Jinshan and Shanxi Self-Driving Tour (Twenty-One)

Xinzhou Ancient City is the most bustling ancient city visited on this self-driving tour. Walking on the ancient city walls, strolling around Xiurong Academy, the ancient streets are crowded with people, queuing up to taste delicious food is common, and the bar street is exceptionally lively. Overall, the experience was very good, evoking some reflections. Over the years, I have visited many ancient cities, towns, and villages. Xinzhou, with its modest heritage and many newly built imitation ancient buildings, cannot compare to places like Pingyao or Fenghuang, which are well-preserved and rich in history. Yet, such popularity is rarely seen. I don’t dare to call myself a travel expert, but having seen some places, I conclude that Xinzhou Ancient City's success is not something the cultural tourism department can achieve alone. The government’s correct decisions, strict management, and strong investment are indispensable. For example, the narrow roads inside the ancient city are effectively managed with one-way traffic planning and staff coordination; whenever there is vehicle congestion, someone quickly directs traffic to ease it. Both times I parked inside the ancient city, I followed instructions to enter the underground parking lot, which was surprisingly free. Xiurong Academy, Taishan Temple, Caishen Temple, and the city walls are all open to the public for free. The newly built or renovated imitation ancient commercial streets and old houses are planned according to the old city’s layout, with historical basis for restoring old structures as they were. Supporting performance programs and various levels of inns and hotels all match the local characteristics. Compared to many places that outsource scenic spot development and charge entrance fees, while ticket sales are visible income, the few tourists cannot boost the overall local consumption and tax revenue, which is a case of losing more than gaining. Xinzhou Ancient City’s experience is indeed worth learning from. The two-kilometer road from the North Gate of the ancient city to Changzheng East Street is also lively at night and serves as Xinzhou’s commercial center. Xinzhou Museum is located in the northern new city, ten kilometers from the ancient city, forming a new city landmark complex with the Grand Theater and Library, and is also worth a visit. Xinzhou Ancient City