40 minutes direct from Taiyuan! This free and lesser-known ancient city hides the stunning ancient architecture of Shanxi

Taiyuan is all set, how can the neighboring Yuci be missed! Just a 40-minute drive from downtown Taiyuan, this hidden gem of an ancient city pleasantly surprised the cultural tourism expert. Few people, beautiful scenery, and free admission make it a "hidden ancient architecture museum" that even locals may not be familiar with! Every snapshot looks like a classic ancient-style photo. Quickly save this nanny-level guide～ ✨ 1-day essential check-in route Ancient city wall ruins → Yuci Old Town → Confucian Temple → County Government Office → City God Temple → Qingxu Pavilion (all reachable on foot, super convenient!) 🔥 Must-visit highlights - City God Temple · Xuanjian Tower: Selected as one of the world's top 100 most beautiful buildings! The blue glazed tiles shine brilliantly under the sun, breathtakingly beautiful. The mix of the Yuan Dynasty main hall and Ming Dynasty pavilion is a masterpiece, with the glazed screen wall well preserved. Every shot looks like a cultural relic-level photo. - Confucian Temple: A millennium-old academy founded in the Northern Song Dynasty, supported by 28 coiled dragon pillars holding up Shanxi’s most imposing main hall. The contrast between ancient and modern architecture is stunning, truly a "living architectural textbook." - Other must-visits: Yuci County Government Office, Bell and Drum Tower, City Wall Ruins Park, and Qingxu Pavilion each have their own charm. When tired from walking, every casual photo captures an ancient-style ambiance. 💡 Practical tips - Transportation: 20 minutes by taxi from Taiyuan Airport; take bus 901 from the high-speed rail station to "Yuci Old Town" stop. - Accommodation: Plenty of cost-effective hotels around the old town, convenient for travel. - Food: Be sure to try the local specialty Yuci sausage, an authentic flavor not to be missed. - Off-the-beaten-path option: Combine with a visit to Taigu Ancient City for a day trip to two hidden treasure spots, doubling your joy!