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

#postandearn #xian #shaanxi #hiddengems #travel #china Just a scenic two-hour drive from Xi’an, Yongle Palace invites you into a world of artistry and tranquility. Ornate eaves meet the azure sky, and 700-year-old murals whisper tales of devotion. Escape Xi’an’s city buzz and wander halls where history feels alive, not archived. 🌟 Why visit? • Art That Speaks: Stunning murals pulse with life—no guide needed, but local experts offer vivid storytelling (tip: ask for English-speaking guides!). • History You Can Feel: Touch sun-warmed walls where artists painted dreams centuries ago. • Hidden Sanctuary: Experience calm courtyards and intricate architecture—without the crowds of Xi’an’s hotspots. 📍Address Yongle Palace, 230 Yongle North Road, Ruicheng County, Shanxi Province (2.5 hours from Xi’an) ⏰ Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM daily 🎟️ Tickets: ¥50 (≈ $7 USD) 🏯 Perfect for: Curious adventurers | Culture seekers | Photography lovers | Peaceful explorers

🚗🚗59 seconds to get the ultimate Shanxi travel guide! Packed with useful info👇 Day 1⃣️【First Exploration of Shanxi】 📍Bu'er Temple No. 72 Shouyi West Road, Yangqu County, Taiyuan 🕒8:30-11:30 / 15:00-17:30 💰Free admission 🌟Highlight: The best-preserved among the three existing "Bu'er Temples" in China! 📍Zishou Temple West side of Suxi Village, Lingshi County, Jinzhong 🕒9:00-22:00 💰Free admission 🌟A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty polychrome sculptures, the Eighteen Arhats are stunning! 🏨Haomeiju Hotel (Huozhou Branch) Opposite Zhaojiacun Primary School, Kaiyuan Street ✅Smart rooms ✔️Large parking lot 💡Electric curtains + projector, great value at about 150 RMB per person! Day 2⃣️【Mystery Tour of Xixian County】 📍Xiaoxitian Top of Phoenix Mountain, Xixian County, Linfen 🕒8:00-17:30 💰35 RMB 🌟The pinnacle of suspended sculpture art! Warning: phone storage may run out⚠️ 📍Guangsheng Temple - Lower Temple Hongtong County, Linfen 🌟Stunning Yuan Dynasty murals, remember to bring binoculars🔭 ......(Middle itinerary abbreviated) 💥Top 5 Must-Do: 1️⃣Jinci Museum: Three masterpieces that amaze! The Song Dynasty maid statue is heartbreakingly beautiful 2️⃣Xiaoxitian: The pinnacle of suspended sculpture art✨ 3️⃣Shanxi Museum: A grand exhibition of bronze ware📿 4️⃣Guanque Tower: Climb the tower to enjoy the Yellow River sunset🌅 5️⃣Shuanglin Temple: Over 2000 polychrome sculptures that leave you speechless! 📌Tips: ✔️Big temperature difference in September, bring a light jacket ✔️Many ancient buildings are in the mountains, comfortable shoes are important ✔️Bring enough SD cards, you won’t stop taking photos ✔️Book hotels in advance! Especially during the peak season in Pingyao (Due to word limit, only part of the itinerary is shown. Save the full guide⭐️)

It was an instant wow‼​ As an ancient architecture enthusiast, my discoveries in Yuncheng this time were stunning! If Shanxi is the "Ancient Architecture Museum," then Yuncheng is the "top treasure" in that museum!✨ These 10 hidden gems in Yuncheng, linked together in 3 days and 2 nights, each step is a surprise~ 【3 Days 2 Nights Highlight Itinerary】 🚗 Clockwise loop with no detours Day❶: 📍Jiexiu Guandi Temple (China's largest martial temple) 📍Yongle Palace (800 immortal murals are incredible) 📍Guangrenwang Temple (one of the only 4 remaining Tang dynasty structures) 🏨 Overnight: Ruicheng (Recommended: Ruicheng Grand Hotel) Day❷: 📍Feiyun Tower (China’s first wooden tower, with dougong ceiling) 📍Fusheng Temple (inspiration for the character Black Wukong) 📍Taiyin Temple (11-meter-long wooden reclining Buddha) 📍Ji King Temple (Ming dynasty architectural marvel) 🏨 Overnight: Jishan (Recommended: Ji King Hotel) Day❸: 📍Nanliu Taishan Temple (stunning glazed tile roof) 📍Nanfan Stone Archway (finest Qing dynasty stone carving) 📍Qiao Temple Stele Tower (top-tier stone carving content) 📍Salt Lake Road 006 (China’s version of the Dead Sea road scenic spot) ✈️ Return: Salt Lake Airport 💡Travel Tips: ✅ Transportation: Attractions are scattered and mostly in counties; self-driving or chartering a car is most convenient (charter about 800-1000 RMB/day) ✅ Clothing: Big temperature difference between morning and evening; bring a jacket in spring and autumn ✅ Photography: Best light is early morning or dusk ✅ Sun protection: Shanxi has strong sunlight; hats and sunglasses are a must 【Top 5 Must-Photograph Ancient Buildings】 1️⃣ Feiyun Tower (Photo 1) "China’s first wooden tower" is no exaggeration! 345 sets of dougong spiral up like clouds, the building with the highest dougong density in the country! 📍Address: Feiyun Tower Scenic Area, Jiedian Town, Wanrong County 2️⃣ Fusheng Temple (Photos 2-4) Top Yuan dynasty colored sculptures! The prototype of Black Wukong is here, the most beautiful Guanyin statue will take your breath away! 📍Address: 1200 meters northeast of Xinjian County Town Temple 3️⃣ Jiexiu Guandi Temple (Photos 10-13) The ancestor of China’s martial temples! Symmetrical aesthetic at its peak, the murals and coffered ceiling are stunning beyond words! 📍Address: Jiexiu Town, Yanhu District, Yuncheng City 4️⃣ Yongle Palace (Photos 14-15) 800 immortal worship murals, a pinnacle of Yuan dynasty aesthetics! Photography is prohibited, but your eyes will remember it~ 📍Address: North Yongle Road, Ruicheng County 5️⃣ Salt Lake Road (Photo 18) China’s version of Angel’s Tear! Be sure to check in at the 006 road sign, bring a telephoto lens~ 📍Location: 006 Township Road, Salt Lake District 🌟 Didn’t expect Yuncheng to be such a treasure! Already planning a second visit, feel free to ask questions in the comments!

#chinatravel The temple sits quietly behind a fringe of trees, its wooden gate gently weathered, the air carrying the scent of earth and something faintly floral. When we stepped inside, it felt like the world had dimmed not darker, just softer. We wandered without speaking, drawn to small things: an old water basin with fallen leaves drifting on the surface, a fraying red ribbon tied to a wooden post, the low creak of floorboards under our steps. In one corner, someone sat with their back to the wall, eyes closed, hands resting gently on their knees. It didn’t feel sacred or grand just honest. A kind of everyday peace that seeps into your skin without you noticing. We stayed longer than we meant to, not out of obligation, but because it felt good to be still. #china #travel

#chinatravel In the stillness of late morning, Yongle Palace stood open to the sky low rooftops stretched wide, casting soft shadows across the stone. There were no signs pulling us in, no tour groups or banners, just a long quiet corridor and the feeling that time moved differently here. We walked slowly through the hall, where the figures on the walls seemed to watch without watching serene, weightless, endlessly detailed. Nothing told us what to think or feel. But we felt it anyway: the calm of a space that didn’t need to explain itself. Dust floated in beams of sunlight; a bird called in the distance, sharp and sudden against the stillness. We sat for a while on the edge of a low step, not speaking, letting the quiet fold around us. There was nothing dramatic. #china #travel

#chinatravel If you’re down for some seriously cool old-school vibes, Shanxi’s got you covered with spots like Haizhou Guandi Temple, Yongle Palace, Guangrenwang Temple, and the Feiyun Building. First up, Haizhou Guandi Temple (aka 解州关帝庙) is this huge, impressive place dedicated to the legendary General Guan. The wooden carvings and colorful roofs make you feel like you stepped into another era. Then there’s Yongle Palace (永乐宫), famous for its mind-blowing Yuan dynasty murals. These ancient paintings are so detailed and vibrant, you can’t help but stare for ages. Guangrenwang Temple (广仁王庙) shows off wooden structures from the Tang dynasty that still stand strong, talk about craftsmanship that lasts centuries! And don’t miss the Feiyun Building, which is packed with classic vibes and cool details everywhere you look. All these spots in Shanxi are perfect for a chill day of exploring history, snapping pics, and just soaking up some epic old-school Chinese architecture.

