Behind this red signboard on Pinglu's streets lies a story more dramatic than any TV show

🌟 A perfect blend of Yellow River charm, swan paradise, and millennia-old heritage! Pinglu, Shanxi—a hidden gem embraced by the Yellow River, where breathtaking natural landscapes meet profound historical culture. Whether it's the secret mountain waterscapes in spring and summer or the spectacular swan gatherings in winter, this place will captivate you! This guide unlocks Pinglu's must-visit experiences! --- 🔥 Top Attractions 1. Pinglu’s "Little Sanya"—Liangsutan Beach 📍 Location: 40 km from downtown, along the Yellow River 🌊 Highlights: Northern China’s "golden beach" with emerald waters and soft sand—just like Sanya! Cliffs, waves, and sandbars make every shot postcard-worthy. 📌 Activities: Beach strolls, riverside camping, sunset photography. 2. Mitangou Red Earth Forest—Nature’s Masterpiece 📍 Location: Zhaihou Village, Sanmen Town 🌋 Highlights: Rain-carved red soil forms surreal pillars and platforms, resembling Mars! Legend says the red hue comes from spilt red bean soup by Yu the Great’s wife. 📌 Activities: Hiking, aerial photography, local folklore. 3. Sanwan Swan Lake—A Winter Fairytale 📍 Location: Yellow River Wetland, facing Sanmenxia across the river 🦢 Highlights: From November to March, thousands of Siberian swans winter here, creating a scene of "emerald waters dotted with snow-white feathers." 📌 Activities: Feed swans (corn kernels, ¥1/bag), photo ops at viewing decks, wetland walks. 4. Maojin Ancient Ferry—A 1,000-Year-Old Crossing 📍 Location: 4 km south of downtown ⛵ Highlights: One of the Yellow River’s three ancient ferries, once used by Jin Kingdom troops. Sunset views of "Maojin Evening Ferry" are poetic. 📌 Activities: Boat rides, ancient plank road exploration, "Iron Pier" photos. 5. Yellow River Rafting—Thrills & Wilderness 🚣 Highlights: Among China’s top three river rafting routes—10 km of rapids, calms, and gorges. Open year-round! 📌 Activities: Summer rafting, winter sightseeing; May offers "rafting + mulberry picking." --- 🌸 Seasonal Highlights 🌿 Spring (Mar–May) - Peach Blossoms: Thousands bloom in Jidu Village (Buguan Township); Peach Blossom Festival late March–April. - Peony Fields: May blooms in Chenzhang Village (Zhangdian Town). ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) - Lotus Gardens: 300 acres at Taiyangdu (Zhangcun Town) turn wetlands into "Jiangnan." - Rafting & Beaches: Yellow River adventures + "Little Sanya" water play. 🍁 Autumn (Sep–Nov) - Maquangou Red Leaves & Persimmons: Oct–Nov foliage, persimmon picking/drying, and tasting local "melting dried persimmons." ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) - Swan Spectacle: Photographer’s paradise with flocks on the lake. - Snowy Wetlands: Ink-painting-like scenes along the Yellow River. --- 🚗 2-Day Itinerary Day 1: Yellow River + Heritage - AM: Maojin Ferry boat ride → Ancient plank road exploration. - PM: Mitangou hike → Liangsutan sunset. - Night: Riverside B&B; try Yellow River fish and sweet potato cakes. Day 2: Nature + Culture - AM: Sanwan Swan Lake (winter) / Yellow River Rafting (summer). - PM: Fuxiang Temple (home of Shang Dynasty statesman Fu Yue) / Zhoucang Cultural Park. - Departure: Buy persimmons, Duma lilies, etc. --- 🍴 Local Eats - Yellow River fish: Tender and flavorful. - "Melting" dried persimmons: Pinglu’s unique melt-in-mouth treat. - Duma lilies: "Chinese ginseng" for sweet soups. - Sweet potato cakes, pan-fried buns: Must-try snacks. --- 📌 Tips ✔ Transport: Best by car; Yellow River No. 1 Tourist Highway connects key spots. ✔ Stay: Riverside B&Bs or downtown hotels (e.g., Hanting). ✔ Best time: Year-round, but winter swans and summer rafting peak! --- ✨ Pinglu—an underrated treasure awaits! 📷 Bookmark this guide and start your Yellow River adventure! 🚀