[2025 Lin County Attraction] Travel Guide for Lijiashan Village (Updated Feb)

🚩 Qikou Ancient Town: A Shanxi Merchant Legend in the Depths of Time As the ferry churns whirlpools in the murky waves, the layered cave dwellings on the opposite bank appear like honeycombs growing out of the mountainside. In this moment, Qikou Ancient Town resembles a mysterious time capsule, transporting visitors to bygone eras. This "First Town on the Nine-Bend Yellow River" from the Ming and Qing dynasties silently narrates the former glory of Shanxi merchant camel caravans, even through the rope marks on the hitching posts. 💡 Recommended Itinerary Day 1: Arrive at your Qikou inn and check in. After a short rest, head to Heilong Temple to listen to the roar of the Yellow River. Then stroll to Xiwan Village, wandering through its maze-like alleys and experiencing the tranquility and mystery of this ancient village. Day 2: In the morning, visit Li Family Mountain and capture its unique scenery with your paintbrush. Afterward, take a boat trip along the Yellow River Gallery, admiring the wondrous water-eroded cliffs. In the afternoon, collect Yellow River stones at Qilin Beach, searching for treasures polished by time. Day 3: Climb Zhaizi Mountain to explore the unique landforms of the earth forest. Then visit the Qikou Folk Customs Museum for an in-depth understanding of local folk culture. As night falls, gaze at the starry sky from the ancient town and feel the vastness of the universe. 📖 Brilliant Pearls of History and Culture Heilong Temple Stage: This Qing Dynasty opera house stands on high ground, overlooking the confluence of the Yellow River and Qiushui River. Standing here, you can almost feel the hustle and bustle of the past. The temple keeper hands you a telescope and says, "Look at Shaanxi on the other side; they don't need loudspeakers for their opera!" Try shouting a phrase in Shanxi dialect, and the echo, like a response from history, resonates deeply in your chest. Li Family Mountain Village: This is the wondrous village depicted by Wu Guanzhong, resembling a "Han Dynasty tomb." Follow the shepherd through 72 bends to reach the Ming Dynasty cave dwellings, arranged in a staggered fashion, as magnificent as pyramids. While sketching under a jujube tree, a hospitable woman offers you freshly picked crisp jujubes, saying, "They're sweet, much more authentic than the ones with additives in your city!" Yellow River Earth Forest: Drift slowly on a sheepskin raft into the Ten Mile Gallery, where the cliffs, eroded by the water, resemble "Bodhidharma Facing the Wall" and "Peacock Spreading its Tail." Boatman Lao Chen suddenly points to a spot: "Look! The iron ring used by the Red Army to moor their boats during the eastward crossing is still there!" 🍜 Mouthwatering Shanxi Cuisine Bowl Tuo with Minced Meat Sauce: At the century-old restaurant "Xiang Yuan Long," the proprietress skillfully swirls buckwheat jelly with an iron sheet, then pours on aged vinegar, chili, and minced lamb sauce. The sour and spicy flavor instantly tantalizes your taste buds. Yellow River Catfish: Freshly caught and cooked Yellow River catfish in an iron pot, the tender fish meat infused with the rich aroma of millet porridge. Paired with golden, crispy fried oil cakes, it's a dish that elicits continuous praise. Red Date Fermented Rice: Made with a secret recipe from an old vendor at the ancient ferry crossing, the fermented aroma of the wine blends with the sweetness of Yellow River beach dates. A sip brings warmth straight to your heart, like putting on a thick down jacket. 📸 Charming Photo Spots with a Film Filter Xiwan Village Archway Alleys: At 4 pm, sunlight streams through the archways, creating unique light and shadow effects, like a magical display. Qilin Beach Sunset: The Yellow River water, bathed in the glow of the setting sun, dyes the pebbles a golden amber color, a breathtaking sight. Ancient Town Lantern Night: When hundreds of paper lanterns are lit simultaneously, the entire ancient town is enveloped in a warm glow, like a dreamland. Earth Forest Sunrise: The earth forest shrouded in mist, as mysterious as an alien landscape, is a perfect time for photography. ❤️ Practical Tips Driving from Taiyuan to Qikou Ancient Town takes about 3 hours. The bluestone paved roads in the ancient town are not suitable for rolling suitcases, so it's advisable to prepare accordingly. During the Jujube Blossom Festival in May, the town is filled with a sweet fragrance; in October, red dates hang heavy on the branches, festive like lanterns. On the banks of the Qiushui River at dusk, an old craftsman is intently hammering a Yellow River stone painting. Amidst the clanging sounds, the naturally formed water patterns on the stone surprisingly coincide with the Ming and Qing trade routes. It turns out that time has never gone far; it has always been hidden in the folds of the cave dwellings, waiting for those with discerning eyes to encounter it.

