Things to do in Bozhou

Cao Cao Underground Military Tunnel Scenic Area, a 4A-level attraction and the No. 1 must-see in Bozhou (Figure 1), is a national key cultural relics protection unit and the oldest and best-preserved large-scale underground military facility in China, known as the "Underground Great Wall" (Figure 2). The scenic area is divided into two parts: the "Jian'an Literature Museum" and the "Underground Military Tunnel." The Literature Museum, located in the Qiaowang Tower (Figure 3), is the only museum in China dedicated to systematically showcasing Jian'an literature (Figure 4). The museum focuses on the Three Caos (Cao Cao, Cao Pi, and Cao Zhi), the Seven Scholars of Jian'an, and Cai Wenji, highlighting the generous, poignant, and robust style of Jian'an literature (Figure 5), which complements the military content of the Three Kingdoms period in the military tunnel (Figure 6). The Underground Military Tunnel, the core of the scenic area, is nearly 8,000 meters long, with approximately 700-800 meters currently open to the public (Figure 7). The tunnels retain ancient military installations such as cat-ear bunkers, obstacle courses, tripping boards, and traps, and have two levels (Figure 8), forming a complex, maze-like structure. The tunnels are 1.5-1.7 meters high and only 50 centimeters wide; in some low and narrow sections, one can only pass by crouching and turning sideways (Figure 9). Being there immediately evokes the magical tunnels depicted in the film *Tunnel Warfare*, and further reinforces the profound wisdom and exceptional skill of the ancient military strategists.

It has a rich historical background and is relatively small; you can see everything in about two hours. Go check it out! Everyone has different tastes, so you're sure to find something you like. Preserving the historical site and leaving a trace of history is the most important thing.

Bozhou is worth visiting again. It borders Henan Shangqiu, Anhui Fuyang, Huainan and Bengbu. It has a long history and is also the world's largest distribution center for Chinese medicinal materials. The beef noodles and mutton soup are delicious.

Huazu Nunnery, also known as Huazu Temple, was first built in 904 AD during the Tang Dynasty to commemorate Hua Tuo, a renowned physician of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Because the temple was consistently headed by female monks, it was called a nunnery. Online ticket purchase is very convenient, and free parking is available.

The Nanjing Lane Money Exchange in Bozhou is well worth a visit, as it's a well-preserved Qing Dynasty building. The three-courtyard complex features blue bricks and gray tiles, a well-organized layout, and the charm of Hui-style architecture. Visitors can see ancient counters, accounting rooms, and secret poems; the ingeniously designed underground vault showcases the financial wisdom of the past. It offers an immersive experience of the bustling commercial port of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and provides insights into the history of ancient coins and money exchanges – a truly excellent experience. However, the ticket price is slightly expensive, making it only moderately cost-effective.

Perhaps due to its somewhat remote location and the wrong season, it was quite deserted, but it was actually very well-built, spacious, and the restrooms were clean. Even with almost no one around, there were still performances, the actors were very dedicated, and there were plenty of trendy new elements throughout. A full-price ticket of 30 RMB is definitely worth it.

An old steed in its stall may still aspire to gallop a thousand miles; a hero in his twilight years may still cherish his lofty ambitions. Perhaps because this year is the Year of the Horse, the central piece in the Cao family cemetery inscription brick exhibition hall at the Bozhou Museum is a portrait brick with a horse design. (It doesn't have the inscription "Even if I die, I will fight" [Facepalm][Facepalm][Facepalm] Not even a replica...) However, there are other exquisite inscription bricks! It was quite moving to see. Some of the brick carvings have a calligraphic feel, while others are more casual (sloppy...). Perhaps they were carved by craftsmen, perhaps by officials. The sentiments of 1800 years ago are carved on bricks, used to build tombs, and buried deep underground. There's "当奈何" (It really gave me a jolt! From "虞兮虞兮奈若何" to "为之奈何," I wonder what the person who carved it felt like.) There's "顷不相见" (Having not seen each other for a long time, or perhaps never to see each other again...?) There's "为曹侯作壁" (Building a wall for Lord Cao). There's "异异" (Is it "Too strange," or someone's nickname? But it certainly is...) (Rarely do personal names appear) When the word "literature" appears (referring to the Three Caos and Seven Scholars, the Jian'an literature, and Cao Pi's writing: "Literature is a great undertaking for governing the country, an immortal achievement. Life has its end, and glory and pleasure cease with one's own life; these are inevitable, but literature is boundless."), why would the craftsmen who built the tomb inscribe "literature" on the bricks? When the word "sorrow" appears (referring to Cao Cao's poem: "Sorrow arises from within, and cannot be stopped," and Cao Pi's writing: "High mountains have cliffs, forests have branches. Sorrow comes without direction, and no one knows it. Life is like a sojourn; why have so many sorrows? If I am not happy now, the years will fly by."), who inscribed his sorrow on the tomb bricks? Han dynasty clerical script truly becomes more beautiful the more you look at it!

The city gate tower has always been there, but it wasn't nearly as well-organized inside before. It's probably been renovated in the last couple of years. Bozhou has even established a tourism and culture group specifically for this. Anyway, it feels much better than before. Young people from the surrounding three counties and one district who come to Bozhou for exams often come here to check it out and eat rice cakes!

My first time visiting Bozhou, and I was so lucky to see the newly released large-scale historical drama "Cao Cao" on July 10th in Cao Cao's hometown! The entire performance brilliantly portrayed important historical moments in Cao Cao's life and is definitely worth experiencing! It starts at 8 pm and consists of four chapters, with a total performance time of 70 minutes. The script was written by Yi Zhongtian.

Taiqing Palace is definitely worth it. It's antique and has a quiet atmosphere, perfect for calming the mind. The architecture is very charming and makes for great photos. The staff are also very friendly and provide detailed explanations. Walking around alone was incredibly relaxing. I'd definitely come back again.