Hi~ I'm Senyu, a travel enthusiast. Looking for a place this summer vacation where you can see the Yellow River, let your kids have fun, and relax yourself? Then you definitely can't miss Trip.com Holiday Farm Ruicheng Yellow River Bay Affiliated Store in Ruicheng, Shanxi! Open the window to the magnificent Yellow River scenery. Complete family-friendly facilities, plus plenty of nearby attractions to check out. This trip is definitely worth every penny~ - 👇Bookmark this summer family travel guide quickly, so you won't get lost when you set off with your kids! - 🏡｜Where to stay? Choose Trip.com Holiday Farm. Trip.com Holiday Farm Ruicheng Yellow River Bay Affiliated Store is located within the Dayu Ferry Scenic Area, very close to the Yellow River, offering panoramic river views. - • Room Type Recommendation: The Lingbo·Dahejing is a must-book! This 100㎡ family room has a balcony directly facing the Yellow River. Enjoy the beautiful river scenery in the morning and fall asleep to the sound of the river at night. It also features a deep soaking tub and floor heating, ensuring comfort for the kids and relaxation for the parents~ • Thoughtful Amenities: Smart home devices, King Koil mattresses, and 24-hour butler service, so you can relax and enjoy your trip even with kids in tow~ - 🎡｜Family Fun, Non-stop Entertainment 1️⃣Outdoor Infinity Pool: The pool by the Yellow River is absolutely amazing! Kids can splash around to their heart's content, while parents enjoy the scenery – every shot is picture-perfect. You can also enjoy karaoke with your family on the farm's large lawn. 2️⃣120㎡ Outdoor Lawn: Set up a canopy for camping, play frisbee, have a BBQ, and even organize a lawn party in the evening. Kids can run and burn off energy, while adults chat and relax. 3️⃣Kids' Playground: A dedicated little world for kids, safe and fun, making it a dream come true for parents to relax. 4️⃣Parent-Child Activities: You can experience intangible cultural heritage paper-cutting and Yongle Palace mural reproduction together, making learning while playing incredibly meaningful. - 🍽️｜Delicacies on the Tip of Your Tongue ❶The restaurant offers authentic specialty dishes like Huaiyang cuisine, which even kids will enjoy. ❷Must-try Specialty Yellow River Carp: Freshly prepared, tender and flavorful, it also symbolizes 'fish leaping over the dragon's gate,' making it perfect for dining with kids. ❸Farm Bar: After the kids are asleep, enjoy a drink, feel the Yellow River breeze – simply delightful! ❹Tea by the Fireplace on the Yellow River Bank: During the day, sit around the fire with your kids, brew tea, chat, and savor the slow pace of life. - 📍｜Nearby Attractions 🔹Yongle Palace (approx. 20 km): The Yuan Dynasty murals are incredibly stunning. Take your kids to experience historical culture, and they can even try their hand at reproducing the murals. 🔹Shengtian Lake (approx. 30 km): The wetland ecosystem is fantastic. In summer, you can admire lotus flowers and might even spot various small creatures – kids will surely love it. 🔹Dayu Ferry Yellow River Scenic Area (1 km): Within walking distance, experience the culture of Dayu's flood control and let your kids learn about the Yellow River's stories. Yellow River Bay Camping Base (within 1 km): You can see the nearby campsite from the farm, and the night view light show in the evening creates a great atmosphere.

Want to experience the ultimate adrenaline rush of "walking on a bridge while your soul floats in the sky"? Or splash around in forest streams catching fish and shrimp? Shentan Grand Canyon in Yuncheng, Shanxi, delivers it all! Home to North China's longest glass suspension bridge spanning over a kilometer-high abyss, this place also hides a "water forest" with lush shade and babbling streams—so refreshing you won’t want to leave! Save this "scare-your-pants-off" + "play-till-you-drop" dual guide and challenge your adrenaline! 📍 Why does Shentan Grand Canyon make you "terrified yet obsessed"?—A thrilling mix of extremes! North China’s - Glass Suspension Bridge: 🔥 The star attraction! Nearly 1,000 meters long with a 200+ meter vertical drop! The fully transparent glass walkway lets you stare into the abyss below while clouds swirl around you (on clear days). Every step tests your courage—dare to try? Water Forest - Natural Aquatic Playground: Deep in the canyon, streams flow over the trails, creating unique "water paths." Walk barefoot or in sandals through the icy-clear water, splash around in shallow pools, or catch tiny fish (please release them!). Shaded by lush trees, it’s the perfect summer spot for kids! 💦 Thrilling High-Altitude Activities: Cliff Swing: Swing out over the edge and feel the weightless thrill of free-fall! (Screaming guaranteed!) Zipline: Soar across the canyon for a bird’s-eye view—pure flying sensation! Skywalk/Slide: More heart-pounding options! (Some activities may require extra fees.) Ecological Canyon Gallery: Walk the trails to admire cascading waterfalls (like Shentan Waterfall), emerald pools, bizarre rock formations, and pristine forests—loaded with negative ions! Legend of the "Divine Pool": Folklore says a sacred pool deep in the canyon was where deities bathed—its crystal-clear waters shrouded in mystery. 🚶‍♀ Must-See Spots & Itinerary (Thrills + Chill) Glass Suspension Bridge: 🔥 A must-do soul-shaking experience! Allow time for photos/videos (after conquering fear!). Clear days offer stunning views; cloudy days feel eerily magical (but scarier). Hold the railings—the middle section sways! Water Forest: 💧 The coolest spot! Located mid-canyon. Bring water shoes/non-slip sandals and a phone waterproof case! Enjoy wading and family fun. Shentan Waterfall: The canyon’s iconic falls crash into a deep pool—great for photos from the viewing deck. Cliff Swing & Zipline: 🎢 Scream machines! Thrill-seekers, don’t miss these. Check health/safety rules first. Hiking Trails: 🌿 An oxygen-rich escape! Easy-to-moderate paths connect attractions, passing forests, streams, and quirky rock formations. 📌 Pro Tips (Transport, Routes, Costs, Pitfalls) 📍 Address: Zhongtiao Mountains, southeast of Yongji City, Yuncheng, Shanxi (near Shuiyukou Village). 🚗 Transport: Drive: Navigate to "Yongji Shentan Grand Canyon." ~1.5-2 hrs from Yuncheng/Xi’an; ~4-5 hrs from Taiyuan. Large parking available. Train + Taxi: To "Yongji North Station," then taxi (~30-40 mins). Or transfer via Yuncheng. 🎫 Tickets/Fees: Entry: ~¥60-70 (peak season). Mandatory shuttle: ~¥20-30 round-trip (saves hiking to the core zone). Glass Bridge: ~¥80-100 (worth it!). Other activities: Cliff swing, zipline, etc., ~¥30-80 each. 🔥 Tip: Book online combos (entry + shuttle + bridge) for savings! ⏰ Duration: 5-7 hrs (full day ideal for thrill-seekers/water play). 🗺 Efficient Route: Entrance → Shuttle → Glass Bridge (tackle the scariest first!) → Cliff Swing/Zipline → Shuttle/hike down → Shentan Waterfall → Water Forest (relax) → Return via trail/shuttle. 🏠 Stay: Yongji City: More options, better amenities. Near Pujiu Temple/Stork Tower for next-day sightseeing. Canyon lodges: Rustic, nature-immersive—book early. 🍜 Eat: Yongji Hand-Pulled Noodles/Dumplings: Local specialty. Yuncheng Spicy Chicken: Hearty portions. On-site snacks: Try farmhouse dishes. 📝 Must-Know Tips: 1. Shuttle ticket = non-negotiable! The hike in is long. 2. Bridge prep: Wear grippy flats—no heels/flip-flops! Secure your phone/camera. Avoid if severely acrophobic. 3. Water gear: Water shoes only! Pack towels, dry clothes, waterproof phone case. 4. Safety first: Follow rules, check health (no high blood pressure/pregnancy). Listen to staff. 5. Bugs/sun: Bug spray! Sunscreen/hats for open areas. 6. Pack light: Water/snacks—vendors are pricey. 7. Cash: Some stalls/rentals cash-only. 8. Check weather: High-wind/rain closes bridges/activities! "Toes over the abyss, heart in the clouds!" The tremble on the glass bridge and the chill of mountain streams—Shentan Grand Canyon delivers both! Scream away stress or splash back to childhood—it’s all here! 🧡

