2025 Jiexiu Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Hey guys, here's a super fun guide to Jiexiu✨ I went to Jiexiu a while ago and fell in love with it! Now I'm sharing my treasure guide with you👇 Preparation Check the weather in advance🌤 Prepare comfortable sneakers👟 Bring your camera, Jiexiu's beauty is worth capturing📷 Don't forget sunscreen and rain gear. Transportation Guide It's super convenient to take the high-speed train to Jiexiu East Station. After getting off the train, you can take a taxi or bus to the city center. You can also take a taxi or ride a shared e-bike🛵 Super convenient. Ticket Information Many attractions can be booked online in advance, such as Mianshan Scenic Area. Buying tickets in advance can save time and may even offer discounts😎 Attractions - Mianshan: The scenery is amazing, with a perfect blend of natural and cultural landscapes. There is a spectacular cliffside walkway, which is super exciting to walk on😱 There are also ancient temples with a strong historical flavor. - Zhangbi Ancient Castle: A thousand-year-old castle with a dual military defense system above and below ground. Walking through the alleys is like traveling through time🧐 - Houtu Temple: The glazed architecture is stunning and colorful. As a Taoist temple, it carries a deep historical and cultural heritage, and is great for photos📸 Food Exploration - Jiexiu Guanmian Sugar: Sweet and crispy, with a mouthful of sesame flavor, it is a traditional specialty of Jiexiu and a must-try😍 - Jiexiu Fried Sausage: Unique taste, with garlic vinegar sauce, sour and spicy, you'll love it at first bite🥣 Local Customs The people of Jiexiu are warm and hospitable, and you can feel the strong Shanxi flavor here. There are also lively temple fairs every year, with various folk performances, which are very lively🎉 Travel Route Planning Day 1: Go to Mianshan in the morning and spend the whole day immersed in the beautiful scenery; return to the city center in the evening to try some local food. Day 2: Visit Zhangbi Ancient Castle, and go to Houtu Temple in the afternoon to experience the charm of history and art. Guys, this is a great way to enjoy Jiexiu, so get ready😘

Jiexiu is named after Jie Zitui, a famous minister of Duke Wen of Jin, one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period. It is also the birthplace of the Cold Food Festival and the Qingming Festival. The City God Temple of Jiexiu is located at No. 285, East Street, Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province. It is mainly used to worship the City God, who is regarded as the god in charge of the city and the guardian of the land. It is a key cultural relic under state protection. The City God Temple was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. It faces south and has a rigorous layout. It is tall, magnificent, and well-proportioned. The central axis is composed of a screen wall, a mountain gate, a stage, a main hall, and a sleeping hall from south to north. On both sides are the bell tower, drum tower, and side halls. The main part of the temple is well-preserved, with a high level of design and a well-documented history of repairs. It is an important example of ancient wooden architecture. The main hall has seven rooms, with a double-eave hip roof and yellow-green glazed ridge decorations. The glazed ridge tiles, ridge beasts, and roof figurines are perfectly shaped and colored. The glazed windbreak boards and hanging fish are particularly exquisite. Unfortunately, they cannot be fully seen from inside the temple, so it is recommended to take photos from outside. The temple originally enshrined a statue of the City God, with judges, ox-headed and horse-faced demons, and black and white impermanence ghosts on both sides. Unlike other City God Temples, this temple has an abacus and two plaques. One plaque has the three characters "明白处" (Ming Bai Chu) in running script, and the other has the five characters "你也来了么" (Ni Ye Lai Le Ma). The large abacus is used by the City God to calculate the length of life and the amount of good and evil deeds. Near the abacus is a banner with the words "不由人算" (Bu You Ren Suan), meaning that life and death are determined by heaven. The music building in the temple has a hard mountain roof with a rolled shed structure. The top is decorated with yellow-green glazed ridge spires, ridge beasts, and square glazed tiles. The ridge beasts, roof figurines, pavilions, and vases are all perfectly shaped and colored. There is a passage on the lower level of the music building that leads to the temple courtyard. The attraction is free to visit, but registration is required. It is closed on Mondays and has a lunch break from 12:00 to 2:00. It is close to the Houtu Temple, the Xianshen Tower, and the museum. Note that Jiexiu attractions have a lunch break, so you can visit the museum during this time and plan your itinerary accordingly.

