Climbing Guanque Tower to View the Millennium Hedong: A Complete Travel Guide to Guanque Tower in Yuncheng

“The sun sets behind the mountains, the Yellow River flows into the sea. To enjoy a grander sight, climb one more floor.” — This poem, memorized by every Chinese person, has made Guanque Tower the brightest cultural landmark in Yongji. As one of China’s Four Great Towers, it witnessed the grandeur of the flourishing Tang Dynasty. Basic Information Address: Puzhou Town, Yongji City, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province Opening Hours: Peak Season (April–October) 8:00 AM–6:30 PM Off-Season (November–March) 8:30 AM–5:30 PM Ticket Prices: Adult Ticket: 54 RMB/person Half-Price Ticket: 27 RMB/person (students, seniors over 60 with ID) 🚗 How to Get There From Yuncheng City Center By Car: Take Yunfeng Expressway to Yongji West Exit, then follow signs for about 15 minutes Intercity Bus: From Yuncheng Central Bus Station, take the “Yuncheng–Yongji” bus (20 RMB, 1.5 hours) From Yongji City Center Bus: Take Yongji Bus No. 3 directly to the scenic area (2 RMB, about 30 minutes) Taxi: About 80 RMB from city center to scenic area (carpooling possible) 🏯 Scenic Highlights Main Building Guanque Tower is a high platform pavilion-style building, 73.9 meters tall, with three exterior floors and four eaves, but actually six interior floors: 1st Floor: Theme “Timeless Masterpiece,” showcasing Wang Zhihuan’s life and the background of “Climbing Guanque Tower” 2nd Floor: Theme “Long-Lasting Origins,” presenting the root culture of the Chinese civilization 3rd Floor: Theme “Ancient Civilization,” displaying the long history of the Hedong region 4th Floor: Theme “Loess Charm,” exhibiting local folk culture 5th Floor: Theme “World-Class Prosperity,” the best viewing floor 6th Floor: Theme “Vast View for Thousands of Miles,” offering distant views of the Yellow River Best Viewing Spots Top Floor Observation Deck: On clear days, see the Yellow River winding east like a golden ribbon Scenic Area Plaza: Best spot for panoramic photos of Guanque Tower 🗓️ Recommended Tour Routes Half-Day Highlights Tour (3–4 hours) Scenic Area Entrance → Tang Charm Plaza → Guanque Tower Main Building (visit floor by floor) → Top Floor Yellow River View → Surrounding Gardens → Exit Full-Day In-Depth Tour (6–7 hours) Scenic Area Entrance → Tang Charm Plaza → Guanque Art Garden → Guanque Tower Main Building → Top Floor Viewing → Yellow River Culture Park → Rest and Meal → Pujindu Ruins → Iron Ox Pavilion → Exit 💡 Practical Tips Best Time to Visit Season: Spring and Autumn (April–May, September–October) with pleasant climate and high visibility Time: Arrive before 9 AM to avoid tour group crowds; enjoy the poetic “sun setting behind the mountains” scene at dusk Tour Suggestions 1. Climb the tower first for views, then explore surrounding exhibition halls 2. It can be windy on the top floor, dress warmly and protect against wind 3. Audio guides available for rent (20 RMB/session) or join guided tours 🍜 Nearby Cuisine Yongji Specialties Yongji Dumplings: Thin skin, generous filling, a local delicacy Yongji Hand-Pulled Noodles: Chewy and smooth, with fresh and tasty broth Yellow River Big Carp: Freshly caught, tender and delicious Dining Recommendations There is a snack area inside the scenic spot offering noodles and small dishes It is recommended to dine back in Yongji city for more variety and affordable prices 🏨 Accommodation Guide Near the Scenic Area Yongji Hotel: Three-star, 15 minutes by car from the scenic area Pujin Hotel: Budget-friendly with good value Yuncheng City Center If planning to visit other Yuncheng attractions, staying in Yuncheng city is more convenient for transportation 🌟 Combined Tours Recommended Guanque Tower can be combined with nearby attractions for one- or two-day tours: One-Day Tour: Guanque Tower + Pujiao Temple (setting of the story “Romance of the Western Chamber”) Two-Day Tour: Guanque Tower + Pujiao Temple + Yellow River Iron Ox + Yuncheng Salt Lake Standing atop Guanque Tower, you can not only overlook the magnificent flow of the Yellow River but also feel the inheritance of a thousand years of cultural heritage. This is not only a geographical high point but also a symbol of cultural confidence in the hearts of every Chinese person.