Address: Yongle Palace Scenic Area, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Transportation: 🚌 Recommended route from Yuncheng: Take the "Yuncheng-Ruicheng" long-distance bus at Yuncheng Bus Station (about 1.5 hours, 20 yuan fare). Or take high-speed rail to Yuncheng North Station, then transfer to the bus station by public transport. From Ruicheng, it's a 10-minute taxi ride to the scenic area entrance🎫. Introduction: 🏯 Built in 1312 (Yuan Dynasty), Yongle Palace is one of China's largest surviving Taoist temple complexes. Its highlight is the Yuan Dynasty murals🎨, hailed as the "Treasure House of Oriental Art", depicting Taoist celestial realms with colors preserved for centuries. The well-preserved architectural complex including Sanqing Hall and Chunyang Hall showcases Yuan Dynasty wooden construction mastery. Travel Tips: 🎯 Must-sees: Sanqing Hall murals (grand "Chaoyuan Tu"), Chunyang Hall paintings (exquisite Taoist stories), Chongyang Hall (classic Yuan architecture). ✨ Personal insights: It took me 4 visits to truly appreciate it - first time rushed through details, second time learned history with a guide, third focused on mural lighting, fourth immersed in Taoist culture. Best route: Enter in morning, visit Sanqing Hall first (fewer crowds, better light), then explore other halls. Recommendations: 📅 Best seasons: Spring/Autumn (Apr-May or Sep-Oct), avoid summer crowds. 👟 Wear comfortable shoes - stone paths are tiring; no flash photography📸 in mural areas. ⏳ Allow at least 3 hours; bring water/snacks (limited dining options); book tickets online🎫 in peak season to skip lines. Local Food: 🍜 Authentic Shanxi cuisine in Ruicheng: Try "Jinxiang Noodle House" for knife-cut noodles (chewy with savory sauce) and lamb paomo (clear broth). Must-try snacks: Ruicheng oil tea (warming) and date cakes (sweet but not cloying), about 30 yuan per person. Accommodation: 🏨 Best value: Ruicheng Hotel (clean & safe, 15-min walk to site, ~200 yuan/night). Or try local B&Bs like "Yongle Homestay" (cultural atmosphere, family-friendly, budget prices). Nearby Attractions: 🌊 Yellow River Scenic Area (20-min drive, view Hukou Waterfall's grandeur). 🏯 Xiezhou Guandi Temple (1-hour drive from Yuncheng, ancient architecture with Guan Yu culture). ⛰️ Wulao Peak (Ruicheng outskirts, hiking with wildflowers in spring). Final Thoughts: My 4 visits transformed me from hurried tourist to cultural explorer✨. Yongle Palace isn't just a site - it's a time tunnel where every brushstroke reveals Yuan artisans' devotion. Don't rush; slow down to converse with history. Return visits will show you: the past isn't distant, but waiting in those weathered colors to be understood🎨.

Exploring Guanque Tower and Yongle Palace Yuncheng, Shanxi, a city steeped in history, is like a weighty tome with every page filled with stories. Today, let us embark on a unique travel route to experience the charm of Guanque Tower, Yongle Palace, Pujiu Temple, the Yellow River Iron Oxen, and Guangren King Temple. Guanque Tower: Majestic Elegance in Timeless Poetry Guanque Tower, one of China's four great historical cultural towers, stands on the eastern bank of the Yellow River in the ancient city of Puzhou, Yongji. Built during the Northern Zhou Dynasty by Yuwen Hu as a military watchtower, it was named after the storks that often perched there. In "Dream Pool Essays," Northern Song scholar Shen Kuo described it as "Three stories high, overlooking Zhongtiao Mountain and the Yellow River below." The famous poem "Climbing Guanque Tower" by Wang Zhihuan—"The sun sets behind the mountains, the Yellow River flows into the sea. To see a thousand miles further, climb another story higher"—brought it enduring fame. The original tower, which stood for over 700 years through the Tang and Song dynasties, was destroyed by war in the early Yuan Dynasty. The current Guanque Tower was reconstructed in 1997 and opened to the public in 2002. The rebuilt tower follows a Tang-style design, featuring four eaves and three external stories with six internal levels, standing 73.9 meters tall. Inside, it showcases Yellow River culture through reliefs, murals, and miniature landscapes. From the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Yellow River, evoking the grandeur and spirit of ancient times. Yongle Palace: A Brilliant Hall of Mural Art Originally named "Da Chunyang Wanshou Palace," Yongle Palace was built to honor Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals. Established in 1247 during the reign of Yuan Dingzong, it is the earliest, largest, and best-preserved Taoist temple in China, alongside Beijing's Baiyun Temple and Chongyang Palace in Hu County, Shaanxi. Originally located in Yongle Town, 20 kilometers southwest of Ruicheng County, the palace was relocated between 1957 and 1966 due to the construction of the Sanmenxia Reservoir, following instructions from Premier Zhou Enlai. Covering over 8,000 square meters, its central axis features ancient buildings such as the Mountain Gate, Dragon and Tiger Hall, Wuji Hall, Chunyang Hall, and Chongyang Hall. The most remarkable feature of Yongle Palace is its Yuan Dynasty murals, covering an area of 1,005.68 square meters. The "Chaoyuan Diagram" in Wuji Hall is particularly stunning, with its 402-square-meter depiction of lifelike figures arranged symmetrically, elegant colors, varied costumes, and grand scenes. Scholar Zheng Zhenduo praised it as "a large-scale display of Han palace grandeur and a collection of organized figure paintings." The narrative murals in Chunyang Hall and Chongyang Hall combine diverse scenes, offering valuable insights into the social life of the Tang, Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties, making Yongle Palace a true artistic treasure. Pujiu Temple: A Romantic Sanctuary from "The Story of the Western Wing" Located 3 kilometers east of the ancient city of Puzhou in Yongji, Pujiu Temple is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and one of Shanxi's "Top Ten" scenic spots. This Buddhist temple is famous for the romantic tale in "The Story of the Western Wing," earning it the saying, "Temples across the land do not speak of love, except for Pujiu Temple in Shanxi." Every September and October, it hosts the "World Couples Month" event. The temple's Yingying Tower is particularly notable for its unique structure and exquisite craftsmanship, featuring a distinct echo effect. It is one of China's four major echoing buildings, alongside the Echo Wall of Beijing's Temple of Heaven, the Pagoda of Baolun Temple in Henan, and the "Stone Zither" of Dafu Temple in Tongnan County, Sichuan. The current Yingying Tower, rebuilt after an earthquake, stands 40 meters tall with a base length of 8.3 meters, designed as a square brick pagoda with dense eaves. Other structures, such as the Bell Tower and the tower courtyard corridors, also have their own charm, immersing visitors in the romantic story of Zhang Sheng and Yingying. Yellow River Iron Oxen: Tang Dynasty Wonders of River Control The Yellow River Iron Oxen are "river-controlling divine beasts" from the Tang Dynasty. Each iron ox weighs 60 tons, with intricate details like iron rings on their noses and lifelike pupils showcasing ancient craftsmanship. These iron oxen are located at the Pujindu Site, once a vital crossing point on the Yellow River. The site also houses artifacts like Kaiyuan Tongbao coins, reflecting its historical prosperity. Standing before the iron oxen, one can deeply appreciate the wisdom and strength of ancient laborers, as these oxen are not only witnesses to history but also outstanding examples of ancient engineering. Guangren King Temple: A Precious Relic of Tang Architecture Situated in Ruicheng County, Guangren King Temple is a Taoist temple from the Tang Dynasty and a fifth batch national key cultural relic protection unit. Though modest in scale, its architecture is simple yet elegant, retaining the characteristics of Tang-style buildings. The main hall, an original Tang structure, features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with large dougong brackets and deep eaves, showcasing the grandeur and boldness of Tang architecture. At Guangren King Temple, visitors can closely experience the charm of Tang-style architecture and the passage of history. This travel route in Yuncheng offers a glimpse into historical and cultural relics from different periods and styles. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of ancient poets, admiring exquisite mural art, immersing yourself in romantic tales, or marveling at ancient engineering feats, you'll find it all here. Embark on this cultural journey and create unforgettable memories!

