Cao Wei Ancient City

Inside the moat of Xuchang’s central district lies the Cao Wei ancient city: a project of 3.9 square kilometres, with a core area of 1.87 square kilometres built to the standard of a national 5A site. It works by layering performance over restored street: a sword-fight at the prime minister’s residence, a garden party with light and shadow at Spring and Autumn Tower, and robot performers sharing a stage with a procession of the prime minister. Along South Avenue, new lotus lamps give the street a second use after dark.