Xuchang (许昌)

1. Introduction

Xuchang City, abbreviated as Xu, historically known as Yingchang Prefecture and Xuzhou, and also nicknamed Lotus City, is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Henan Province, People's Republic of China, located in the central part of Henan Province. The city borders Zhengzhou and Kaifeng to the north, Zhoukou to the east, Luohe to the south, and Pingdingshan to the west. It lies in the transitional zone between the low mountainous and hilly area of the Funiu Mountains and the eastern Henan Plain, with terrain sloping from higher in the west to lower in the east. Major rivers include the Ying River, Qingyi River, and Shuangji River. The city covers a total area of 4,979 square kilometers with a total population of 4.381 million. Xuchang is an economically strong city in Henan Province and has been successively recognized as a National Forest City, National Garden City, China's Excellent Tourism City, and China's Livable City. The Municipal People's Government is located at No. 1516, Jian'an Avenue, Weidu District.

2. Origin of the Name

In ancient times, it was the State of Xu, which was later conquered by the State of Chu. During the Qin Dynasty, Xian County was established in Yingchuan Commandery. Historically, Xuchang was a contested ground among various warlords. In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Cao Cao brought Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie, to Xian County, making it the capital of the Eastern Han Dynasty. When Cao Pi founded the Wei Dynasty and established Luoyang as the capital, he renamed Xian County and Xudu to Xuchang, meaning "the Han perished because of Xu, while the Wei flourished because of Xu." The name has been used ever since.

3. History

On December 17, 2007, a relatively complete ancient human skull fossil dating back 80,000 to 100,000 years was discovered in Lingjing Town, Xuchang County, and was named "Xuchang Man." In academic circles, there is a saying: "To explore the origins of the Chinese people, one must visit 'Xuchang Man'."

3.1 Pre-Qin to Han Dynasty

During the Shang Dynasty, Xuchang was home to various feudal states and tribes such as Li (within present-day Yuzhou City), Youxiongshi (within present-day Changge City), Kunwu (within present-day Xuchang County), and Kang (within present-day Yuzhou City). In the early Zhou Dynasty, the Jiang-surnamed Xu clan was enfeoffed here, establishing the State of Xu, with its ruler being Xu Wenshu. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, Xuchang was successively controlled by the states of Zheng and Chu (the Xu clan was later relocated by Chu to Ye County). It was divided among the states of Han, Wei, and Chu. In the 17th year of King Zheng of Qin (230 BCE), the Qin Dynasty established Yingchuan Commandery, with its seat at Yangzhai (pronounced Dí, present-day Yuzhou City). Yingchuan Commandery governed 12 counties, including Xu County (present-day Xuchang County), Yangzhai County (present-day Yuzhou City), Changshe County (present-day Changge City), Yanling County, and Xiangcheng County. In the 6th year of Emperor Gaozu of the Western Han Dynasty (201 BCE), Xu County was divided to establish Yingyin County (seat in present-day Weidu District). Xu County, Yingyin County, Yangzhai County, Changshe County (seat in the old city of present-day Changge City), Yanling County (seat in Gucheng Village, Pengdian Township, present-day Yanling County), and Xiangcheng County all belonged to Yingchuan Commandery. On October 7, 196 CE (the first year of the Jian'an era), under the guidance of Cao Cao, Emperor Xian of Han moved the capital from Luoyang to Xu County, which was within Cao Cao's sphere of influence. Large-scale construction was undertaken, and it was renamed Xudu, serving as the national capital until the Han-Wei transition in 220 CE.

