Dai County Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Yanmen Pass Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Attacking an ancient pass city was too difficult! Climbing to the base of the city walls would leave one's legs weak
The Great Wall is famous for its numerous strategic passes, with Shanhaiguan in the east and Jiayuguan in the west, and in between, there are Niangziguan and Yanmenguan. Each pass city is a formidable fortress, easy to defend but hard to attack.
Traveling from Dai County to Yanmenguan, one would pass through the Yanmenguan ambush site, a region with winding mountains that indeed makes for an excellent spot for ambushes.
The mountain roads are many, and it's hard to tell how long it took to finally reach the Yanmenguan scenic area.
Yanmenguan is located on the Gouzhu Mountain ridge north of the ancient city of Daizhou. It controls the Central Plains to the south and the desert frontier to the north, and is a grand military defense project from ancient China. It was known as Beiling and Xi in ancient times, listed as the foremost of the Nine Fortified Passes during the Warring States period, called one of the Northern Court's Three Passes during the Southern and Northern Dynasties, and known as one of the Inner Three Passes of Shanxi during the Ming Dynasty.
Yanmenguan has a Wengcheng (jar-shaped city). The gate of the Wengcheng, commonly known as the 'Small North Gate', has a stone archway on top, with a plaque inscribed with the three large characters 'Yanmenguan'.
The Yanmenguan scenic area is mainly divided into two parts: the Ancient Yanmenguan scenic area and the Ming Yanmenguan scenic area.
The world's foremost formidable pass, Yanmen Pass
Once visited, no regrets...
The world's foremost formidable pass, Yanmen Pass. Once visited, no regrets...
🙃Although not as grand and magnificent as the Badaling Great Wall, the terrain here is perilous, and the scenery is majestic and splendid. Climbing the Great Wall is stress-free throughout the journey. After briskly walking for over two hours and standing on the city wall, one can't help but reflect on history, hearing that over 1700 battles of various sizes have taken place here.
🌹It's best to go to the scenic area early when there are fewer people. Climbing the Great Wall is stress-free throughout the journey. It takes just over two hours if you walk briskly, and if you walk and rest intermittently, it takes about three to four hours, which I think is suitable for all ages. At the entrance of the scenic area, there is a special product commercial street where you can try some local delicacies. When leaving the scenic area, having something to eat, drink, and buy can relieve the fatigue of climbing the Great Wall. There are also performances in the scenic area, which are nice to watch when resting.
Xinzhou: Sharing a Lesser-Known Travel Destination
Xinzhou, located in the north-central part of Shanxi Province, is a land that has been gently treated by time. Not only does it boast magnificent natural scenery, but it also harbors a profound cultural heritage. From ancient city walls to simple local customs, from majestic mountains and rivers to tempting cuisine, Xinzhou unfolds like a historical scroll, waiting for every traveler to savor carefully.
Attraction Highlights: A Visual Feast Across Time
• Mount Wutai: As the foremost of China's four famous Buddhist mountains, Mount Wutai attracts countless believers and tourists with its majestic temple complex and profound Buddhist culture. In the early morning, walking through the misty mountain paths, visiting the Shuxiang Temple and Bodhisattva Summit, one can feel the tranquility and solemnity that transcends the mundane world.
• Yanmenguan: As an important pass of the Great Wall, Yanmenguan has witnessed countless historical events. Standing atop this ancient pass, looking out at the winding Great Wall, one can almost hear the echoes of clashing armor and horses, stirring a deep sense of awe.
• Yuwang Cave: Explore the natural wonders crafted by the forces of nature, Yuwang Cave is famous for its unique karst landforms. Inside the cave, the stalactites and stone pillars come in various shapes and vibrant colors, as if entering a mysterious underground palace.
Itinerary: Three Days and Two Nights, In-Depth Experience
Day 1: Upon arrival in Xinzhou, head straight to Mount Wutai and schedule half a day to visit the core temples. In the evening, stay at a characteristic inn at the foot of the mountain for a night of Zen accommodation.
