[2025 Yuncheng Attraction] Travel Guide for Colorful Salt Lake (Updated Jul)

Attraction Recommendations - Historical & Cultural Sites - Xiezhou Guan Di Temple: The ancestral temple of Guan Yu in his hometown, it's the largest Guan Di Temple in scale and structure globally. Built during the Sui Dynasty with existing remnants from the Qing Dynasty, its royal features like the Meridian Gate and Duan Gate highlight its status. The stone-carved dragon pillars around the Chongning Hall are exquisitely grand. - Yongle Palace: Famous for its magnificent Yuan Dynasty murals, such as the *Court Assembly* in the Sanqing Hall. The murals feature natural lines and rich, harmonious colors, with gold-relief techniques adding luxury and dimension, rivaling Dunhuang's art. - Stork Tower: One of China's Four Great Cultural Towers alongside Tengwang Pavilion, Yueyang Tower, and Yellow Crane Tower. Immortalized by Wang Zhihuan's poem *On the Stork Tower*, this cross-ridged tower is the tallest of the four, restored using Tang Dynasty polychrome art. - Natural Scenery - Yuncheng Salt Lake: Also called "China's Dead Sea," its high salt content allows boating and floating. The black mud beautifies skin, and wellness activities include hot spring spas and mineral salt therapy. In early autumn, the lake turns colorful, with flamingos feeding here. - Yellow River Longmen Glass Scenic Area: Located at Longmen Mountain in Hejin, the origin of the "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate" legend. Features a 200-meter-high glass platform, zip lines, swings, and glass bridges. Walk the Longmen plank road to explore traces of Yu the Great. - Leisure & Entertainment - Xitan Hot Springs (Yingshang Ziyuan Hot Springs): In Yongji's Wanrong Xitan Scenic Area, covering 15,000 sqm with guest rooms, dining, and a hot spring center offering spa, sauna, games, and buffet. - Wulaofeng International Paragliding Base: Known historically as East Huashan, a Taoist mountain in the north. Experience paragliding here for sky-high freedom, with services like flight insurance and video recording. Food Recommendations - Staple Specialties: Yongchi hand-pulled noodles, chewy with savory toppings; Beixiang Hubo, stir-fried shredded pancakes with meat and veggies; Southern Shanxi crispy pancakes, delicious plain, in soup, or stuffed. - Local Snacks: Jishan fried dough twists, crispy and salty-sweet; Wenxi boiled cakes, sugary with crispy crust and soft filling; Yuanqu fried "chess pieces," crunchy and stomach-friendly. - Signature Dishes: Yuncheng big plate chicken, tender with soft potatoes, best paired with heluo noodles; Xinjiang copper hotpot, brimming with meats and veggies in a flavorful broth; Rongjian braised pork trotters, richly seasoned and glossy. Accommodation Suggestions - Luxury: Novotel Yuncheng, well-equipped and clean; Shenzhen Airlines International Hotel Yuncheng, offering plane views and tranquility. - Upscale: Yuncheng Liting Hotel, spacious rooms with unlimited coffee refills; Hilton Garden Inn Yuncheng Salt Lake, overlooking the colorful lake and serving local delicacies. - Comfort: Feifan City Boutique Hotel, hearty breakfast and warm service; Yuncheng Hotel, convenient parking for road trippers.

Taking advantage of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, I chose nearby Yuncheng, Shanxi as my travel destination. Over two days, I visited some famous attractions. On the first day, I arrived at Yongji North Station around noon and took the tourist shuttle to Pujiu Temple. Although I've never read "The Romance of the Western Chamber," the saying "All temples avoid romance, except Pujiu in Shanxi" establishes its special status. For lunch, I tried Yingying Restaurant opposite the scenic area - their dumplings and marou soup are truly worth trying. In the afternoon, I continued by tourist shuttle to Stork Tower. The scenic area is small, with the tower itself being the main attraction. While visually impressive, it's unfortunate the original structure was destroyed long ago without even ruins remaining. In the evening, I took a high-speed train to Yuncheng North Station, then a bus to Galaxy Commercial Street for the famous Rock Fried Chicken. Be sure to find the original store in the alley - spicy but delicious, generous portions at reasonable prices, and don't miss the cold dishes at the entrance. After dinner, I checked into Lavande Hotel (Yuncheng Yongle Street High-Speed Rail Station Branch) where the front desk provided warm service and even offered local attraction postcards with stamps for collection. The next morning's hotel breakfast buffet offered wide variety and good taste. As the attractions were remote and scattered, I rented a car for my tour. First stop was Yuncheng Guan Gong's Hometown Cultural Tourism Area - my favorite site showcasing Guan Yu's life story and later generations' reverence, with exquisite architecture worth savoring. Next was Yongle Palace - don't miss the murals, cultural relics so precious the Japanese searched for seven years unsuccessfully, leaving me in awe of ancient artisans' skills. My third stop was Yuncheng Salt Lake, where I was lucky to see the giant Guan Yu statue en route. The salt lake is best appreciated via drone or with prior research on viewing spots - otherwise you might leave disappointed like us, though Salt Pond Avenue's No. 006 streetlight makes a great photo spot. For dinner, I tried local specialty Lamb Hubo, similar to lamb paomo but with shredded pancakes, offering rich flavor. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I missed Feiyun Tower in the city center and Wanrong County - a slight regret for next time.

