[2025 Yu County Attraction] Travel Guide for Liangjia Village Dapin Hot Spring Resort (Updated Oct)

Yangquan, the eastern gateway of Shanxi, is known as the "Pearl of Eastern Shanxi." Here, you can experience the millennium-old culture of loyalty and righteousness at Cangshan Mountain, the majestic and strategic Nüzi Pass Great Wall, the healing enjoyment of Daqi Hot Springs, and the red memories of Shinao Mountain. In three days and two nights, travel through history and nature to feel the unique charm of this mountain city! 1. Preparation: Key Information and Essentials 1. Basic Information Location: Eastern Shanxi Province, west foothills of the Taihang Mountains, about 110 km from Taiyuan (1.5-hour drive). Climate: Temperate monsoon climate, short spring and autumn, long winter and summer, average summer temperature 25°C, average winter temperature -5°C. Tickets: Cangshan Mountain: 80 RMB/person (including sightseeing bus); Nüzi Pass: Combined ticket 65 RMB/person (includes the pass city, waterfall, and water town); Daqi Hot Springs: 168 RMB/person (weekends); Shinao Mountain Hundred Regiments Battle Memorial Hall: Free (reservation required). Best Seasons: Spring (April-May): Mountain flowers bloom, peach blossoms at Cangshan; Summer (June-August): Summer resort, cool water fun at Nüzi Pass; Autumn (September-October): Colorful forests, red leaves covering Shinao Mountain. 2. Essentials Clothing: Bring a light jacket in summer (large temperature difference in mountains), non-slip shoes (stone steps at Nüzi Pass are slippery); down jacket needed in winter. Gear: Sunscreen, umbrella (weather changes often in mountains), power bank, trekking poles (for hiking at Cangshan). Others: ID card, student ID (for discounts), cash (some spots have poor signal). 2. Transportation Guide: How to Get to Yangquan 1. Long-distance Transport Self-driving: From Taiyuan: Take Erguang Expressway → Tianli Expressway, about 1.5 hours; From Beijing: Take Jinggang'ao Expressway → Qingyin Expressway, about 5 hours. High-speed train/Train: Yangquan North Station (actually in Yuxian, 40 km from city center): Take bus 901 to city center (about 1 hour, fare 5 RMB); Yangquan Station (city center): Regular trains stop here, exit directly to city center. Bus: From Taiyuan Jiannan Bus Station → Yangquan Bus Terminal (about 2 hours, fare 40 RMB). 2. City Transportation Bus: Supports Alipay QR code payment, covers main attractions; Taxi: Starting fare 6 RMB, about 10-20 RMB between city attractions; Car rental with driver: Recommended for touring Nüzi Pass and Cangshan (about 300 RMB/day). 3. Accommodation Recommendations: Convenient City Center to Healing Hot Springs 1. City Center (Recommended) Advantages: Walking distance to Tianning Temple, Yangquan Museum, convenient dining. Recommendations: Yangquan Hotel (300-500 RMB/night): Established four-star hotel with stable service; Beishan Park Homestay (200-300 RMB/night): Like "Mountain Residence," window views of mountains, quiet and peaceful. 2. Nüzi Pass/Daqi Hot Springs (Special Experience) Nüzi Pass Town: Stay at water town homestays (like "Guancheng Inn," 150-200 RMB/night), enjoy night strolls on ancient streets; Daqi Hot Springs Resort: Hot spring hotels (500-800 RMB/night, including hot spring tickets), perfect for relaxation. 4. 3 Days 2 Nights In-depth Itinerary: Culture + Nature + Red Memories Day 1: Cangshan Loyalty Culture + Yangquan City Night Tour (Millennium Loyal Spirit) Theme: Legend of the Orphan of Zhao → Mountain City Nightscape Morning: Cangshan Mountain (8:30-12:00): Hiding place of the orphan of Zhao during the Spring and Autumn period, known as "China's First Mountain of Loyalty and Righteousness"; Must-see: Canggu Cave, Lotus Temple, Dripping Water Cliff (waterfall); Tip: About 1.5-hour hike uphill, or take sightseeing bus (one-way 10 RMB). Noon: "Zhongyi Xuan" restaurant inside Cangshan Scenic Area (recommended Pingding clay pot dishes, Min Gedou). Afternoon: Yangquan Museum (14:00-16:00): Free admission, learn about Yangquan’s history from ancient to modern