Shanxi hides a "scholar-approved" scenic spot! Travel through 2000 years to visit the "top Confucian scholar's" wisdom secret garden. Folks! You get it, right?! In Shanxi
Shanxi hides a "scholar-approved" scenic spot! Travel through 2000 years to visit the "top Confucian scholar's" wisdom secret garden ✨
Folks! You get it, right?! In Linfen, Shanxi, I discovered a hidden gem perfect for "recharging and taking great photos" – Anze County Xunzi Cultural Park! This place holds the philosophical insights of Xunzi, the "top scholar" of the Warring States period. It boasts both an antique cultural atmosphere and stunning scenes for easily capturing amazing photos. The best part is, it's uncrowded and beautiful, truly a top-tier niche travel destination 🌿
🌟 Scenic Spot Features: Immerse yourself in "Xunzi's World"
Xunzi Cultural Park centers around "promoting Xunzi's philosophy." The entire park is nestled by mountains and rivers, boasting both profound cultural heritage and vibrant natural scenery. A stroll through it feels like a "fun history lesson"~
- Core Check-in Point 1: Xunzi Grand Hall: The iconic building of the park, magnificent and imposing with its red walls, dark tiles, and upturned eaves! Inside, it enshrines a statue of Xunzi, and the surrounding walls feature murals of classic works like "Exhortation to Learning" and "Self-Cultivation." Look up, and you'll see the gilded characters "Learning should never cease," instantly enveloping you in a scholarly atmosphere 📜
- Core Check-in Point 2: Exhortation to Learning Plaza: In the center of the plaza stands a stone carving of the "Exhortation to Learning" chapter. The famous line "Blue comes from indigo, but is bluer than indigo" is carved into the stone. When the sun shines, shadows fall on the characters, creating a super "time-traveling" feel in photos – definitely a "scholar's photo spot" 📸
- Core Check-in Point 3: Xunzi Cultural Corridor: This hundred-meter-long corridor showcases Xunzi's life story, philosophical achievements, and evaluations from literati throughout history. When you're tired, sit on a stone bench in the corridor, feel the breeze, and read a few classics – it's an excellent place for "mental recharging"~
- Hidden Gem: Mountain Path: The latter half of the park features a path built along the mountain. Along the way, you'll find pavilions, towers, and babbling brooks. In spring, wild flowers cover the mountains, and in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color. Walking here feels like stepping into a "natural oxygen bar," and every photo you take is a "forest-themed masterpiece" 🌳
📍 One-Day Itinerary: Easy and Stress-Free Exploration
09:00-09:30 Arrive at the park, begin your "cultural journey"
For self-driving, navigate directly to "Anze Xunzi Cultural Park." Parking is free and ample. If taking public transport, first go to Anze County Bus Station, then a 10-minute taxi ride will get you there, and the fare is super cheap~
09:30-11:30 Deep dive into the park, unlock cultural insights
First, head to Xunzi Grand Hall and Exhortation to Learning Plaza to experience the core cultural atmosphere. Then, explore the Cultural Corridor for an immersive understanding of Xunzi's story. Finally, walk the mountain path, breathing in fresh air and enjoying the scenery. If you get tired, rest at the "Zhiwei Pavilion" along the way~
12:00-13:30 Savor Anze's local delicacies
There are many local restaurants near the park, and you can't go wrong with any choice! Recommended dishes include Anze Fried Guanchang (chewy and flavorful, with optional spice levels), Cured Meat Fried Rice Noodles (fragrant local cured meat, rice noodles soaked in broth), and Millet Steamed Rice (nourishing and sweet). Expect to pay around 30+ RMB per person for a satisfying meal 🍚
14:00-16:00 Second round of check-ins, capture amazing photos
The afternoon light is soft, perfect for revisiting spots you didn't get enough photos of earlier, such as the light and shadow in the corridor, the red walls of the Grand Hall, or the stream on the path. In the evening, you can even capture stunning shots of "sunset and ancient architecture in the same frame" from the mountaintop 🌇
16:30 Return / Head to accommodation
The pace of the day is just right, not too tiring, suitable for family trips, couples, or friends traveling together~
🚗 Transportation + Accommodation: Stress-Free Guide
✅ Transportation
- Self-driving: Recommended! About 1.5 hours from Linfen city center, about 3 hours from Taiyuan. The scenery along the way is beautiful, and road conditions are good.