Calling all office workers and students! These 4 off-the-beaten-path cities are absolutely amazing! Stunning scenery, fewer crowds, and low prices—perfect for short trips with no pitfalls. Personally tested with zero complaints! Just bookmark this guide! 👇 **Yuncheng, Shanxi** ✨What to do: Salt Lake: China's "Dead Sea"! Float in summer, and witness breathtaking pink hues at sunset (Free!). 🍜What to eat: Lamb Paomo, Wenxi Boiled Cake, Xiezhou Lamb. Must-try: "Lao Wu Beef Dumplings"! Tips: Visit the Salt Lake on sunny days; June-August is the most beautiful! **Jingxi, Guangxi** ✨What to do: Tongling Grand Canyon: Waterfalls + caves + underground rivers—a summer paradise! Goose Spring: Feels like "Little Guilin"! Most magical at dawn with misty views (Ticket: 48 RMB, totally worth it!). 🍜What to eat: Five-color sticky rice, sour snacks, rice noodle rolls. Daredevils can try the "Zhuang Family's Roasted Pig Eyes"! Tips: Rent a car as attractions are spread out. **Guiyang, Guizhou** ✨What to do: Qingyan Ancient Town: Perfect for photos on the city walls! Must-try: Braised Pork Trotters (Jinbixuan is the most authentic!). Huaxi Yelang Valley: A mysterious stone kingdom—20 RMB for exotic photo ops! 🍜What to eat: Siwawa (vegetable wraps), tofu balls. "Lei Family Tofu Balls" is a century-old brand! **Weihai, Shandong** ✨What to do: Huoju 8th Street: Claim "Little Kamakura" at 8 AM—every shot is a Japanese-style masterpiece! Cat Mountain: Rent an e-bike (50 RMB/day) for coastal views. Glass-like sea at Viewpoint No. 2! 🍜What to eat: Mackerel dumplings, Korean BBQ at Hanlefang. "Mom's Hand" Korean cuisine is unbeatable! Tips: June is cherry season—10 RMB/jin for unlimited indulgence! 📌Trip Suggestions: - Weekend getaway: Pick 1 city (Jingxi or Weihai recommended). - For photo lovers: Weihai > Jingxi > Yuncheng > Guiyang. - For foodies: Guiyang > Weihai > Yuncheng > Jingxi.

1. First Impression: Entering the Magical World of the "China Dead Sea" As you step into the scenic area, you're greeted by an open salt beach. The lake water glistens in the sunlight, and the distant lake surface is like an overturned palette, with magenta, indigo, and lake blue interwoven. No wonder it's called the "Colorful Salt Lake." The strangely shaped salt crystals on the shore are scattered like broken diamonds. Stepping on them makes a "creaking" sound, like stepping on snow in winter. I dipped a bit of the lake water and tasted it. It was so salty and astringent that my tongue went numb. Only then did I believe its reputation as the "China Dead Sea" - the salt concentration is as high as 32%, which is no exaggeration. What I was most looking forward to was the floating experience! As soon as I put on a lifebuoy and went into the water, my body felt like it was being lifted by an invisible hand. I lay flat on the lake surface, closed my eyes, and felt the sun shining on my face. All I could hear was the sound of the breeze and the water lapping gently. When I opened my eyes, the distant salt beach looked like a white ribbon, setting off the lake water even more colorfully. I was in a daze, thinking I was floating in a lake on an alien planet. 2. Exploring the Salt Lake: The Legend and Rebirth of the Ancient Salt Pond The history of the Salt Lake is much richer than I imagined. The tour guide said that salt mining here began more than 4,000 years ago. The legend of the Yellow Emperor's battle with Chiyou and Emperor Shun's "Nanfeng Song" are all related to this salt pond. Standing on the city wall of the Pond God Temple and looking into the distance, the Zhongtiao Mountains are shrouded in clouds and mist after the rain, and the Salt Lake is like a huge emerald inlaid on the Loess Plateau. Suddenly, I understood the shock of Liu Zongyuan's words, "Looking back for a moment, hundreds of miles of snow" - in the eyes of the ancients, the salt pond was probably a "snowfield" that would never melt. Today's Salt Lake is no longer just a salt production area. The scenic area has built a bird-watching corridor. In winter, you can see flamingos walking gracefully, and red-bellied golden pheasants flying in surprise from the reeds. In summer, there are artificially planted salt-tolerant plants, which are stubbornly green and full of vitality. What moved me the most was the details of the ecological restoration: the once-smelly saline-alkali pools have become wetlands, and the mosquito-infested beaches have become migratory bird stations. Even the elder brother who herds sheep by the lake said: "Now the Salt Lake not only raises salt, but also raises birds and people!" 3. Salt Lake Fun: A One-Stop Experience from Healing to Culture Floating therapy: In addition to regular floating, the scenic area also has black mud baths and salt water SPA. When applying the black mud, the staff joked: "This is the same beauty secret recipe as Concubine Yang!" After washing it off, the skin is as smooth as a peeled egg, which is effective after personal testing! Bird watching and photography: It is recommended to go to the bird watching base in the early morning or evening. The pink feathers of the flamingos are like burning sunset clouds in the morning light, and the shutter can't stop at all. Salt culture experience: The Salt Museum displays ancient salt-making tools for "reclaiming fields and watering and drying", and you can also use a wooden shovel to simulate salt drying, as if you have traveled back to the Tang Dynasty and became a salt worker. 4. Practical Tips: Avoiding Pitfalls and Surprises Ticket discounts: Free tickets for those over 60 years old, and there are also benefits for medical staff, teachers, and other groups. Remember to bring your ID. Clothing suggestions: Don't wear light-colored shoes! The salt beach is easy to dye, and my little white shoes have been "killed." Hidden Easter egg: Go to Salt Lake Square in the evening, and the lights of the Pond God Temple are reflected on the lake, like a light and shadow magic show. You can take a blockbuster photo with your mobile phone. Postscript: The Gift of the Salt Lake On the way back, the driver hummed a Shanxi opera. I touched a small piece of salt crystal I picked up in my pocket and thought: This lake is really magical - the bitter brine can cure diseases, the barren salt beach can become a scenic spot, and even the dry legend can be "revived" in the new era. No wonder the locals say: "Yuncheng people live by the Salt Lake, and the Salt Lake also lives by Yuncheng people." Route reference: Take bus No. 21 from Yuncheng city to the Salt Lake scenic area, or take a taxi for about CNY 15. Recommended season: Summer and autumn to see the colorful lake water, winter and spring to watch migratory birds (flamingos are best from December to February).

