2025 Pianguan Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

#travel #naturalwonders #thingstodo #familytravel #china Yan'an is about 2.5hr train ride from Xi'an. While the city may be famous for being the centre of Sino-Japanese war and Civil war, it is actually home to many beautiful natural landscapes. If you wish to visit areas less touristy, then Yan'an should definitely be on your itinerary! One can book a car or join a 3-day local tour. These tours would cover the Ganquan Grand Canyon, Wave Valley, Qiankun Bay and the Yellow River Hukou Waterfall. Wave Valley is a huge nature park so do bring along water, cap and be prepared to clock steps! 🚶😄

Hey everyone! May in Xinzhou is truly a "hidden gem" 💎 in the tourism world! Avoiding the crowds, this place hides incredibly therapeutic scenery and delicious food ✨, quickly save this comprehensive guide and follow me to explore Xinzhou 👇! 🌲 Therapeutic Scenic Spots 🏞️ Laoniuwan: A Romantic Encounter Between the Yellow River and the Great Wall Who gets it! At Laoniuwan, you can simultaneously see the rushing Yellow River 🌊 and the winding Great Wall 🏞️! The gentle May breeze, standing on the viewing platform looking into the distance, the Yellow River glistening with golden light, the ancient Great Wall like a giant dragon coiled among the mountains 🐉, just press the shutter and you've got a masterpiece 📸! In the evening, the sunset turns the sky orange-red, walking along the riverbank with someone you love, the romance level goes off the charts 💕! 🌳 Yuwang Cave Forest Park: Stepping into a Green Wonderland Once you enter, your eyes are filled with healing greenery 🌲! The fresh air carries the scent of grass and trees 🌿, super "lung-cleansing"! Walking slowly along the forest path, you might encounter cute squirrels 🐿️ and hear birds chirping~ When tired, just sit on a big rock, listen to the wind rustling through the leaves, and feel all your worries blown away 🍃! By the way, the grass sliding activity here is super thrilling, zooming down with a "whoosh," it's such a stress reliever~ 🏰 Xinzhou Ancient City: Time-Traveling Through the Bustle of Life As night falls, the ancient city lights up with warm yellow lanterns 🏮, instantly transporting you back to ancient times! The old streets and alleys are filled with interesting specialty shops 🎪! Some sell exquisite handicrafts, others are full of cute cultural creations~ When you're tired of walking, duck into a snack stall, buy a sweet candied haw stick 🍡, and stroll while enjoying the most authentic local atmosphere! 🍜 Delicious Xinzhou Flavors 🥟 Sorghum Noodle Fish: Love at First Bite I was amazed the first time I tried it! Sorghum noodles shaped like little fish 🐟, chewy with great texture~ Topped with tangy and spicy gravy, paired with refreshing side dishes, you simply can't stop eating them one after another! I've discovered the joy of slurping noodles 😋! 🍪 Xinzhou Waffle Cookies: Crunchy Happiness Help! These waffle cookies are so addictive! Thin enough to see through, they make a "crunch" sound when you bite into them, super crispy ✨, with a sweet flavor spreading in your mouth~ Have a few while watching shows, and you'll feel absolute bliss! 🥧 Shenchi Mooncakes: A Sweet Secret of Locals Don't think mooncakes are only for Mid-Autumn Festival! Shenchi mooncakes have a crumbly crust 🥮, with fillings like five nuts, red bean paste, and various flavors, sweet but not greasy~ Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea, and also make great gifts! 🚗 Travel & Accommodation Tips Transportation in Xinzhou is super convenient, with direct high-speed rail 🚄! Within the city, taxis and buses are very accessible 🚌, and there are direct shuttles to nearby attractions~ Accommodation recommendations 👇: • If you want a lively atmosphere, stay downtown where food streets are right downstairs, super convenient for evening food tours! • If you prefer quiet, choose a guesthouse near the ancient city, open the window to traditional streets, full of ambiance! Everyone! Xinzhou in May is truly amazing 🥳! Grab your friends and set off following this guide~