Day 2: Rise early to visit Yanmenguan, stroll through the ancient pass in the morning, and drive to Yuwang Cave in the afternoon to explore the natural miracle. In the evening, return to Xinzhou city to taste the local specialties.
Day 3: Tour the city, such as the ancient city walls of Xinzhou and Xiurong Academy, to feel the charm of the old city. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time, and it is recommended to buy some Xinzhou specialties as souvenirs, such as Xinzhou millet, Wutai Mountain mushrooms, etc.
Food Recommendations: The Taste of Xinzhou Memory
• Xinzhou Snack Street: A food paradise not to be missed, recommended to try 'Youmian Kaolao Lao,' 'Xinzhou Yangza Ge,' and 'Daoxiao Mian,' each bite is an authentic taste of Shanxi.
• Vegetarian Feast at Mount Wutai: Experience a vegetarian feast in the temples of Mount Wutai, the simple and desire-free dishes reveal a unique flavor.
Transportation Tips: Convenient Access, Smooth Travel
• External Arrival: Xinzhou has Xinzhou Wutaishan Airport, connecting to multiple cities within the country, and can also be reached via Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, about a 2-hour drive to Xinzhou.
• Internal Transportation: Renting a car for self-driving is an ideal way to explore Xinzhou, offering freedom and flexibility; in addition, public transportation and taxi services in the city are convenient, and there are sightseeing car services within scenic areas such as Mount Wutai.
Xinzhou, a place that captivates the soul, whether it's the pursuit of history, the longing for nature, or the obsession with food, it can provide a satisfying answer. Pack your bags and join us on this journey of exploring the past and present, and let your spirit be purified by the landscapes of Xinzhou.
Yanmen Pass: Discover the history of a military stronghold through the ages
Yanmen Pass has been a strategic military site since the Warring States period, earning the reputation as 'the most respected of the nine frontier passes.' Well-known stories such as 'Wang Zhaojun Going Beyond the Great Wall' and 'The Yang Family Generals Defending the Three Passes' are all connected to Yanmen Pass. Visiting here is to experience the history of this military frontier. Despite renovations, the old traces on the city walls, the stone roads worn by chariots, and the typical construction of the Ming Great Wall... all represent the heavy sediment of time, the silent narration of history.
🏞 For those not interested in history, it might seem a bit dull. Shaanxi has many historical sites, so you can choose according to your preferences.
Xinzhou, Shanxi Yanmen Pass
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Ashoka Tower Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Ancient City of Daixian, Xinzhou, Shanxi | Experience the national historical and cultural city
| Experience the national historical and cultural city.🌟After leaving Yanmenguan and navigating to Daixian, you will enter the 18 bends of Yanmen dangerous road. As the name suggests, this section of the road has many bends, and the scenery is also very good. The shock of turning a bend and the green mountains appearing directly in front of you is indescribable.
♦The ancient city of Daizhou is the main support for Daixian as a national historical and cultural city. It is a famous border and military town in ancient China and a major commercial port for cultural exchanges between the north and south of ancient China. 'Three thousand miles north of Yinshan Mountain, the first state south of Zisai.' The master architect Liang Sicheng once said that the planning of the ancient city of Daizhou is very wonderful. The ancient city of Daixian is commonly known as the 'missing corner lying ox city'. The city has east, west, south, and north gates, namely Xihe Gate, Kangfu Gate, Yingxun Gate, and Zhenzhuo Gate. The plaques on the door lintels are engraved with 'Ping Fan Ji Dian', 'Che Fu Jin Yang', 'Hu Tuo Dai Rao', and 'Guang Wu Yun Tun'. There are three national protected cultural relics in the ancient city, namely the Border Jing Tower, the Ashoka Tower, and the Confucius Temple. The county town is not big, it is just a few minutes by car, and it is also very suitable for walking.
