【Xuchang City, Henan Province】Baling Bridge Scenic Area Self-Driving Travel Guide

Baling Bridge Scenic Area, also known as Guan Yu's Farewell to Cao Cao Site, is located on the Qingni River west of Xuchang City. Legend has it that this was where Guan Yu, a renowned general of the Three Kingdoms period, bid farewell to Cao Cao and received a robe as a gift, earning the bridge its fame. It is a cultural heritage site integrating leisure, entertainment, and sightseeing. Historical Background: In the spring of the 5th year of Jian'an (200 AD), Cao Cao captured Guan Yu and brought him to Xudu, treating him with great respect. However, Guan Yu remained loyal to his former lord, returning his official seal and gold before leaving Cao Cao to rejoin Liu Bei. Cao Cao and his generals pursued Guan Yu to Baling Bridge, where they offered him wine and a robe. Suspicious of treachery, Guan Yu stood on the bridge, used his blade to lift the robe, bowed, and departed, embarking on his legendary solo journey, overcoming obstacles and slaying foes along the way. Beside the bridge today stands: a stone tablet inscribed "Han Guan Di Lifts the Robe," erected by the late Ming general Zuo Liangyu. Another well-preserved tablet records Guan Yu's farewell letter to Cao Cao. During the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong reigns of the Qing Dynasty, four additional tablets were erected with clear inscriptions, detailing how Guan Yu declined Cao Cao's gold but accepted his robe, praising his integrity: "Long under Cao's service yet returning to Han, his heroic spirit lingers in Yingzhou." The scenic area comprises: the historic Baling Bridge, Sanguan Temple, Guan Yu Temple, and classical gardens. Scenic Highlights: Covering 162 acres, the area boasts beautiful surroundings and rich cultural heritage, with the Shiliang River flowing through it. Baling Bridge arches like a crescent moon over the water; willows line the banks, creating a rustic charm. Ancient paths, weathered steles, verdant cypresses, and majestic halls remain intact. It is a renowned site on the Three Kingdoms tourist route. Currently rated as a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction. ----------------------- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM. Ticket Price: ¥30. (Online: ¥27.9.) Transportation Info: (For reference) By Bus: From Xuchang High-Speed Rail East Station: Take Bus No. 69 to reach the scenic area. By Car: Navigation Destination: Baling Bridge Scenic Area Parking Lot (North Gate). Accommodation: Author's Stay: Yiju Hotel – Xuchang Shuanglonghu Branch. Other Options: Xuchang city offers a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury. Book online in advance for a hassle-free stay. Local Cuisine: Mutton soup, Sha's fragrant beef, Wu Village donkey meat, Yuzhou Thirteen Bowls, spiced beef with skin, Shundian mixed stew, Yanling tofu pudding, Yanling braised pigeon, Wangluo pig trotters, Xiangcheng braised noodles, stewed noodles, spicy soup, braised gluten, sugar cakes, and more. Indulge your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. Recommended Route: Drive to the North Gate – Purchase tickets – Enter – Explore clockwise, visiting in order: Guan Yu's Farewell to Cao Cao sculpture – Plum-Watching Bridge – Green Plum Pavilion – Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant statue – Farewell Pavilion – Tablet of Guan Yu Bidding Farewell to Cao Cao – Han Guan Di Lifts the Robe tablet – Baling Bridge – Baling Ancient Ferry – Opera Tower – Sanguan Temple – Xuchang Guan Yu Temple – Righteousness Garden – Proceed forward – River Island – Zigzag Bridge – Screen Wall Plaza – Return to the North Gate – Retrieve your car – Rest at the hotel. (A full loop taking half a day.) ----------------------- Full Itinerary: The author's 10+ day self-driving trip started in Shandong, covering: Zaozhuang, Shandong: East Lake Park. Shangqiu, Henan: Mangdang Mountain Scenic Area. Han Liang King Mausoleum. Great Han Heroes Scenic Area. Confucius Mountain Scenic Area. Xi Mountain Scenic Area. Chen Sheng Garden. Liu Bang Slays the Snake Site. Shangqiu Ancient City Scenic Area. Yingtian Academy. Baguanzhai. Shangqiu Museum. Suihuang Mausoleum. Fire God Terrace Scenic Area. Han Liang Culture Park. Xuchang, Henan: Cao Wei Ancient City. Cao Cao's Prime Minister Manor. Spring and Autumn Tower. Wenfeng Pagoda. Baling Bridge Scenic Area. Museum. Xudu Park. Shenhou Ancient Town. Yuxiu Terrace. Pingdingshan, Henan: Museum. Xiangshan Temple. Baigui Lake Scenic Area. Three Su's Garden Scenic Area. Fengxue Temple. Faxing Temple Pagoda. Jiaxian Confucian Temple. Central Plains Great Buddha. Yaoshan Scenic Area. Thrush Valley Scenic Area. Shijing Longtan Gorge Scenic Area. Xun County, Henan: Dapi Mountain Scenic Area. Laiwu, Shandong: Lotus Mountain Scenic Area. Wishing you a pleasant journey! Go for it!