[RoundNails] Piantou Pass is located on the bank of the Yellow River in Pianguan County. Its name comes from the fact that it is connected to Yajiao Mountain in the east and the Yellow River in the west. The terrain is "upward in the east and downward in the west", like a bulging human head, so it is called "Piantou". [RoundNails] Piantou Pass emphasizes the "border wall" defense system rather than a single pass. The Great Wall in the area is densely covered like a "maze". As the first of the "three outer passes" of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, Piantou Pass, Ningwu Pass and Yanmen Pass together constitute the "Three Jin Screens", which is a key line of defense against the southward migration of northern nomadic peoples. [RoundNails] Piantou Pass was first built during the Northern Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties. It was originally named "Piantou Village" and was promoted to a pass in the Yuan Dynasty. A pass city was built in the 13th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1380). It was later expanded and renovated many times during the Xuande, Tianshun, the first year of Hongzhi, the sixth year of Jiajing, and the Longqing years. It was renamed Pianguan County in the Qing Dynasty. [RoundNails] The existing Guancheng was built in the 13th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1380). The South Gate Tower is a Ming Dynasty building with a hip roof, which was partially restored after being destroyed. [RoundNails] Guancheng, with its mountains rising in the east and falling in the west, looks like a giant rhinoceros lying on the Guanhe River with its head resting on the Taliang Mountain. It is also known as the "Rhinoceros Looking at the Moon" city. [RoundNails]Historical relics of Pianguan Ancient City: [One] Ming Dynasty Relics: Lingxiao Pagoda It was first built in the first year of the Tianqi reign of the Ming Dynasty. It was originally a seven-story brick and stone octagonal wild goose pagoda. In the eighth year of the Chongzhen reign, four floors were added to it, making a total of eleven floors, with the words "Wenbi Lingxiao" inscribed on it. [Two] Remains of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall This section of the Great Wall connects to Laoniuwan in Pianguan County in the north, winds along the bank of the Yellow River, and passes through Shitikouai in Hequ County, Shanxi Province in the south. It is about 100 kilometers long. [RoundNails] Border food: Pianguan County is located in the northwest of Shanxi Province. Influenced by the climate and sunlight, its various delicacies are very distinctive. [One] Pork The pork here has a long growth period, the fat is plump but not greasy, and the lean meat is chewy. Typical foods made with pork are: stew and pig head. [Two] Lamb This place is located at the junction of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia, and the mutton here is of moderate fatness and leanness and has delicious meat. [Three] Oil cake The fried cakes in Pianguan are famous for their fragrance, crispness and softness. They are made from yellow rice (also known as millet rice in other parts of North China) and fried in Hu oil, leaving a lingering fragrance. [Four] Sheep offal The mutton offal in Pianguan, served with potato vermicelli, a pinch of coriander and aged vinegar, tastes delicious. [Five] Oat Noodles The oat noodles here are authentic oat noodles from the high-altitude areas, especially the unique seasoning of the soup. [Six] Cooling bowl holder Pianguan bowl holder is made with buckwheat noodles and served with delicious soup, which is refreshing and delicious. 🚉Transportation strategy: The transportation is inconvenient, so it is suitable to drive there by yourself. 🎫Tickets: Free attractions