♦The Ashoka Tower is located in the county government compound, and you can drive in without registration. In fact, the Ashoka Tower is not its name but its type. Because the cylindrical spire tower was very popular during the reign of Ashoka, it was later called the Ashoka Tower. The Ashoka Tower in Daixian was built during the Sui Dynasty. After experiencing many wars and destructions, it was changed from wood to brick during the Yuan Dynasty. It is a relatively rare Tibetan-style covered bowl tower. When I first saw the tower, I just felt that it was really big, and my heart became extremely calm after walking around the tower three times.
♦The Border Jing Tower is the drum tower of Daixian, echoing Yanmenguan from a distance, and is praised by the Great Wall experts as the 'First Tower of the Great Wall'. There are two giant plaques on the tower, which are 'Sound Heard Four Directions' and 'Might Shakes Three Passes'. The floor tiles used on the ground are all engraved with the word 'official'. In fact, there is no need to climb up, you can directly feel its solemnity and majesty from below. The fact that such a small county has such a towering Border Jing Tower is enough to prove its importance in ancient geographical location.
♦Wenchang Temple, when waiting for the green light, I just saw it and took a quick snapshot. After visiting the ancient city of Daixian, I went to Xinzhou for dinner and chose Xiurong Xiaoguan. To be honest, it was really amazing. I ordered the signature Beijing-style shredded pork, mutton shao mai and knife-cut noodles, all of which were delicious and affordable, recommended!
Jining| The Great Temple of the Northern Dynasty in the county town
On a sunny Thursday, I drove from Jining to Jinan. On the way, I deliberately detoured to Wenshang County to visit the coveted Baoxiang Temple. This temple located in a small county town, large and quiet, has become my favorite spot in Jining.
Baoxiang Temple, enjoys the reputation of "the first scenic spot in the Northern Dynasty, the first Taoist site in the Eastern Land". It treasures the real tooth of Sakyamuni and several relics, which is the largest number of relic excavation sites in the country, demonstrating its supreme status in Buddhism.
The oldest core relic in the temple is the Prince Lingzong Pagoda, a building built in the Song Dynasty, which imitates the Linggan Pagoda of Kaibao Temple in the capital, used to worship Buddha's teeth. The entire temple is of very high standard, the main hall is majestic, but when you go deep into it, you feel a deep silence.
On the north side of the ancient temple, the newly built Baoxiang Palace is particularly eye-catching. The design at the top imitates the shape of the Ashoka Pagoda, which is very shocking when viewed from a distance. The new and old pagodas complement each other, forming a kind of conflicting beauty, which should be the new landmark that the local government wants to create.
Wenshang, a small county town located in Shandong Province, is famous for Baoxiang Temple. Here, you can feel the solemnity of Buddhism, and also appreciate the creativity and beauty of modern architecture.
Daixian County Confucious Temple Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
The largest state Confucian temple in North China—Dai County Confucian Temple
The largest state Confucian temple in North China—Dai County Confucian Temple|||Explore the historic Dai County Confucian Temple in Shanxi, a symbol of ancient Chinese education and culture.
- The Dai State Confucian Temple is located in the southwest corner of Dai County town, established during the Tang Dynasty. It was burned down in the 18th year of the Yuan Dynasty's Zhi Zheng era (1358) due to warfare. In the 27th year of Zhi Zheng (1367), the prefect Li Yuanfeng initiated a fundraising campaign for reconstruction. The construction was completed in August of the second year of the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu era (1369), forming a classical architectural complex covering over 15,000 square meters. It is the largest and best-preserved state Confucian temple in North China. Dai County Confucian Temple is famous for its exquisite architecture and rich historical stories.
- The Confucian temple faces south and is divided into three courtyards: front, middle, and back. From front to back, there are the Wan Ren Fang, Ling Xing Gate, Da Cheng Gate, Da Cheng Hall, and the Jing Yi Pavilion in the back courtyard. In May 2006, it was listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit, with each part reflecting the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen.
- The Confucian temple is not only a memorial site for Confucius and Confucianism but also the cultural heart of Dai County and even Shanxi.
- Since ancient times, the Confucian temple has always been an important place for scholars to lecture and exchange ideas.
