Jincheng Trip Review: The Unvarnished Truth! Inspired by a Song to Visit a City

Hey everyone👋! Has a song ever sparked your wanderlust, like a gust of wind carrying the majestic Taihang Mountains and the mystique of ancient castles, opening the door to your yearning for a southeastern Shanxi city? The song "Beautiful Jincheng" did just that for me. "The mountains of Jincheng, majestic and magnificent, the peaks of Taihang, shrouded in clouds and mist, the walls of ancient castles, steeped in history, the waters of the Dan River, flowing for thousands of years, the moon over Jueshan Mountain, casting its clear brilliance, the drums of Gaoping, resounding through the heavens, the beauty of Jincheng, a myriad of charms, waiting for you to explore, this beautiful land." These passionate and evocative lyrics vividly depict the unique charm of Jincheng, making me eager to embrace this city. In March, filled with anticipation, I embarked on a journey to Jincheng. Check out my travel guide! 🌆Jincheng, located in the southeastern part of Shanxi Province, is a city with a rich history and culture, nestled in the embrace of the Taihang Mountains. Here, you'll find the majestic and beautiful Jueshan Mountain, with its twin peaks facing each other, resembling a fairyland; ancient castle villages scattered like stars, such as Xiangyu Castle and the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor, with their mottled walls, bearing witness to the prosperity and vicissitudes of the past; and the steaming Gaoping Mausoleum of Emperor Yan, carrying the ancient memories of the Chinese nation. In March, spring returns to Jincheng. Although there is still a slight chill in the air, under the warm sun, everything is revived, and the city gradually reveals its vitality. 🚗Transportation Guide ✈️By Air: You can first arrive at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport or Taiyuan Wusu International Airport, and then transfer to high-speed rail or long-distance bus to Jincheng. Transportation is convenient. Jincheng East Railway Station has many trains, and the surrounding buses and taxis are readily available, which can quickly take you to various scenic spots. The city buses mostly operate from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. You can use Alipay or WeChat to pay for the bus fare. Check the bus app for real-time information before traveling. 🚗If you are driving by yourself, Jincheng has a well-developed highway network around it, with clear road signs to various scenic spots. There are plenty of parking lots in the scenic areas, making parking convenient. 🗺Recommended Itinerary Day1️⃣: Jueshan Mountain - Qinglian Temple (Climb Jueshan Mountain in the morning to admire the unique peaks and rocks and experience Taoist culture. Visit Qinglian Temple in the afternoon to appreciate ancient architecture and Buddhist art treasures. Watch the sunset at the foot of Jueshan Mountain in the evening.) Day2️⃣: The Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor - Guoyu Ancient Castle (Visit the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor in the morning to appreciate the grandeur of the Ming and Qing official residences and explore historical stories. Go to Guoyu Ancient Castle in the afternoon, wander through the ancient streets and alleys, and feel the simplicity and profoundness of the ancient castle.) Day3️⃣: Gaoping Mausoleum of Emperor Yan - Dayang Ancient Town (Visit the Mausoleum of Emperor Yan in the morning to learn about the culture of the ancestor of the Chinese nation. Stroll through Dayang Ancient Town in the afternoon, experience traditional handicrafts, and taste Gaoping's specialties.) 🌟Must-See Attractions 📍Jueshan Mountain: Take the cable car up the mountain, and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. The top of the mountain offers a wide view, overlooking the rolling Taihang Mountains, surrounded by clouds and mist. "Jueshan Spits the Moon" is a wonder of the ages. When night falls, the bright moon hangs high between the twin peaks, picturesque📷. 📍The Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor: This large complex of official residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties is magnificent. The Imperial Book Tower is resplendent, the Middle Path Village is majestic, and the Hidden Soldier Cave is ingeniously designed. Walking through it is like traveling back to that era of change, feeling the glory and decline of official families. 📌Practical Tips 1. Book Jueshan Mountain tickets online in advance, including the cable car. Wear comfortable shoes. The temperature on the mountain is slightly lower, so dress warmly. Qinglian Temple is free. You can hire a guide to learn more about its history and culture. 2. Online booking of tickets for the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor offers discounts. The scenic area is large, and the tour time is long. You can check the performance schedule in advance to make your visit more enjoyable. Guoyu Ancient Castle tickets can be purchased on-site or online. Respect the castle's preservation rules. 3. The Gaoping Mausoleum of Emperor Yan is free. Visit with reverence. Dayang Ancient Town is free and has a lot of delicious food. Stroll around and taste Gaoping's specialties such as roasted tofu and sanzi. Pay attention to food hygiene. 🍜Local Food Recommendations 🥘Gaoping Roasted Tofu: This is a signature dish of Gaoping, Jincheng. After roasting and stewing, the tofu is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Topped with special garlic sauce and chili oil, it tastes spicy and delicious. A bowl in the early morning is warming and appetizing👍. 🥟Sanzi: A traditional Jincheng noodle dish, thin as silk, crispy and fragrant. It can be eaten dry or soaked in soup, with a unique flavor. It is a regular on local dining tables. 🏨Hotel Accommodation 📍City Center: Jincheng Hotel, with a superior location near the city's bustling area, is extremely convenient for travel and shopping. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, with complete facilities and attentive service, allowing you to fully experience the city's prosperity. 📍Yangcheng County (near the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor): Huangcheng Xiangfu VIP Building, located near the scenic area, has a beautiful environment and convenient transportation. Some rooms offer views of the ancient castle. After a day of sightseeing, you can fall asleep with the tranquility of the ancient castle and enjoy a pleasant vacation. 💖Travel Experience During these three days in March in Jincheng, I felt like I was immersed in a world of ancient charm and beautiful landscapes. The magnificence of Jueshan Mountain, the solemnity of the Imperial City of the Huangcheng Chancellor, and the delicious food all fascinated me. Humming "Beautiful Jincheng" and strolling through the streets of Jincheng, I truly felt the charm of this city. Everything here is like an endless poem of southeastern Shanxi, a never-ending painting of the Taihang Mountains. I look forward to coming back next time and continuing to explore this land of Jincheng💕.