3.2 Three Kingdoms to Late Qing Dynasty

During the Three Kingdoms period, the state of Wei referred to it as Yingchuan Commandery, which was part of Yuzhou. Xuchang County, Yingyin County, Yanling County, Changshe County, and others all belonged to Yingchuan Commandery. Xuchang was one of the five capitals of Wei. In the second year of the Huangchu era of Wei (221 CE), Emperor Wen Cao Pi, citing that "the Han perished at Xu, and the Wei foundation prospered at Xu," changed Xu County to Xuchang County. During the Yuan Dynasty, Xuchang remained a prefecture, with Changshe, Changge, and Xiangcheng County under its jurisdiction. Yanling belonged to Kaifeng Prefecture. In the first year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1368), Changshe County was abolished and merged into Xuzhou, which governed four counties, including Changge and Xiangcheng. Xuzhou and Junzhou were both subordinate to Kaifeng Prefecture. In the third year of the Wanli era (1575), Junzhou was changed to Yuzhou. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Li Zicheng's rebel army changed Yuzhou to Junping Prefecture. In the early Qing Dynasty, Xuzhou and Yuzhou belonged to Henan Province. In the second year of the Yongzheng era (1724), Xuzhou was elevated to a directly-administered prefecture, with Changge under its jurisdiction. Yanling belonged to Kaifeng Prefecture. In the 13th year of the Yongzheng era (1735), Xuzhou was elevated to Xuzhou Prefecture, governing Linying, Yancheng, Xiangcheng, Changge, Mi County (present-day Xinmi City), and Xinzheng. In the sixth year of the Qianlong era (1741), Xuzhou was reverted to a directly-administered prefecture, with the counties under its jurisdiction.

3.3 Republic of China Period

After the establishment of the Republic of China, Xuzhou was changed to Xuchang County, and Yuzhou was changed to Yu County. Both, along with Changge County, belonged to the Yudong Circuit of Henan Province. Yanling County was directly under Henan Province. In 1926, circuits were abolished and replaced with administrative districts. Xuchang became the Second Administrative District of Henan Province, with its seat at Xuchang (present-day Weidu District). Changge and Yu County belonged to the First Administrative District of Henan Province, with its seat at Zheng County (present-day Zhengzhou City). Yanling was directly under Henan Province. In 1932, Xuchang became the Fifth Administrative District of Henan Province, with the Commissioner's Office stationed in Xuchang, governing nine counties including Xuchang, Yanling, and Xiangcheng. Changge and Yu County belonged to the First Administrative District of Henan Province. In May 1944, Changge, Xuchang, Yanling, and Yu County were successively occupied by Japan. In October of the same year, the Eighth Route Army entered western Henan and established the Yu-Mi-Xin base area (at the junction of present-day Yuzhou City, Xinmi City, and Xinzheng City) and the Yu-Jia base area (at the junction of present-day Yuzhou City and Jia County). In May 1945, the Eighth Route Army's Ji-Lu-Yu troops established the Shuixi base area at the junction of Yanling and Fugou. In August of the same year, Japan surrendered, and Xuchang was restored as the Fifth Administrative District of Henan Province under the Nationalist Government, with the Commissioner's Office stationed in Xuchang (present-day Weidu District), governing nine counties including Xu County, Yanling, and Xiangcheng. Changge and Yu County still belonged to the First Administrative District of Henan Province.

3.4 People's Republic of China Period

On December 15, 1947, the People's Liberation Army captured Xuchang. From early 1948 to 1949, after a period of provisional government, the Xuchang area was divided under the Fifth Commissioner's Office of the Yu-Su-Wan Border Region and the Fifth Special District of the Western Henan Administrative Office.

In February 1949, the Xuchang Special District was established (with the Commissioner's Office stationed in Xuchang City), governing Xuchang City (present-day Weidu District), Xuchang County, Changge, Yanling, Linying, Luohe City, Yancheng County, Wuyang, Ye County, Xiangcheng, Yu County, Jia County, Baofeng, Lushan, Linru (present-day Ruzhou City), totaling 15 counties and cities.

In January 1953, Zhoukou City and the three counties of Fugou, Shangshui, and Xihua from the Huaiyang Special District were transferred to the Xuchang Special District (later, in May 1965, they were separated and established as the Zhoukou Special District).

In September 1954, Linru County was transferred to the Luoyang Special District.

In December 1958, Pingdingshan City was transferred to the Xuchang Special District (later, in March 1964, it was separated and established as the Pingdingshan Special Zone).

In 1960, Xuchang County was abolished and merged into Xuchang City (present-day Weidu District). In October 1961, Xuchang County was re-established.