Jiexiu Museum is a museum with a history of 2,500 years, located at No. 153 Sanxian Avenue, Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province (next to Sanxian Square), and adjacent to the famous Xianshen Tower of Shanxi Province. The museum has four basic exhibitions, namely "Jiexiu History and Culture Exhibition", "Museum Collection of Fine Cultural Relics Exhibition", "Jiexiu Glazed Art Exhibition" and "Jiexiu Kiln Ancient Ceramics Art Exhibition". There are 8,408 pieces in the collection. Among them, the "Jiexiu History and Culture Exhibition" introduces the ancient cultural sites, ancient tombs, ancient buildings, stone carvings and steles, historical celebrities, etc. of Jiexiu. The "Museum Collection of Fine Cultural Relics Exhibition" brings together fine cultural relics, divided into three units: "Danqing Art", "Clay Transformation" and "Magnificent Treasures". Calligraphy and painting works are featured exhibits, such as the treasure of the museum, "Ming Ningzhai Landscape Silk Painting Scroll", which was made by Zhu Chengbi, the great-grandson of Emperor Gao of the Ming Dynasty, and is the largest of the two surviving paintings. There is also the "Famous Artists Painting Fan Lianzhu" calligraphy and painting album, which brings together the works of many famous artists from the middle of the Ming Dynasty to the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty for more than 200 years, which is a treasure of Ming and Qing art, and there are many bamboo curtain embroidery. Jiexiu is the national "hometown of glazed tiles", which was fired in the Tang Dynasty, and after the development of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, the glazed tiles are rich in variety, bright as a mirror, bright and long-lasting, strong and durable, and are used in many palaces, mausoleums, temples, temples, etc. The museum has a special "Glazed Tiles Exhibition" glazed art exhibition hall, divided into five units: "Mingyu Liudan", "Huacai Shadow Wall", "Glazed Tiles", "National Protection Collection" and "Ancient Building Relics", which show the production, craftsmanship and dissemination of glazed components in ancient buildings, and the fine components, most of which are some architectural fragments replaced during the restoration of buildings such as Jiexiu Houtu Temple, Wuyue Temple, and Chenghuang Temple. Although they are fragments, they still have high historical and artistic value, and many of them are glazed architectural decorations from the Jin and Yuan to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Jiexiu Kiln (Hongshan Kiln), one of the nine famous kilns of the Northern Song Dynasty, has been fired for thousands of years, and the site of Jiexiu Kiln is the central site of Shanxi ceramic culture. The exhibition hall displays the archaeological and excavation of Jiexiu kiln, and exhibits more than 70 pieces of ancient ceramics from Jiexiu kiln during the Song and Jin dynasties. The treasure of the museum is a two-meter-high Ming Dynasty three-dragon glazed chi kiss, and the yellow and blue glaze four lion bottle glazed ridge decoration is the prototype of the iconic sculpture of the four lion bottle in the center of the county town. Although there are not many cultural relics in the museum, there are also many fine products, and the five major treasures of the museum are: 1. the great-grandson of Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty, Ningzhai Landscape Silk Painting Scroll, 2. the "Famous Artists Painting Fan Lianzhu" calligraphy and painting album compiled by Ji Chang of the Qing Dynasty, 3. the yellow-green blue glaze glazed chi kiss of the Ming Dynasty, 4. the gilded bronze seated statue of Shakyamuni of the Ming Dynasty, and 5. the bronze jue with banana leaf pattern of the Western Zhou Dynasty. Jiexiu has a history of 2,500 years, a long history, a deep culture, and many famous monuments such as Jinshan Scenic Area, Zhangbi Ancient Castle, Houtu Temple, Xianshen Tower, Hongshan Kiln Site, Glazed Archway, Chenghuang Temple, etc.

💯 A national treasure because of an archway 🎡 🏯 Known as the most beautiful glazed archway in China 🎊 Jiexiu Taiheyan Glazed Archway, Shanxi 🌈 Has become popular with the help of netizens 🚶 When we stand in front of the real thing 🦚 We are completely conquered by the peacock blue 🏯 Taiheyan Archway Introduction ✅ Taiheyan Archway was originally the archway in front of Lizhenwu Temple, but the temple was destroyed, and only the archway remains. The archway has an inscription from the 23rd year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1897). In 2006, it became the sixth batch of national key cultural relics protection units, and it is one of the few fine products among the existing glazed archways of the Qing Dynasty in northern China. ✅ The archway faces north and south, with four pillars, three doors, and three floors, with a total height of about 4.5 meters, and a hip roof. Below is a stone-built Xumi seat, with seven steps and three eaves in the Ming Dynasty, and five steps and one eave in the next room. ✅ The archway's eaves, door plaques, tile ridges, beast ridge decorations, and various floral patterns are all made of yellow, green, and blue glazed components. ✅ The Taiheyan Archway is rich in content, from dragon patterns, auspicious beasts, flowers, birds, fish, insects, figures, landscapes, to couplets and plaques, especially the wording, which has both Taoist metaphors and the beautiful wishes of traditional Chinese culture for good luck, happiness, and peace, fully reflecting the wisdom and talents of the ancients, and is a typical masterpiece of the development of Chinese glazed art to the peak of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. 📍 Specific Address 🏯 The archway is located in the east of Beixinwu Village, Yian Town, Jiexiu City, in an abandoned factory in a residential area. Follow the navigation, and if you can't find it, ask a passerby! 🚃 About Transportation 🚖 Taiheyan Archway is not far from Jiexiu East Station. After leaving Jiexiu Station, take a taxi directly (you can try a ride-sharing service or carpool with others, and let the driver wait for a while before taking the car back. The round trip is not particularly expensive) 🚖 You can also take a ride-sharing service from Lingshi East Station to Taiheyan Archway, and then let the driver take you back to the Jiexiu hotel, which costs only sixty or seventy yuan in total! 🚃 Public transportation: Take bus 202 to Beixinwu Village, get off and walk nearly 1 km to reach, but bus 202 runs once an hour, and it takes too much time on the road, so it is not recommended to take public transportation 🎫 Tickets There are local villagers guarding the entrance, 5 yuan per person! Super cost-effective

🌄 Mianshan Mountain is a hidden paradise in Jinzhong. The lush mountains and misty clouds are like a flowing landscape painting, waiting for every traveler to savor. 🖼️ 🚶‍♂️ Walk along the stone path of Mianshan Mountain, and every step is full of surprises. The ancient trees tower over the mountain, the clear springs trickle down, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of soil and leaves, making you feel relaxed and happy. 🌳💧 🌄 When you reach the top of the mountain, you will be greeted by a sea of clouds, like a dream. The distant mountains are faintly visible in the sea of clouds, like a fairyland. At this moment, you seem to have merged into this magical world. 🌁 📸 Take out your phone or camera and capture this stunning beauty. Whether it's the strange pines and rocks in the mountains or the magnificent sea of clouds, your photos will stand out in your social media feed. 📷 🧘‍♀️ Here, you can temporarily forget the troubles of the world and let your mind relax completely. Take a deep breath of fresh air, feel the embrace of nature, and let your body and mind be purified and sublimated in the embrace of Mianshan Mountain. 🌟