Recently, my girlfriends and I took a trip to Rui Cheng for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, and the experience was absolutely amazing! I must share with you the fantastic hotel we stayed at—Rui Cheng Grand Hotel 🎉 **Hotel Location** The hotel is located in the bustling downtown area of Rui Cheng County, offering super convenient access! Nearby, you’ll find Yongle Square, the sports stadium, government buildings, and leisure plazas. Famous attractions like Yongle Palace, Dayu Ferry, Shengshou Temple, and Shengtian Lake are also close by, making it easy whether you want to visit scenic spots or explore the surrounding area. Across the street is a large shopping mall with KFC and various night markets—perfect for evening strolls and food adventures! 🛏 **Stay Experience - VIP Building·Deluxe King Room** We stayed in the Deluxe King Room in the VIP Building, which had super cool smart controls for lights, curtains, and more—super high-tech vibes 🤩 The bedding was exceptional, with a big, soft bed ensuring a great night’s sleep. The room was well-equipped with plenty of reading materials, making our stay incredibly cozy. 🌟 **Exceptional Service** The hotel’s service deserves special praise—the staff were warm and attentive. They not only introduced the hotel facilities in detail but also recommended nearby attractions and delicious local eats. Truly top-notch service 💯 🍱 **Dining Experience** We had dinner on the hotel’s second floor—the portions were generous, and the food was delicious. The server’s recommendations suited our tastes perfectly, featuring Shanxi specialties like fried mulberry leaves and fragrant toon with local eggs. The restaurant was spacious and comfortable, with reasonable prices. Breakfast was also great, offering a wide variety to cater to different tastes. Oh, and the hotel’s "Rui Cheng Yellow River Fish Banquet" is a must-try—the Yellow River carp is tender and incredibly tasty 😋 ♨️ **Leisure & Entertainment - Huiyang International Hot Spring City** The highlight? There’s a hot spring! After a long day of exploring, soaking in the hot spring washes away all fatigue. The hotel’s Huiyang International Hot Spring City is a must-visit! It’s a comprehensive leisure facility with bathing, sauna, swimming, a kids’ water play area, a movie theater, and beauty services. The mineral-rich hot spring water helps replenish essential trace elements, making it great for your health. 🎈 **Nearby Attractions Guide** ✅ **Yongle Palace**: The largest surviving Taoist temple from the Yuan Dynasty, renowned for its stunning murals. Just a few minutes’ drive or a quick taxi ride from the hotel. ✅ **Chenghuang Temple**: Built during the Song Dynasty’s Dazhong Xiangfu era, locally known as "South Temple." Outside the temple, the "Lanshan Root·Chenghuang Temple Market" offers a variety of Rui Cheng snacks like stone-baked flatbread, sesame slices, Rui Cheng braised meat, and farm-style fried buns—perfect for snacking while exploring! ✅ **Guangren King Temple**: One of only three well-preserved Tang Dynasty wooden structures in China, boasting immense historical value. Its unique architectural style makes it worth a visit. ✅ **Dayu Ferry Yellow River Scenic Area**: Here, you can hear the beautiful legends of Dayu taming the floods, see the 4,000-year-old "Dragon Head Sacred Cypress," experience the thrilling glass slide, and marvel at the large-scale "Pearl of the Yellow River" irrigation project. The area is vast, offering a full day of fun. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, don’t miss Rui Cheng—and definitely don’t miss Rui Cheng Grand Hotel 💕

| Stayed at Ruicheng Grand Hotel, Amazing Experience! Due to work, I traveled to Ruicheng, Shanxi, and after careful consideration online, I chose Ruicheng Grand Hotel. This stay was fantastic, and it’s now on my go-to list for business trips😃! 📍 Prime Location The hotel is located in the heart of Ruicheng, with excellent transportation access. Surrounded by numerous attractions, the murals of the Ming Dynasty’s Yongle Palace are renowned far and wide, while the former residence of Lü Dongbin, the founder of Quanzhen Taoism, is steeped in cultural heritage. The ancient Yellow River crossing at Dayu Ferry, with its thousand-year history, exudes unique historical charm. From the hotel, whether visiting these sites or handling errands in the city, it’s all convenient and hassle-free🚗. Plus, right across the street is a large shopping mall and a lively night market, offering everything from shopping and dining to leisure—full of vibrant local life~ 🛏 Super Comfortable Rooms Stepping into the room, the spacious and bright space instantly lifted my mood. The bedding was soft and cozy, making me feel like I was sleeping on a cloud, with sleep quality soaring💤. The room was fully equipped with smart devices for easy operation, meeting both work and daily needs. There were also plenty of reading materials, perfect for unwinding during downtime—a thoughtful touch that really stood out👍! 🍱 Delicious Dining The hotel’s second-floor restaurant was a delightful surprise! It served Ruicheng specialties like braised Yellow River carp, fragrant toon omelet, and fried cakes, along with authentic Shanxi dishes—all flavorful and reasonably priced. The portions were generous, so no worries about leaving hungry😜. The staff enthusiastically recommended dishes, and every one was a hit. Plus, the restaurant’s spacious, comfortable setting and locally inspired decor made for an outstanding dining experience~ 💆♀️ Abundant Leisure & Entertainment I didn’t expect the hotel to have such great leisure facilities! The Huiyang International Hot Spring Resort was a lifesaver for this weary worker. The geothermal water here is rich in minerals, and soaking in it effectively replenishes trace elements, washing away days of work fatigue. Beyond the hot springs, there’s a full range of services: bathing, sauna, swimming, a kids’ water play area, a movie lounge, and beauty treatments—everything you need for relaxation without leaving the hotel. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Ruicheng💖!