In March 1964, Pingdingshan City was renamed the Pingdingshan Special Zone and separated from the Xuchang Special District.

In May 1965, the three counties of Fugou, Xihua, and Shangshui were transferred to the Zhoukou Special District.

In 1970, the Xuchang Special District was renamed the Xuchang Prefecture, governing 12 counties: Yu County, Changge County, Xuchang County, Yanling County, Linying County, Yancheng County, Wuyang County, Xiangcheng County, Ye County, Baofeng County, Lushan County, Jia County, and the cities of Xuchang (present-day Weidu District) and Luohe.

In 1979, Wugang District was transferred from Pingdingshan City to the Xuchang Prefecture. In November 1982, it was transferred back to Pingdingshan City.

In October 1983, Lushan, Baofeng, and Ye County from the Xuchang Prefecture were transferred to Pingdingshan City.

In February 1986, the Xuchang Prefecture was abolished, and the prefecture-level Xuchang City was established, governing Weidu District, Xuchang County, Changge County, Yanling County, and Yu County. Xiangcheng and Jia County were transferred to Pingdingshan City. Luohe City and the three counties of Wuyang, Linying, and Yancheng were separated and established as the prefecture-level Luohe City.

On June 25, 1988, Yu County was changed to Yuzhou City.

On December 14, 1993, Changge County was changed to Changge City.

On August 25, 1997, Xiangcheng County was transferred as a whole from Pingdingshan City to Xuchang City.

In November 2016, Xuchang County was abolished, and the Jian'an District of Xuchang City was established.

4. Geography

Xuchang City is located in the central part of Henan Province. It borders Zhoukou City to the east, Pingdingshan City to the west, Luohe City to the south, and is adjacent to the provincial capital Zhengzhou City to the north, with a distance of 80 kilometers from the provincial capital. It lies between 113°03′～114°19′ east longitude and 33°16′～34°24′ north latitude.

4.1 Topography and Landforms

Xuchang is situated in the transitional zone from the foothills of the Funiu Mountains to the eastern Henan plain. It stretches 124 kilometers from east to west, with terrain sloping from west to east. The western part consists of medium and low mountainous hills of the Funiu Mountains foothills, with a maximum elevation of 1,150.6 meters. The central part is a ridge area formed by slow uplift of the basement structure and subsequent erosion. The central and eastern parts are part of the Huang-Huai alluvial plain, with a minimum elevation of 50.4 meters. Plains account for 75% of the city's area, while hills and ridges account for 25%. Major rivers within the territory include the Beiru River, Ying River, Shuangji River, and Qingni River. The total annual average water resources amount to 510 million cubic meters.

4.2 Climate

Xuchang City has a warm temperate continental monsoon climate, characterized by abundant thermal resources, ample rainfall, sufficient sunshine, and a long frost-free period. It is prone to meteorological disasters such as drought, flood, wind, and hail. The general climatic characteristics of the four seasons in the city are as follows: spring is dry and windy with frequent sandstorms; summer is hot with concentrated rainfall; autumn is clear, pleasant, and has long sunshine hours; winter is cold with little rain and snow. The historical annual average temperature ranges from 14.3°C to 14.6°C, with 2,280 hours of sunshine. The average annual precipitation is between 671.1 mm and 736.0 mm, and the frost-free period lasts 217 days.

Meteorological Data for Xuchang City (1971–2000)

| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year | |--------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------|------------------| | Record High °C (°F)| 20.2 (68.4) | 23.5 (74.3) | 28.3 (82.9) | 34.2 (93.6) | 38.9 (102.0) | 41.9 (107.4) | 39.2 (102.6) | 38.9 (102.0) | 37.2 (99.0) | 35.1 (95.2) | 27.0 (80.6) | 21.4 (70.5) | 41.9 (107.4) | | Average High °C (°F) | 6.1 (43.0) | 8.9 (48.0) | 13.9 (57.0) | 21.3 (70.3) | 26.8 (80.2) | 31.8 (89.2) | 32.0 (89.6) | 30.7 (87.3) | 27.0 (80.6) | 21.7 (71.1) | 14.4 (57.9) | 8.2 (46.8) | 20.2 (68.4) | | Daily Mean °C (°F) | 0.7 (33.3) | 3.1 (37.6) | 8.1 (46.6) | 15.2 (59.4) | 20.6 (69.1) | 25.7 (78.3) | 27.1 (80.8) | 25.8 (78.4) | 21.1 (70.0) | 15.4 (59.7) | 8.5 (47.3) | 2.7 (36.9) | 14.5 (58.1) | | Average Low °C (°F) | -3.6 (25.5) | -1.4 (29.5) | 3.0 (37.4) | 9.4 (48.9) | 14.8 (58.6) | 20.0 (68.0) | 23.1 (73.6) | 22.0 (71.6) | 16.6 (61.9) | 10.5 (50.9) | 3.7 (38.7) | -1.7 (28.9) | 9.7 (49.5) | | Record Low °C (°F)| -16.4 (2.5) | -19.6 (-3.3) | -11.5 (11.3) | -2.9 (26.8) | 3.2 (37.8) | 11.6 (52.9) | 16.4 (61.5) | 13.8 (56.8) | 6.3 (43.3) | -0.9 (30.4) | -13.1 (8.4) | -14.0 (6.8) | -19.6 (-3.3) | | Average Precipitation mm (inches)| 12.0 (0.47) | 14.9 (0.59) | 33.7 (1.33) | 43.5 (1.71) | 72.8 (2.87) | 83.5 (3.29) | 163.3 (6.43) | 121.7 (4.79) | 71.4 (2.81) | 50.7 (2.00) | 26.0 (1.02) | 12.1 (0.48) | 705.6 (27.79) | | Average Precipitation Days (≥0.1 mm)| 3.5 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 6.9 | 7.9 | 8.4 | 11.7 | 10.6 | 8.3 | 7.7 | 5.4 | 3.8 | 86.2 | | Average Relative Humidity (%)| 71 | 70 | 69 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 80 | 82 | 77 | 73 | 72 | 70 | 73 |

5. Administrative Divisions

Xuchang City administers 2 districts and 2 counties, and also oversees 2 county-level cities on behalf of the province.

• Districts: Weidu District, Jian'an District
• County-level cities: Yuzhou City, Changge City
• Counties: Yanling County, Xiangcheng County

For effective governance, three new urban areas have been established: Xuchang New District (with deputy-department-level status), Xuchang East City District (with county-level status), and Xuchang Economic and Technological Development Zone (with county-level status).

| Division Code | Division Name | Chinese Pinyin | Area (km²) | Resident Population (2020 Census) | Government Seat | Postal Code | Subdistricts | Towns | Townships | Including: Ethnic Townships | |-------------------|-------------------|--------------------|----------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------|-----------------|------------------|-----------|---------------|--------------------------------| | 411000 | Xuchang City | Xuchang Shi | 4,978.83 | 4,379,998 | Weidu District | 461000 | 27 | 60 | 16 | 2 | | 411002 | Weidu District| Weidu Qu | 89.49 | 627,059 | Dingzhuang Subdistrict | 461000 | 15 | | | | | 411003 | Jian'an District| Jian'an Qu | 1,000.76 | 710,881 | Xinyuan Subdistrict | 461100 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 1 | | 411024 | Yanling County| Yanling Xian | 869.69 | 547,411 | Anling Town | 461200 | | 12 | | | | 411025 | Xiangcheng County| Xiangcheng Xian | 913.81 | 674,832 | Chengguan Town | 461700 | | 10 | 6 | | | 411081 | Yuzhou City | Yuzhou Shi | 1,469.02 | 1,109,782 | Yingchuan Subdistrict | 461600 | 4 | 19 | 3 | 1 | | 411082 | Changge City | Changge Shi | 636.05 | 710,033 | Heshangqiao Town | 461500 | 4 | 12 | | |