| A real-life sky mirror, with the best photo spots. OMG! I finally found a real-life sky mirror—Yuncheng Salt Lake! On a clear day, it's like nature has overturned its palette here, every frame is breathtakingly beautiful, and every shot is a masterpiece, no post-production color adjustment needed! If time is limited, I highly recommend arriving around 4 or 5 pm. When the setting sun shines on the lake, the entire salt lake is dyed golden red, it's truly stunning! Here are 3 of my favorite secret photo spots: 1. Road Lamp No. 006: The composition is stunning, just navigate there directly. If parking is inconvenient, you can park at the Chishen Temple parking lot (it's free). 2. Stone Embankment: To the right front of the highway viewpoint, you can capture the layered beauty of the salt lake here, creating super atmospheric photos. 3. Highway Viewpoint inside the Salt Lake: Walk directly into the salt lake, with the highway and the lake surface as the background, every shot looks amazing! 📍 To take photos at the salt lake, you can enter from the opposite side of Chishen Temple. The photo spots are within walking distance. 📢 Friendly Reminders: 1. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes! Going to the embankment will involve walking a short distance on a stone path, wearing high heels will be really painful. 2. Protect yourself from the sun! The UV rays here are super strong. I spent less than 20 minutes in the sun, and my skin got sunburned and red, and it hasn't recovered yet😭 3. It's recommended to wear brightly colored clothes for photos, which will create a stunning contrast with the color of the lake. Wear sunglasses to easily capture a fashionable blockbuster feel 🕶️

Qingming Festival is the perfect time for a spring outing! Don't miss this 6-day tour of Xi'an, Yuncheng, and Luoyang to experience the profound history and enjoy the beautiful spring scenery. -------------------- 🏃Itinerary at a Glance: Day 1: Feiyun Tower Scenic Area in Wanrong County -> Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area on the Yellow River in Shanxi Explore the ancient Feiyun Tower and immerse yourself in history. Then, head to the magnificent Hukou Waterfall to witness the majestic beauty of the Yellow River. Day 2: Ganquan Grand Canyon -> Muslim Quarter Delve into the Ganquan Grand Canyon and marvel at the wonders of nature. In the evening, stroll through the Muslim Quarter and savor authentic Xi'an snacks. Day 3: Qinglong Temple -> Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army) -> Datang Everbright City Visit the serene Qinglong Temple, then journey to the Terracotta Army to experience the grandeur of the Qin Dynasty. Finally, wander through Datang Everbright City and relive the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. Day 4: Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone Step into the Hangu Pass Historical and Cultural Tourism Zone, trace the footsteps of history, and listen to ancient legends. Day 5: Laojun Mountain Scenic Area -> Yuncheng Salt Lake Climb Laojun Mountain and appreciate the charm of the Taoist holy land. Afterward, head to Yuncheng Salt Lake and enjoy the gifts of nature. Day 6: Return to Guangzhou Conclude your delightful northwestern journey and embark on your return trip filled with wonderful memories. 🛫 -------------------- Handy Tips: - Photo Spots 📸: Xi'an City Wall, Yuncheng Salt Lake, and Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang. Don't miss the night views and unique photo opportunities! - Local Customs and Culture 🎭: Experience the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an, Puju Opera in Yuncheng, and Hanfu parades in Luoyang to immerse yourself in the local culture. - Food Recommendations 🍜: Try the Rou Jia Mo (meat sandwich) in Xi'an, Dao Xiao Mian (knife-cut noodles) in Yuncheng, and beef soup in Luoyang. Don't miss these delicacies! - Souvenir Prices 🛍️: Xi'an handicrafts, Yuncheng snacks, and Luoyang peony-themed cultural and creative products. Remember to compare prices before purchasing. -------------------- 🎉Don't forget to like and save this post. Have a fantastic trip to Xi'an, Yuncheng, and Luoyang, and create lasting memories!

Hey guys, today I'm sharing a fantastic Yuncheng one-day tour guide! 🌄Morning: Jiezhou Guandi Temple As the saying goes, "Confucius is worshipped for literature, and Guan Yu is worshipped for martial arts." Jiezhou Guandi Temple is a must-visit! It is the largest Guandi Temple, with magnificent architecture and exquisite wood and stone carvings. Stepping into it, you can feel the weight of history. 📍Address: Jiezhou Town, Yuncheng City 🎫Tickets: Adult tickets approx. 60 🌞Noon: Taste Yuncheng cuisine After visiting Guandi Temple, you must be starving! Highly recommend the Yang Rou Pao Mo (mutton soaked flatbread). The meat is tender, the soup is rich, and the flatbread soaked in the soup is super delicious. There is also Wenxi Cooked Cake, sweet but not greasy, you can't stop after one bite. You can find local small restaurants for the most authentic taste. 🌆Afternoon: Salt Lake Scenic Area Known as the "Dead Sea of China," Yuncheng Salt Lake has unique scenery. The lake water is colorful and perfect for taking photos! You can experience floating and feel the magical sensation of not sinking. 📍Address: Jiefang South Road, Salt Lake District, Yuncheng City 🎫Tickets: Subject to actual price 🌃Evening: Hedong Night Market As night falls, come and stroll through Hedong Night Market. There are a wide variety of snacks, such as kebabs, fried Liangfen (jelly noodles), and Bingtanghulu (candied hawthorns on a stick)... Eat and stroll, and experience the lively atmosphere of Yuncheng. A one-day trip to Yuncheng allows you to experience history and culture, taste delicious food, and enjoy beautiful scenery. Come on, guys!