Hey everyone👨‍👩‍👧, I recently took my kids on a trip to Ruicheng, Shanxi, and our stay at Ruicheng Grand Hotel made the journey absolutely delightful! I just have to share this amazing experience with you all~ 📍 Prime Location Ruicheng Grand Hotel is right in the heart of the bustling county town, surrounded by attractions. It's just 2.85 km from Yongle Palace, making it super convenient to take the kids to admire the stunning mural art🚗. Chenghuang Temple is only 552 meters away—just a short walk! Other spots like Guangrenwang Temple and Shousheng Temple are also nearby, so you can easily explore all the sights. Across the street, there’s a shopping mall and supermarket for snacks and daily essentials—everything you need in one place. So thoughtful👍 🏨 Luxurious Suite Stay, Unforgettable Experience The VIP building is exquisitely decorated, and the spacious, bright rooms instantly lift your mood. The room is fully equipped with thoughtful touches like children's toiletries and tiny slippers—my little one couldn’t get enough of them😃. The beds are huge and soft, perfect for our family of three to sleep soundly. The linens are clean, cozy, and skin-friendly, with attention to every detail. 💁‍♀️ Warm, Attentive Service That Touches Your Heart The staff’s hospitality truly moved me🌹. With so much luggage and kids in tow, they helped carry our bags all the way and even prepared a fruit platter for us. The front desk ladies warmly shared local tips and helped plan kid-friendly itineraries. 🍱 Diverse, Delicious, and Great Value The hotel’s second-floor restaurant is a food paradise! We tried local specialties like Yellow River carp and fried mulberry leaves—huge portions, amazing flavors, and wallet-friendly prices. The dining area is spacious and comfortable, so the kids ate happily while we relaxed. The breakfast buffet is varied and nutritious, setting us up for an energetic day~ ♨️ Fun Family Time at the Hot Springs The hotel even has hot springs—what a surprise! The water is sourced from 3,169 meters underground, rich in minerals. The kids had a blast splashing around, and we adults got to unwind (just note: the hot springs close at 10 PM)~ 🚗 Super Convenient Parking The hotel has a large, well-managed parking lot—and it’s free🅿️. For families road-tripping with kids, this is a blessing—no stress about parking at all. 🌟 Nearby Attractions Guide 1️⃣ **Yongle Palace**: A must-visit in Ruicheng, built in the Yuan Dynasty, featuring four Yuan-era wooden structures and 1,000 sqm of breathtaking murals—masterpieces of art history. Highlights include the Yuan wooden architecture (Dragon-Tiger Hall, Sanqing Hall, etc.) and the murals, especially the awe-inspiring *Court of the Celestials* in Sanqing Hall. Just a few minutes’ drive from the hotel. 2️⃣ **Chenghuang Temple**: Only 552 meters away, dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty and spanning four dynasties. The backyard houses historic steles and epitaphs—great for kids to learn about history, and it’s free to visit! 3️⃣ **Dayu Ferry Yellow River Scenic Area**: Explore the Yu King Hall, Yu Temple steps (with their magical dripping sound), the dynamic Guanyin statue that "blooms to reveal Buddha," the rebuilt Tang Dynasty Zhuangyuan Bridge, and the Yellow River Diversion Project. Don’t miss the Yellow River fish feast! About a 20-minute drive from the hotel (check with the site for ticket details and discounts). Whether for family trips or business leisure, Ruicheng Grand Hotel is a fantastic choice. The warm service, prime location, and delicious food left us fully satisfied👍—highly recommended💕!

When planning a trip to Yongle Palace with my bestie, I discovered Ruicheng Grand Hotel online, and this stay completely blew me away! I just have to share the experience with everyone~ 🏨 Hotel Location: Ruicheng Grand Hotel is located at the southern foot of Zhongtiao Mountain in Shanxi, boasting an excellent location 👍. It faces the ancient Yellow River course of Dayu Ferry to the south, borders the picturesque Qinling Mountains to the west, and is close to the 5A-level scenic spots like Mount Hua, Tongguan Ancient City, and Hangu Pass. Situated in the heart of Ruicheng, the area is vibrant, with a commercial district right across the street featuring KFC and various night markets, making shopping and dining super convenient. 🚗 Transportation: We drove there, and the hotel has a huge parking lot at the entrance—free, well-managed, and incredibly convenient for self-drivers. We later found that getting to nearby attractions was easy too; it’s just a few minutes' drive to Yongle Palace, and taxi fares are affordable. There’s also a bus stop nearby, offering plenty of travel options. 🛏️ Stay Experience: The VIP building is exquisitely decorated, with well-equipped rooms meeting high standards. The beds are super spacious and comfortable—my bestie and I both slept soundly. The rooms even had plenty of reading materials, showing great attention to detail. The staff were warm, attentive, and provided excellent service. 🍱 Dining Experience: The second floor has 25 luxurious private dining rooms and five fully-equipped banquet halls. The restaurant is spacious and cozy, with reasonable prices. We dined there in the evening—the portions were generous, the food delicious, and the server’s recommendations were spot-on. Breakfast was also great, with a wide variety to suit different tastes. ♨️ Leisure & Entertainment: The hotel also features the fantastic Huiyang International Hot Spring City, offering a comprehensive range of services like bathing, sauna, swimming, kids' water play, a movie theater, and beauty treatments. The hot spring water is sourced from 3,169 meters underground, rich in minerals that replenish essential trace elements. With our room key, we could enjoy the hot springs on the first floor for free (though only until 10 PM—so watch the time!). 🎈 Nearby Attractions Guide: - Yongle Palace: A must-visit in Ruicheng, very close to the hotel. The murals here are breathtaking—a treasure of ancient Chinese mural art, absolutely worth seeing! - Chenghuang Temple: Just a short walk from the hotel. The newly revamped "Guofengli" market at the temple is unique, featuring intangible cultural heritage shows, clay sculpture art, and Hanfu garden tours (though these events might be seasonal). - Guangrenwang Temple: A Tang Dynasty-style building with distinctive charm—don’t miss it if you love ancient architecture. - Dayu Ferry Yellow River Scenic Area: Offers stunning views of the Yellow River and a chance to connect with nature, not too far from the hotel. Our stay at Ruicheng Grand Hotel was fantastic, and the nearby attractions left us enchanted. I’d definitely choose this hotel again for my next visit and highly recommend it to friends traveling to Ruicheng 💕

Taking advantage of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, I chose nearby Yuncheng, Shanxi as my travel destination. Over two days, I visited some famous attractions. On the first day, I arrived at Yongji North Station around noon and took the tourist shuttle to Pujiu Temple. Although I've never read "The Romance of the Western Chamber," the saying "All temples avoid romance, except Pujiu in Shanxi" establishes its special status. For lunch, I tried Yingying Restaurant opposite the scenic area - their dumplings and marou soup are truly worth trying. In the afternoon, I continued by tourist shuttle to Stork Tower. The scenic area is small, with the tower itself being the main attraction. While visually impressive, it's unfortunate the original structure was destroyed long ago without even ruins remaining. In the evening, I took a high-speed train to Yuncheng North Station, then a bus to Galaxy Commercial Street for the famous Rock Fried Chicken. Be sure to find the original store in the alley - spicy but delicious, generous portions at reasonable prices, and don't miss the cold dishes at the entrance. After dinner, I checked into Lavande Hotel (Yuncheng Yongle Street High-Speed Rail Station Branch) where the front desk provided warm service and even offered local attraction postcards with stamps for collection. The next morning's hotel breakfast buffet offered wide variety and good taste. As the attractions were remote and scattered, I rented a car for my tour. First stop was Yuncheng Guan Gong's Hometown Cultural Tourism Area - my favorite site showcasing Guan Yu's life story and later generations' reverence, with exquisite architecture worth savoring. Next was Yongle Palace - don't miss the murals, cultural relics so precious the Japanese searched for seven years unsuccessfully, leaving me in awe of ancient artisans' skills. My third stop was Yuncheng Salt Lake, where I was lucky to see the giant Guan Yu statue en route. The salt lake is best appreciated via drone or with prior research on viewing spots - otherwise you might leave disappointed like us, though Salt Pond Avenue's No. 006 streetlight makes a great photo spot. For dinner, I tried local specialty Lamb Hubo, similar to lamb paomo but with shredded pancakes, offering rich flavor. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I missed Feiyun Tower in the city center and Wanrong County - a slight regret for next time.