6. Economy

In 2019, the city's gross domestic product (GDP) reached 339.57 billion yuan, an increase of 7.1% over the previous year. Specifically, the added value of the primary industry was 16.23 billion yuan, up by 2.0%; the added value of the secondary industry was 183.44 billion yuan, up by 7.8%; and the added value of the tertiary industry was 139.90 billion yuan, up by 6.9%. The proportion of the primary industry's added value to the GDP was 4.8%, the secondary industry accounted for 54.0%, and the tertiary industry for 41.2%. The per capita GDP was 76,312 yuan, growing by 6.5% compared to the previous year. Based on the results of the fourth national economic census, the Henan Provincial Bureau of Statistics revised the preliminary accounting figures for the 2018 GDP of various cities under the province's jurisdiction. The revised 2018 GDP for the city was 314.09 billion yuan, with the primary industry's added value at 15.20 billion yuan, the secondary industry at 171.97 billion yuan, and the tertiary industry at 126.93 billion yuan.

6.1 Agriculture

Xuchang is one of China's first national-level agricultural science and technology parks, a national demonstration city for water-saving agricultural irrigation, and a demonstration city for agricultural informatization in Henan Province. In recent years, distinctive agriculture has continued to develop. The city's flower and plant cultivation area covers 500,000 mu (approximately 33,333 hectares), with over 2,400 varieties, producing 1.38 billion plants annually, making it the largest production and sales base for flowers and plants in China. The cultivation area for medicinal herbs reaches 300,000 mu (approximately 20,000 hectares), positioning Xuchang as one of China's four major distribution centers for medicinal herbs and one of the 17 state-approved medicinal herb trading markets. Xuchang tobacco leaves are representative of China's rich-flavor tobacco, forming an integrated tobacco system encompassing high-quality tobacco research, education, cultivation, re-roasting, storage and transportation, cigarette production, and tobacco machinery manufacturing, with an annual cigarette production capacity of 1.1 million large cases. The processing industries for four major agricultural products—high-quality wheat, high-quality soybeans, high-quality live pigs, and high-quality "three powders" (referring to specific processed products)—are developing rapidly, making Xuchang one of the main pig processing bases in Henan Province.

6.2 Industry

Xuchang City has a comprehensive industrial system, with a particularly long history in tobacco processing. It has established an industrial system supported by power equipment, diamond products, hair products, energy, textiles, and building materials. Xuchang's wig manufacturing industry is highly developed, with its wigs sold globally, earning the city the nickname "Wig Capital."

Well-known enterprises in Xuchang include seven listed companies: "XJ Electric," "Yellow River Cyclone," "Rebecca," "Yuandong Transmission," "Zhongpin Food," "Yuanhua Biology," and "Senyuan Electric," as well as two controlled listed companies: "Zhongchuan International" and "Tianyu Electric." In 2017, Xuchang achieved a total social output value of 264.21 billion yuan, ranking fourth in Henan Province. Other notable companies include Xuchang Pang Dong Lai, Henan China Tobacco Xuchang Cigarette Factory (producing Jin Xuchang and Di Hao cigarettes), Henan Yifeng Industrial Co., Ltd., Henan Ruihe Tai Industrial Group, and Sanding Group.

7. Transportation

7.1 Aviation

There is no airport within Xuchang's territory. The nearest civil aviation airport is Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, located approximately 60 kilometers from Xuchang's urban area. One can travel from Xuchang's urban area to Xinzheng Airport via the G4 Beijing–Hong Kong–Macau Expressway. Additionally, the Zhengzhou Metro Zheng-Xu Line, which opened on December 28, 2023, is an air-rail intermodal metro line connecting Xuchang City, Changge City, Zhengzhou Airport Economic Zone, and Xinzheng Airport.

The planned Xuchang Aviation Passenger and Cargo Hub Port is an airport-adjacent industrial cluster zone planned and constructed in Xuchang by Zhengzhou International Airport Management Co., Ltd. to support the development of Zhengzhou International Aviation Hub. It relies on a terminal building, features comprehensive service functions, and integrates multiple business formats. The port area is planned to cover a total area of 1,000 mu with a total investment of 1.24 billion yuan. Construction has already commenced.