**🏯Xinzhou Travel Guide | Explore the "Holy Land of Buddhism and the Great Wall Frontier" in 1 Minute! ⛰️** 📍 **Address**: Northern Shanxi Province (take the high-speed train to Xinzhou West Station, or drive directly from Taiyuan/Datong in 2 hrs) 🔥 **Must-Visit Recommendations**: 1️⃣ **Mount Wutai**: The head of the four famous Buddhist mountains! Pilgrimage up the 1,080 steps of Dailuo Peak, explore the Tang Dynasty wooden structure of Foguang Temple, listen to the morning bells and evening drums, and pray for peace of mind 🙏. 2️⃣ **Yanmen Pass**: The No. 1 Pass in China! Climb the Great Wall watchtower, see "Yanmen is the most important of the nine passes in the world," and take "frontier scenery" blockbusters in Hanfu 🏹. 3️⃣ **Luyashan】Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Cave Spectacle!** -4℃ ice pillars that never melt for thousands of years, hike the cliffside plank road, and explore the secluded secret of the "Hanging Village" ❄️. 4️⃣ **Laoniu Bay】The First Bay of the Yellow River into Shanxi!** The intersection of the Great Wall and the Yellow River, take a boat to admire Tai Chi Bay, and stay in a cave dwelling to watch the stars 🌌. 💡 **Travel Tips**: ✅ **Best Season**: June–August (Mount Wutai for summer heat), September–October (Luyashan for autumn colors), winter (Ice Cave fantasy). ✅ **Transportation**: The scenic spots are scattered, so it is recommended to drive or charter a car (approx. CNY 500/day). ✅ **Must-Eat Food**: Wutai vegetarian food, Dingxiang steamed meat, Baode bowl tuo, and enjoy a feast at the night market for an average of CNY 20! ✅ **Hidden Gameplay**: Yanmen Pass night tour light show, the beacon smoke special effects are super shocking ✨. 📸 **Internet-Famous Spots**: 🌉 **Mount Wutai Pusa Summit】Red walls, golden tiles + white pagoda prayer flags, full of Tibetan Buddhist atmosphere! 🏮 **Yanmen Pass Great Wall Sunset】The setting sun is like blood, and the beacon silhouette creates a sense of vicissitudes and epic. ✨ **Luyashan Hanging Village】The ancient village on the cliff, like a "City in the Sky" in the clouds. 🌿 **Laoniu Bay Qiankun Bay】Aerial photography of the Yellow River S-bend, the collision of yellow loess plateau and blue water! 🎫 **Ticket Reference**: - Mount Wutai: CNY 135 (including scenic transportation) - Yanmen Pass: CNY 90 - Luyashan Ice Cave: CNY 120 - Laoniu Bay: CNY 96 (including boat ticket) 💬 **Interactive Bomb**: Do you want to make a pilgrimage to Mount Wutai, or challenge the Luyashan Ice Cave? Tell me your travel attitude in the comments section! 👇

Pianguan, a city with a unique charm. It covers an area of approximately 1,900 square kilometers and has a resident population of about 113,000. Pianguan boasts a long history and rich culture, making it a place full of stories. Itinerary Overview Duration: 1 day Route: [Laoniu Bay — Pianguan County Great Wall] Budget: Approx. CNY 600 (excluding accommodation, which varies depending on the hotel chosen) One-Day Itinerary [Morning] Explore Laoniu Bay Laoniu Bay is a famous scenic spot in Pianguan, where the Yellow River meets the Great Wall, offering spectacular views. 📍 Getting there: Take public transport to a nearby location, then take a taxi to Laoniu Bay. ✅ Recommended route: Follow the scenic route to admire the Yellow River and the Great Wall ruins. 📸 Must-see photo spot: The intersection of the Yellow River and the Great Wall. 💡 Tip: Dress warmly, as it can be windy in the scenic area. [Afternoon] Stroll along the Pianguan County Great Wall The Pianguan County section of the Great Wall has a unique style. 📍 Getting there: Take a taxi after returning from Laoniu Bay. ✅ Recommended route: Stroll along the Great Wall and experience the weight of history. 📸 Must-see photo spot: Capture the magnificent view of the Great Wall. 💡 Tip: Watch your step, as some parts of the Great Wall may be uneven. 😋 Food recommendation: Pianguan sour porridge, with a unique flavor, costs about CNY 10 per person. Things to Avoid - Pay attention to weather changes and prepare accordingly. - Do not damage the environment or cultural relics in the scenic area. 💕Hope this guide helps you have a wonderful day in Pianguan🎉! Follow me to discover more exciting cities!

🥰 Today, I recommend a great winter destination for you: the stunning scenery of Laoniuwan, Shanxi. 🕹 In winter, Laoniuwan looks like a magical world of ice and snow. The Yellow River is sealed by ice and snow, like a silver dragon winding its way through the snow-covered mountains on both sides, creating a beautiful picture. The ancient castle of Laoniuwan looks more simple and heavy against the snow, and the Wanghe Tower stands quietly, telling the vicissitudes of history. 🌟 In the evening, hold a fireworks bonfire party in an open area, where everyone holds hands and dances around the fire, feeling the warmth and enthusiasm brought by the flames. Here, away from the hustle and bustle of the city and light pollution, you can truly get close to nature and feel the winter in northern Shanxi. 🙋‍♀️ Food ✅ Seasonal pork dishes, copper hot pot, frozen river fish, stewed lamb, sauerkraut stew, etc. are warm and comforting in winter. Don't miss the special snacks such as sour rice, roasted sausage, oat noodles, and rice noodles. 🏨 Accommodation recommendation Laoniuwan Haozailai Farmhouse (Pianguan Laoniuwan Branch), with heating equipment in the restaurant and underfloor heating in the rooms, is only 300 meters from the scenic area. Tips 🕹 The entrance fee is CNY 60, and the opening hours are 07:30-19:00. The roads in the scenic area may be icy, so remember to wear non-slip shoes and keep warm. A winter trip to Laoniuwan is like being in a dreamland, so bring your family and friends to check it out! 🌟🌟

