Prime Minister Cao's Mansion

What are the most recommended things to do in Prime Minister Cao's Mansion?

  • Walk through the restored halls and courtyards of Prime Minister Cao’s Mansion to experience the setting of Cao Cao’s political and military base.
  • Explore the thematic exhibits: the “Hall of Seeking Virtue”, the “Council Chamber”, and the “Poetry Tower” showcasing Cao Cao’s governance, literature, and strategy.
  • Attend an immersive show or light performance in the evening that dramatizes Three Kingdoms-era scenes and enhances the experience.
  • Take photos of the traditional architecture, reliefs, and statue displays to capture the historical ambiance.

Introducing Prime Minister Cao's Mansion

Cao Cao's Mansion is located in the prosperous area of ​​the old city center of Xuchang. It was restored and rebuilt on the site of Cao Cao's original camp and office. It is currently the first theme park in China to fully display the Cao Wei culture.

Prime Minister Cao's Mansion comprises the main gate, the Hall of Seeking Talents, the Poetry Tower, and the meeting hall. In addition to statues, reliefs, text, and stories, the attraction also incorporates new symbols and tools, such as wood pyrography, facial makeup, digital technology, and 3D imagery, allowing visitors to experience and appreciate Cao Cao. The "Seven-Step Poem" and "Eight Beauties of the Han Dynasty" also encourage visitor participation and interaction.

The square in front of the Hall of Seeking Talents features a screen wall featuring a large relief sculpture titled "Viewing the Sea." The hall itself is also dominated by relief sculptures, reflecting Cao Cao's political ambition to recruit talented individuals and unify the country. The Council Hall showcases Cao Cao's political, economic, and military achievements, featuring silicone statues of him and his civil and military officials. The three-story Poetry Tower showcases the literary achievements of Cao Cao and his three brothers on the first floor, the Jian'an literature and the Seven Sages of the Jian'an Period on the second floor, and the Eight Beauties, the most celebrated beauties of the Three Kingdoms period, on the third floor.

Climate and best time to travel

Warm temperate monsoon climate; Cao Cao's Mansion is currently China's first theme park that fully displays the Cao Wei culture. It is also a key tourism project in Xuchang City and is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Emperor Street, the Weiwu Emperor's Memorial Archway, the Weiwu Emperor's Garden, the Preface Hall, the Hall of Seeking Talents, the Council Hall, the Poetry Tower, the Soldiers' Cave, the Back Garden, the Green Plum Pavilion, and the Xiangfu Banquet Hall;

It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours

Tickets

40 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

08:00-18:00


Most Popular FAQs for Prime Minister Cao's Mansion

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Prime Minister Cao’s Mansion is built on the site of Cao Cao’s former office and camp in the ancient Cao-Wei capital of Xuchang. It commemorates his role as a statesman, strategist and literary figure during the Three Kingdoms period, and functions today as a cultural tourism landmark of Wei dynasty heritage.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The mansion is located in Weidu District, Xuchang City, Henan Province (intersection of Xudou Rd and Zhihui Ave) and lies in the old city centre of Xuchang. You can reach it via city bus routes (e.g., B1, 7, 16, 33) or by taxi from downtown.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Opening hours are approximately 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Arrive early in the morning (before around 9 AM) to avoid crowds.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The standard admission is around ¥30–¥60 depending on season, with discounts for students and seniors. Tickets can be bought on-site; some platforms may offer online purchase.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Advance booking is not strictly required for general visits, but recommended during holiday periods or evening performance shows.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

Allow 1–2 hours for a standard visit; 2–3 hours if attending an evening show or exploring nearby attractions.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • The Hall of Seeking Virtue (employment of talents) – relief sculptures highlight Cao Cao's policies.
  • The Council Chamber – depicts Cao Cao’s governance and military deliberations.
  • The Poetry Tower – three-storey building showing Cao family literature, Jian’an era poetry and female figures of the Three Kingdoms.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guides are primarily Chinese-speaking; English audio guides may be limited—bring a translation app for ease.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The grand façade of the mansion, the council hall interior with statues and reliefs, and the courtyard with bronze statues offer great photo opportunities.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Enter main gate → Hall of Seeking Virtue → Council Chamber → Poetry Tower → explore adjacent courtyards and exit. Consider combining with the nearby Cao Wei Ancient City area.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes, there are evening performance shows dramatizing Three Kingdoms scenes and light effects. Visiting at dusk can enhance the experience.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Least crowded: weekday mornings. Weekends, public holidays and evening show sessions tend to be busier.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

On-site restrooms, small souvenir shops and indoor exhibit halls are available. Nearby food options exist outside the complex.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Paths are relatively level but there may be steps and uneven ground; elderly or disabled visitors should plan accordingly. Children will enjoy interactive exhibits.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) and cards are usually accepted; carrying small cash is still wise.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are local eateries near the entrance offering Henan cuisine; cafés and snack stalls exist in the ancient city zone nearby.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are available at local restaurants; halal options may be limited and need inquiry.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

Accommodations near West Lake Road and in the old city centre of Xuchang are convenient for visiting the mansion and surrounding attractions.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Cao Wei Ancient City – free historic pedestrian zone near the mansion.
  • Chunqiu Tower – historic landmark of Guan Yu’s “reading the Spring & Autumn Annals”.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops sell Three Kingdoms-themed merchandise, books, replicas, and Cao Cao literature-inspired items.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

From the mansion, you can take a taxi or bus back to Xuchang Railway Station or connect to other city attractions; buses leaving the old city area serve key transit points.