Wu Guanzhong once visited Lijiashan Village to collect materials. This painting was sold for 2700r in Hong Kong. I really want to go and see it and experience the three-dimensional village. In the evening, when the sun sets, the sky is dyed orange, and flocks of birds fly by. After a while, I could see the street lights in the village and the clear and bright 🈷️ teeth in the sky. I happened to see Venus and the moon that day. The village is very quiet in the morning and the air is very fresh. Climbing to the roof of the homestay, you can clearly hear the crisp sounds of various birds. There are also sheep raised by local villagers on the roof, which are so cute. ✅Strategies The scenic area is open all day FREE. The homestay where Wu Guanzhong lived requires a 2r admission fee. The official tour guide charges 50r with a work permit, and the local villagers' tour guide charges a slightly lower fee. Dinner at the B&B is 20r, breakfast is 10r, it's average 🚗Transportation It is about 3 kilometers away from the ancient town of Qikou. It takes 1 hour to walk. The road is basically a dirt road, and the slope is very steep and not easy to walk. Charter a car at Qilin Bridge in Qikou Ancient Town for 30r/person for one way and 50r/person for round trip. It takes about ten minutes to get there.

Hey girls! Want to explore Shanxi and Shaanxi? This guide is all you need! This 8-day itinerary will take you through both provinces without any detours. Save it now! / 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Shanghai✈Yulin->Qikou Fly from Shanghai to Yulin, then transfer to Qikou to start your exciting Shanxi-Shaanxi tour. Day 2: Heilong Temple->Li Jiashan Village->Yanmenguan Visit the mysterious Heilong Temple, explore the ancient Li Jiashan Village, and then head to Yanmenguan to experience the weight of history. Day 3: Yungang Grottoes->Hanging Temple Visit the magnificent Yungang Grottoes and appreciate the charm of Buddhist art, then head to the Hanging Temple to experience the wonders of architecture. Day 4: Mount Wutai->Wuye Temple->Jinci Museum Climb Mount Wutai, visit the holy land, then visit Wuye Temple to pray for blessings, and finally visit Jinci Museum to experience the cultural heritage. Day 5: Pingyao Ancient City->Wang Family Courtyard Stroll through Pingyao Ancient City and experience the charm of the ancient city, then visit Wang Family Courtyard to appreciate the grandeur of the Jin merchants' mansions. Day 6: Yunqiu Mountain Scenic Area->Yunqiu Mountain Ice Cave Group->Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area Visit Yunqiu Mountain Scenic Area, explore the mysterious Yunqiu Mountain Ice Cave Group, and finally head to Hukou Waterfall to appreciate the magnificence of nature. Day 7: Ganquan Grand Canyon Spend the whole day at Ganquan Grand Canyon and experience the depth of the canyon and the wonders of nature. Day 8: Wave Valley The last stop before the end of the trip, explore the unique landform of Wave Valley and end this trip on a perfect note. / Travel Preparation: 🧳Are you ready for your trip to Shanxi and Shaanxi? Here are some essentials you need to pack. 👚Clothing: Remember to bring a down jacket and a thick coat, as it can be very cold in Shanxi and Shaanxi in January. Also, bring a hat and scarf to keep warm and stylish. 🎒Accessories: Power bank and data cable, as you don't want your phone to run out of battery during the trip. Also, bring a selfie stick to capture beautiful travel photos! 🆔Documents: Don't forget your ID card and student ID, as many attractions offer discounts. Also, bring your driver's license for a more convenient self-drive tour. 🧴Daily necessities: Prepare skincare products and toiletries, as you need to take care of your skin during the tiring journey. Also, bring an umbrella for the unpredictable weather. / The charm of Shanxi and Shaanxi is waiting for you to explore. Pack your bags and start your two-province tour now!

