4 Days of Crazy Fun in Changzhi After National Day: Unlock 5 "Locals' Secret Activities"

Just got back from Changzhi! This time, I didn’t just chase the scenery but experienced a ton of unique activities—learning stone rubbing at a thousand-year-old temple, picking apples with villagers, playing frisbee in the Taihang Canyon, and even stumbling upon a stargazing concert while camping. This "fun over sights" guide is perfect for visiting after National Day when no one’s crowding! 🍂 🌟 Must-See Before You Go: Special Activity Preparation Checklist - Gear Tip: Bring an "old T-shirt that doesn’t show dirt"! Apple picking and stone rubbing involve paint/dirt, so no need to worry; pack a pair of "water trekking shoes"—perfect for wading in Tongtian Gorge, more convenient than sneakers. - Booking Reminder: The stone rubbing experience at Faxing Temple requires contacting the scenic area one day in advance (free! but limited to 10 people/day); for apple picking at Yuejiazai, find "Uncle Wang’s house at the village entrance" (2 yuan/jin, pick and eat fresh). - Hidden Perk: Taihang Grand Canyon is free after 5 PM! Only a 20 yuan sightseeing bus fee applies. You can play frisbee and watch the sunset—fewer people and great value. - Must-Bring Items: Bring a "small basket" to hold picked apples and stone rubbing works; pack some "mosquito repellent patches" for camping/wading—there are few bugs in the mountains. 📅 4 Days of Special Activities: So Fun You Won’t Want to Leave Day 1: Urban Cultural Fun · Unlock a Thousand-Year-Old New Experience Morning: Shangdang Gate "Ancient Architecture Treasure Hunt" Game 🕌 Arrive at Shangdang Gate at 9 AM and find "Tour Guide Sister Li" at the entrance (she’s a local and super fun). She’ll give you an "Ancient Architecture Treasure Map"—find the three Tang Dynasty reliefs on the gate tower (a dragon, phoenix, and qilin). Take photos and post on social media to receive a Shangdang Gate commemorative postcard! Don’t just stroll around the gate tower! Head to the backyard "Ancient Stele Garden," where Sister Li will teach you to "decode the ancient stele": shine your phone flashlight on the inscriptions to reveal tiny hidden characters (signatures of ancient craftsmen). It’s super interesting and ten times more fun than just sightseeing. Afternoon: Faxing Temple "Thousand-Year Stone Rubbing" Experience 🛕 Arrive at Faxing Temple at 2 PM and find "Master Zhang" to learn stone rubbing (he’s a non-material cultural heritage inheritor). First, pick a "small stele" with Tang Dynasty patterns, then ink, lay paper, and gently tap with the rubbing bag. The whole process takes about an hour, and you get to take your rubbing home—huge sense of accomplishment! After rubbing, Master Zhang will take you to the "temple’s vegetable garden," where monks grow their own radishes and cabbages. October is perfect for pulling radishes (free! but only as needed). After picking, the kitchen can wash them for you. They’re super crisp and sweeter than store-bought! Evening: Zhangze Lake "Cycling Treasure Hunt" 🌅 Arrive at Zhangze Lake at 5 PM, rent a bike, and first go to the "Visitor Center to get a task card"—find three lakeside check-in spots (reed marsh, windmill, wooden boardwalk). Take creative photos at each spot (like making a heart with the windmill or jumping in the reeds). Complete the tasks to exchange for a custom bookmark. Riding and playing at the same time is super fun! Day 2: Taihang Grand Canyon · Outdoor Adventure Day Morning: Baquan Gorge "High-Altitude Challenge" 🌉 Arrive at Baquan Gorge at 9 AM. Don’t take the boat! First, ride the "vertical elevator" to the mountaintop (30 seconds, super thrilling), then walk the "skywalk." There’s a "glass viewing platform" beside the path—if you dare, stand at the edge and have friends take photos from behind. It looks like you’re floating in midair—super cool! At 11 AM, find the "canyon frisbee area" near the cable car lower station (frisbees provided free). Team up with other visitors to play frisbee. The canyon is windy, so watch your throwing strength. Sometimes