Qiufeng Tower is an ancient building famous for Emperor Wu of Han's "Autumn Wind Poem"

, located inside the Houtu Temple in Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. It stands on a high cliff on the east bank where the Yellow River and Fen River converge. It is not only a "Chinese masterpiece" but also a cultural treasure carrying over two thousand years of history. ✨ Highlights of the itinerary "View the Yellow River from the top of Qiufeng Tower": Climb to the top floor of Qiufeng Tower, 32.6 meters high, to overlook the magnificent scenery where the Yellow River and Fen River meet, experiencing the heroic spirit of Emperor Wu of Han when "the autumn wind rises and white clouds fly." The unique "Pin-shaped Opera Stage": The "Pin"-shaped ancient opera stage inside Houtu Temple is the only triple-stage structure in the country, where Yu opera, Qin opera, and Pu opera can be performed simultaneously, making it highly distinctive. The "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" of wood carving: The four-layer walnut wood carvings on the top of the main hall of Houtu Temple depict over 80 characters in various market scenes with exquisite details, regarded as the pinnacle of wood art. Rich historical and cultural heritage: Qiufeng Tower houses the stele of Emperor Wu of Han's "Autumn Wind Poem," and the building itself is full of symbolic meanings, such as 28 hanging pillars representing the 28 generals of Yuntai and 108 glazed warrior statues symbolizing the 108 heroes of Liangshan. 📌 Basic Information Address: Inside Houtu Temple, Miaoqian Village, Ronghe Town, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Opening Hours: Summer (approx. April to October): 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Winter (approx. November to March): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ticket Prices: The Houtu Temple ticket includes access to Qiufeng Tower. Adult tickets cost about 20-40 RMB (it is recommended to check the latest prices through official or reliable platforms before traveling). Discounts are usually available for students, seniors, and others. 🗺️ Suggested Tour Routes Essential Half-Day Tour (about 2-3 hours) If you have limited time, you can efficiently visit the core attractions of Houtu Temple and Qiufeng Tower following this route: Enter through the mountain gate → "Pin-shaped Opera Stage" (take wide-angle photos from below) → Dragon and Phoenix Cypress for blessings → Admire exquisite wood carvings in the main hall → Climb Qiufeng Tower to overlook the Yellow River → Visit the Song Zhenzong Stele Gallery. This route is compact and classic, allowing you to appreciate the essence of Houtu Temple and Qiufeng Tower. In-Depth Full-Day Tour If you have ample time, it is recommended to combine Qiufeng Tower with other famous attractions in Wanrong County to experience richer southern Shanxi culture: Morning: Visit Wanrong Dongyue Temple and admire Feiyun Tower, known as "China's No.1 Wooden Tower." This pure wooden structure features exquisite dougong brackets and high artistic value. Afternoon: Head to Houtu Temple for an in-depth tour of Qiufeng Tower and surrounding buildings. Enjoy the sunset over the Yellow River from Qiufeng Tower in the evening, which is especially spectacular. 💡 Practical Tips Best Season to Visit: Autumn (September to November). The weather is clear and crisp, perfectly matching the "autumn wind" atmosphere and is the best time to enjoy the autumn colors along the Yellow River banks. Transportation: Self-driving: Set navigation to "Wanrong Houtu Temple" or "Qiufeng Tower." It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from Yuncheng city center. Public Transport: Take a bus from Yuncheng Central Bus Station to Wanrong County, then transfer to a rural bus heading to Ronghe Town or Miaoqian Village. Photo Tips: Early morning or late afternoon light is soft and ideal for photographing Qiufeng Tower and the Yellow River. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the unique structure and large scenes of the "Pin-shaped Opera Stage." The top of Qiufeng Tower is the best spot for shooting the Yellow River. Local Cuisine: Nearby farmhouses offer authentic Wanrong cold noodles, heluo noodles, Ronghe steamed dishes, and other local snacks. Notes: Some areas in the scenic spot have many steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Spring and autumn winds can be strong, and Shanxi’s climate is dry, so take precautions against wind, keep warm, and stay hydrated. It is advisable to carry some cash as some small vendors or services may not support electronic payments.