Located on Woyungang on the north bank of the Salt Lake, Chi God Temple in Yuncheng is backed by the Zhongtiao Mountains and overlooks the "Dead Sea of China." It is the only imperial temple in China dedicated to the god of the salt lake.​ Originally built in the Tang Dynasty, it was granted imperial seals and renovated by successive emperors due to the flourishing salt industry. The existing three main halls, Zouyan Tower, and other buildings are mostly relics of the Ming Dynasty, with 1,300 years of salt transportation history precipitated among the blue bricks and black tiles.​ 
The three main halls stand side by side in the temple. The middle hall enshrines the salt god "Lingqing Gong," while the left and right halls enshrine the sun god and the wind god, respectively, implicitly reflecting the natural wisdom that salt production requires "sunlight evaporation and wind regulation."​ The stone lions in front of the hall are naive and cute, and the carvings on the railings tell the story of the rise and fall of salt merchants. 
Climb the Haiguang Tower for a panoramic view of the salt lake👍.
The stele forest houses the Ming Dynasty stone inscription "Map of Hedong Salt Lake." You can also visit the Hedong Salt Lake Museum to unlock 4,000 years of salt-making technology.​ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 🈺️Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm 🚇Transportation: Navigate to "Chi God Temple" by car, or take bus No. 21/88 to "Chi God Temple" station🚌 🎫Tickets: Free with a tourism annual pass🆓; currently half price during the off-season. Combined ticket for Chi God Temple + Chi Salt Museum + City Wall: CNY 39.9 for adults, CNY 19.9 for students

Fu Shuo Sage Temple is located on a hill in the northeast of the county. To the north, you can overlook the remaining veins of Zhongtiao, and to the south, you can overlook the entire county, the Yellow River, and the Sanmen Gorge on the other side. Fengkou Mountain National Forest Health Base is located next to the 10,000-acre Pinus tabulaeformis forest in Fengkou Village, Zhangdian Town. There are large campsites among the jungle at the base. Standing on the observation deck next to the wind turbine, you can overlook the scenery of Yuncheng Salt Lake. It was rainy when we went, but it will definitely look particularly beautiful on a sunny day. You can also go to the nearby mountain along the wooden plank road, but because of the rain, the plank road was slippery, so I didn't go there. 🚗When going there, go to Zhongtiao Mountain in Buguan Town, and then follow the road on the top of the mountain to "Fengkou Liangdu". The return trip from Zhangdian takes the expressway, and the toll is 8 yuan.

||Enjoy the view with your loved one. • About Yuncheng Salt Lake: Yuncheng Salt Lake is located in the southern basin of Shanxi Province, China. It covers an area of about 132 square kilometers and has been developed for more than 4,000 years. Due to its salt content being similar to the "Dead Sea" in the Middle East, people can float in the water without sinking, so it is known as the "Dead Sea of China". The salt lake is surrounded by the lush Zhongtiao Mountains to the south, the Emei Mountains to the north, the Sushui River to the east, and the ancient Yellow River crossing to the west. The lake is vast and surrounded by reed wetlands, attracting waterfowl and migratory birds. • Travel experience: Yuncheng Salt Lake is a national 4A scenic spot that offers a variety of health and wellness experiences, including hot spring spa, saltwater floating, black mud therapy, mineral salt therapy, and salt mist lung cleansing. Visitors can experience the unique "Five Wonders" of the salt lake and enjoy physical and mental relaxation and healing. • Natural landscape: The Dunaliella salina in the salt lake presents a variety of colors in different salt concentrations, light, and temperature environments. From a high altitude, the salt ponds look like a palette of colors, colorful and dazzling. • Travel tips: • Opening hours: 08:00–18:30 from April 1 to October 31; 08:30–17:30 from November 1 to March 31. • Ticket price: CNY 258 per person, including the above health and wellness projects. • Transportation: Self-driving or taking a bus (No. 21, 66, 88) directly to the scenic spot. • Accommodation recommendation: Yuncheng Salt Lake Scenic Area has a "Tingtao Pavilion" health and wellness city, which offers accommodation, dining, high-end spa, and a variety of specialty product exhibition and sales halls. • Travel tips: • All the experience projects in the scenic area are indoors. Remember to wear a swimsuit and swimming cap when experiencing the projects. • Be careful not to get salt water in your eyes during the tour. If you accidentally get salt water in your eyes, ask the nearby service staff to help you rinse with clean water immediately. I hope this information will help you better plan your trip and enjoy the beautiful scenery and unique experience of Yuncheng Salt Lake. Have a nice trip!

