Nighttime in the Caowei ancient city in C China

From its humble beginnings as a tribal settlement in the ancient state of Xu, Xuchang city rose to prominence during the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220).

The warlord Cao Cao staged his imperial ascension in the city, which became the political, economic and cultural center of northern China during that time. Xuchang has since garnered acclaim as one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization.