May in Changzhi is truly fragrant.

🌄"People love to travel not to reach the destination, but to enjoy the various pleasures along the journey." In May, with warm breezes and fragrant flowers, it's the perfect season for travel. This month, I packed my bags and headed to Changzhi, Shanxi, embarking on a spontaneous journey. Now, I'd like to share this carefully prepared comprehensive travel guide for Changzhi in May with everyone 📝 🌟【First Impression】 Changzhi, a small city in southeastern Shanxi, is like a pearl treasured by time. Upon first seeing Changzhi, I was instantly captivated by its tranquility and rustic charm. It doesn't have the hustle and bustle of big cities, but it possesses unique historical charm and natural scenery, exuding a comforting sense of everyday life everywhere 🎇 📅【3-Day Itinerary】 Day 1: Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon → Red Bean Gorge → Green Dragon Gorge Morning: After arriving in Changzhi, take the tourist shuttle to Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon. Entering the scenic area feels like stepping into a paradise, with continuous mountain ranges, crystal-clear streams, and dense forests that enchant visitors 🌳 Noon: Enjoy local specialties at a nearby farmhouse restaurant. The rainbow trout is tender and delicious—definitely worth trying 🐟 Afternoon: Explore Red Bean Gorge, home to "China's longest stone slide" for a thrilling experience. You can also discover the thousand-year-old red bean yew forest and feel the wonders of nature. Then head to Green Dragon Gorge for hiking, admiring the Danxia landforms, and experiencing the zip line to view the canyon from above—exciting and thrilling 😎 Evening: Stay at a guesthouse within the scenic area and fall asleep to the sounds of insects in the quiet night. Day 2: Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall → Huangya Cave Munitions Factory Site Morning: Visit the Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall, which houses rich historical artifacts and precious photographs. Through this visit, you'll feel transported back to that war-torn era and deeply appreciate the bravery and patriotism of the Eighth Route Army soldiers 🕊️ Noon: Dine at a restaurant near the memorial hall, sampling local snacks like Wuxiang date cake and yellow rice cold cake. Afternoon: Tour the Huangya Cave Munitions Factory Site, walk the "Single-Line Sky" plank road, and learn about the development of the Eighth Route Army's military industry, experiencing the wisdom and perseverance of our predecessors 💪 Evening: Return to the city, check into a hotel, and explore the night markets to experience Changzhi's nightlife. Day 3: Lu'an Prefecture City God Temple → Guanyin Hall → Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park Morning: Visit the Lu'an Prefecture City God Temple to admire the Ming Dynasty glazed screen wall and Yuan Dynasty stage, experiencing the charm of ancient architecture. Then proceed to Guanyin Hall to closely observe over 500 Ming Dynasty colored suspended sculptures. These exquisite sculptures are vivid in shape and brilliant in color, truly breathtaking 🖼️ Noon: Enjoy donkey meat flatbread, Changzhi lamb soup, and other delicacies at the City God Temple food street to satisfy your taste buds. Afternoon: Head to Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park, rent a bicycle, and ride along the lakeside greenway to enjoy the scenery, watch birds, and take photos. The natural beauty here is stunning and refreshing 🌊 Evening: Prepare to return home, carrying wonderful memories from this unforgettable Changzhi journey. 📸【Photo Spots】 - Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon: Stand at the edge of the canyon with the continuous mountains as a backdrop for magnificent photos. Capture moments of joy by the stone slide in Red Bean Gorge; record your brave self on the zip line at Green Dragon Gorge. - Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall: Take a souvenir photo in front of the giant bronze sculpture "Taihang Monument" in the entrance hall to commemorate history. - Huangya Cave Munitions Factory Site: Strike a determined pose on the "Single-Line Sky" plank road for meaningful photos. - Lu'an Prefecture City God Temple: Use the Ming Dynasty glazed screen wall and Yuan Dynasty stage as backgrounds for traditional-style photos. - Guanyin Hall: Take close-up photos of the exquisite Ming Dynasty colored suspended sculptures to showcase their delicate craftsmanship. - Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park: Take photos by the lake and reed marshes to capture the beauty of nature. 🏠【Accommodation Recommendations】 - Guesthouses within Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon: Beautiful environment with close proximity to nature, but relatively higher prices. - City hotels: Convenient transportation with complete surrounding facilities, prices vary and can be chosen according to your budget. Staying near Changzhi East Station is recommended for convenient travel. 💡【Travel Tips】 - Book scenic spot tickets and accommodations online in advance to avoid delays. - In May, Changzhi's temperature ranges from about 15 - 25℃, so wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes, and bring a light jacket. - The Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon has many attractions with long walking distances, so remember to wear comfortable shoes and prepare some snacks and water for energy. - When visiting the Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall and Huangya Cave Munitions Factory Site, follow the rules, keep quiet, and respect history. - Zhangze Lake National Urban Wetland Park is quite large, so renting a bicycle is a good way to tour, but be mindful of safety. 🌈This Changzhi journey brought me so much joy and emotion. The mountains and rivers, history, and culture all left a deep impression on me. If you're looking for a different kind of trip in May, consider visiting Changzhi—I believe you'll fall in love with this small city too 💕