times; Tianning Temple Twin Towers (16:30-17:30): Song Dynasty relics, climb towers for panoramic views of Yangquan. Evening: Yangquan Binhe New World: Night market and snacks (recommended "Yangquan Stir-fried Not Overcooked," Hunyuan cold noodles); Beishan Park Night View: Free, light show blending with mountain scenery. Day 2: Nüzi Pass Great Wall + Water Town Ancient Village (Majestic Pass and Tenderness) Theme: The Ninth Pass of the Great Wall → Waterfall Play → Water Town Stroll Morning: Nüzi Pass City Wall (8:30-10:30): The ninth pass of the Great Wall, existing city wall, ramparts, and general’s platform; Must-photo: City gate tower, "The Ninth Pass of the World" stone tablet. Nüzi Pass Waterfall (11:00-12:00): Largest karst waterfall in North China, 30 meters drop, abundant water in summer; Tip: Wear sandals to play in water, bring spare clothes. Noon: Nüzi Pass Town "Guancheng Restaurant" (recommended sturgeon feast, pressed pancakes). Afternoon: Nüzi Pass Water Town (13:30-15:30): Ming and Qing dynasty ancient village by mountain and river, take a small boat through water alleys (20 RMB/person); Must experience: Mill, waterwheel, ancient residences. Pingyang Lake (16:00-17:00): Artificial lake combined with canyon, boating and fishing available. Evening: Return to Yangquan city or stay overnight in Nüzi Pass town to experience water town night life. Day 3: Daqi Hot Springs / Shinao Mountain (Healing or Red Tour) Theme: Hot Spring Relaxation → Hundred Regiments Battle Memory Option A (Leisure and Relaxation): Daqi Hot Springs (8:30-12:00): Hot spring resort beside a thousand-year-old ancient village, includes 40 hot spring pools (Chinese medicine pool, fish therapy pool, children’s pool); Tip: Arrive before 9 am for fewer people, soak until noon. Daqi Ancient Village (13:30-15:00): Known as the "Potala Palace of Shanxi," a 1500-year-old terraced ancient village, perfect for photos. Option B (Red Education): Shinao Mountain Hundred Regiments Battle Memorial Hall (8:30-11:30): Free admission, exhibits artifacts and photos of the Hundred Regiments Battle, climb Shinao Mountain for panoramic views of Yangquan; Must-see: Memorial monument, trench ruins. Yangquan Industry Museum (13:30-15:00): Learn about the history of the coal industry. Return: Depending on your schedule, choose to return directly or buy Yangquan specialties (walnuts, Sichuan pepper, pressed pancakes). 5. Food Guide: Taste of Yangquan 1. Must-try Specialty Dishes Pingding Clay Pot: Clay pot stewed dishes, rich and flavorful soup (recommended clay pot chicken, clay pot tofu); Min Gedou: Small dumplings made from buckwheat or wheat flour, served with pickled cabbage and tofu sauce; Yangquan Stir-fried Not Overcooked: Potato shreds coated with flour, steamed then stir-fried, chewy texture; Nüzi Pass Sturgeon Feast: Multiple ways to enjoy one fish (steamed, braised, fish balls). 2. Recommended Restaurants Old Pingding Restaurant (city center): Rustic environment, excellent clay pot dishes; Nüzi Pass Guancheng Restaurant: Freshly caught sturgeon, fresh and affordable. 3. Pitfall Tips "Specialty shops" inside scenic areas are overpriced; it’s better to buy pressed pancakes and walnuts at city supermarkets; Clay pot dishes are generous in portion, small servings for 2-3 people are enough. 6. Notes: Safety and Cultural Respect Cangshan Hiking: Some sections are steep, wear non-slip shoes, bring water and snacks; Nüzi Pass Water Play: Pay attention to safety, avoid deep water areas; Hot Spring Experience: Do not soak on an empty stomach or after drinking alcohol, limit each soak to 15 minutes; Red Sites: Keep quiet, do not touch artifacts. Yangquan, an underestimated treasure mountain city In three days and two nights, from the loyalty legend of Cangshan to the majestic tenderness of Nüzi Pass, from the healing Daqi Hot Springs to the red memories of Shinao Mountain, Yangquan redefines the meaning of "off-the-beaten-path travel" with its depth and gentleness. Here, there are no crowded crowds, only echoes of history and gifts of nature.