After visiting the murals at Yongle Palace in Ruicheng, Shanxi, I've now completed the collection of China's three great murals. The other two are the Mogao Caves murals in Dunhuang, Gansu, and the Pilu Temple murals in Shijiazhuang, Hebei. During the May Day holiday, Yongle Palace saw more visitors than usual, but the crowds weren't overwhelming. In fact, I think having more visitors is a good thing because photography isn't allowed inside the main halls, and security is very strict. With more people around, you can sneak a few photos. Among the three main halls, the Wuji Hall had the most visitors, making it easier to discreetly take some pictures. The Chongyang Hall and Chunyang Hall had fewer visitors, so that wasn't an option. The water-and-land murals in the Wuji Hall are truly spectacular, with smooth and fluid brushstrokes. Although I have a high-definition album of Yongle Palace murals at home, it's nowhere near the visual impact of the original artwork. In my opinion, among the three great murals, the Wuji Hall murals at Yongle Palace are the largest in scale and the most awe-inspiring. This kind of beauty can only be fully appreciated in person. [Cute] Yongle Palace is a Taoist temple built in honor of Lü Dongbin. Its 1,000-square-meter Yuan Dynasty murals are among the world's treasured ancient mural art collections and one of China's first national key cultural relics protection units. Yongle Palace preserves four exquisitely crafted Yuan Dynasty wooden structures, with 1,000 square meters of Yuan Dynasty murals housed in the Dragon and Tiger Hall, Sanqing Hall, Chunyang Hall, and Chongyang Hall. Yongle Palace is a surviving masterpiece of Yuan Dynasty architecture, the largest Taoist temple in China, a model of ancient Chinese painting art, and one of the world's largest existing ancient mural art treasures. The *Court of the Celestial Realm* in the Sanqing Hall represents the pinnacle of group portrait composition in the history of world painting, a rare monumental work and a national treasure. The mural features 289 figures arranged in symmetrical ceremonial formations, with the Green Dragon and White Tiger deities on the south wall as the vanguard, followed by 28 main deities, including the Jade Emperor and the Queen Mother of the West. Surrounding them are the 28 Lunar Mansions, 12 Zodiac signs, and other celestial generals, unfolding across the mural. The warriors are brave and fierce, the guardians powerful and bold, and the jade maidens stand with heavenly grace. The entire composition is majestic in scale, with richly varied clothing and exquisitely flowing lines. [Awesome]

[Rose] In southern Shanxi, the winding Yellow River is like a flexible ribbon, winding and turning into the most gentle arc. In the gentle embrace of the Yellow River, a pavilion stands steadily, as if it had floated out of a poem or painting. When the steel jungle of modern society spreads like a tide and gradually swallows up the end of the horizon, this Tang-style building, proudly named after the stork, still stands firm on the loess plateau, maintaining its persistent gaze, like a watcher spanning thousands of years, turning the myriad emotions of the ancients who came here thousands of years ago into a touch of bright moonlight that never dissipates, sprinkling it in the hearts of everyone who comes to explore it. [Rose] Epic Scroll of Wood Structure [Rose] Each upright pillar is like a thick history book written vertically, quietly telling the story of the years. The rebuilt Stork Tower, with its majestic height of 73.9 meters, resolutely pierces the clouds, as if it wants to have a dialogue with the sky. The seven-layered eaves, stacked like wrinkles of time, hide the iron-blooded genes of the Northern Zhou Dynasty's guard towers, which are traces left by the turbulent years of war; they also hide the beautiful soul of the poetry of the prosperous Tang Dynasty, which was a romantic time when the talents of literati and poets burst out and poetry flowed. When you gently touch the dark brown mortise and tenon structure, your fingertips seem to be able to truly touch the exciting power of the trembling swords when Yuwen Hu built the city, and feel the rustling wind brought up by Wang Zhihuan's sleeves when he wrote. At the corner of the pavilion, a copper bell is hanging, swaying gently in the breeze. The clear sound of the bell seems to have traveled through the tunnel of time and space, and the majestic and powerful calls of the boatmen at the Yellow River ferry during the Kaiyuan period can still be heard today. The sounds are so pleasant to the ears that one feels as if they are at that bustling ancient ferry. [Rose] The Poetic Grammar of Mountains and Rivers [Rose] The undulating wrinkles of Zhongtiao Mountain are like rice paper that the earth has never had time to smooth out, carrying the vicissitudes and stories of the years. The surging Yellow River is freely writing its own cursive poems on the west side of the Stork Tower. Every day, many photographers bring their tripods and line up neatly on the four-story platform, waiting for the sunset with great anticipation. When the afterglow of the setting sun shines on the river, the entire river surface seems to be melted into liquid bronze, shining with golden light, which is magnificent. Five kilometers to the southeast, the Puzhindu Iron Ox stands quietly, and its mottled rust seems to hide countless unknown secrets. Once upon a time, they used their strong bodies to hold tight the floating bridge across the Yellow River, and witnessed countless Western merchant caravans with jingling camel bells passing by here in a hurry, embarking on the Silk Road full of unknowns and hopes. Today, they and the Guanjue Tower face each other from a distance, as if two old friends across time and space, together forming an important anchor point of the longitude and latitude of time and space, connecting the past and the present. [Rose] Poetic Dream Development [Rose] In the special exhibition of "Romance of the West Chamber" on the third floor, there seems to be a mysterious code of time and space hidden. The courtyard of Puji Temple, full of pear blossoms, is only seven miles away from here. The lingering love narrative in Yuan Zhen's works and the profound philosophical gaze in Wang Zhihuan's poems are wonderfully intertwined here, forming a strange and charming montage effect that makes people intoxicated. It is recommended to climb to the top of the Stork Tower at the time of Shen. At this time, dusk is slowly falling, and it is like a magical painter, outlining the ancient city wall of Puzhou, Kaiyuan Iron Ox, and Wulao Peak into an amber time capsule one by one. At this moment, all photographic equipment seems redundant, because only our pupils can truly contain this flowing epic beauty and let that gorgeous scene be engraved forever in the depths of our hearts. [Rose] A thoughtful guide to pilgrimage [Rose] If you also want to have an encounter with the Guanque Tower, you might as well take the high-speed rail to Yongji North Station and then transfer to the "Poetry Road Special Line" bus. In the scenery along the way, you can also appreciate the vast expanse of wheat waves and feel the vitality of nature. The afternoon of the Autumnal Equinox is a special moment, when the shadow of the building forms a perfect diagonal with the Puzhindu Ruins, creating a unique and wonderful picture. When you climb to the top observation deck, you can also see the "poetic telescope" there. Just scan the code, and the poems of literati and poets of all ages will float between the rivers and mountains, as if traveling through time and space to have a spiritual dialogue with the ancients. On the way back home, you may want to detour around the ancient city of Puzhou, and beside the collapsed city gate, listen quietly to the evening breeze and recite "He Yue Yingling Ji". Let the melodious wind and ancient poems draw a perfect end to your journey. [Rose] While modern elevators have gradually replaced the old wooden stairs, the obsession of "seeing from a thousand miles away" still runs hotly in our blood. This pavilion, which has been carefully resurrected in the 21st century, is by no means a simple concrete antique decoration. The sound of each climber's footsteps climbing the stairs seems like a beating note, completing a rhythmic antithesis that spans a thousand years, continuing the never-ending legendary poem of the Stork Tower.

