Welcome to Xuchang.

Here is a customized 4-day, 3-night travel guide for Xuchang starting October 1st, combining attractions, accommodation, transportation, and food recommendations, with a budget controlled within 4000 RMB:

1. Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Xuchang, initial city exploration
Morning: Take the high-speed train to Xuchang East Station (recommended, close to the city center), avoid choosing Xuchang North Station (far away).
Afternoon: After checking into the hotel, visit the Cao Wei Ancient City (free) to experience the Three Kingdoms culture; walk to Chunqiu Tower (25 RMB ticket) and climb the tower to overlook the old city scenery.
Evening: Taste popular foods at Pangdonglai Angel City, such as tar mud bursting cake and walnut cheese bread.
Day 2: Cultural deep tour
Morning: Visit the Prime Minister Cao’s Mansion (48 RMB ticket) to learn about Cao Cao’s history; free visit to Xuchang Museum (advance reservation required).
Afternoon: Take the water bus to tour West Lake Park (3 RMB ticket) and experience the “Northern Water City” feature; then go for a walk in Beihai Park.
Evening: Try Yuzhou Thirteen Bowls (60 RMB per person), a traditional water banquet symbolizing good luck.
Day 3: Nature and leisure
All day: Head to Yanling Huadu Hot Spring Resort (about 20 km from the city, ticket about 150 RMB) to soak in the hot springs and relax; or visit Yinghe Dengshan Lake Urban Mountain Park (free) to enjoy autumn scenery.
Food recommendations: Lunch try Yanling hot tofu (20 RMB per person), dinner try Wang Luo braised pig’s trotters (50 RMB per person).
Day 4: Shopping and return
Morning: Shop for souvenirs at Pangdonglai Life Plaza (such as Yuzhou Menzi and Yanling Hanging Oven Pancakes).
Afternoon: Depending on your return time, you can visit Xuchang Science and Technology Museum or Qingyu River Thousand-Mu Garden for free, then head to the station.

2. Accommodation recommendations
Budget: Xuchang Yingbin Hotel (252 RMB/night, near East City District) or Yanling Kaifite Hot Spring Hotel (188 RMB/night, suitable for hot spring trips).
Comfort: Xuchang Zhongyuan Fugang Hotel (340 RMB/night, near city center) or Sanding Huayue Hotel (538 RMB/night, luxury choice).
Suggestion: Choose hotels near Pangdonglai Times Square for convenient transportation; 92.7% of travelers recommend this area.

3. Transportation guide
City transportation: Taxi starting fare is low (about 7 RMB), bus 1 RMB per ride; recommended to download the “Xuchang Bus” app to check routes.
Between attractions: City attractions can be reached by walking or taxi; for Yanling Hot Springs, car rental is recommended (round trip about 100 RMB).

4. Food list
1. Pangdonglai desserts: tar mud snow shell, Earl Grey tea roll.
2. Xuchang stewed noodles: beef stewed noodles (30 RMB per person).
3. Yuzhou specialties: Thirteen Bowls, Menzi.
4. Yanling snacks: hot tofu, hanging oven pancakes.

5. Budget allocation (total about 3800 RMB)
Accommodation: 3 nights × 300 RMB = 900 RMB (budget type).
Tickets: Prime Minister Cao’s Mansion + Chunqiu Tower + hot springs ≈ 220 RMB.
Meals: 150 RMB/day × 4 days = 600 RMB.
Transportation: city + round-trip attractions ≈ 300 RMB.
Shopping/others: 1780 RMB (including souvenirs and flexible expenses).

Notes
1. Weather: In October, Xuchang’s average temperature is 15-25℃, bring a light jacket.
2. Reservation: Museum and Science and Technology Museum require booking 1 day in advance.
3. Transportation tip: Xuchang North Station is remote, be sure to choose East Station.
For more detailed attraction information or hotel links, please check the source. Have a pleasant trip!