- Public transport: Take a long-distance bus from Linfen West Station / Linfen Station to Anze County Bus Station (approx. 2-hour ride), then take a taxi to the scenic spot (10 minutes, approx. 10 RMB).
✅ Accommodation Recommendations (within Anze County, 10-15 minutes drive from the scenic spot)
- Anze Xunzi International Hotel: A high-quality hotel in the county town with grand decor. Some rooms offer mountain views, and breakfast is included, suitable for those seeking comfort.
- Anze Yingbin Hotel: A great value option. Rooms are clean and tidy, the owner is very welcoming, and it's within walking distance to the county's snack street, making evening strolls and dining super convenient.
- Anze Shanshui Express Hotel: Close to the bus station, convenient transportation, and affordable prices, suitable for budget travelers. Facilities are complete, ensuring a comfortable stay.
📸 Photo Check-in Spots + Tips: Make your social media feed explode!
1. Exhortation to Learning Plaza Stone Carving: Stand diagonally in front of the carving, have your companion squat low to capture the "Exhortation to Learning" text and the sky in the frame. Pose with your body turned sideways, looking at the text, and gently place your hand on the carving for maximum ambiance~
2. Xunzi Grand Hall Red Wall: Use the red wall as a backdrop. Wear light-colored clothes (white or beige are best). Capture candid walking shots or lean against the wall, looking up at the eaves. When the sun shines diagonally, the shadows of the red wall fall on you, creating a super layered look.
3. Cultural Corridor Corner: Stand at the corner of the corridor, tilt your body slightly, and hold a vintage-style notebook (available at the park entrance). Have the camera shoot from the end of the corridor towards you for incredible depth!
4. Mountain Path Stream: Find a spot by a stream with rocks. Sit on a rock, gently touch the water with your feet, and have your companion shoot from the side, blurring the trees in the background to highlight you and the stream. Instantly transform into a "forest fairy"~
5. Mountaintop Sunset Viewing Platform: Around 6 PM, stand on the viewing platform with the sunset as your backdrop. Turn your back to the camera, spread your arms or make a "V" sign. Silhouette shots look amazing! Remember to use flash for a little fill light to make your skin look more radiant~
Nearby Hidden Gems (Visit after Xunzi Cultural Park, don't waste the trip!)
1. Anze Huanghualing Scenic Area: A 20-minute drive from the cultural park. From June to August each year, the mountains are covered with blooming daylilies (like rapeseed flowers), resembling a golden ocean. You can also climb high for panoramic views of the mountains ⛰️
2. Qinhe Grand Canyon National Wetland Park: A 30-minute drive away. The Qinhe River flows through the park, featuring wooden boardwalks and bird-watching platforms. It's perfect for walks, picnics, and even playing in the water in summer – super therapeutic~
3. Anze Hongyeling (Red Leaf Ridge): A limited-time autumn beauty! A 40-minute drive from the cultural park. After mid-October, the mountains are covered in red leaves, like a spilled palette, providing a natural "filter" for your photos 🍁
4. Langzhai Pagoda: A thousand-year-old pagoda, a 15-minute drive from the cultural park. The pagoda is tall with a unique architectural style. Surrounded by farmland and villages, it's full of rustic charm, suitable for those who love niche ancient sites.
5. Anze Wangyue Tower: A landmark in the county center. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Anze County. When the lights come on at night, the tower is illuminated, resembling a "mini Tengwang Pavilion," and the night view is stunning 🌃
Folks! Anze Xunzi Cultural Park is truly a "no-regrets" scenic spot. You can experience the charm of traditional culture, take beautiful photos, and even explore nearby niche attractions~
If you love niche travel and cultural check-ins, quickly save this guide! Follow me for more hidden gems in Shanxi, and let me help you discover a different kind of "Jinshan Jinmei" (Beautiful Shanxi) ✨ Tell me in the comments, who do you most want to visit this "scholar-approved" scenic spot with~