Huangcheng Xiangfu: Recommended Tourist Attraction in Shanxi, Beauty of Ancient Chinese Architecture

### **【Shanxi·Huangcheng Xiangfu】Explore the Residence of Northern China's First Cultural Giant Family | Travel Guide** **📍 Attraction Introduction** Huangcheng Xiangfu (Imperial Prime Minister's Mansion) is located in Beiliu Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province. It was the former residence of **Chen Tingjing**, a Grand Secretary of Wenyuan Pavilion during the Kangxi period and chief editor of the **Kangxi Dictionary**. This Ming and Qing dynasty official residence complex, honored as the "**First Cultural Giant Family Residence in Northern China**," combines castle, official residence, civilian housing, academy, and defensive fortifications. With its magnificent scale and imposing presence, it is truly a **treasure of ancient Chinese architectural art**. **🌟 Must-Visit Spots in Huangcheng Xiangfu** 1. **Yu Shu Lou (Imperial Book Tower)** - The iconic building of Huangcheng Xiangfu, named after Emperor Kangxi's gift of the "Wuting Mountain Village" plaque. The tower houses authentic imperial calligraphy by Emperor Kangxi, showcasing the Chen family's prestigious status. 2. **Zhongdao Zhuang (Main Mansion)** - Composed of **Zhuzai Di, Daxueshi Di, and Neifu Yuan**, featuring rigorous architectural layout and exquisite carvings that display the dignity of an official residence. 3. **Heshan Tower** (Tallest Building in Huangcheng Xiangfu) - Standing over 30 meters tall with 7 floors, this defensive watchtower was built in the late Ming Dynasty to resist bandits. From the top, you can overlook the entire mansion complex. 4. **Chen Family Ancestral Hall** - Records the glorious history of the Chen family: "**One family produced nine imperial scholars, and three generations had six Hanlin Academy scholars**," showcasing the cultural heritage of this ancient scholarly family. 5. **Zhi Garden (Rear Garden of the Mansion)** - A typical northern Chinese garden with pavilions, artificial hills, and winding streams. It was once Chen Tingjing's place for reading and meeting friends, offering a serene and elegant environment. 6. **Ming-Qing Ancient Street** - Recreates the market atmosphere of the Ming and Qing dynasties, where you can experience traditional crafts and taste Shanxi specialty snacks. --- ### **📌 Travel Guide** **🚗 Transportation** - **Self-driving**: From Taiyuan/Zhengzhou → Erguang Expressway (Jincheng section) → Beiliu exit → Huangcheng Xiangfu (about 3 hours) - **High-speed rail**: Take the high-speed train to Jincheng East Station, then transfer to a tourist shuttle or taxi (about 40 minutes) - **Public transit**: Take the **Huangcheng Xiangfu Tourist Shuttle** from Jincheng city center **🎫 Ticket Information** - **Price**: 120 yuan/person (peak season), 100 yuan/person (off-season) - **Opening hours**: 8:00-18:00 (summer), 8:30-17:30 (winter) - **Recommended visiting time**: 3-4 hours **📸 Best Photo Spots** 1. **In front of Yu Shu Lou**—Capture the panoramic view of the mansion 2. **Top floor of Heshan Tower**—Overlook the entire architectural complex 3. **Ming-Qing Ancient Street**—Perfect for traditional-style portrait photos **🍜 Food Recommendations** - **Jincheng Ten Bowls** (traditional local banquet) - **Yangcheng Roasted Liver** (specialty snack) - **Hele Noodles** (representative Shanxi noodle dish) **🏨 Accommodation Recommendations** - **Xiangfu Manor Hotel** (traditional courtyard-style accommodation) - **Nearby guesthouses** (experience the local residential style of southeastern Shanxi) --- ### **🎭 Special Experiences** ✔ **"Welcoming the Imperial Carriage" live performance** (recreating Emperor Kangxi's visit) ✔ **Traditional costume photo opportunities** (immersive Ming-Qing dynasty experience) ✔ **Night tour of Huangcheng Xiangfu** (light show + ancient city night views) --- ### **💡 Travel Tips** ✅ Recommended to hire a guide to learn more about the Chen family history ✅ Spring and autumn are the best seasons; be prepared for sun protection in summer and cold weather in winter ✅ Consider combining your visit with nearby **Guoyu Ancient City and Manghe Scenic Area** 📢 **Huangcheng Xiangfu is not just a building, but a living history of Ming and Qing dynasty official culture!** Come here to touch the historic stones and feel the glory and wisdom of a century-old prestigious family! **📅 Plan your journey and set off now!** 🚀