#traveldiaries Yuncheng Yanchi is located in the south of Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, at the northern foot of Zhongtiao Mountain.Yanchi is bordered by Qiligang and Shishiligang in Yuncheng City to the north, Zhongtiao Mountain to the south, Anyi to the east, and Jiezhou to the west.The salt pond is 20 to 35 kilometers long from east to west and 3 to 5 kilometers wide from north to south. It is surrounded by high ground and a low-lying shape in the middle. The total area is about 130 square kilometers. The surface of the pond is 320 meters above sea level and the water depth is 0.22 meters. It is a natural inland salt lake. Yuncheng Salt Pond is rich in resources. In addition to salt and Glauber's salt, there are also magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, potassium, bromine, boron and other rare elements. The history of Yanchi can be traced back to the early spring and autumn, when the pond salt in Hedong was already very famous.During the Two Han Dynasties, salt officials were set up in Anyi County to manage salt industry affairs.The output of Hedong Salt Pond in the Song Dynasty reached 82.5 million catties.By the mid-1980s, the salt pond had an annual output of 30,000 tons of raw salt, and the annual chemical production capacity was 37,000 tons of alkali sulfide and 280,000 tons of anhydrous glauber's salt. Because its salt content is similar to the “Dead Sea” in the Middle East, people can float without sinking in the water, so it is known as the “Dead Sea of China”. Yuncheng Salt Lake Scenic Area is located in the central area of Salt Lake Lake. It is a national 4A-level scenic area, integrating humanities, ecology, greenness and health.Relying on the unique salt lake resources, the scenic area has developed tourism projects such as “floating in the dead sea, black mud health, hot spring hydrotherapy, mineral salt physiotherapy, and salt spray to clear the lungs”. The formation of Yuncheng Salt Pond can be traced back to the period of the tectonic movement of the Himalayas in the Cenozoic Era, and it has a history of about 50 million years.Due to the large-scale subsidence of the ground to the north of Zhongtiao Mountain, the original prototype of Yuncheng Basin and salt pond was formed.After long-term precipitation and evaporation, a natural salt lake has been formed. Yuncheng Yanchi's unique geographical location and rich natural resources make it the largest lake in Shanxi Province, which has a profound impact on local economic development and cultural inheritance.From the legendary battle between the Yanhuang Alliance and Chi You in the “Zhuolu" near Yanchi, to the many legends of Yao, Shun, and Yu in the southern Jin Region, to the development and prosperity of the Xia, Shang, and San Dynasties in Hedong, Heluo, and Guanzhong regions, they are all within hundreds of miles of Hedong Yanchi.

Yuncheng Salt Lake: 🌊 As one of the world's three major inland sulfate-type salt lakes, the water here is crystal clear, and the lake surface is like a mirror. It is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers. Yongle Palace: A filming location for "Black Myth: Wukong", one of the Eight Immortals, Lü Dongbin, was born here. The four main halls have exquisite murals, but no photos are allowed. You can take photos of the replica murals at Yuncheng Museum. Feiyun Tower: A filming location for "Black Myth: Wukong", the first wooden tower in China, is made entirely of wood. It is known as the "Southern Tower and Northern Pagoda" along with the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and is one of the four famous towers in Shanxi. Pujiu Temple: 🌸 This ancient temple is famous for its exquisite Buddha statues and tranquil environment. Here, you can sit quietly and meditate, experiencing a spiritual cleansing. Donghu Morning Market: There are various special breakfasts here, such as spicy soup, pan-fried buns, and ring bread...; there are also figs, red dates, and grapes 🍇 that are super sweet. 😋 Yuncheng food recommendations: Wenxi Boiled Cake Yuncheng Spicy Chicken 🌸 Transportation: Navigate directly to the Salt Lake Scenic Area. There are no buses early in the morning. If you have a car, drive. If not, ride an electric bike or a blue bike in the city. There are parking spots at the salt lake, so don't worry. 🕒 Opening hours: 08:00–18:30 (April 1–October 31, Monday–Sunday); 08:30–17:30 (November 1–March 31, Monday–Sunday)

"The City of Good Luck, Yuncheng, Shanxi" Yuncheng is really a treasure town that is seriously underestimated! About the Guangrenwang Temple The main hall is one of the only remaining Tang Dynasty buildings. The design inside the temple is very beautiful, and several places are also popular photo-taking spots for internet celebrities. 2Yongle Palace It is the largest and most well-preserved of the existing Yuan Dynasty buildings. The huge murals in the hall are not inferior to those in Dunhuang, and are also the largest murals discovered after Dunhuang. "Autumn wind rises and white clouds fly", Qiufeng Tower is the location of the altar. As the source of domestic altars and the crown of domestic temples, Hou Tu culture has always influenced Chinese civilization. "There is a Feiyun Tower in Wanrong, half of which is inserted in the clouds." The weather is clear, white clouds are wrapped around the building, and the strange building seems to be floating with the colorful clouds. It is called "Feiyun Tower" by people. 5 Jiwang Temple The beamless hall in the Jiwang Temple is rare among the folks. It is also a Song Dynasty hip-and-gable roof building among the existing Song Dynasty wooden structures. Located in the Jinnan Basin of Shanxi Province, it has a history of more than 4,000 years of development It is connected to the Sushui Yaotai in the east, the lush and steep Zhongtiao Mountains in the south, the ancient Yellow River ferry in the west, and Emei Mingtiaogang in the north. It is one of the three largest sodium sulfate inland salt lakes in the world. The sparkling lake surface and the towering Zhongtiao Mountains complement each other, forming a moving ecological picture. Here, you can feel the magical charm of nature and experience the beauty of harmonious coexistence between man and nature. Exploring ancient buildings and hearing the voice of history Yuncheng not only has beautiful natural scenery, but also has rich historical relics. From the magical "toad sound" of the Puji Temple to the artistic treasures of the Yongle Palace, from the heroic spirit of Guan Gong's hometown to the eternal chanting on the Stork Tower, each place tells a different story, and every brick and tile is engraved with the mark of history.