Winter is coming! Winter vacation is just around the corner, and we've prepared an 8-day tour of Pingyao Ancient City and more for you. It's a great deal and will save you time and effort! This guide is packed with information and has a great itinerary. It's all you need! Check it out! -------- 🌟🎒Itinerary:🎒🌟 Day 1: Qujing->Kunming->Lvliang Today, we'll travel through Qujing and Kunming in Yunnan, and then arrive in Lvliang, Shanxi. The scenery along the way is picturesque. Day 2: Lijiashan Village->Qikou Ancient Town We'll experience the rural charm of Shanxi in Lijiashan Village, and then explore the ancient charm of Qikou Ancient Town. Day 3: Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River in Shanxi->Guanque Tower The shock of seeing Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River in Shanxi and the ancient charm of Guanque Tower will be the highlights of the day. Day 4: Wulaofeng->Wang Family Courtyard in Shanxi We'll enjoy the magnificent scenery of Wulaofeng, and then experience the cultural heritage of Shanxi at the Wang Family Courtyard. Day 5: Pingyao Ancient City->Jinci Museum Today, we'll explore the traces of time, from the historical buildings of Pingyao Ancient City to the precious cultural relics of Jinci Museum. Day 6: Mount Wutai->Hanging Temple We'll experience the grandeur of nature at Mount Wutai, and then visit the Hanging Temple to marvel at the incredible architectural wonder. Day 7: Yungang Grottoes->Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Today, we'll admire Buddhist art at the Yungang Grottoes, and then visit the world's oldest wooden building, the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Day 8: Taiyuan->Pinliang->Kunming We'll end our journey in Shanxi, departing from Taiyuan and returning to Kunming. Goodbye, beautiful mountains and rivers. -------- Some tips: 1️⃣ Photo spots: There are many corners in Pingyao Ancient City that are perfect for taking photos, such as the city wall and Ming and Qing Street, which have a particularly ancient charm. 2️⃣ Customs: The residents of Pingyao Ancient City are very warm and friendly, but please respect local customs, such as not making loud noises in scenic areas. 3️⃣ Food: You can't miss Pingyao beef when you visit Pingyao. The rich texture and unique recipe are worth treating your taste buds to. 4️⃣ January weather: January is winter, and the temperature difference between day and night in Pingyao Ancient City is large. Please dress warmly and keep warm💼, and also pay attention to sun protection⛱️ to prevent sunburn. 5️⃣ Commercial inducement: During your trip, you may encounter some commercial inducement or various advertisements. Be sure to keep a clear head and don't be easily induced. -------- The meaning of travel lies in discovery and experience. Walking through every ancient street and building in Pingyao Ancient City is like reading a vivid history book. We look forward to your journey of exploration!

|Beautiful ancient cave village. Lijiashan Village is dominated by cave dwellings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. These cave dwellings are cleverly built along the slope of about 70 degrees, extending from the foot of the mountain to the top of the mountain, and are divided into eleven floors, forming a unique "three-dimensional village". This construction method not only demonstrates the wisdom of the ancients, but also reflects the unique soil structure of the Loess Plateau. The roads in the village are flexibly laid out according to the topography, and are both loose and tight, achieving the artistic conception of "sparse enough to run a horse, but not dense enough to insert a needle", making the entire village both orderly and full of variety. There are various architectural forms in the village, including bridges, temples, houses, halls, halls, buildings, kilns, screen walls, etc., each showing a strong local flavor and exquisite craftsmanship. Lijiashan Village has a long history and profound cultural heritage. According to records, during the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty, the Li clan did business and settled here, and carried out large-scale construction of the village, forming its current scale. This is not only a famous historical and cultural village in China, but also attracts many famous people at home and abroad to come here to collect and create works. Address: Located five miles south of Qikou Ancient Town, Lin County, Shanxi Province Tickets: Free, parking fees apply