frisbees land in the red leaves, and searching for them feels like a treasure hunt—super joyful! Afternoon: Hongdou Gorge "Red Leaf Handicraft" 🍁 Arrive at Hongdou Gorge at 2 PM. First, go to "Acacia Garden" to pick red beans (don’t pick from the tree, collect from the ground). Then find the "scenic area handicraft zone," where the instructor will teach you to make a "keychain" with red beans—stick the beans on a wooden keychain and carve your name. It’s a unique souvenir, way more meaningful than buying regular gifts! Evening: Qinglong Gorge "Stargazing Concert" 🌌 Arrive at Qinglong Gorge campsite at 6 PM, just in time for the "Weekend Stargazing Concert" (every Saturday after National Day, free). Local singers play guitar and sing, and visitors can also perform. I sang "Later," and the audience joined in—super lively! After 8 PM, the concert ends. Lie in your tent and watch the stars; sometimes you’ll see shooting stars—make a wish quickly! Day 3: Tongtian Gorge · Wild Adventure Morning: Tongtian Gorge "Wading and Stone Hunting" 🌿 Arrive at Tongtian Gorge at 9 AM and walk the trail to "One Line Sky." Don’t just walk—take off your shoes and wade in the stream (water is shallow, ankle-deep). There are many beautiful stones in the water; you can pick a few patterned ones. The guide says these are "Taihang colored stones," perfect as home decorations! At 10 AM, at "One Line Sky," borrow a flashlight from the "scenic area staff" to shine on the cliff’s "natural stone paintings"—some look like tigers, others like rabbits. They’re naturally formed and amazing, way more interesting than just taking photos of the scenery! Afternoon: Tongtian Lake "Boat Ride and Fishing" 🚤 At 2 PM, take a boat ride on Tongtian Lake. Don’t just enjoy the view! Ask the boat captain for a "small fishing rod" (free, one per person) and fish from the boat. The fish aren’t big but bite easily. I caught three small crucian carps. The captain said I could take them home—such a rewarding feeling! Day 4: Pingshun County · Ancient Village Life Experience Morning: Yuejiazai "Farm Work" 🏡 Arrive at Yuejiazai at 9 AM and find "Uncle Wang" to try farm work. First, go to the "apple orchard" to pick apples—Uncle Wang taught me how to pick sweet apples (look for red blush; the redder, the sweeter). Filling a basket only cost 20 yuan. Freshly picked apples are juicy and delicious! At 10 AM, go to "Uncle Wang’s house to dry corn." Spread corn on bamboo mats in the yard and rake it flat with a wooden rake. The sun makes the corn golden. Occasionally, little chickens come to peck the corn. Chasing them away was hilarious. Uncle Wang even recorded a video for me—so heartwarming! Afternoon: Shenlong Bay "Waterfall Sketching" 💦 Arrive at Shenlong Bay Tianpu Gorge at 2 PM. Find the "scenic area sketching zone" to borrow a drawing board and paints (free, deposit required). Sit by the waterfall and sketch. You don’t have to be perfect—just capture the waterfall and red leaves. My drawing was average, but the instructor said I had talent—super happy! 💡 Special Activity Pitfall Tips 1. Wear old clothes for Faxing Temple stone rubbing! Ink stains are hard to wash out; don’t press too hard or the paper will tear. 2. Wear water trekking shoes for wading in Tongtian Gorge! There are small stones in the stream; barefoot is uncomfortable. Don’t go into deep water and stay safe. 3. Don’t climb trees for apple picking at Yuejiazai! Uncle Wang has a ladder you can borrow. Don’t pull branches to avoid damaging the trees. 4. Reserve seats early for Qinglong Gorge stargazing concert! Find a spot near the stage to hear clearly and interact. 5. Arrive on time for all handicraft sessions! For example, red bean keychain making only happens at 2 PM and 4 PM daily—don’t miss out. After National Day, don’t just take photos of scenery in Changzhi! Learn stone rubbing, pick apples, play frisbee, listen to stargazing concerts—each experience is super special and you’ll meet many interesting people. This kind of trip is truly unforgettable. Follow this guide and you’ll have a blast! 🚗