7.2 Railway

• High-Speed Rail: Beijing–Guangzhou Passenger Dedicated Line, Zhengzhou–Chongqing Passenger Dedicated Line, Zhengzhou–Fuyang High-Speed Railway
• High-Speed Rail Stations: Xuchang East Station, Xuchang North Station, Changge North Station, Yuzhou Station, Yanling Station
• Conventional Rail: Beijing–Guangzhou Railway, Mengping Railway, Pingyu Railway
• Conventional Rail Stations: Xuchang Station, Changge Station
• Intercity Railway: Zhengzhou–Xuchang Intercity Railway, Xuchang–Luohe Intercity Railway, Xuchang–Pingdingshan Intercity Railway.
• Local Railway: Yudan Railway
• Metro: Zhengzhou Metro Zheng-Xu Line

Major stations include: Xuchang Passenger Transport Comprehensive Hub Station, Xuchang Central Passenger Station, and Xuchang Lingjing Station, which are comprehensive hub stations respectively connecting to the Beijing–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway passenger station, Beijing–Guangzhou Railway passenger station, and Zhengzhou–Chongqing High-Speed Railway passenger station. Yuzhou Passenger Transport Comprehensive Hub Station is a comprehensive hub station connecting to the Huaihai Railway passenger station (Yuzhou), and Yanling Passenger Transport Comprehensive Hub Station is a comprehensive hub station connecting to the Huaihai Railway passenger station (Yanling).

7.3 Highway

Located 40 kilometers from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport, the G4 Beijing–Hong Kong–Macau Expressway, National Highway 107, and National Highway 240 run north-south through the area, while National Highway 311 runs east-west. A "米"-shaped expressway network (Xuchang to Beijing, Xuchang to Hong Kong/Macau, Xuchang to Nanyang, Xuchang to Kaifeng, Xuchang to Luoyang, Xuchang to Bozhou) has been established.

8. Education

Xuchang City is home to five higher education institutions: Xuchang University, the Xuchang Campus of Henan Agricultural University, Xuchang Vocational Technical College, Xuchang Electrical Vocational Technical College, and Xuchang Ceramics Vocational Technical College.

The Xuchang area has seven provincial-level exemplary regular high schools in Henan Province, namely Xuchang High School, Xiangcheng County High School, Yuzhou City High School, Yanling County First High School, Changge City Second High School, Xuchang County Third High School, and Changge City First High School.

9. Population

According to the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the city's permanent resident population was 4,307,199. Compared with the 2000 Fifth National Population Census, the population increased by 189,199 over the ten-year period, a growth of 4.59%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.45%. Among them, the male population was 2,206,488, accounting for 51.23%; the female population was 2,100,711, accounting for 48.77%. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 105.04. The population aged 0–14 was 848,782, accounting for 19.71%; the population aged 15–64 was 3,076,143, accounting for 71.42%; and the population aged 65 and above was 382,274, accounting for 8.88%.

According to the 2020 Seventh National Population Census, the city's permanent resident population was 4,379,998. Compared with the 4,307,488 from the Sixth National Population Census, the population increased by 72,510 over the ten-year period, a growth of 1.68%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.17%. Among them, the male population was 2,212,302, accounting for 50.51% of the total population; the female population was 2,167,696, accounting for 49.49%. The overall sex ratio (with females as 100) was 102.06. The population aged 0–14 was 976,556, accounting for 22.3% of the total population; the population aged 15–59 was 2,540,786, accounting for 58.01%; and the population aged 60 and above was 862,656, accounting for 19.7%, of which the population aged 65 and above was 655,100, accounting for 14.96%. The urban resident population was 2,345,380, accounting for 53.55% of the total population; the rural resident population was 2,034,618, accounting for 46.45%.

By the end of 2022, the city's permanent resident population was 4.381 million, of which the urban permanent resident population was 2.417 million. The urbanization rate of the permanent resident population was 55.18%, an increase of 0.6 percentage points from the end of the previous year.