📍Mianshan is located in Jiexiu, Shanxi Province. It is a branch of the Taiyue Mountain (Huoshan) range that extends northward. The highest peak is 2,566.6 meters above sea level, with a relative height of over 1,000 meters. Mianshan, also known as Jieshan, is named for its long and continuous shape. It is a provincial-level scenic area and the birthplace of the Qingming Festival (Cold Food Festival) in China. 🌸Seasonal Highlights March to April: Spring in Mianshan, return to nature and fitness. May to September: Explore the wonders of nature, escape the summer heat, and enjoy a vacation. October to November: The golden autumn leaves and colorful Mianshan are a feast for the eyes. December to February: Warm winter in Mianshan, where the temperature difference in the same scenic area is huge. Enjoy the ice peaks and jade pillars in Shuitaogou, and the flowers in Longjiling. Celebrate the Spring Festival in Mianshan and enjoy the charm of the new Jin merchants' culture. 🎫Tickets Admission: CNY 110 per person Sightseeing bus: CNY 50 per person Jiegongling Cable Car: CNY 35 per person Longjiling Cable Car: CNY 35 per person 🚖Transportation 1⃣Self-driving: Search for Jiexiu Mianshan Scenic Area on the navigation app, drive to Lingshikou Expressway, and follow the roadside signs for 10 minutes to reach Mianshan Scenic Area. There is a paid parking lot, which costs CNY 30 per day (on holidays). 2⃣Train: Jiexiu Station, about 19 km from Mianshan Scenic Area. You can take Bus 302, which departs on the hour, and costs CNY 5 to reach Mianshan Scenic Area. 3⃣Airport: Taiyuan Wusu Airport, about 152 km from Mianshan Scenic Area. You can take the airport bus to Taiyuan downtown, then take a train/high-speed train to Jiexiu, and finally take a bus or a shuttle bus to Mianshan Scenic Area. ✅Main Attractions🌄Main Attractions Longtou Temple: The bell of the ancient temple echoes through history. Daluo Palace: A treasure of Taoist culture. Yunfeng Temple: The wonder of Baofu Rock and the tranquility of the ancient temple. Shuitaogou: Waterfalls and springs, a symphony of nature. 📍Mianshan Hiking Routes 🚶‍♂One-day Hiking Route Longtou Temple → Daluo Palace → Tianqiao → Zhujia'ao → Yunfeng Temple → Zhengguo Temple → Xixian Valley → Shuitaogou Start from Longtou Temple, feel the solemnity and tranquility of the ancient temple, then go to Daluo Palace to experience the mystery of Taoist culture, pass through Tianqiao and Zhujia'ao, and reach Yunfeng Temple to feel the weight of the ancient temple, the tranquility of Zhengguo Temple, the beauty of Xixian Valley, and finally end the day at Shuitaogou to experience the agility of water and the grandeur of the mountain. 🚶‍♀Two-day Hiking Route Day 1: Longtou Temple → Daluo Palace → Tianqiao → Zhujia'ao → Yunfeng Temple On the first day, start from Longtou Temple, shuttle through the splendor of Daluo Palace, the steepness of Tianqiao, the tranquility of Zhujia'ao, and finally end at Yunfeng Temple to feel the sediment of history. Day 2: Zhengguo Temple → Xixian Valley → Shuitaogou → Guteng Valley → Return On the second day, start from Zhengguo Temple, pass through the freshness of Xixian Valley, the magnificence of Shuitaogou, the mystery of Guteng Valley, and finally return. The two-day trip will let you experience the nature and culture of Mianshan in depth. 📝Tips Wear comfortable hiking shoes to make your steps lighter. Bring enough water and snacks to replenish your energy. Bring sun protection and rain gear to cope with the changing weather. Choose the right route according to your physical strength and time.

Hey, guys! You can't miss this guide! The ultimate guide to a 4-day tour of Pingyao Ancient City and Mianshan is here! Don't take the long way around. All the surprises of the trip are here! -------- 🎉🎒Itinerary: Day 1: Wang Family Courtyard, Shanxi Say goodbye to the hustle and bustle of the city and be captivated by the simple elegance of the Wang Family Courtyard. The historical stories within await your exploration. Day 2: Mianshan—Shuitao Valley, Mianshan Scenic Area The Mianshan Scenic Area is suitable for all ages and will make you feel like you're traveling through history. You'll be immersed in the mountain peaks and green pines and bamboos, enjoying the journey. Day 3: Hukou Waterfall, Shanxi On this day, you'll be amazed by the magnificent scenery of Hukou Waterfall, as if you're in a grand and beautiful natural painting. Day 4: Pingyao Ancient City—Tianjin Enjoy the ancient charm and unique appeal of Pingyao Ancient City, then the modern and bustling Tianjin will be the perfect end to this trip. The fleeting alternation of ancient and modern times leaves a deep impression. -------- 🧣Travel Essentials: Check off your Pingyao Ancient City and Mianshan packing list ☃️First, dear friends, it's a bit cold in Pingyao Ancient City and Mianshan in December, so remember to bring warm clothes, down jackets, warmers, and scarves. Also, don't forget non-slip snow boots! 👝Next, let's talk about accessories. Don't forget hats and gloves, as wind and cold protection are important. You can bring an umbrella, although you may not need it, but it's always good to be prepared. 📝Of course, documents are also essential. ID cards, cash, and credit cards are all safety guarantees when you're out and about. You can also prepare a copy of your itinerary, accommodation booking information, and scenic area guide map in advance. 📷Let's talk about entertainment equipment. DSLR cameras, mobile phones, and power banks are all great helpers for taking photos and navigating. To prevent data loss, you can also prepare a spare memory card. 💊Finally, don't forget health-related items. First, you need a medicine box. Remember to bring antipyretics, painkillers, motion sickness medicine, and other common medicines. Also, dear friends, thermos cups and masks are essential for going out in winter. -------- 🏮The beauty of Pingyao Ancient City and Mianshan can only be truly felt by visiting in person! We look forward to your exploration and discovery!🏮

