Henan Yuzhou: A Hidden Gem with Millennia of Stories

When planning a trip to Henan, don’t just focus on the popular spots! Yuzhou, this "pearl," is brimming with cultural depth—on one hand, it holds the profound heritage of the Xia Dynasty's capital, and on the other, it showcases the stunning "kaleidoscope of colors" of Jun porcelain. Even the old streets and alleys are filled with echoes of legendary figures. A 2-day, 1-night visit will leave you amazed by its rich culture! 🏺

Yuzhou’s History: From the Xia Capital to the Legend of Jun Porcelain

Yuzhou’s history begins with the "First Capital of China!" As the core area where Xia Qi established his capital, the land is rich with remnants of Xia Dynasty pottery and jade fragments (you can see the real artifacts in the museum). Touching the display cases feels like conversing with history from 3,000 years ago. By the Song Dynasty, Jun porcelain from this region had gained nationwide fame. The title "Unparalleled Jun Porcelain" is no exaggeration—the kilns have been active from the Song era to the present. The traditional techniques of kneading clay and shaping pottery, passed down by master craftsmen, reflect an unchanging dedication over millennia. Even the patterns on the porcelain exude "heavenly craftsmanship." ⏳

Historical Figures: Great Personalities from Yuzhou

Lü Buwei: The "extraordinary man" of the Warring States period hailed from Yuzhou! He oversaw the compilation of the "Annals of Lü Buwei," famously known as "worth its weight in gold." In local teahouses, storytellers captivate even children with tales of his "strategic trading." The ancient city walls feature stone carvings of his life, making it a meaningful photo spot. 📜

Wu Daozi: The "Sage of Painting" from the Tang Dynasty is Yuzhou’s pride! As a youth, he sketched in Yuzhou’s mountains and forests. His signature painting style, "Wu’s flowing drapery," is said to have been inspired by his hometown’s landscapes. The Wu Daozi Cultural Park houses replicas of his masterpieces, such as the "Eighty-Seven Celestial Beings Scroll," where you can almost imagine him painting with bold strokes. 🎨

Must-Visit Cultural Attractions

Jun Kiln Site Museum: A must-see! Witness the ancient "mantou kilns" from the Song Dynasty and admire the weathered beauty. The glass cases display Jun porcelain fragments with crackled glaze that shimmer in the sunlight. Families can enjoy a 15-minute mini pottery session (with hands-on guidance from instructors), creating a small cup with your name engraved—a memorable keepsake!

Wu Daozi Cultural Park: The courtyard is exquisitely elegant! The wooden relief murals in the Painting Sage Shrine narrate his life, while stone benches inscribed with "Art Reflects Nature" make for perfect photo spots in traditional Hanfu attire. At sunset, the golden light on the red walls and shadows on the gray bricks create stunning ancient-style photos. 🌇

Yuzhou Ancient City Wall: The Ming Dynasty brick walls are full of character! Climb up for a panoramic view of the old town’s gray-tiled rooftops. Even the moss in the brick crevices speaks of the passage of time. Listening to locals recount "flood prevention" stories about the walls is ten times more engaging than reading history books!

Accommodation Recommendation

Stay at the 7 Days Premium Hotel (Xuchang Yuzhou Bus Station Fat Donglai Branch) for a hassle-free experience! It’s a 10-minute walk to the ancient city wall and only a 15 RMB (~12 RMB) taxi ride to the Jun Kiln. The rooms have small desks for jotting down travel notes, and you can borrow an instant camera for free—use the warm light mode to capture Jun porcelain and the ancient city walls with a vintage filter. 🛏️ In the morning, grab breakfast from the street vendors downstairs—a bowl of spicy soup with fried dough sticks will kickstart your day with energy!