9.1 Ethnic Groups

Xuchang City is predominantly Han Chinese, with 34 ethnic minorities totaling approximately over 70,000 people, accounting for 1.65% of the city's total population. Among them, there are 73,045 Hui people, accounting for over 95% of the total ethnic minority population; 831 Manchu people; 326 Mongolians; and 1,870 people from the other 31 ethnic minorities. Among the total ethnic minority population, 50,367 are agricultural population, and 25,705 are non-agricultural population. Ethnic minorities reside in all 96 townships (towns, sub-districts) of the city, including 60 ethnic minority concentrated villages, 28 townships (towns, sub-districts) with over a thousand ethnic minority residents, and 3 ethnic townships (towns) (Shanhuo Hui Ethnic Township in Yuzhou City, Aizhuang Hui Ethnic Township in Xuchang County, Yingqiao Hui Ethnic Town in Xiangcheng County). There are 3 counties (cities, districts) with over ten thousand ethnic minority residents (Yuzhou City with 19,165, Xiangcheng County with 18,451, and Weidu District with 15,300). Ethnic minorities reside in all 96 townships (towns, sub-districts), and their distribution is characterized by a typical pattern of being widely dispersed with small concentrated communities.

In the 2020 citywide permanent resident population, the Han population was 4,321,381, accounting for 98.66%; the total population of various ethnic minorities was 58,617, accounting for 1.34%. Compared with the 2010 Sixth National Population Census, the Han population increased by 72,921, a growth of 1.72%, with its proportion of the total population increasing by 0.03 percentage points; the total population of various ethnic minorities decreased by 411, a decline of 0.7%, with its proportion of the total population decreasing by 0.03 percentage points.

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10. Culture

10.1 Three Kingdoms Culture Series

Xuchang boasts over 80 famous historical sites and relics from the Three Kingdoms period. These include the "Stele of Three Excellencies" which records the transition from the Han to the Wei dynasty, the authentic work of Cai Yong titled the "Stele of Yin Zhou", and the "Painting of Halting the Horse Against the Wind" by the painting sage Wu Daozi, created as a portrait of Guan Yu.