| The Long Song of Laoniuwan 📍Address: Laoniuwan, Xinzhou, Shanxi Province The Yellow River enters Shanxi here, where it meets the Great Wall, and the Jin-Shaanxi-Mongolia Grand Canyon unfolds in a majestic scene. Laoniuwan, an ancient village on the banks of the Yellow River, is like a silent guardian, witnessing the vicissitudes of time. The ancient castle of Laoniuwan is built on the mountain, with mottled stone walls. Each stone carries the memory of history, as if telling the story of past wars and bustling trade. Walking into the ancient castle, the narrow alleys are winding and tortuous, as if you can see the busy figures of the former residents shuttling here. The ancient cave dwellings are scattered on the hillside, and the exquisite paper-cutting on the windows is a simple expression of the villagers' good life. In Laoniuwan, you must take a boat tour of the Yellow River. When the boat slowly leaves the dock, the Yellow River flows under your feet, and the turbid and powerful river makes you feel the grandeur and greatness of nature. The river is sparkling, and the mountains on both sides are steep and dangerous, some of which are as straight as a knife and axe, and some are winding and undulating, like a giant dragon. Walking along the banks of the Yellow River, you can also see many peculiar geological landscapes. The rocks on the riverbank have been washed by the Yellow River for years, forming various shapes, some like galloping horses, some like monkeys watching the sea, making people marvel at the magic of nature. When the sun sets, the whole Laoniuwan is dyed golden. The Yellow River shines with golden light in the afterglow, like a flowing picture. At this time, find a quiet corner, quietly enjoy this beautiful scenery, feel the passage of time, and your heart will become extremely calm. Laoniuwan is not only a scenic spot, but also a living history book. It tells every visitor about the integration and inheritance of the Yellow River culture and the Great Wall culture in its own unique way. Come to Laoniuwan and start an unforgettable journey through time.

Exiting Laoniuwan and passing through Yangjiachuan, the No. 1 Great Wall Highway enters Pianguan County in Shanxi from Inner Mongolia. Located in the northwest of Shanxi, Pianguan County is bordered by the Great Wall to the north and the Yellow River to the west. The Great Wall within the county crisscrosses the landscape, with numerous forts and passes scattered like stars, earning it the title of 'China's No. 1 County of Ancient Great Wall Fortresses.' The Pianguan Great Wall within the county winds along the eastern bank of the Yellow River in Shanxi, with a unique and spectacular style! This section of the Great Wall stretches nearly a thousand miles, with over a thousand beacon towers, 29 ancient fortresses, and 11 military water cellars. It is one of the most essential sections of China's Great Wall, known as a 'living museum' of the ancient military system of the Great Wall.

We originally planned to return to Hohhot to visit the Zhaojun Museum after visiting the Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon Tourist Area, but we didn't control the time well and it was estimated that it would be closed when we got there. So I discussed with the driver and decided to change the route to the neighboring ancient city of Pianguan in Shanxi. Locals say that there are piers everywhere in Pianguan, and this trip verified this statement. The car circled around the mountain and we saw many ancient castles 📸 and thick earth walls 📸📸😂. Entering the ancient city of Pianguan 🌹❤️, the ancient Piantou Pass 📸🌹, the weathered city walls 📸🥰, and the historical buildings 📸❤️, all tell us that the ancient city is a battleground for military strategists throughout the ages. Everything I saw was exactly what I imagined a fortified wall to be like in ancient warfare. #Ancient City Scenery #Mainland China Attractions

“The Yellow River has nine bends and eighteen turns. The divine bull opened the river to Pianguan. When the bright light came on, it was frightened and turned around to plow out a Laoniu Bay.” Laoniuwan mentioned in the folk song is located in Pianguan County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province. The Yellow River enters Shanxi from here, the Inner and Outer Great Walls meet here, and the Shanxi-Shaanxi-Inner Mongolia Grand Canyon begins here. The Great Wall and the Yellow River meet romantically here. Here you can not only see the perfectly preserved Ming Dynasty brick hollow watchtowers, but also climb up and look far into the distance to take in the beautiful scenery of the Yellow River's nine bends and eighteen turns. It was rated as one of the ten most beautiful canyons in China by National Geographic China, and has the reputation of "the first village where the Yellow River enters Shanxi" and "a crowing of a rooster can be heard in three counties." The water of the Yellow River flows out of the Hetao, flows through the deep mountains and canyons, rushes southward, and makes a big turn here. The ancient Great Wall also meanders eastward here. The stone buildings here are really spectacular. They are all built with stones in an orderly manner. Several families live here, leading a peaceful and beautiful pastoral life. The Laoniuwan Ancient Wharf, the former golden waterway freight distribution center, the Four Princesses' Good Governance Monument, and the time-honored brand Rongtaixiang are still visible. When you drift by boat, you will see towering cliffs on both sides of the river, and the Yellow River makes a nearly 360° bend here. Laoniuwan was a garrison castle in the Ming Dynasty. It is said to have been built during the Chenghua period (1487) of the Ming Dynasty (the eighth emperor Zhu Jianshen of the Ming Dynasty). There were troops stationed there all year round. Laoniuwan Dun, also known as Wanghe Tower, is a 12-meter-high hollow brick and stone tower with rope ladders and passages inside. Soldiers went up and down here. There were also battlements on the pier for observing the enemy situation across the Yellow River, and for lighting smoke signals to transmit military intelligence to the east and west sides of the Great Wall. This well-preserved pier has become a landmark building in the Laoniuwan Scenic Area. The ancient village in the scenic area was built according to the terrain of the mountain, using local materials and all made of stones. Looking back on the past, it must have been bustling with people coming and going. Today, the ancient village has become part of the main scenic area. The original villagers have moved into new houses elsewhere. They have also kept pace with the times and focused on developing homestay tourism. Except for the off-season in winter, the rest of the time should be pretty good. This is both a peaceful and bustling place. When you are here, you can feel as if the scenes of war and battles in the past are unfolding before your eyes. Pianguan Laoniuwan Scenic Area

Qiankun Bay, located near Laoniubay in Pianguan County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province, is named for the meandering course of the Yellow River here, which loops around like a Tai Chi pattern. As the Yellow River flows southward, it encounters steep mountains and instead of rushing forward, it retreats before advancing, winding northward and then gracefully flowing southward, forming a huge S-shaped loop. This natural and man-made wonder is one of the ninety-nine bends of the Yellow River, and Qiankun Bay is considered the most beautiful, hence it is also known as the First Bend of the Yellow River.

The Great Wall is winding and the Yellow River is rushing I saw these two different kinds of "majesty" at the same time in Pianguan The Yellow River enters Shanxi from here The Inner and Outer Great Walls meet here A handshake brings out countless scenes The nomadic culture outside the Great Wall and the farming culture of the Central Plains collide and blend here The majestic atmosphere is the background color of Pianguan. On this green and fertile land, China's oldest crop "millet" also thrives here. Came to the three major millet planting bases in Xizhuangzi Village, Yaotou Township, Nangou Village, Shangyu Town, and Yajiaoshan, Laoying Town Under the blue sky and white clouds, above the terraced fields, the rustic atmosphere of the Loess Plateau hits you in the face The Great Wall stands on the river bank Beacon towers, towers facing each other Ninety-nine bends of the Yellow River The most beautiful is in Laoniu Bay Wenbi Lingxiao Tower and the City Wall Tower are facing each other from a distance Climb high and see far, enjoy the scenery The distant scenery and the county town are in full view Feeling the profound cultural heritage of Pianguan The streets and alleys of the county town, There is a sour smell in the air Pianguan sour rice, roasted intestines, cold bowl trays and many other authentic Pianguan delicacies that are made from millet and local ingredients over time. Come to Pianguan if you have a chance, and start your own journey of seeking beauty