- Today, the Confucian temple continues to educate and inspire a new generation, passing on Chinese culture.
Dai Prefecture Ancient City has something special, worth a visit!
In ancient times, Dai Prefecture was the last city inside the Yanmen Pass, and beyond it was the frontier. It has a history of 2300 years that can be traced through historical records. Lonely Planet has called it 'Shanxi's last living ancient city.' The ancient city is not large, but it has 3 national protected sites:
Jingbian Tower: A Ming Dynasty relic, it is the largest existing wooden drum tower in China, hailed as: 'North China's number one tower, the Great Wall's number one tower!' The front plaque 'Sound Heard in All Directions' and the back plaque 'Majestic Influence Over Three Passes' are the largest wooden plaques in Asia.
Wen Temple: The largest existing state-level Wen Temple in North China, with two exquisitely crafted plaques at the entrance. The main hall is a Yuan Dynasty relic, and the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) caisson in the center of the hall is rare in China.
Ashoka Pagoda: Currently a Yuan Dynasty relic, it is a fine example of an inverted bowl-style pagoda. Liang Sicheng called it 'the best-proportioned among the existing bottle-shaped pagodas in China.' It is the northernmost of the nineteen Ashoka pagodas in China and is a pagoda for the true body relics of Sakyamuni.
Jingbian Tower and Wen Temple have a joint ticket: 40 yuan.
Ashoka Pagoda is located within the county government compound and can be freely entered and exited. Next to the pagoda is the Wenchang Temple, which is relatively small in scale.
The city wall at the West Gate is the only remaining section of the city wall in Dai Prefecture. The city tower and the barbican are both later reconstructions. Other provincial and county protected sites are relatively small in scale, and if you have time, you can casually stroll around.
Wumiao Temple Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Dai County's ancient city boasts a majestic Wumiao (Martial Temple), which adheres to royal regulations, shifenshaojia
In Dai County's ancient city, there is an extraordinary Wumiao (Martial Temple), a rarity in the country, dedicated to the famous Three Kingdoms period general Guan Yu. Although the temple is not large, it follows royal regulations and remains a free tourist attraction. In 1991, it was declared a 'Dai County Cultural Preservation Site'.
The Wumiao, commonly known as the 'Lord's Temple', is located in the southwestern corner of the county town. It was originally built in the second year of the Yuan Dynasty's Tianli era (1324), and was reconstructed during the Ming Dynasty's Hongzhi and Wanli eras. In the third year of the Republic of China (1914), it was renamed Guanyue Temple and expanded to include Yue Fei. In the 1960s, except for the main hall's veranda, all other buildings, towers, and corridors were reconstructed. In 2004, the Dai State Wumiao Civil Repair Committee restored it according to the original specifications.
🌈Highlights:
✅The temple faces from west to east, with a five-bay archway in front, bearing the inscription 'Magnificent Loyalty and Martial Valor'. Behind the archway is a five-bay music pavilion, under which lies the temple gate.
✅Opposite the music pavilion, a five-foot-high open terrace is built, guarded by carved railings, with a five-bay main hall on top, representing the highest standard of Ming and Qing dynasty 'Wudian' roof construction. The brackets come in various styles, including single, double, and triple projections. The main ridge of the roof is adorned with a gilded copper treasure top, and each of the four hanging ridges has seven running beasts, a typical example of royal architecture.
✅In front, there is a coiled veranda and an offering hall, ingeniously structured and aesthetically pleasing. Hanging in the center is a horizontal plaque inscribed with 'Heaven and Sun Shine Together', written by Sun Chuanting, a great marshal from the Ming Dynasty. The north and south halls are colorfully painted with the sacred traces of Lord Guan, with lifelike character depictions.
The Food Street of Taiyuan Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Food Trip!
For food lovers like me, this is the place to be! Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can find it here. From noodles, to barbecues, Korean food or Japanese food, hotpot, seafood, buffets or “a la carte”, even Halal food! They’ve got it all here. The choice is endless. I always fall into a food-coma after a trip to this famous food street. The also have pubs and bars that serves alcoholic beverages. We also found tea house, coffee shops and juice bars. Definitely not a place for peiple on a strict diet as temptations will be around you.