When you visit Jiexiu, Shanxi, don't miss Wuyue Temple. Although most of the ancient buildings in Jiexiu City are from the Ming and Qing dynasties, which are not particularly old compared to other ancient buildings in Shanxi, Jiexiu is famous for its glazed tiles! The ancient buildings here are known for their complex and exquisite structures and glazed tile decorations, which are shiny and very attractive. Among the several national protected buildings in Jiexiu, the glazed tiles of the Houtu Temple are the most dazzling. In my opinion, the glazed tiles of Wuyue Temple are the most outstanding after the Houtu Temple. Unfortunately, Wuyue Temple is not open to the public yet, so you can't go inside. You can only use a drone to see its full view from above. Wuyue Temple is located in Caoshi Lane, Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. It was built in the 7th year of the Ming Jingtai period (1456) and is a group of ancient Taoist buildings. Wuyue Temple faces south and has a two-courtyard layout. Walking along the central axis, you can see the street-facing screen wall, the mountain gate (which also serves as a theater stage), the offering hall, the main hall, and the rear hall. There are eight-character screen walls on both sides of the mountain gate, and side halls on both sides of the offering hall. The special feature is that the roof structures of the mountain gate, theater stage, and bell and drum towers are connected together, like a trinity. The ridge decorations on the top of the entire Wuyue Temple are all decorated with peacock blue glazed tiles. The color of the glazed tiles is very vibrant, and the shapes are beautiful. They must be especially beautiful when illuminated by sunlight. There are many delicious foods nearby. For example, Pingyao beef is tender and flavorful, and it is delicious when sliced thinly and sandwiched in a bun. Taigu cake is sweet but not greasy, crispy and soft, and makes a great snack. If you want to visit Jiexiu and Wuyue Temple, you should know that it is not open to the public. If you want to see what it looks like, you can only use a drone. Other attractions, such as Houtu Temple, are worth visiting to admire the exquisite glazed tiles up close. Strolling through the Ming and Qing ancient buildings in Jiexiu City and experiencing the historical charm is also a good idea. When visiting, respect local customs and traditions, and take care of the ancient buildings. Don't graffiti.

#chinatrip 🥰China's most beautiful glaze paifang, I'm completely amazed by this charming peacock blue! China has countless paifang (Chinese-style archways), most of which are made of stone. There are only 13 glaze archways exist in China, with 12 located in Beijing and Chengde, and just one in Jiexiu, Shanxi Province. The Taihe Rock glaze archway in Jiexiu is the only archway entirely made of glaze, featuring a primary color of jade-like peacock accented with golden yellow and green glaze, making it even more vibrant. The patterns on the glaze are vivid and rich in content, featuring dragon motifs, auspicious beasts, flowers, birds, fish, insects, figures, landscapes, and couplets, all embodying the good wishes for luck, longevity, and peace in. Various artistic techniques such as imitation line carving, high relief, and transparent carving have been employed in the glaze pieces, along with a wealth of painting techniques, making each piece unique. The glaze archway is truly a masterpiece without doubt among many archways in China. #

If you have an annual pass, this attraction is worth a visit. If you are fascinated by underground tunnels, this attraction is worth a visit. 🚉Transportation tips: Bus 301 departs from Jiexiu Station every half hour, RMB 3 per ride, 1 ride per hour. 🗓Route: Nanbao Gate - Guandi Temple - Ancient Military Training Ground - Astrology Culture Exhibition Hall - Kuixing Tower - Kehan Temple - Underground Tunnel - Longhefu - Yongchun Tower - Yulong Temple - Kongwang Temple - Erlang Temple 📝Tips: 1. Gate: The scenic area has a south gate and a north gate. The main entrance is on the south side, and the bus stop is also on this side. Pay attention to the navigation if you drive. 2. Tunnel: One-way, no return. Check out the scenery near Guandi Temple before entering the tunnel. Be sure to climb the city wall and overlook the attractions in front of you. The terrain is high in the south and low in the north. The tunnel takes about 30 minutes. 3. Ancient buildings: Don't miss the unique "Fu" character. The glazed stele in Kongwang Temple is very exquisite, but unfortunately it is covered by glass. Erlang Temple is now a glazed exhibition hall, where you can see many exquisite glazed items. 4. Terrain: The road from Jiexiu to the scenic area is uphill. The south gate is the highest point. Although the north side is lower, the houses are basically flat. Pay attention to the waterway on the main street. It was originally used for drainage from south to north, but now there is always water to prevent the air from drying out. The scenic area is very thoughtful. 5. Performance: The scenic area has regular performances, but the quality is average, so you don't need to wait for them. 6. Along the way: You will pass by Lingkong Tower on the way, which is a warm-up for Zhangbi Ancient Castle. It is a paid attraction, similar to the free Shigong Tower in the urban area, so you don't need to buy a ticket to enter.

Mianshan, also known as Jieshan, is located 20 km southeast of Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province. It is the birthplace of the Qingming Festival (Cold Food Festival). Mianshan is famous for its breathtaking natural scenery and rich historical culture. It is where Jie Zitui of the Jin State in the Spring and Autumn Period lived in seclusion. Itinerary Morning Route: Longtou Temple - As a starting point, feel the mystery and solemnity of Mianshan. Daluo Palace - Visit the Taoist architectural complex and experience the grandeur of the "Little Potala Palace." Tianqiao - Walk along the plank road on the cliff and experience the feeling of "walking on air." Yunfeng Temple - Admire the hanging plank road and ancient architectural complex. Lunch Recommendations: Mianshan Kaiyuan Imperial Banquet - Taste the famous Mianshan banquet named by Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and experience the ancient flavors. Afternoon Route: Shuitaogou - A natural scenic area known as the "Little Jiuzhai." Zhengguo Temple - Feel the tranquility of Buddhist culture. Qixian Valley - Enjoy the natural scenery and historical and cultural attractions. Yidou Spring - Experience the natural spring water of Mianshan. Specialty Food Recommendations: Shanxi-style Youmian Kaolao - Authentic Shanxi cuisine. Jiexiu Dandan Noodles - Unique breakfast culture with delicious soup. Guanxian Candy - Traditional Han candy from Jiexiu, Shanxi, and one of the eight treasures of Jiexiu. Opening Hours and Prices Peak Season: April 1–October 31, 8:00 am–7:30 pm, tickets CNY 110/person, sightseeing bus CNY 50/person. Off Season: November 1–March 31, 8:30 am–6:00 pm, tickets CNY 90/person, sightseeing bus CNY 50/person. Transportation Self-driving: Exit at the Lingshi Toll Station on the Beijing-Kunming Expressway - Yongji Avenue - X378 (Jieqin Line) - Mianshan Scenic Area. Public Transportation: Jiexiu City - Mianshan Scenic Area direct tourist bus/Jiexiu Bus 223 to Jiexiu Bus 302. Travel Tips and Photo Spots Daluo Palace: A 13-story ancient-style building built on the mountain, the largest temple in the country, perfect for photos. Yunfeng Temple: The temple houses more than 70 exquisite colored sculptures from various dynasties, including three bone statues, making it a great place for photos. Tianqiao: A 400-meter-long ancient plank road in the clouds. After the rain, clouds rise, and when you walk on the bridge, the clouds fly under your feet, making it a perfect photo spot.