From Jincheng to Yuncheng, the southernmost city of Shanxi, the terrain is a basin, especially hot and stuffy. Yuncheng was anciently known as 'Hedong' and got its name from being the 'city of salt transportation'. A huge salt lake spans across the city area, one of the world's three largest sodium sulfate-type inland salt lakes. Its salt content is similar to the Middle East's 'Dead Sea', hence it is acclaimed as the 'Chinese Dead Sea'. Standing by the salt pond, it resembles the sea with vast and misty waves, the lake water is deep blue with a hint of brown, one wonders if an aerial shot would have the colorful effect of an eyeshadow palette. Yuncheng Museum does not have too many bronzes, instead, it focuses on the cultural significance of local celebrities such as Guan Gong and Sima Guang. The old street, Ganyi Street, is lined with statues telling the stories of Guan Gong, and through the Chinese-style archway on the street, one can see the Catholic church built during the Qing Dynasty on the opposite side. Both in one frame, they together shape the rich and colorful history of Yuncheng.

🌟 Highlights: The colors of the Yuncheng Salt Lake are like nature's palette, stunningly beautiful like a fairy tale. Background: Yuncheng Salt Lake is one of the three great salt lakes in the world, formed about 50 million years ago during the Tertiary Himalayan orogeny of the Cenozoic era. 👍 Most Recommended: ✅ Must Experience: Yuncheng Salt Lake is known as China's 'Dead Sea'. Floating in its waters, one does not sink, attracting many tourists who call it the 'Chinese Dead Sea'. ✅ Must Experience: The salt lake is home to over 150 species of animals, including well-known birds such as flamingos, whooper swans, and common cranes. These migratory birds visit every year, making bird watchers linger and forget to return. ✅ Must Experience: Saltwater floating. Floating in the saltwater relaxes the body and mind. ✅ Must Experience: Black mud bathing for health. Applying the black mud of Yuncheng Salt Lake makes the skin smoother and more elastic. ✅ Must Experience: Mineral water spa. The pressure of the water provides pure enjoyment to the body. Come to Yuncheng Salt Lake and experience the charm of this colorful salt lake, and feel the wonderful power of nature for yourself!

Yuncheng Salt Lake, also known as China's Dead Sea, is located in the southern Shanxi basin and is a mesmerizing natural wonder. Here, the lake water is clear, and the salt is pure, resembling a mirror embedded in the earth. To understand Yuncheng Salt Lake, one must start from the Pool Salt Museum. ✅ Pool Salt Museum Yuncheng was anciently known as 'Hedong' and got its name from being the 'city of salt transport', which is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization; it is also a 'city of good fortune' that has been blessed by heaven since ancient times. In ancient history, for a considerable length of time, 'salt tax' was the nation's second-largest income after 'land tax'. In ancient times, Yuncheng salt pools were indeed a 'treasure basin'. The ancient salt pools were called Yanze, Gu (gǔ), also known as Jiechi, Hedong Salt Pool, etc. The area around Yuncheng Salt Pool is high, with a low center, forming a depression, with a total area of 130 square kilometers, and is a natural inland salt lake. It contains rich resources, including salt and saltpeter, as well as magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, potassium, bromine, boron, and other rare elements, making it a natural 'Lake of Ten Thousand Treasures'. · 📝 Practical Tips: 📍 Detailed Address | Inside the Salt Pool Cultural Expo Park on Jiefang South Road, Salt Lake District 🕙 Opening Hours | 8:30-18:00 🆓 Ticket Price | 18.8 for an all-inclusive ticket, including Pool God Temple, city wall, Pool God Museum, light show, insect exhibition, etc ✅ Salt Lake No. 22 Dam Opposite the Pool Salt Museum is the salt lake. Strolling along the shore of the salt lake, one can savor the beauty of the salt lake. Under the sunlight, the lake water sparkles with enchanting colors, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds, stirring the city's reflection in the waves, as if in a dreamlike world. Looking into the distance, the rippling blue water of the lake and the vast white saltpeter piles complement each other like a painting. The salt content in the water of Yuncheng Salt Lake is extremely high, allowing people to float in the water without sinking, as if in a fairyland, also known as 'China's Dead Sea'. During the hottest time of the summer each year, the salt pools are divided into small blocks due to previous mining, and the concentration of components such as potassium and sodium varies, as well as the breeding of salt algae and brine shrimp in the lake. Under high temperatures and strong light, the 'colorful salt lake' spectacle is formed.

The Salt Lake Temple was founded in the 12th year of the Tang Dynasty's Dali era (777 AD). Historical records state that Emperor Dezong of Tang bestowed the Yuncheng Salt Lake the title of "Bao Ying Ling Qing Pool" and decreed the construction of a temple by the lake, enshrining the lake god as "Ling Qing Gong" and including it in the national sacrificial canon. The Lake God Temple is a shrine mainly for the worship of natural deities, a temple for praising and worshipping nature. Emperor Shun once played the five-stringed zither here and sang the 'Song of the South Wind' which goes, 'The balmy south wind can soothe the resentment of my people; the timely south wind can increase the wealth of my people.' The Salt Lake Temple is an important carrier of the Hedong salt culture, and in May 2013, it was announced by the State Council as the seventh batch of national key cultural relics protection units. Yuncheng Salt Lake is one of the world's three largest sodium sulfate-type inland salt lakes. Because its salt content is similar to the Middle East's 'Dead Sea,' people can float in the water without sinking, hence it is known as the 'Chinese Dead Sea.' Yuncheng Salt Lake is an ancient and typical inland saline lake. Geological research indicates that the lake was formed during the Himalayan orogenic movement in the Tertiary period of the Cenozoic era, with a history of about 50 million years. It extends from northeast to southwest, with a length of about 30 kilometers, a width of 3 to 5 kilometers, a lake surface elevation of 324.5 meters, a maximum depth of about 6 meters, and a total area of 132 square kilometers.