You can go at noon for lunch and stay til night as more and more vendors open up their shops. The street is so busy especially at night.
Not too far from the center and if are staying at Kempinski hotel (like we did), the taxi ride is about 20 mins. Taxi’s in Taiyuan starts at 8RMB so the fares are cheap (especially using Didi).
#foodtrip #foodcoma #shanxi #china #taiyuan #foodlover
A Two-Day Tour in Taiyuan!!!
Taiyuan in Shanxi is a seriously underrated treasure of a tourist city, and I highly recommend eight essential tourist attractions. Shanxi Museum: (Highlight) Free, online reservation required. For terrestrial relics, look to Shanxi; Shanxi Museum has a rich collection, and it is recommended to see the Jin State Hegemony and the Buddhist Charm. The museum's treasure is the Marquis of Jin's bird zun. The first floor has a cultural and creative shop, and those who like to collect stamps should remember to bring a notebook.
China Coal Museum: The ticket is 60 yuan. After visiting the Shanxi Museum, take the opportunity to tour the Coal Museum, where you can experience a mine and feel the development history of the coal province.
Chunyang Palace: The ticket is 30 yuan. It was built at the end of the Song Dynasty and the beginning of the Yuan Dynasty. It is a Taoist temple for worshipping Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, hence the name Chunyang Palace. Inside, there are two cultural relics forbidden to leave the country: one is the Nirvana Transformation Stele from the time of Empress Wu Zetian, and the other is the Tang Dynasty 'Changyang Tianzun Statue'.
Shanxi Businessmen Museum: Free, it has been the highest administrative organ in Shanxi since the Ming Dynasty, and it was the location of the provincial government until 2021. You can learn about the development history of Shanxi merchants. (Close to the food street)
Food Street Zhonglou Street: (Highlight) In Food Street, you can taste snacks from all over the country. Zhonglou Street forms a T-shape with Food Street and is one of the busiest streets in Taiyuan. There are many time-honored brands, such as Xueshan Cold Drinks, Liuweizhai, Renyili, Qingheyuan, Mouse Hole Yuanxiao, God's Fried Chicken, etc., especially in the evening when the lights are on, the colors are dazzling, the tourists are like weaving, and it is extraordinarily lively. It is a must-visit pedestrian street for tourists to Taiyuan.
Jinci: (Highlight) The ticket is 80 yuan, and it is far from the city center, but there is a direct bus 856. Jinci is the only existing imperial ancestral temple, with Nanlao Spring, Maid Statue, and Zhou Cypress known as the 'Three Wonders of Jinci'. There are halls and pavilions from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, various ancient buildings, Song Dynasty clay sculptures, and eight-pillar coiled dragons.
Taiyuan Ancient County Town: Free, it is recommended to enter from the east gate, where the filming location of the movie 'Man Jiang Hong' is located, instantly transporting you to ancient Jinyang. It is a perfect place for national style photography.
Taiyuan Botanical Garden: It has been recently built, covering a very large area, combining pristine ecology with technology. It is recommended to check out the popular elevator and the tropical rainforest pavilion. The entire botanical garden is very suitable for photography. Very photogenic.
If you have time, you can visit the Twin Pagoda Temple, which is a symbolic building of Taiyuan, standing for 400 years without falling.
Hohhot - Bayquanxia - Jinci - Xinzhou Ancient City - Yanmenguan - Ying County Wooden Pagoda - Hohhot
🚗🚗🚗Travel itinerary:
Day1: Saihan District Water Park → Taiyuan Food Street
Day2: Taiyuan Food Street → Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Bayquanxia Scenic Area
Day3: Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon Bayquanxia Scenic Area → Taiyuan Food Street
Day4: Jinci Museum → Xinzhou Ancient City
Day5: Yanmenguan → Ying County Wooden Pagoda → Shiqi Park
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