Pingyao → Zhangbi Ancient Castle → Wang Family Courtyard → Pingyao → Shuanglin Temple|||The transportation for the entire route is very inconvenient. If you are not driving yourself and only using public transportation, you either need to have plenty of time and stay overnight in Jiexiu, or be prepared to take a taxi. First, from Pingyao to Jiexiu, there is a bus from Jiexiu to Zhangbi Ancient Castle. The bus stop is right outside the train station, but the schedule is uncertain, with buses running about once an hour. You can ask for more information when you get there. Zhangbi Ancient Castle is not very big, and about 3 hours is enough to explore it. There is no direct transportation from Zhangbi Ancient Castle to Wang Family Courtyard, so you need to take a bus back to Jiexiu and then go to Wang Family Courtyard. In this case, you will probably need to take a taxi, which costs about 50 yuan. Alternatively, you can take a train from Jiexiu to Lingshi, and then take a bus from Lingshi to Wang Family Courtyard. The route depends on your schedule. We planned to do it in one day, and we booked a car for the two segments in between. It is difficult to book a car in Jiexiu, and almost all of them are taxis. After a day of sightseeing, we returned to Pingyao from Lingshi. It is very convenient to get from Pingyao to Shuanglin Temple. You can take bus 108 near the train station, which goes directly to the temple. While waiting for the bus, private car drivers may approach you and ask if you want a ride. You can negotiate the price, and they can take you there for 8 yuan. The choice is yours. Shuanglin Temple is really worth visiting. The craftsmanship of the various hanging sculptures of gods and Buddhas in the Three Thousand Worlds is particularly exquisite.

Located in Beixinwu Village, Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province. Built in the 23rd year of the Guangxu reign of the Qing Dynasty (1897). It has three gates, four pillars, three floors, and a single-eave hip roof. The four pillar bases are stone-carved waist-bundled Sumeru style, and the archway pillars, couplets, balustrades, plaques, brackets, eaves, tile roofs, ridge decorations, and ridge spires are all made of glazed art components. The glaze colors are mainly yellow, green, and blue, occasionally accompanied by white, purple, black, and crimson. Because it is entirely covered with exquisite and luxurious glazed decorations, it is called a glazed archway by the locals. The entire archway is colorful and dazzling under the sunlight. There are very few glazed archways in China, and they are of high quality and very precious.

|Explore the Daluo Wonderland. The name of Mianshan Daluo Palace comes from Jie Zitui, a famous hermit in the Spring and Autumn Period. It is said that Jie Zitui once lived in seclusion with his mother in Mianshan and saw the Taoist highest realm "Daluo Wonderland" here, which is "above the Three Purities, there is Yujing Mountain, on the mountain there are seven treasure trees covering the eight directions of Luotian, called Daluo." Daluo Palace is suspended on the cliff of Lion Mountain, 13 stories and 110 meters high, with layers of pavilions, green walls and golden tiles, painted beams and carved columns. The whole palace is carried on the back of a lion, which is lifelike and majestic. The first to seventh floors are five rooms wide, mainly with the Hall of Wealth God, the Hall of Salvation God, the Hall of Three Officials, the Hall of Sixty Yuanchen, the Hall of Doumu, the Hall of Nine Stars, the Hall of Twenty-eight Constellations, the Hall of Lingxiao, the Hall of Three Purities, and the Hall of Five Old Lords. Above the seventh floor are the Hall of All Wonders, the Lecture Altar, the Hall of Chaos, the Hall of All Immortals, and the Sutra Pavilion. The eighth to thirteenth floors are nine rooms wide, with ten dragon columns under the corridor, like the imperial palace in Journey to the West, resplendent and magnificent. There are shuttle buses in the scenic area, or you can choose to walk.

|Renamed after the appearance of two dragons. Longtou Temple is a Buddhist temple with a long history and profound cultural heritage located at the foot of Mianshan Mountain in Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province. Longtou Temple was originally named Tayan Head, after the Kongwang Pagoda Courtyard on the loess slope under the rock. Later, it was renamed Longtou Temple after Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, saw two dragons appear when he went to Mianshan Mountain to pray for rain. The temple preserves a large number of precious cultural relics and historical artifacts, such as the stone carvings of "Marshal Ye Jianying on Mianshan," "Zuo Zhuan: Jie Zitui Refuses Reward," and "Nine Chapters" by Qu Yuan, which are important attractions to appreciate the profound historical culture of Mianshan. Longtou Temple is the first tourist area in Mianshan Scenic Area, with tour guides explaining the local culture and the stories of the surrounding buildings, as well as reminding visitors of the relevant matters of Longji Ridge and the surrounding cable cars.