For those interested in history, you must visit Yuncheng in Shanxi As one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization The 5000-year cultural heritage is astonishing Follow this 2-day self-driving tour guide for Yuncheng and let's go! · 🗺Itinerary Planning Day1️⃣ Macun Brick Carving Tomb - Feiyun Tower - Pujiu Temple - Guanque Tower, stay in Yongji Day2️⃣ Yongle Palace - Salt Lake - Guandi Temple, stay in Yuncheng or return trip · Day1️⃣ Travel Guide 🌈Macun Brick Carving Tomb 🎫Ticket: 20 yuan 📍Address: Macun, Xidi Township, 2.5 kilometers west of Jishan County, Yuncheng ⏰Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 ✔️If it's not open on time, call the phone number at the entrance, the caretaker lives within the scenic area The lady opening the door in the underground tomb is a must-see It adds a playful touch to the otherwise somber tomb The courtyard buildings above ground are also quite distinctive ⚠️No photography allowed inside the tomb📸❌ · 🚘Macun Brick Carving Tomb➡️Feiyun Tower 35min drive · 🌈Wanrong Dongyue Temple·Feiyun Tower 🎫Ticket: 20 yuan 📍Address: No. 8, West Street, Yuncheng City District ⏰Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 The scenic area is small, if you just stroll around, it can be done in half an hour It is recommended to spend all the time on Feiyun Tower As the number one wooden tower in China The dougong (bracket sets) of the entire tower are very impressive · 🚘Feiyun Tower➡️Pujiu Temple 1.5h drive · 🌈Pujiu Temple 🎫Ticket: Peak season 60 yuan, off-season 50 yuan 📍Address: On the top of Emei Plateau, 3 kilometers east of Puzhou Ancient City, Yongji, Yuncheng ⏰Opening hours: April-October 08:00-18:00; November-March next year 09:00-17:00 A temple full of romantic love The Mandarin Duck Tower at the highest point is a must-visit Climbing is required but it's not difficult Unfortunately, for protection, it is no longer possible to climb the tower for a visit · 🚘Pujiu Temple➡️Guanque Tower 10min drive · 🌈Guanque Tower 🎫Ticket: Original price 60 yuan (online ticket purchase is more favorable) 📍Address: Puzhou Town, Yongji, Yuncheng ⏰Opening hours: Winter 09:00-17:00; Summer 08:30-18:00 Although it is a replica, it is very exquisite 🉑️Take the elevator to the top of the tower first Admire the magnificent view of the Yellow River described in Wang Zhihuan's poem Then walk down to appreciate the architectural features of each floor The lights at night💡give off a feeling of the grand Tang Dynasty · Day2️⃣ Travel Guide 🌈Yongle Palace 🎫Ticket: 45 yuan 📍Address: About 2 kilometers north of Ruicheng County, Yuncheng, in the town of Guwei ⏰Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 The mural of 'Chao Yuan Tu' in the Sanqing Hall of Yongle Palace is a must-see The entire Taoist temple was relocated and rebuilt to protect it In addition, Yongle Palace, as a fine Yuan Dynasty building The exterior of the building is also worth understanding and appreciating · 🚘Yongle Palace➡️Salt Lake 1h drive · 🌈Salt Lake 🎫Ticket: Peak season 60 yuan, off-season 50 yuan 📍Address: No. 365, Jiefang South Road, Salt Lake District, Yuncheng ⏰Opening hours: April-October 9:00-22:00, November-March next year 10:30-21:00 If you want to see the colorful salt lake landscape, go in July-August The hotter it is, the more beautiful it is There is no color in winter but there are 🈶 nitre crystals The scenic area is closed recently so you can only check in with a drone · 🚘Salt Lake➡️Guandi Temple 30min drive · 🌈Guandi Temple 🎫Ticket: Peak season 60 yuan, off-season 50 yuan 📍Address: Jiezhou Village, Jiezhou Town, Salt Lake District, Yuncheng (It is recommended to navigate to 'Jiezhou Guandi Temple Ticket Office') ⏰Opening hours: Peak season 8:00-18:00, off-season 9:00-18:00 (ticket sales stop at 17:50) The largest Guandi Temple in China, the hometown of Guan Gong Come over via the Yuncheng Ring Expressway 🉑️Witness the 80-meter-tall statue of Guandi Avoid the noon time for the best light and shadow📸photography in the temple

Yuncheng Salt Lake, here I am. The salt lake in spring is quiet and serene, as vast as Yuncheng's sea. When summer and autumn come, this place turns into a world of vibrant colors. Yuncheng has been built and prospered because of the salt lake. The salt here has nourished the Chinese nation, becoming a common wealth for the entire Yuncheng Salt Lake area. The salt lake in spring is quiet, but it seems like I can hear the horn of the salt workers in my ears, feeling the scene of them working hard, sweating profusely. They shovel out salt, heap after heap, piling up like mountains, transporting it to all parts of the country, creating immense wealth for the government, making Yuncheng well-known throughout the world.

