A Journey Through Time in the Jin-Shaan Gorge: A 72-Hour In-Depth Tour of Qikou Ancient Town!

🌈Attraction Highlights: • Qikou Ancient Town: Known as the "First Town on the Nine-Bend Yellow River," it was a commercial hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Every brick and tile exudes a sense of history, especially the rope marks on the hitching posts, which seem to tell the glorious stories of the Jin merchants' camel caravans. • Black Dragon Temple: Located next to the ancient town, its towering stage offers a panoramic view of the confluence of the Yellow River and the Qiushui River, showcasing the magnificent scenery of the "Crouching Tiger Dragon Temple." • Li Family Mountain Village: Known as the "Tomb of the Han Dynasty" village depicted by Wu Guanzhong, the Ming Dynasty cave dwellings are scattered in a picturesque manner, resembling a magnificent pyramid. • Yellow River Gallery: Take a sheepskin raft down the river and admire the water-eroded cliff wonders such as "Bodhidharma Facing the Wall" and "Peacock Spreading its Tail," experiencing the grandeur and mystery of the Yellow River. • Zhaizi Mountain Earth Forest: The unique earth forest landscape, shrouded in mist at dawn, resembles an alien world and is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 🚗Transportation: • Self-driving: It takes about 3 hours to drive from Taiyuan to Qikou Ancient Town. The scenery along the way is picturesque, making it an ideal choice for a road trip. • Public transportation: You can also take a long-distance bus or train to Lüliang City, and then transfer to local transportation to reach the ancient town. 🚩Queues: • The attractions in the ancient town are scattered, and there are relatively few tourists, so there is no need to worry about queuing. However, it is recommended to plan your itinerary in advance and arrange your time reasonably. 👍️Recommended Reasons: • Qikou Ancient Town is an excellent place to experience Jin merchant culture and the charm of the Yellow River. The ancient town is well-preserved and has a rich historical atmosphere. • The cave dwellings of Li Family Mountain Village and the unique landforms of the Yellow River Gallery make you feel like you are in a vivid historical scroll. • The food is rich and diverse, with local specialties such as saozi wantuo, Yellow River catfish, and red date fermented rice wine leaving a lasting impression. 📅Tour Guide: Day 1: • Morning: Arrive at Qikou Ancient Town, check in to Qikou Inn, and experience the tranquility and simplicity of the ancient town. • Afternoon: Visit the Black Dragon Temple, overlooking the confluence of the Yellow River and the Qiushui River, and admire the magnificent scenery. Then head to West Bay Village to explore the maze-like alleys and experience the charm of the ancient village. Day 2: • Morning: Go to Li Family Mountain Village, follow the footsteps of the shepherd, visit the Ming Dynasty cave dwellings, and experience the tranquility and beauty of rural life. • Afternoon: Take a sheepskin raft down the Yellow River Gallery and admire the unique landforms and magnificent scenery along the way. In the evening, go to Qilintan to pick up Yellow River stones and experience the wonders of nature. Day 3: • Morning: Climb Zhaizi Mountain Earth Forest and admire the unique earth forest landscape and the mist-shrouded scenery at dawn. • Afternoon: Visit the Qikou Folk Customs Museum to learn about the history and culture of the ancient town. Stroll through the ancient town in the evening and admire the moment when hundreds of paper lanterns light up, experiencing the tranquility and warmth of the ancient town. 🍜Food Guide: • Saozi Wantuo: Taste the authentic saozi wantuo at the century-old restaurant "Xiang Yuan Long." It is sour, spicy, and refreshing, leaving a lasting impression. • Yellow River Catfish: Freshly caught and cooked iron pot stewed Yellow River catfish, the fish is tender and the soup is rich, paired with golden fried oil cakes, it is incredibly delicious. • Red Date Fermented Rice Wine: The secret recipe of the old man carrying a pole at the ancient ferry crossing, the aroma of fermented wine mixed with the sweetness of Yellow River beach dates, warms the stomach and the heart. 🏨Accommodation Guide: • Qikou Inn: Located in the ancient town, with a simple and elegant environment and attentive service, it is an excellent choice for experiencing the charm of the ancient town. 💗Other Tips: • There are many bluestone roads in the ancient town, which may not be convenient for rolling suitcases. It is recommended to pack light. • During the Jujube Flower Festival in May, the town is filled with sweet fragrance, making it one of the best times to visit. In October, the red dates hanging on the branches like lanterns are also a must-see.