After touring the Yongle Palace, the guide's explanation also included a visit to the Guangrenwang Temple and the City God Temple. The Guangrenwang Temple was originally built in 831 AD (the fifth year of the Taihe period of the Tang Dynasty). Facing south, it covers an area of 4,560 square meters. The temple includes a stage, side rooms, and a main hall, all enclosed within walls in a courtyard layout. The stage is three rooms wide and three rafters deep. The brackets on the column heads are simple in design. The central bracket features a dragon head emerging from the large bracket opening, with elephant trunks on either side. The brackets on the two adjacent rooms also have dragon heads emerging from the openings. The Guangrenwang Temple is small. Currently, only three Tang Dynasty wooden structures remain, all located in Shanxi Province. The Guangrenwang Temple is one of them, representing Tang Dynasty wooden architecture preserved to the present day. The Vanke Group generously funded seven million yuan to design and construct the surrounding area, adding historical exhibitions and intuitive models of the bracket structures. The enhanced surroundings make the Guangrenwang Temple even more appealing to modern young people. The Guangrenwang Temple is also known as the Five Dragon King Temple, dedicated to the Azure Dragon King. You can see iron nails on the outer walls, each shaped like a shrimp soldier or crab general, guarding and protecting their deity, similar to the crane-shaped nails at the Yongle Palace. The City God Temple, commonly known as the "South Temple," was built during the Dazhong Xiangfu period of the Song Dynasty (1008-1016). Its architecture epitomizes ancient Chinese architectural styles, showcasing grandeur, simplicity, and elegance, making it highly valuable for sightseeing. Here, you can appreciate the bold and unrestrained style of Yuan Dynasty architecture, the delicate beauty and decorative artistry of Song Dynasty architecture, the simple and powerful style of Ming Dynasty architecture, and the elaborate and ornate style of Qing Dynasty architecture. The murals in the City God Temple are also exquisite. The Four Heavenly Kings are depicted in dynamic poses, with flowing robes and powerful movements. The temple houses numerous stone inscriptions, including different versions of the Lanting Xu, which served as a key element in promoting moral education. The stone lions here are particularly elegant, reminiscent of Yuan Dynasty sculptures. I didn't have time to examine them closely, as I was quite hungry. Every year on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the City God undergoes a ritual bathing and dressing ceremony before being paraded through the streets to bless the local people. This is a customary activity for the locals during the Lantern Festival.

| A Stunning Journey. From Taiyuan to Yuncheng | A Stunning Journey💕 Hey everyone👋, I've always been captivated by the ancient charm and modern vibe of Taiyuan, thinking it was the epitome of Shanxi's beauty. But when I set foot on Yuncheng, I realized Shanxi's beauty has another side, each frame captivating😍. 🌆City Impression: A Blend of History and Everyday Life Upon arriving in Yuncheng, the old town's streets felt like a time machine. Narrow alleys and ancient walls, weathered and worn, tell stories of millennia. Unlike Taiyuan's bustling skyscrapers, Yuncheng has a down-to-earth vibrancy. Street-side stalls with steaming local snacks, owners speaking in the local dialect, warmly greeting every passerby. This lively atmosphere instantly warmed my heart, taking me back to the familiar streets of my childhood. 🏞️Natural Beauty: A Masterpiece of Mountains and Rivers Yuncheng's natural scenery is a treasure trove. The murals of the Yongle Palace are renowned, but standing before them, the artistic impact is far beyond imagination. The painted deities seem ready to step out of the wall, their colors still vibrant after centuries. Compared to the painted sculptures of Jin Temple in Taiyuan, one painted, one sculpted, one ethereal, one solemn, each has its own unique charm. Then there's the Salt Lake, its palette-like surface shimmering under the sun. The wind creates ripples, and the salt crystals resemble winter frost, more unique than any waterscape I've seen in Taiyuan. Walking along the lake feels like stepping into a dream. 🍱A Culinary Feast: A Party for the Taste Buds Yuncheng also surprised me with its cuisine. Taiyuan is famous for its noodles, but Yuncheng's steamed buns are unique. Yuncheng baked buns, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, filled with braised meat and vegetables. One bite, and the flavors of wheat, meat, and vegetables blend perfectly, instantly surpassing ordinary fast food. And the Jiezhou mutton soup, with its rich broth and tender meat, paired with smooth vermicelli, warms you from the inside out. Compared to the rich and nourishing Taiyuan Tounao, it's a completely different but equally enticing flavor that I, a "foodie," couldn't resist. 🎉Yuncheng, you're like a book I can't put down, filled with both profound history and vibrant daily life. Coming from Taiyuan, I'm completely captivated. If you want to explore a different side of Shanxi's beauty, promise me you'll visit Yuncheng. It will surely exceed your expectations.

[Awesome] The Xihoudu site is the oldest Paleolithic site in China and also the earliest evidence of human use of fire in China. [Awesome] The Xihoudu site was discovered on an ancient terrace about 170 meters above the river level on the left bank of the middle reaches of the Yellow River. Cultural relics and animal fossils are concentrated in interlaced sand layers with an average thickness of about 1 meter. The animal fossils are mainly mammals, including giant beavers, saber-toothed elephants, flat-fronted elephants, and Bo's gazelles. Most of them are grassland animals, and there are also animals adapted to living in grasslands and forests, indicating that the Xihoudu area was a sparse forest-steppe environment at that time. [Chin] Game guide The Xihoudu ruins are not big and the ticket price is 30 yuan per person. There is a small museum on each side of the entrance, you can go and have a look. [Clapping] is a relatively small place, and most tourists come here to take photos. The general environment is khaki, and the photos taken make you feel like you are in Egypt. Friends who come to visit can bring beautiful clothes! [Clapping] The only place to eat nearby is Fenglingdu Town. There is a restaurant with big bowls of knife-cut noodles that I recommend. They taste very good.

In late autumn, when you walk into Yuncheng, the autumn colors and ancient buildings all over the city interweave to create a poetic picture. At dawn, I stepped into the Guandi Temple in Jiezhou. Between the red walls and black tiles, the statue of Guandi sat majestically, and the pine and cypress trees all over the hall added to the solemn and dignified atmosphere. Stroll to the Guangrenwang Temple, which stands quietly in the mountains, with golden ginkgo trees all over the courtyard and the thousand-year-old incense still lingering. When you come to Yongle Palace, the colors of the murals are still bright. The Taoist spirit has been flowing here for 800 years. The Taoist charm in the palace is so profound that people will stop and linger. Climb up the Feiyun Tower, feel the autumn breeze, and look into the distance to get a panoramic view of the outline of the ancient city. From the Stork Tower, the Yellow River meanders like a silk ribbon. At the Jiwang Temple, this ancient temple dedicated to the ancestor of farming appears peaceful and solemn in the autumn sun, and the weight of history is overwhelming. As the sun sets and the autumn breeze blows gently, Yuncheng's ancient charm blends with the autumn atmosphere, making people feel awe and recall the past and think about the present, which is unforgettable.

Family, this Yuncheng trip was so enjoyable, all thanks to this hotel! I have to recommend it to you all! 📍Amazing Location It's right in the bustling downtown area, surrounded by tons of great food. Just a short walk away, you can find authentic Dapanji (Big Plate Chicken), Yang Rou Pao Mo (mutton stew with bread), a carb lover's dream come true. It's also very close to attractions like the Jiezhou Guandi Temple and Yongle Palace, just a short taxi ride away, saving you time so you can visit more places. 🛏Super Comfortable Rooms The rooms are simple yet cozy, with soft, skin-friendly bedding that feels like lying on a cloud. The bathroom has a separate shower and the amenities are top-notch. The room has a fantastic view of Yuncheng's beautiful cityscape. In the morning, opening the curtains and letting the sunshine in is so relaxing. 💁‍♂️Excellent Service From the warm welcome at check-in to the helpful staff who assisted with planning our itinerary, everyone was incredibly patient. They also offer free luggage storage, so you can continue exploring even after checking out.