On October 15, 2023, at 2:10 pm, our car crossed the Fengling Ferry Yellow River Bridge and entered Shanxi Province. This is the second time I have driven across this bridge. The last time was on September 5, 2018, when I drove out of Shanxi from this bridge and started my first long-distance self-driving tour of more than 25 days and over 6,000 kilometers. At 3:20 pm, we arrived at Yuncheng Vienna International Hotel. Director Xi had been waiting at the hotel entrance. He opened two standard rooms for us. My sister told me that Director Xi had once asked her to treat him. Later, she also cured the diseases of Director Xi's wife and daughter. This time, Director Xi invited her to Yuncheng mainly to ask her to treat his aunts, and by the way, to show us the attractions of Yuncheng. After resting in the hotel for 40 minutes, Director Xi drove us to visit Yuncheng Salt Lake. Yuncheng Salt Lake is located in the belly of the Jinan Basin, at the bend of the Yellow River in Qin, Jin and Yu, with Zhongtiao Mountain to the south, Emei Mingtiao Gang to the north, Yao Tai of Sui River to the east, and the ancient crossing of the Yellow River to the west. The lake surface is 324.5 meters above sea level, the deepest part is about 6 meters, and the total area is 132 square kilometers. Yuncheng Salt Lake is divided into two parts by the tourist road extended from Jiefang South Road. The west side is the big lake, the lake is endless, and you can enjoy the sunset view from the side of the tourist road. The east side of the tourist road is the salt field, and the famous colorful salt lake is next to the tourist road. Director Xi first took us to the salt fields on the east side, where there are thousands of silver islands. The car drove east along the North Shore Binhu Avenue, entered the lake area next to Shanxi Damao Engineering Machinery Co., Ltd., and then continued to drive east. The salt fields along the road were full of alkali bulrush, which was bright red. Isn't this the scenery we want to see in Liaoning Red Beach! I wanted to ask Director Xi to stop the car, but he seemed to have not heard it, and drove straight onto a large dike in the lake. A new tourist road was built on the dike, with red, yellow and blue lines representing the tourist road in the middle of the road, and many Persian chrysanthemums were planted on both sides of the road. According to Director Xi himself, he is a self-driving tour and photography enthusiast. He often participates in photography competitions held in various places. I thought he would take us to a place where we can take pictures. As a result, he let us get off the car in the middle of the dike and let us walk on the dike. He will wait for us at the end of the dike. We got off the car and walked forward along the dike, taking pictures as we walked. When we were about to reach the end of the dike, Director Xi pointed to a beach in the lake for my sister and said that was where he took that photo. I don't know what he meant, but my sister should be very clear. At 5:30 in the afternoon, he asked us to get in the car, and then rushed all the way, arriving at an artificial island on the central lake dike of the salt lake at 5:50 in the afternoon, letting us take pictures of the sunset of the salt lake. Then he took us to see the Begonia Bay Phase II villa group on the south bank of the lake, Nanshan Xinjing Citizen Square Ecological Sports Park, Yuncheng Viper Rugby Club, and finally let us stand next to Kailai International Resort Hotel to enjoy the night view of the salt lake and let the children fly kites. At 7 o'clock in the evening, Director Xi took us to dinner. After dinner, I walked back to the hotel, and he took others to visit the night market until 9:30 in the evening when they returned to the hotel.

China's Dead Sea, colorful salt lake~ I also want to recommend the sunrise in the beautiful Yuncheng. When I was still sleeping soundly in the hotel with my children, The reliable travel partner had already woken up at 4 o'clock to go to the salt lake to take pictures of the sunrise~ It feels so good that my kid's dad can also take photos~ It allowed me and my son to enjoy the beautiful moment. Oh, this set of photos is so beautiful Of course I want to share it with you~ 💁🏻‍♀️The Salt Lake Scenic Area is currently closed But you can still visit the surrounding areas I heard it's sunny. You can take aerial photos of nature's color palette from above 🎨 🙋🏻‍♀️ Let me share some scientific knowledge. Yuncheng Salt Lake is known as the "Silver Lake Mirror" With a history of 50 million years, it is the oldest salt pond in my country. The color of the salt lake changes because of the large amount of evaporation of the lake water. There are also different minerals that crystallize or precipitate. Colorful Here comes the guide to watching the sunrise‼ ️ 🚗Transportation Navigation: ride an electric bike or drive (no public transport if you get up early) Yuncheng has shared Bluegogo electric vehicles 📍Exit the Chishen Temple and head south to Lakeside Boulevard Go east along the riverbank road for about 1 km There are wooden stakes and you can walk in to the viewing point. ✅There is a small path next to the main road of Yanchi that can be entered. You can see the sunrise when you go in. ➡️Sunrise starts around 5:30 and varies according to the season It is recommended to check the weather forecast in advance. Arrive between 4:30-5:00 in the morning If you go early, you can see the crescent moon and the sparkling lake. It's so beautiful. This place is a bit like the beach, anyway, any photo you take is very good There are quite a few young people who get up early to watch the sunrise. Feeling this romantic feeling~ I still remember the look of the child's father when he came back from a stroll and taking pictures. Happy like a teenager It feels so good to ride an electric bike and sweep the streets with the wind blowing~ It is said that they also took the most beloved documentary It turns out that traveling and photography 📷 can really help you rediscover your original intention and long-lost self The sunrise here is really beautiful, no filter is needed to see the real beauty Especially the crescent moon and the clouds in the sky Beautiful to my heart Tell me about your favorite photo. Love traveling, photography and life The Henry family shares more of their journey with you Home More travel tips 🧡 Nice meets you