|The Potala Palace on a high loess slope. Lijiashan | Potala Palace on the high loess slope Lijiashan Village is located 5 kilometers south of the Yellow River in Qikou Town, Linxian County, Shanxi Province. It is hidden deep in the mountains. It gradually became known to the world because of Wu Guanzhong's paintings. Most of the buildings in the village are cave dwellings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and they are relatively well preserved. These cave dwellings combine the trend of the mountains and are layered on top of each other, so they are called the Little Potala Palace. Walking to the opposite hillside, you can see the entire village unfolding in front of you like a scroll (P2, 3). There is not much acquired development here, and it perfectly displays the style of Shanxi cave villages. Nowadays, most of the people living in the village are elderly people, and many cave dwellings are overgrown with weeds, making them look ancient and vicissitudes of life. If you want to better experience the loess style, you can stay overnight. There are some farmhouses in the village. Li Yinlan’s family: Wu Guanzhong stayed here twice when he was collecting folk songs. It is considered to be a better cave dwelling in the village, and the location has a good view (P4~9). You can also climb up to see far away. Li Jianxin’s home: Located high in the village, it is easy to go to the opposite hillside from his house to see the panoramic view of Lijiashan Mountain. Address: Lijiashan Village, Qikou Town, Lin County, Luliang City, Shanxi Province Tickets: None Non-self-driving transportation: You can take a local van to the parking lot of Qikou Ancient Town and leave the driver’s phone number. If you don’t have a car when you leave, ask the driver to pick you up. On the way back, you can visit Xiwan Village and then walk 1 kilometer back to Qikou Town.

| Lvliang, Shanxi. ⭐️There are 3 villages in Lvliang that have been forgotten by time ⭐️In 1989, the famous painter Wu Guanzhong went to Shaanxi and Shanxi for sketching and accidentally discovered this ancient village isolated from the world in Lvliang Qikou. He called it "one of the three major discoveries in his life" (the other two are Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie and Loess Plateau). A painting was auctioned for more than 27 million in Hong Kong. Since then, Li Jia Mountain Village has become famous at home and abroad and has become a holy place for sketching. ✅The scenic spot is located in Li Jia Mountain Village, Qikou Ancient Town and Yellow River Gallery in Lin County, Lvliang City. You can visit them all in one day. 📍Li Jia Mountain Village: A well-known sketching holy land. The buildings here are mostly cave dwellings, Ming pillars, Xiamen eaves and Siheyuan. Mr. Wu Guanzhong sketched and created works here, which were auctioned for 2⃣7⃣0⃣0⃣ million+. 👧🏻👦🏻Riding a donkey 10r/person 📍Qikou Ancient Town: Known as the first town of the Yellow River, it was an important commercial town from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China. 📍Yellow River Gallery: Natural rock relief, you need to take a speedboat to watch. Speedboat🚤300r can seat 8 people ✔Each of the three attractions takes 1-2 hours to play ✔7 kilometers from Li Jia Mountain to Qikou Ancient Town, 15 minutes by car ✔38 kilometers from Qikou Ancient Town to Yellow River Gallery, 40 minutes by car ✔If you don't want to rush the itinerary, you can stay in the ancient town for one night ✔Kirin Villa has a "Dream Qikou" scene performance