Surrender your body and mind to that gentle water💦 Let the unique misty aura of the hot springs wash away all your worries Escape to the mountains and be a carefree traveler for a day⛰️ 👉Recommended homestay list is here! 🌟TOP1 Chongningbao Hot Spring Hotel 📍Address: Jingsheng Village, Jingsheng Town, Lingshi County, Jinzhong City 🏮Chinese Shanxi Merchants Courtyard Style 🛏️Special traditional kang bed-stove rooms ♨️Pure natural hot springs Experience rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Travel through time to feel poetic charm, Fully immerse in Shanxi merchant culture! 🌟TOP2 Jinghe Mountain Residence 📍Address: Old Village, Xiaoxigou, Wujinshan Town, Yuci District, Jinzhong City 🌄Scenic terrace between two mountains 🍢Romantic barbecue + red wine 🏊‍♀️Popular infinity pool Experience rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Happiness never absent, Romance always continues! 🌟TOP3 Yunzhonghe Green Grass RV Camp 📍Address: West side of Muma Bridge, Yunzhonghe Scenic Area, Xinfu District, Xinzhou City 🚐European and American style RV accommodation 🍽️Western-style picnic experience ♨️Hot springs + camping Experience rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Top choice to get close to nature, A niche spot with Western charm! 🌟TOP4 Yicheng Qingsu 📍Address: No. 63 Nanbei Street, Xiurong Subdistrict, Xinfu District, Xinzhou Ancient City 🐱🐶Pet paradise 🪟Ancient city viewing window 🍵Tea room relaxation Experience rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The joy of petting cats and dogs, You deserve it! 🌟TOP5 Peach Blossom Island Homestay 📍Address: No. 14 North Damo Alley, Xiurong Subdistrict, Xinfu District, Xinzhou City ⚔️Martial arts themed homestay 🏮Ancient style decoration 🍶Tavern atmosphere Experience rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A must-visit for Jin Yong martial arts fans, Instantly travel through the martial world! Tips📝: 1️⃣Best season: Autumn and winter for a better hot spring experience 2️⃣Recommend booking in advance as holiday rooms are tight 3️⃣Remember to bring your beautiful swimsuit for photos!

The Yuxian Grand Hot Spring Resort is like a hidden sanctuary for healing. The hot spring source emits steam all year round, and in the early morning, the valley is shrouded in a veil of mist. The moment you immerse yourself in the hot spring, a warm current gently spreads from your feet to your entire body, and fatigue quietly dissipates in the embrace of the spring water. The spring water here is crystal clear and rich in various minerals, reputed to be highly beneficial for health and wellness. As night falls, the flickering lights around the hot spring pools create a serene ambiance, and looking up, you can see a sky full of stars. Soaking in the warm spring, sipping a cup of lightly herbal flower tea, you feel as if time itself has softened. The hot springs of Yuxian offer not just physical relaxation but also a deep breath for the soul.

