaces for outdoor play, boating, and picnics. Day trips to Baiyun Mountain offer nature hikes suitable for families, while the flower market introduces children to colorful plants and flowers. The city’s variety of cultural, historical, and outdoor options ensures children remain engaged and entertained year-round.
Where can i find free events in Xuchang China taking place this weekend?
If you’re looking for free events happening in Xuchang this weekend, the best place to start is PlanMyWeekend.ai. Our platform updates constantly with the latest festivals, concerts, art shows, outdoor markets, and family-friendly events happening all over the city. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, PlanMyWeekend.ai helps you discover hidden gems and spontaneous activities to make the most of your time in Xuchang.
Final thoughts
Xuchang, China offers a fascinating blend of ancient history, scenic beauty, and vibrant local culture that can be enjoyed year-round. From its Three Kingdoms legacy and historic pagodas to flower markets, mountain hikes, and hot springs, the city provides a wide range of experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Xuchang promises memorable discoveries and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Author: Dejon Brooks
Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai
