Henan's "Jingdezhen," a Millennia-Old Town, and the World of Jun Porcelain

Everyone knows Jingdezhen's fame, but few realize that Henan also has a porcelain capital: Yuzhou. And it's no exaggeration, Yuzhou Jun porcelain is one of the five most famous ancient porcelains in China. How amazing is that! So, I took a weekend trip to Yuzhou. I discovered that it not only has Jun porcelain but also the Fat Donglai supermarket and a plethora of snacks. I highly recommend everyone in Henan visit! —————— 🏠Shenhou Ancient Town 📍Location: Henan, Xuchang, Yuzhou City 🎫Tickets: Free admission 🚗Transportation: 2-hour drive from Zhengzhou 📅Time: 2–3 hours for sightseeing —————— 🌟Travel Guide ✅Ancient Town Introduction 👉Shenhou Ancient Town has thrived for over a thousand years thanks to its Jun porcelain. It's both a tourist attraction and a living ancient town where residents still make a living from porcelain production. 👉The ancient town is a AAAA-level scenic spot with free admission. However, parking can be challenging. If you're not a confident driver, park on the main road and walk into the town. 👉The ancient town is quite large, but the main tourist area is concentrated around the old street area⬇️ ✅Travel Route 👉You can stroll along Shenhou Old Street, explore Wenbo Road for cultural artifacts, and dine at Jianye Canteen. 👉The old street route is straightforward; just follow the road. You can visit the Bolingweng Temple and the Ceramics Official Office. 👉At the end of the old street, you'll need to retrace your steps. You can turn from the Dapao Tower to Wenbo Road to create a circular route. —————— ❤️Travel Tips: 1️⃣Vehicles are prohibited inside the ancient town. If you want to drive near the town, you'll have to navigate small alleys. There are fees to park in front of houses, but not on the roadside. 2️⃣Jianye Canteen is a collection of various small shops. If you're looking for local specialties, try Qiuli Braised Meat, although I found it just average. 3️⃣The roads in the ancient town are paved but uneven. Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking, especially when looking for your car. 4️⃣When dining in Yuzhou, don't forget to try the local Yinmei Kele. 5️⃣The antique market closes before sunset, so it's best to visit in the morning. 🚗Nearby Attractions 🌈Jun Porcelain Cultural Theme Park: Located near the ancient town, you'll pass it on your way to the city center. It's a half-finished park, so you might want to skip it. 🌈Jun Official Kiln Site Museum: This is Yuzhou's city museum and the place to truly understand the history of Jun porcelain. Highly recommended. 🌈China Jun Porcelain Culture Park: A privately owned cultural park where all exhibits are for sale. The architecture is impressive. 🌈Yuzhou Fat Donglai: Closed on Mondays. This underground shopping mall is best reached by taxi to avoid traffic.