The Ancient City of Xuchang from the Han and Wei Dynasties

The Ancient City of Xuchang from the Han and Wei Dynasties

The Ancient City of Xuchang from the Han and Wei Dynasties is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

The Ancient City of Xuchang from the Han and Wei Dynasties Heritage Park is located in Gucheng Village, Zhangpan Town, approximately 18 kilometers southeast of downtown Xuchang. It was originally the capital city of the State of Xu during the Western Zhou Dynasty. In the first year of the Jian’an era of the Eastern Han Dynasty (196 AD), Cao Cao welcomed Emperor Xian of Han and moved the capital here. The ancient city of Xuchang was divided into inner and outer cities; the inner city was the imperial city, encompassing nine li and 129 paces, featuring the imperial palace, royal gardens, and the residence of the prime minister, among other structures; the outer city undulated gently, resembling small hills, encircling the inner city.

In the southwest corner of the imperial city stands Yuxiu Terrace, which is 15 meters high and 200 meters wide. It was the altar where Emperor Xian of Han offered sacrifices to heaven and earth. The Ancient City of Xuchang from the Han and Wei Dynasties Heritage Park is primarily based on the original site. While ensuring proper protection, it focuses on showcasing the original appearance of the ruins. It includes the construction of iconic gate towers and watchtowers in the Han and Wei architectural style. Yuxiu Terrace has been restored to recreate the scene of Emperor Xian’s heavenly worship ceremonies, and a sand table model has been used to present the original layout of the Han and Wei capital. The area has been landscaped and beautified with distinctive tree species arranged according to the original functional zones of the ancient city, creating a silhouette of the landscape and an immersive historical and cultural atmosphere. It provides visitors with an authentic site to explore the historical remains of the Han and Wei periods. In 1980, the Ancient City of Xuchang (Zhangpan Ancient City) was designated as a county-level cultural relics protection unit by the Xuchang County People's Government, and in 1986, it was listed as a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit by the Henan Provincial People's Government.

Highlights of the scenic area: ruins of the imperial city from the end of the Han Dynasty; Yuxiu Terrace where Emperor Xian of Han worshipped heaven; ancient artifacts such as Han bricks, Han tiles, Han wells, and Han mills.

Admission: Free

Visiting hours: 8:00–19:00 (summer), 8:00–18:00 (winter)

Routes: 1. Take bus 201 from the intersection of Zhang Road and Wenfeng Road; 2. Follow Xueyuan Road in the eastern urban area of Xuchang, turn left at the intersection with S237, then continue east along S237 for 16 kilometers, and the site will be on the south side of the road.

Address: S237 Provincial Road, Jian’an District, Xuchang City, Henan Province

Further reading:

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units