In ancient architecture, glazed tiles have always been the most dazzling decorative component. Glazed tiles, as a building material, originated in the Northern Wei Dynasty. Since the Tang Dynasty, they have been widely used in the decoration of buildings. Glazed tiles are a perfect combination of ancient Chinese culture and art. Their brilliance and splendor are the embodiment of the exquisite, delicate, and subtle spirit of the Orientals, and the perfect fusion of thought, emotion, and art! Jiexiu, Shanxi, known as the "Hometown of Glazed Tiles in China," has a long history of making glazed tiles, which flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties! This art, tempered in fire and reborn in time, has been passed down from generation to generation, with masterpieces in every generation. After thousands of years of wind and frost, it is still colorful!

🌈Attractions: Zhangbi Ancient Castle is located in Jiexiu, Shanxi Province. It is a charming thousand-year-old castle. The architecture here is unique, with open forts on the ground and secret passages underground. The ancient houses in the fort are scattered in an orderly manner, with a strong Ming and Qing style, and the mottled walls seem to be telling ancient stories. The streets and alleys are arranged in a herringbone shape, and walking through them feels like traveling through time and space. The underground tunnels are even more amazing, intricate and multifunctional. They are used for attack, defense, storage and other purposes. Walking through them, you can feel the wisdom and military strategy of the ancients. Zhangbi Ancient Castle also has a rich religious culture, with many temples and Taoist temples scattered throughout it. The ancient glazed stele and exquisite murals add a touch of mystery to the castle. Here, traditional folk culture is also passed on, and various folk activities showcase the unique local customs and practices, which is a shining pearl left by history to Shanxi. 🎟️Tickets: Adults 75 Students 37 🕐️Scenic area opening hours: 8:00-17:30 💗Other tips:

|Super High Glazed Art Temple. Jiexiu City God Temple was built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1398), and was rebuilt during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Jiexiu City God Temple was occupied by the Jiexiu Grain Station, and the mountain gate, screen wall, and glazed lions in front of the temple gate were all demolished. The history of glazed pottery in Jiexiu dates back more than 1,200 years, and the technique of glazed pottery has developed its own style, especially architectural glazed pottery. Jiexiu City God Temple includes all styles such as ridge decorations, chiwen, drip tiles, tubular tiles, flat tiles, hanging fish, windbreaks, screen walls, archways, couplets, and steles. Jiexiu City God Temple is not only a religious building, but also a material carrier of historical information. It reflects the historical background, political and economic system, and social life of the time, and has important historical and religious value. The site selection of the City God Temple is based on the ancient traditional cultural concepts of feng shui, yin and yang, and the five elements, and fully considers the relationship with the ancient city and other public buildings. In addition, the glazed components, wood carvings, flowers, and bird decorations in the temple also demonstrate superb craftsmanship. Address: No. 275, East Street, Beiguan Street, Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province.

Transportation Guide External Transportation: - If you are flying to Jinzhong, you can fly to Taiyuan Wusu International Airport first. The airport is not far from downtown Jinzhong, and there are many ways to get to downtown Jinzhong, such as airport buses and taxis 🚕. - If you are taking a train, Jinzhong has its own train station, and many trains stop there, making it convenient for you to travel 🚄. - Internal Transportation: - The city has a well-developed bus network that can take you to many attractions, and the fares are cheap 😃. Just prepare some change or pay with your phone. - Taxis are also convenient, but you may encounter traffic jams during peak hours, so remember to plan your time wisely 🕙. Must-visit Attractions - Pingyao Ancient City: This is a World Heritage Site, and it is very well preserved. The Ming and Qing architecture in the ancient city will take you back in time 😲. You can stroll through the streets and alleys of the ancient city and feel the simplicity and tranquility. You can also visit famous attractions such as the Pingyao County Government Office and Rishengchang Bank to learn about ancient commerce and administrative culture 👍. - Qiao Family Courtyard: The famous Qiao Family Courtyard is magnificent, and the exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings are amazing 😍. Here, you can deeply feel the glorious history and family culture of the Jin merchants. - Mianshan Mountain: The scenery is beautiful, with many places that combine natural and cultural landscapes 🤩. For example, Daluo Palace and Yunfeng Temple are worth visiting, and you can experience the feeling of being in a fairyland with clouds and mist on the mountain ✨. Local Food Recommendations - Pingyao Beef: The meat is tender and flavorful, and it is delicious 😋. It is delicious whether eaten directly or in a bun. - Taigu Cake: Sweet but not greasy, crispy and delicious, it is a famous traditional pastry in Jinzhong 🥮. It is also a great souvenir. - Yuci Sausage: It has a unique taste and is slippery. It is delicious with special seasonings 😜. Tips - If you are visiting Pingyao Ancient City, it is best to stay overnight in the ancient city so that you can experience the night scene of the ancient city more deeply 🌙. - The weather in Jinzhong is changeable, so remember to check the weather forecast and bring appropriate clothing before you travel 👚. - When tasting local food, some snacks may be heavy in flavor. If you don't like spicy food or prefer a light taste, remember to tell the owner in advance 😏.

Mianshan Scenic Area is a place where natural beauty and historical culture come together. Stepping into Mianshan feels like entering an ancient cultural corridor. The lush mountains and flowing streams intertwine with rich historical culture, bringing a unique sense of tranquility and awe. The winding mountain paths are surrounded by verdant pines and babbling springs, with fresh air that invigorates the spirit. Every step feels like an encounter with the dynamic and grand nature. Reaching the summit, you can overlook the entire scenic area, with mountains encircling and mist lingering, resembling a fairyland on earth. Mianshan not only boasts beautiful natural scenery but also embodies Chinese culture. It is the retreat of Jie Zitui, and the origin of the Qingming Festival in the Spring and Autumn period. Visiting the Jie Gong Temple feels like traveling through millennia, experiencing the noble spirit of Jie Zitui. Additionally, the ancient temples and Buddha statues in the area exude a strong religious atmosphere, purifying the soul. Highly recommended is the Yunfeng Temple, built on the mountain and hanging on a cliff, with a majestic presence. Standing in the temple and looking out, the mountains seem to be within reach, and the vastness of the world overwhelms, instilling a sense of awe. Mianshan offers different beauties in each season: blooming flowers in spring, cool and pleasant summers, fiery red leaves in autumn, and a silver-clad winter. No matter when you visit, you will be moved by the natural splendor and rich historical culture. Mianshan Scenic Area is not just a great place for hiking but also an excellent spot to appreciate nature and history. Every visitor will find inner peace and a reverence for historical culture here. If you long for a journey where culture and nature intertwine, Mianshan will surely bring you endless surprises.

Today, I want to share with you a piece of ancient architecture that made me exclaim, "Wow!"—the Aoshen Tower in Jiexiu, Shanxi! The Aoshen Tower is located on Shuncheng Street in Jiexiu City. It is a street-crossing building and the only remaining Zoroastrian building in China. Do you know about Zoroastrianism? It's an ancient and mysterious religion! The uniqueness of the Aoshen Tower lies not only in its historical value, but also in its amazing architectural style! 🎉 The tower is three stories high, with a double-eave hip and gable roof, and the glazed decorations are gorgeous and dazzling. It's simply stunning! Standing under the tower and looking up, I feel as if I can sense the glory and grandeur of the past! Moreover, the Aoshen Tower has a particularly magical place! It has no foundation and is built directly on the street! I'm dizzy, how did they do it? The wisdom of the ancients is really admirable! The Aoshen Tower has witnessed the changes of history📜. It is not only a building, but also a cultural heritage. 🎊If you are interested in ancient architecture, you must come here to feel its charm!

| A treasure city full of glazed tiles.💫Jiexiu, named after Jie Zitui, a famous minister of the State of Jin during the Spring and Autumn Period, is the hometown of Qingming Cold Food Culture and Chinese Glazed Tile. 💞This small city, only about 30 kilometers away from Pingyao Ancient City, is not visited by many tourists, but it is the city with the best experience for me. Jiexiu is really a treasure. I recommend the following places: ✅Hou Tu Temple A Taoist temple of the Quanzhen School, the highest-level ancient building complex in Jiexiu, famous for its well-preserved glazed tile art, known as the "Glazed Tile Art Museum". The main hall of Hou Tu is covered with golden glazed tiles, which are magnificent and dazzling under the sunlight. ✅City God Temple Jiexiu City God Temple, founded during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, faces south. Entering the courtyard, the first thing you see is the offering pavilion under the stage, followed by the main hall. The glazed tiles on the roof of the main hall are particularly beautiful, but there are surprisingly few visitors to the City God Temple. Only the grandpas playing chess at the entrance are lively. ✅Five Sacred Mountains Temple Famous for the "Two Dragons Playing with a Pearl" sculpture on the central pillar of the main hall, but the gate is closed all year round. ✅Xian Shen Lou The only surviving Zoroastrian building in China, the Xian Shen Lou has two floors and a "convex" shape. The lower floor is the temple gate, the upper floor is the music hall, and the center is the shrine. There is a flat seat and railing around the waist, and the upper part is covered by a double eaves roof. Four pillars directly support the upper floor beams, the gate and stage are stacked on top of each other, the roof is a cross-shaped hip roof, and the eaves protrude in four directions. All tile ridges and decorations are made of glazed tiles, magnificent and spectacular. ✅Taiheyan Archway Taiheyan Archway, with a history of over 100 years, is definitely the most beautiful peacock blue glazed tile, no argument. The archway's lintel, brackets, plaque, drip tiles, ridge beasts, and various floral patterns and characters are all made of yellow, green, and blue glazed tiles. The sunlight shines through, creating a dazzling and elegant effect. ✅Jiexiu Museum Jiexiu Museum is adjacent to the Xian Shen Lou. You can spend half an hour visiting the glazed tile exhibition on the lower floor. Other exhibition halls are not recommended. 💗Tips: Except for the Taiheyan Glazed Tile Archway, the other attractions are basically within a hundred meters of each other. You can walk or take the free No. 1 bus to get there. 📷Documentary: "China Image Chronicle" - Shanxi Jiexiu Episode 🚶‍♂️Two-day tour route: 1: Jiexiu Museum → Tianshen Tower → Five Sacred Mountains Temple → City God Temple → Hou Tu Temple 2: Mianshan → Zhangbi Ancient Fort

Jiexiu is not well-known in Shanxi. Apart from the reputation of Liuli, few people come here to explore ancient buildings or travel. But this small city has a fresh and artistic atmosphere. Everything you see is made of colored glaze, and there is a lot of peacock blue colored glaze imported from Persia. When paired with the commonly known yellow-green colored glaze, it looks particularly eye-catching and beautiful. Among the ancient buildings in Jiexiu, the most special one is the Houtu Temple. 📍Attraction location: Located on Miaodi Street, Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province, it is a Taoist Quanzhen temple building. It is majestic and large in scale. It is also a place known as "Taoist land" in history. 🎈Best features: 1. Architectural structure. The Houtu Temple faces north and faces south. It has a longitudinal double axis and a north-south encirclement layout. It is clean, neat, open and bright. 2. The main buildings, Sanqing Tower, Xian Tower, and Theater Tower, are connected into one, with cross-shaped glazed roofs and exquisite structures. They are all Ming and Qing pavilion-style buildings. Such concentrated presentation is also a rare sight. Among them, the Sanqing Temple contains thousands of colorful sculptures of the "Ten Thousand Saints Chaoyuan" from the Ming Dynasty, which are very spectacular. 3. The Houtu Temple Theater is also a rather unique pavilion-style building. Houtu Temple used to have three music studios, which were rebuilt around 1516. They became more beautiful and complex, and the Jiexiu colored glaze art was used to the extreme. 🚗Transportation: Because several scenic spots in Jiexiu, such as Chenghuang Temple, Ao Shen Tower, and Houtu Temple, are very concentrated, you can choose to take a taxi or ride a bicycle to walk there, which are all easy to find. It is not suitable for driving. Parking is basically on the roadside and it is difficult to find a parking space. 😃Tips: Every year on March 18 of the lunar calendar, legend has it that it is the birthday of Empress Houtu, and it is also the traditional ancient temple fair of Houtu Temple. During the temple fair, people will perform operas in Houtu Temple to honor the gods, prostrate themselves to Queen Houtu, and pray for her health.

