Yuncheng, Shanxi, with over 100 national protected sites, each a treasure. Although the main attractions are in the counties below, the urban area also has some nice places. The urban area of Yuncheng

Yuncheng, Shanxi, with 100+ national protected sites, each a treasure. Although the main attractions are in the counties below, the urban area also has some nice places. The urban area of Yuncheng is called Yanhu District. Here are a few spots I have checked in at: 📎 Yanhu Lake: One of the world's three major salt lakes, with a history of about 50 million years. In summer, different algae in the lake multiply massively due to rising temperatures, increasing salinity and uneven density, showing different colors. You can check in at pink, purple, and green lakes. Popular photo spot on the highway, location: [Miaodongzhuang D Group Service Station] 📎 Chishen Temple: Three large halls arranged in a row, quite rare, each dedicated to a different deity. The halls are all three bays wide and three bays deep with double-eaved Xieshan-style roofs, surrounded by corridors. Climb to the top to overlook Yanhu Lake. 📎 Changping Guan Di Family Temple: The hometown of Guan Yu, said to be the earliest Guan Di temple in China, founded in the Sui Dynasty and flourishing in the Jin Dynasty, but repeatedly damaged and rebuilt. It has the mountain gate, ceremonial gate, offering hall, Chongning Hall, Niangniang Hall, Shengzu Hall, and a thousand-year-old ancient tree. The octagonal seven-story brick pagoda inside the temple commemorates Guan Yu’s parents. 📎 Guan Di Statue Scenic Area: The statue is 61 meters tall, representing Guan Gong’s age. It is currently the tallest and largest bronze statue of Guan Di in the world, made with 500 tons of copper and 2,000 tons of iron, costing 200 million yuan and taking two years to complete. 📎 Panzhou Zen Master Pagoda: A round single-story pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty. It tapers slightly from bottom to top, with patterns like diamonds, lotus flowers, and treasure covers on the top. The round body is divided into eight sections by square brick pillars, each with different carvings, and a wooden door on the south side. 📎 Shun Emperor Mausoleum: A statue of Emperor Shun, with two cypress trees over 4,000 years old behind it, said to have been planted by Emperor Shun himself. Each ancient cypress embraces a dead cypress. At the end is the Yu Emperor Shun Mausoleum, where Emperor Shun was buried after his death. The layout of the tomb in front and temple behind is unique in China. The tomb is said to have been built by Emperor Yao. 📎 Jiexian Guan Di Temple: The second floor of the Chunqiu Tower has two chrysanthemum-patterned caisson ceilings, with layers of dougong brackets hanging down, and the Bagua caisson ceiling inside the Imperial Calligraphy Tower is also exquisite. There are also the divine bravery plaque appointed by Emperor Qianlong, the "Eternal Human Grade" handwritten by Emperor Xianfeng, and the "Righteousness Illuminates the Universe" calligraphy by Emperor Kangxi. Countless archways and stone pillars. The architecture is very beautiful. ps 1. Besides these, you can also check in at Yuncheng Museum (to get a complete understanding of the attractions in Yuncheng’s counties) and Donghu Morning Market (a collection of delicacies from various counties in Yuncheng). 2. If you stay in Yuncheng for a longer time, it is recommended to buy the Yuncheng Cultural Tourism Card, which includes all the attractions mentioned above and is very cost-effective. (p3) 3. Panzhou Zen Master Pagoda and Shun Emperor Mausoleum are a bit far from the urban area. You can visit them together along the way and connect with attractions in Wanrong County like Feiyun Tower for a day trip. 4. Jiexian Guan Di Temple is also far from the urban area. You can combine it with attractions in Ruicheng like Yongle Palace or in Yongji like Guanque Tower for a day trip.