• Ancient City of Han and Wei: Located in Gucheng Village, Zhangpan Town, Xuchang County, 18 kilometers from Xuchang City. According to the 1933 "Xuchang County Annals": "The ancient city of Xuchang (i.e., the Ancient City of Han and Wei) is 30 li east of the city, with a perimeter of nine li, one hundred and twenty-nine paces. It is said to have been built by Cao Cao, and its ruins remain today." To this day, the outline of the city walls is faintly discernible, the rammed earth layers are clearly visible, and Han dynasty bricks and tiles can be found everywhere. In 1986, the site was declared a provincial-level cultural relics protection unit by the People's Government of Henan Province.
• Chancellor Cao's Mansion: The Chancellor Cao's Mansion scenic area is located in the center of Xuchang's old city. It is currently the first theme park in China to comprehensively display Cao Wei culture. Its main structures imitate the Han dynasty style, with the theme of "Han Dynasty Grandeur and Wei Dynasty Charm, Dreamlike Chancellor's Mansion." The scenic area mainly consists of landmark architectural complexes such as the Wuwu Garden, Statue of Cao Cao, Artistic Screen Wall, Government Office, East and West Watchtowers, Hall for Seeking Talents, Hall for Deliberations, Poetry Tower, Winding Corridors, Soldier-Hiding Cave, Mansion Garden, Green Plum Pavilion, Banquet Tower, Bath Tower, and Treasure Hall. The surrounding area complements the site with supporting tourism projects like Emperor Street, General and Minister Street, Talented Scholar Street, Beauty Street, and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms Grand Stage.
• Spring and Autumn Tower: The Spring and Autumn Tower scenic area is located in the center of Xuchang, on the middle section of Wenmiao Front Street. It enjoys a superior geographical location with extremely convenient transportation. It is an ancient architectural complex in Ming and Qing styles, classified as a key cultural relics protection unit of Henan Province and a national 3A-level tourist attraction.
• Abdication Altar: The original Abdication Altar had blue brick revetments, steps on both sides, stone-carved railings around the top, and a sunshade pavilion at the center of the platform housing a dragon-engraved throne. After over a thousand years of weathering, a two-tiered convex platform base, still over 20 meters high and over 30 meters long and wide, remains. The "Abdication Memorial" and "Memorial of Dukes, Ministers, and Generals Presenting Honorific Titles," composed by Han Censor-in-Chief Wang Lang, calligraphed by Minister of Rites Liang Hu, and engraved by Commandant of Justice and Marquis of Wuting Zhong Yao, provide detailed and factual accounts of Emperor Xian's abdication and Cao Pi's usurpation of the throne. They are commonly known as the "Stele of Three Excellencies." It is now a nationally protected Grade One cultural relic.
• Yuxiu Terrace: Located in the southwest corner of the Ancient City of Han and Wei, Yuxiu Terrace was built in the 3rd year of the Jian'an era (198 AD). Cao Cao constructed it for Emperor Xian of Han to perform sacrifices to Heaven. It is about 15 meters high, covers an area of 4,000 square meters, and has 99 steps, leading to a ceremonial plaza paved with blue bricks. Every year at the Autumn Equinox, Emperor Xian would lead his civil and military officials here to offer sacrifices to Heaven, praying for favorable weather and peace for the nation. In its heyday, Yuxiu Terrace was nestled among trees, lush with greenery, reaching towards the sky. Dozens of luxurious palace-style ancient buildings were arranged below the terrace, serving as temporary resting places for Emperor Xian before the sacrifices. Yuxiu Terrace was built over a thousand years earlier than the Beijing Temple of Heaven, another imperial site for Heaven worship.
• Baling Bridge: Traditionally believed to be the place where Cao Cao saw off Guan Yu. After Guan Yu was captured and brought to Xuchang, Cao Cao, "observing his state of mind had no intention to stay long," wished to retain him. However, Guan Yu "sealed up all the gifts he had received, wrote a farewell letter, and departed to join his former lord Liu Bei in Yuan Shao's army." When Cao Cao's generals wanted to pursue him, Cao Cao decisively stopped them, saying, "Each serves his own lord. Do not pursue." Beside the bridge stands a stone stele inscribed by the late Ming general Zuo Liangyu with the words "The Place Where Han Marquis Guan Yu Received the Robe."
• Lord Zhang's Shrine: Also known as Lord Zhang's Temple, it is located in the northwest of Zhangpan Ancient City, Xuchang County, 18 kilometers from Xuchang City. Legend has it that when the sworn brothers Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei came to Xuchang to pay homage to Emperor Xian, Zhang Fei resided here. Later generations named it Lord Zhang's Shrine or Lord Zhang's Fort.

10.2 Jun Porcelain Culture Series

Yuzhou City became famous worldwide for Jun porcelain due to the creative firing of Jun ware by Tang dynasty ceramic artisans and its great flourishing in the Song dynasty. This gave rise to a rich and diverse Jun porcelain culture. Particularly renowned to this day is the moving story from the Song dynasty of the Golden Fire Goddess, known as the Eastern Venus. A large number of ancient kiln sites, especially ancient Jun kiln sites, ancient Jun porcelain artworks, Jun porcelain fragments, and surviving historical materials attest that the city is the birthplace of ceramic culture. It possesses characteristics such as the originality of legendary stories and ballads, the richness and intactness of preserved relics and sites, the broadness of its popular foundation, and the continuity of folk customs and traditions.

The Yuzhou Jun Official Kiln Site Museum is located in the northern section of Donghuan Road, Yuzhou City. It is a specialized museum dedicated to showcasing Jun porcelain culture. The "Juntai Jun Kiln Site" was discovered in 1964, excavated in 1976, declared a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit by the State Council in 1988, and the Yuzhou Juntai Jun Kiln Site Museum was established on the site in 1992. It was renamed the Song Jun Official Kiln Site Museum in 1993 and later renamed the Yuzhou Jun Official Kiln Site Museum in 1997.

11. Sister Cities

• Gyeongju City, Russia
• Berlinbrook City, USA
• Pittsburgh City, USA
• Kakegawa City, Japan
• Smolyan City, Bulgaria

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Ji'an Avenue, Weidu District

Yuzhou City

Han Chinese account for 98.66% of the population; ethnic minorities account for 1.34%.

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