: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : ! 🏯「Scenery you can't miss」 🌟Guanyu Temple You can see the Guanyu Temple as soon as you enter the South Gate. Walk into the Guanyu Temple and admire the exquisite carvings and layout of the ancient buildings. Stop here for a while to understand the status of Guanyu culture in ancient times 🌟Ancient Tunnel There are open forts on the ground and secret tunnels underground. It is tens of thousands of meters long and divided into three layers, upper, middle and lower. It has complete facilities for attack, defense, retreat and defense, which reflects the superb defense wisdom of ancient times. It is really worth a trip! 🌟Kongwang Foxing Temple In the front porch, you can see a very rare glass stele in China, with a peacock blue background and black writing. The delicate lines outline every line and every pattern, which condenses the wisdom of ancient craftsmen 🌟Most of the temples and palaces in the castle are covered with glass roofs, with dancing dragons and extraordinary demeanor; running beasts and running horses are lifelike; its colors are gorgeous and gorgeous, and the craftsmanship is exquisite After thousands of years of baptism, it is still shining and amazing! Shanxi is worth a visit for everyone who loves historical and cultural heritage❤️

Avoid the pit Mianshan: sightseeing, exercise, avoid crowds. After entering Mianshan, the scenic spot will send tourists into the scenic spot, usually the scenic spot goes directly to the innermost part of the scenic spot, Shuitao Gully. Line 1: Don't enter Shuitao Gully, just transfer to the down car, get off at Qixian Valley, pass through Jiegongling from Qixian Valley, and take the cable car down at Jiegongling. Turn left into the ancient vine valley (one-way two kilometers) and Shuitao Gully (one-way four kilometers) at the cable car station. The two gullies take a long time to complete. I only walked Shuitao Gully and returned to the place where the two dragons were playing with beads. Line 2: After leaving the valley, take the scenic spot to Yunfeng Temple and walk from Yunfeng Temple to Zhengguo Temple. After turning Zhengguo Temple, take the elevator down from Zhengguo Temple. The later scenic spots can be visited by getting off at each station, or you can choose to visit. Finally, take the scenic spot back to the ticket inspection office.

Ancient Chinese glazed art ceiling Shanxi Taiheyan glazed archway Taiheyan Archway is located in Beixinwu Village, Yian Town, Jiexiu, Shanxi. According to the archway inscription, it was built in the 23rd year of Guangxu in the Qing Dynasty (1897). The archway faces south, with four pillars, three doors and three floors, built on a stone waist Xumi seat! Jiexiu, as the hometown of glazed art, has a long-standing reputation for architectural glazed art. Its superb glazed firing skills can be said to be fully demonstrated on this "Taiheyan" archway. Except for the base of the four pillars, the whole body of this archway is covered with glazed tiles. The main colors are yellow, green and blue, which are bright and dazzling! The entire archway, whether it is dragon pattern auspicious beasts, flowers, birds, insects and fish, characters, landscapes or couplets, plaques, or wording, not only has Taoist metaphors, but also the good wishes of auspiciousness, happiness, longevity, and peace in traditional Chinese culture! This archway is not only a typical masterpiece representative of the development of glazed art to the peak of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, but also a unique one in ancient Chinese glazed buildings! It's fascinating! Have you ever seen such exquisite glaze! Please leave a message in the comment area! -One TIPS- Taiheyan Glazed Square is the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units, 16 kilometers away from Jiexiu City, 30 minutes by car, no bus

Jiexiu is a small city in Shanxi with a rich history, home to numerous ancient buildings and treasures of glazed art, known as the "Hometown of Glazed Art in China". Everyone who comes here will love it, it's niche, quiet, profound, and full of life. - If Jiexiu is the capital of glazed art, the Hou Tu Temple is undoubtedly the pearl of the capital. Hou Tu Temple is a Quanzhen Taoist building with a history of nearly 1,500 years. Almost all the roofs of the buildings are decorated with yellow, green, and blue glazed products. Glazed tiles, ridge beasts, hanging fish, lion bottles, etc., are all eye-catching. The main building in the temple is the Sanqing Building, the three-story cross-hipped roof is ingeniously connected with the Hou Tu Temple stage, the towering ridge beasts, pavilions, lotus ridge tubes, and mythical beasts on the top of the temple, the three colors of yellow, green, and blue are reflected in each other, like a magnificent glazed painting. - Hou Tu, is the mother of the earth, also known as Hou Tu Niangniang. In ancient times, both emperors and ordinary people worshipped Hou Tu Niangniang very much. Emperors of all dynasties presided over the ceremony of worshipping Hou Tu every year. Among the buildings in Jiexiu Hou Tu Temple, the earliest buildings can be traced back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties, and most of the existing buildings were repaired and expanded from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. - 📍Jiexiu Hou Tu Temple 🎫Free 🈺️8:00-19:00 📷In addition to Hou Tu Temple, nearby Wuyue Temple, Chenghuang Temple, Dongyue Temple, Xianshen Building, etc. are also worth visiting, within walking distance, very convenient.

Aoshen Tower is located in Jiexiu City, Shanxi Province. It is a magnificent ancient building with unique historical and cultural value. Aoshen Tower is one of the treasures of ancient Chinese architecture, with a unique architectural style and exquisite structure. It has witnessed the changes of history and the inheritance of culture. The architectural features of Aoshen Tower include exquisite wood carvings, brick carvings, and stone carvings, which show the superb skills of ancient craftsmen.