How can summer be complete without a hot spring guesthouse! In summer, you should surrender your body and mind to that gentle water, let the unique misty aura of the spring wash away all your worries, and hide in the mountains to be a carefree traveler for a day~ 🌟Recommended Guesthouses 1. Chongningbao Hot Spring Hotel: Home is a courtyard, and the courtyard is a city. This place features a traditional Jin merchant courtyard style, with distinctive kang beds and natural hot springs. Here, it feels like you can travel through time and enjoy the poetic charm of the ancients. Address: Jingsheng Village, Jingsheng Town, Lingshi County, Jinzhong City Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2. Jinghe Mountain Residence: Located between two mountains, the terrace offers beautiful views and hot springs; the residence has everything from barbecue, red wine, to a swimming pool. Happiness is never absent, and romance always continues. Address: Old Village, Xiaoxigou, Wujinshan Town, Yuci District, Jinzhong City Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 3. Yunzhonghe Fangcao Qingqing RV Campground: Get close to nature, enjoy comfort, and also benefit from hot spring wellness. It combines Western camping culture, offering both dining and lodging, with an excellent experience. Address: West side of Muma Bridge, Yunzhonghe Scenic Area, Xinfu District, Xinzhou City Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4. Daqian Guesthouse: Hidden in a thousand-year-old ancient village deep in the mountains, here you can quietly listen to birdsong, smell the fragrance of flowers, watch the joyful fish, and soak in the hot springs while enjoying the scenery—extremely pleasant. Address: Liangjiazai, Yu County, Yangquan City Recommendation Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Calling all office workers! Autumn begins—time to go! A low-cost short trip guide to Yangquan 📜 Four hidden gems to explore the "throat of eastern Shanxi" for about 100 RMB per person. With a two-day weekend, check off ancient grotto villages and Taihang autumn scenery! Hurry and tag your travel buddy for an off-peak departure～ Niangziguan — The Serene Beauty of the "Ninth Pass Under Heaven" in Autumn 📍Location: Niangziguan Town, Pingding County, Yangquan City 🚌 Transportation: Take bus No. 203 from Yangquan city center (5 RMB/1.5 hours) directly to the scenic area entrance 🎫 Tickets: 35 RMB (includes Guancheng + Niangziguan Waterfall; fewer visitors on weekdays after the start of autumn, enjoy the views alone) ✨ Must-See Highlights: •🏞️ Mountain and Water Fun: Capture close-ups of "autumn sunlight sprinkling on the waterfall curtain" at Niangziguan Waterfall, caption it "The first cool breeze of autumn hides in the waterfall mist" •🏰 Guancheng Exploration: Climb the "Great Wall enemy tower" for panoramic views of the Shanxi-Hebei border mountains, shoot the "Guancheng sunset silhouette" at dusk, caption "After work escape plan lands at the mighty pass of Jiubian" •🔍 Hidden Experience: Walk through the free "Waterfront Village" ancient settlement, watch villagers washing vegetables and clothes in the "stream in front of their doors," photograph the healing scene of "stone paths + waterside homes," caption "Northern Jiangnan, hidden in Yangquan’s autumn" •🍜 Food Bonus: At the village entrance farmhouse, try the 10 RMB "Niangziguan pressed cake" (freshly baked savory) and 8 RMB "Minqu’er" (mixed grain noodle soup), excellent value for money Cangshan — The Thousand-Year Autumn Charm of the "Orphan of Zhao" 📍Location: Changchi Town, Yuxian County, Yangquan City 🚌 Transportation: From Yangquan North Station, take Yuxian bus No. 2 (3 RMB/1 hour), then transfer to a village minibus (5 RMB/30 minutes) to the scenic area 🎫 Tickets: 60 RMB (20 RMB discount after the start of autumn; 20% off for students/teachers) ✨ Must-See Highlights: •🍂 Autumn Hiking: Walk the "Cangshan Ancient Trail" along "stone steps tinged with early red leaves" (best after autumn begins), shoot slow-motion of "sunlight filtering through leaves onto the ancient path," caption "On a weekday in the forest, even the wind is gentler than on weekends" •🕍 Ancient Temple Serenity: At "Bao’en Temple," see the "thousand-year-old ginkgo