禹州十三碗

Yuzhou Travel Guide near Xiyue Courtyard Hotel Location Yuzhou, located in central Henan Province, is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization. As the capital of the Xia Dynasty, the capital of Jun porcelain, and a distribution center for traditional Chinese medicinal materials, it is known as the "Xia Capital," "Jun Capital," and "Medicine Capital." Not only are there 2.5 billion-year-old ancient plant fossils here, but the atmosphere of the old streets of the Ming and Qing dynasties is also lingering. The May breeze is infused with the fragrance of locust flowers and the mysteries of Jun porcelain kiln-fired porcelain. Itinerary Day 1: Journey through the Millennium Universe of Jun Porcelain • Morning: ◦ Yuzhou Museum (free): Inside, you'll be dazzled by the sight of bronze artifacts and Jun porcelain fragments. Focus on the "Archaeological Exploration of the Xia Dynasty" exhibition on the second floor, where you'll hear stories of the past through pottery fragments from the ruins of the Xia capital. ◦ China Jun Porcelain Cultural Park: The massive Tiancheng Pavilion resembles the "Eiffel Tower" of Jun porcelain. From the rooftop, you can overlook the Jun porcelain production line and try your hand at DIY pottery throwing (approximately 50 yuan). • Noon: Shenhou Ancient Town Old Street ◦ Must-Try: Qiuli Shenhou Braised Pork with Silver Plum Cola and White Noodles ◦ How to Play: Attend the daily kiln opening ceremony at 10 a.m. and witness the surprising moment when the kiln workers knock on the kiln door. • Evening: Night Tour of the Ancient Town ◦ "Kiln Light Dance" Shadow Play: Beside the Zouyu Bridge, enjoy the magical dance of light and shadow intertwined with kiln fire to create the patterns of Jun porcelain. Take photos in Hanfu (Chinese traditional costume) for a truly captivating experience. ◦ Overnight: Enjoy comfortable accommodations at Xiyue Courtyard Hotel and recharge your batteries for a wonderful journey. Day 2: Enjoy the Wildness of Mountain Climbing • Morning: Dahongzhai Scenic Area (60 yuan admission) ◦ Must-Try: Challenge the Glass Skywalk (those with acrophobia should exercise caution), experience the thrill of the high-altitude water slide, and hike to the Zhaixing Tower to work up a sweat. Hidden Gem: Pick wild mulberries at the foot of the mountain (ripe and sweet in May), and encounter the scenic area's baby macaques (do not feed them, as they will snatch your food). • Lunch: Enjoy a farmhouse in the scenic area ◦ Must-try: Stir-fried wild vegetables with cured pork, locust flower cakes (a May-only delicacy), and cornmeal soup. Enjoy the flavors of the wild at 30 yuan per person. • Evening: Camping by Baisha Lake ◦ Night boating: There's an open-air KTV on the lake's island. Bring your own speakers to play "Little Apple"—you might even get a round of applause from the locals. Day 3: Wild romance in a hidden gem • Morning: Dafengkou Scenic Area (free) ◦ Fossil Wall: See 250-million-year-old reed fossils, resembling alien writing. For 20 yuan, you can bring a notebook to make rubbings of these "ancient postcards" to preserve. ◦ Climb the Steel Fork Tower: Ascend to the summit and overlook the vast bamboo sea, feeling the heroic spirit of martial arts amidst the howling mountain breeze. • Lunch: Mojie Township Farmhouse ◦ Must-try: Braised free-range chicken over firewood (cooked in a clay pot, fragrant) paired with handmade vermicelli noodles – a sip that will delight your taste buds. ◦ Easter eggs: Pick wild apricots in the backyard. • Evening: One last hurrah before returning home ◦ Night market spree: Explore the East Commercial Pedestrian Street and discover the night market delicacies. ◦ Accommodation: Return to the Xiyue Courtyard Hotel, pack your bags, and prepare for your return trip the next day. Must-See List 1. Witness the heart-pounding moment of the "Kiln Opening Ceremony" in Shenhou Ancient Town. 2. Check in at the Dahongzhai Glass Skywalk and get a like-filled Instagram post. 3. Pick apricots and mulberries (Minzhuang Village, Jiushan Town) to savor their sweet flavor, available only in mid-to-late May. 4. Experience hand-throwing Jun porcelain and create your own unique ceramic souvenir. 5. Take a boat tour of Baisha Reservoir to admire the breathtaking scenery of the merging water and sky, and flocks of wild egrets. Transportation Guide • Public Transportation: ◦ Shenhou Ancient Town: Take bus No. 68 (10 RMB) from Yuzhou Bus Station. ◦ Dahongzhai: Take bus No. 68 directly from the city center (approximately 2 hours, with beautiful scenery along the way). • Self-Driving: Approximately 2 hours from Zhengzhou. Use the navigation system "Yuzhou Dahongzhai." The mountainous road is winding, so experienced drivers are recommended. • Warning: The parking lot at the scenic area charges 10 RMB per person, and queues can be long during peak season. Tips 1. Reservations for the Jun porcelain making experience must be made 3 days in advance. 2. Wear sneakers, as you may do a lot of walking during the trip. 3. Some shops in the old street only accept cash, so remember to bring cash. 4. Yuzhou experiences significant temperature fluctuations in May, so bring a light jacket and sunscreen. 5. For photo opportunities, rent oil-paper umbrellas and Hanfu costumes at the scenic area to enhance your travel experience. Five Yuzhou Food Combos 1. Braised Pork: Sweet potato flour and starch are steamed into chewy cubes, drizzled with garlic chili oil for an unforgettable bite. 2. Yuzhou Thirteen Bowls: A Yuzhou intangible cultural heritage dish, you can order a la carte depending on the number of people. Recommended dishes include the tofu and fish soup, which is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, the crispy and delicious broth, the crispy pork in soup, the pork strips, the eight-treasure rice, and the braised pork ribs. Every bite is filled with delicious childhood memories. 3. Mixed Pork: Beef offal, vermicelli noodles, and tofu are blended in a boiling broth, served with oily steamed buns for dipping. 4. Huashi Mutton Soup: The broth is as white as milk, and the mutton is tender and boneless, leaving you wanting more. Budget (per person) • Accommodation: Based on prices at the Xiyue Courtyard Hotel and nearby accommodations, approximately 200-400 RMB. • Food and Beverage: 80-150 RMB/day. • Tickets: 60-150 RMB (50% off with student ID). • Transportation: 50-80 RMB (fuel not included). • Souvenirs: Jun porcelain ornaments, 30-100 RMB. Yuzhou, a city steeped in ancient secrets, millennia-old craftsmanship, and the joy of the mountains. Yuzhou in May is a dreamlike wonderland, a blend of the fragrance of locust flowers and the glaze of Jun porcelain. It's a unique journey where Hanfu meets hiking poles. Come and explore!