"I stepped into the Yongle Palace, and my mind was rippling among the murals." - This poem expresses that after the poet stepped into the Yongle Palace, he was deeply attracted by the exquisite murals, and his mind seemed to be rippling in the ocean of art. [Clapping] The murals of Yongle Palace are masterpieces of ancient Chinese murals. Located in Ruicheng, Shanxi Province, the Yongle Palace (also known as the Great Chunyang Wanshou Palace) has the highest artistic value in terms of its exquisite large-scale murals. It is not only an important masterpiece in the history of Chinese painting, but also a rare masterpiece in the history of world painting. The murals in Yongle Palace are a treasure of ancient Chinese painting art. [Clapping] The most famous mural, "Zhao Yuan Tu", was created by Ma Qi, the son of Ma Junxiang in the Yuan Dynasty, and others. The "Chao Yuan Tu" mural in the Sanqing Hall was painted by Ma Junxiang and others in the third year of Taiding (1325). It depicts the story of the gods paying homage to Yuanshi Tianzun. It is centered on the eight main statues of emperors and empresses, surrounded by 286 statues of golden boys, jade girls, stars, and strong men. The scene is broad and magnificent. The lines in the painting are round, powerful, bold and free, with a solid brushstroke and tight joints. The clothes, utensils and clouds of various textures are drawn without any sluggishness. The brushstrokes are done in one go, and there is no trace of starting or ending when the brush is hidden or turned. It shows the high achievement of traditional pure drawing art. It has become one of the must-copy models for learning traditional Chinese figure painting. [Clapping] Travel Tips 1. Be sure to hire a guide, it is really worth it, otherwise you won’t understand anything. The guide ticket is also purchased at the entrance for 80 yuan. 2. You are not allowed to take photos of the murals. In addition to the murals, the caisson in the Sanqing Hall is also very beautiful, so don't miss it.

Shanxi is known for its historical relics, and Yuncheng boasts "big names" like Yongle Palace and Guan Di Temple. But beyond these ancient structures, the Yuncheng Museum is also worth a visit 👀. The Yuncheng Museum houses a rich collection that vividly showcases Yuncheng's long history and profound cultural heritage. The museum also features a special exhibition on Hedong culture, offering an in-depth interpretation of the region's historical and cultural characteristics, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the area. Visiting the Yuncheng Museum not only allows you to admire a wealth of artifacts but also to experience the charm of history more directly through modern technology such as multimedia interactive devices and VR experiences. 💁🏻‍♀️P.S. There are also tons of free, beautiful stamps to collect. Remember to bring a notebook, or you can buy one at the gift shop ✌️. ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 🧩Name: Yuncheng Museum 📍Address: No. 1080 Weifeng Street, Yanhu District, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province 🈺️Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm, closed on Mondays

The Guandi Temple in Jiezhou, Yuncheng, is located to the north of the Salt Lake and faces the Zhongtiao Mountains. Founded in 589 AD, the ninth year of the Kaihuang reign of the Sui Dynasty, it is the largest existing palace-style Taoist building complex and martial arts temple, and is known as the "ancestor of Guan temples" and the "crown of martial arts temples." Guandi Temple is very big, with many attractions👀 👉Must-see contents include ✅ Qianlong's "Divine Bravery" ✅ Meridian Gate: a building with a hip roof, usually only the imperial palace has a Meridian Gate ✅ Bagua Caisson: carved with two dragons playing with a pearl, in the Imperial Library ✅ Chrysanthemum Caisson: the only one in the country, in the Spring and Autumn Building ✅ The only real statue of Guan Erye, on the second floor of the Spring and Autumn Building ps. It costs an additional 30 yuan to climb to the second floor of the Spring and Autumn Building. Cold light flashlights, amulets, and shoe covers will be distributed on site, which can be taken back. ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 🧩Name: Jiezhou Guandi Temple 📍Address: No. 145, Wuyi Road, Jiezhou Town, Yuncheng, Shanxi 🈺️Time: 08:00-18:00 (peak season 4/1-10/31) 09:00-17:00 (off-season 11/1-3/31) 💰Tickets: 60 yuan in peak season, 50 yuan in off-season

Located on Woyungang on the north bank of the Salt Lake, Chi God Temple in Yuncheng is backed by the Zhongtiao Mountains and overlooks the "Dead Sea of China." It is the only imperial temple in China dedicated to the god of the salt lake.​ Originally built in the Tang Dynasty, it was granted imperial seals and renovated by successive emperors due to the flourishing salt industry. The existing three main halls, Zouyan Tower, and other buildings are mostly relics of the Ming Dynasty, with 1,300 years of salt transportation history precipitated among the blue bricks and black tiles.​ 
The three main halls stand side by side in the temple. The middle hall enshrines the salt god "Lingqing Gong," while the left and right halls enshrine the sun god and the wind god, respectively, implicitly reflecting the natural wisdom that salt production requires "sunlight evaporation and wind regulation."​ The stone lions in front of the hall are naive and cute, and the carvings on the railings tell the story of the rise and fall of salt merchants. 
Climb the Haiguang Tower for a panoramic view of the salt lake👍.
The stele forest houses the Ming Dynasty stone inscription "Map of Hedong Salt Lake." You can also visit the Hedong Salt Lake Museum to unlock 4,000 years of salt-making technology.​ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 🈺️Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm 🚇Transportation: Navigate to "Chi God Temple" by car, or take bus No. 21/88 to "Chi God Temple" station🚌 🎫Tickets: Free with a tourism annual pass🆓; currently half price during the off-season. Combined ticket for Chi God Temple + Chi Salt Museum + City Wall: CNY 39.9 for adults, CNY 19.9 for students

​[Fu] Guangrenwang Temple is one of the four existing Tang Dynasty wooden structures in China. The other three are Nanchan Temple, Foguang Temple, and the bell tower of Zhengding Kaiyuan Temple. It was built in 831, the fifth year of the Tang Dynasty's Dahe period. It enshrines the water god Guangrenwang and is also known as the Five Dragons Temple. ​🇨🇳Experience the five thousand years of China and inherit Chinese civilization.

Yuncheng | A Must-Visit: Yongle Palace Yongle Palace, an artistic treasure trove hidden in Yuncheng, Shanxi, is renowned for its world-famous Yuan Dynasty murals and ancient architectural style, attracting countless art and history enthusiasts. It is a sacred site of Taoist culture and a pinnacle of ancient Chinese mural art. 🌟 Stunning Murals 💁🏻‍♀️ Sanqing Hall Murals: The treasure of Yongle Palace, these murals depict a grand scene of nearly 300 Taoist deities paying homage to the Yuan. The characters have diverse expressions, their robes fluttering, and the colors remain vibrant even after a thousand years, making it a pinnacle of Yuan Dynasty mural art. 💁🏻‍♀️ Chunyang Hall Murals: The murals, themed around the life story of Lü Dongbin, use a comic strip format to depict the legend of "Lü Zu's Manifestation." The style is delicate, and the story is vivid, resembling ancient comic strips. 💁🏻‍♀️ Chongyang Hall Murals: These murals depict the missionary experiences of Wang Chongyang, the founder of the Quanzhen School. The murals are rich in content and exquisite in detail, showcasing the superb skills of Yuan Dynasty painters. The architectural layout of Yongle Palace is rigorous, with upturned eaves and carved beams, showcasing the unique style of Yuan Dynasty architecture, especially the glazed tiles on the roof, which shine brilliantly in the sunlight.