tree" (1,200 years old), close-up the "ginkgo leaves falling on bluestone slabs," caption "The first fallen leaf of autumn drifts into the stories of the Warring States" •🔍 Hidden Check-in: At the "Feiyanlou" viewing platform, photograph the "suspended pavilion + autumn mist over the mountains," go at 6 a.m. for the fewest people, caption "Trade one early wake-up for the quiet of the whole mountain" •📜 Cultural Experience: Free visit to the "Orphan of Zhao Memorial Hall," photograph "historical scene wax figures," caption "Workplace competition is nothing—see how ancients turned desperate situations around" Guanshan — The Scholarly Autumn Atmosphere of the "Land of Literature" 📍Location: Guanshan Town, Pingding County, Yangquan City 🚌 Transportation: Take bus No. 3 from Pingding County town (2 RMB/20 minutes) to the mountain foot, then a 10-minute walk uphill 🎫 Tickets: Free (core scenic area open; 10 RMB voluntary fee for academy interior visit) ✨ Must-See Highlights: •📚 Academy Exploration: Photograph "Ming and Qing dynasty desks + autumn mountains outside the window" at Guanshan Academy, caption "Move your workstation into a thousand-year-old academy, inspiration beats KPIs" •🌳 Forest Oxygen Boost: Walk the "Cypress Grove Trail" (rich in negative oxygen ions), shoot "upward shot of cypress trees and blue sky," caption "Give your lungs a spa, more reliable than bubble tea for longevity" •🔍 Hidden Experience: At the back hall of "Zifu Temple," see "Ming dynasty murals" (free admission), photograph "autumn scenes and ancient Buddhas in the murals," caption "Ancient autumns are hidden in the pigments" •☕ Relaxation Moment: At the mid-mountain "tea pavilion," order 8 RMB "Guanshan Maofeng tea," sit on a stone bench watching "fallen leaves drift into the tea cup," caption "This cup of tea drinks away a week’s fatigue" Daqi Ancient Village — The Autumn Fireworks of the "Taihang Potala Palace" 📍Location: Liangjiazai Township, Yuxian County, Yangquan City 🚌 Transportation: Take the Liangjiazai shuttle bus from Yuxian Bus Station (8 RMB/1.5 hours), then walk 20 minutes 🎫 Tickets: Free (the ancient village retains its original appearance with no commercial development) ✨ Must-See Highlights: •🏘️ Village Stroll: Photograph the "stone houses built against the mountain" (resembling Potala Palace), after autumn begins, villagers dry "corn + chili peppers," caption "The autumn deep in Taihang is golden from drying" •🌄 Best Sunrise: At the "east village viewing platform," capture the panoramic "autumn sun illuminating the ancient village," get up at 6 a.m. just in time, caption "An hour earlier than the alarm clock, rewarded with the mountain’s sunrise" •🔍 Hidden Interaction: Learn to "pick hawthorns" with villagers (mid to late August), photograph "red fruits on branches + close-up of hand picking," caption "Pack the sweet and sour taste of autumn into your weekend pocket" •🏡 Accommodation Bonus: Stay at a "villager homestay" (50 RMB/night including breakfast), eat "farmhouse scrambled eggs" (15 RMB/plate), experience the slow life of Taihang locals 💰 Money-Saving Guide for Office Workers •🏨 Accommodation: Choose "chain hotels in Yangquan city" (100 RMB/night including breakfast), 50% cheaper than near scenic spots, convenient for bus travel •🚗 Transportation: Use "Hello Ride-sharing" carpool to Daqi Ancient Village (25 RMB per person, saves 1 hour compared to bus), arrange return with fellow travelers •🍚 Meals: For main meals, go to "Pingding County snack street," 12 RMB for "Piao Minqu" (Yangquan specialty noodles) + 3 RMB for "sour jujube juice," keep two-day food expenses under 80 RMB 📅 2-Day, 1-Night Off-Peak Itinerary Day 1: Depart after work → stay in city → next morning Niangziguan → lunch "Niangziguan tofu" (15 RMB/serving) → afternoon Cangshan → evening return to city Day 2: Morning Guanshan → lunch "Pingding fried pork" (25 RMB/serving) → afternoon Daqi Ancient Village → before return buy "Yuxian Sichuan pepper" (10 RMB/bag) as a souvenir Yangquan’s autumn hides in the beacon fires of Guancheng, the cracks of ancient villages, and the red leaves of Taihang ~ Pack your weekend off, depart off-peak after the start of autumn, and go on a "date with the secret realm of eastern Shanxi"! 🍂