In the mountains of Shanxi, there is a picturesque ancient village - Lijia Mountain Village. Here, ancient trees stand tall, stone paths wind, and between the blue bricks and gray tiles, each brick and tile tells the story of history. Walking into Lijia Mountain Village is like traveling through time, returning to the era of slow carriages and distant letters. 1. Overview of Lijia Mountain Village Lijia Mountain Village is located in the western mountainous area of Linxian County, Shanxi Province, and is an ancient village with a long history. Not only does it have abundant natural resources, but it also has a deep cultural heritage. The ancient village buildings retain the style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and the stone and wood carvings are exquisite, making them living fossils for studying ancient architectural art. The village is surrounded by mountains, with a clear stream flowing through it, making it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle and experience rural life. 2. How to Get There The specific address of Lijia Mountain Village is Linxian County, Shanxi Province, located about 30 kilometers west of the county seat. From Linxian County, you can take a bus or drive yourself. There are few buses, so it is recommended to check the timetable in advance. If you are coming from Taiyuan, Yuncheng or other cities, you can take a long-distance bus or train to Linxian, then transfer to a bus or taxi. The self-driving route is clear, and the main road conditions are good. The estimated driving time is about 1 hour. There is a parking lot in the village, which is convenient for self-driving tourists. 3. Must-See Attractions Ancient Opera Stage: This is the cultural center of the village. On festivals, villagers gather here to enjoy traditional opera performances. Ming and Qing Dynasties Ancient Houses: Walking on the stone path, there are well-preserved ancient houses from the Ming and Qing Dynasties on both sides. Each door and window reveals a sense of antiquity. Stone Path: Walking along the stone path, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the village and feel the weight of history. Small Bridge over the Clear Stream: A small bridge with a stream flowing under it, a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Ancient Tree Group: The ancient tree group at the entrance of the village has witnessed the rise and fall of the village, and is a perfect combination of nature and culture. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is most beautiful. It is recommended that tourists plan their itinerary in advance to avoid missing out on anything exciting. 4. Tickets and Consumption Lijia Mountain Village is currently open to the public for free. Some special experience activities in the village, such as traditional handicraft experience and farmhouse meals, are affordable. It is recommended that tourists bring a moderate amount of cash, although most businesses support mobile payment, some small vendors may only accept cash. 5. Visiting Time Lijia Mountain Village is open all day, with no seasonal changes. However, it is recommended to avoid bad weather to avoid affecting your travel experience. 6. Tourist Notice Clothing: It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, suitable for hiking. Weather: The weather in the mountains is changeable, so it is recommended to bring rain gear and sunscreen. Safety: Be aware of slippery mountain roads and avoid going alone. Culture: Respect local customs and do not touch cultural relics at will. Best Season: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, and the recommended duration is 1-2 days. 7. Must-Try Experiences Traditional Handicraft Experience: In the traditional handicraft workshop in the village, you can experience making pottery, weaving and other traditional handicrafts. Farmhouse Meal: Taste authentic farmhouse food and experience the simplicity and warmth of the countryside. Lijia Mountain Village, a place full of ancient charm, awaits every nature and history lover. Here, you can slow down your pace, listen to the echoes of history, and feel the tranquility of time. Pack your bags and embark on this journey through time.

In Lin County, Shanxi Province, there is a village forgotten by time—Lijia Mountain Village. Here, the roughness of the Loess Plateau and the gentleness of the ancient dwellings complement each other, telling a thousand-year-old story, waiting for your exploration. 1. Overview of Lijia Mountain Village Lijia Mountain Village is located in Qikou Town, Lin County, Shanxi Province, on the Loess Plateau of the Lvliang Mountains in western Shanxi. This village, which was established in the Ming Dynasty, is famous for its unique residential buildings and is known as the "Little Beijing on the Loess Plateau". The village is built on the mountain, with a well-arranged layout, like a three-dimensional landscape painting, attracting countless tourists to come for exploration. 2. How to get there Lijia Mountain Village is under the jurisdiction of Qikou Town, Lin County, Shanxi Province. The specific address is Lijia Mountain Village, Qikou Town, Lin County, Lvliang City, Shanxi Province. It takes about 1 hour to take public transportation from Lin County, and it is more convenient to drive by yourself. Drive along the provincial road S249, and you can reach it in about 30 kilometers. 3. Must-visit attractions Lijia Mountain Ancient Village: Most of the houses here are Siheyuan buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, which are well preserved and are a treasure trove for studying Jin merchants culture and residential buildings. Qikou Ancient Town: Only a few kilometers away from Lijia Mountain Village, it is an important commercial ancient town on the bank of the Yellow River, witnessing the glorious history of Jin merchants. Yellow River Gallery: Along the Yellow River, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yellow River Gorge and feel the magic of nature. 4. Tickets and consumption Lijia Mountain Village is currently open for free, but some special experience activities may require additional payment. The local characteristic catering price is moderate, and a hearty lunch is about 30-50 yuan/person. 5. Tour time Lijia Mountain Village is open all day and is suitable for all seasons. The mountains are full of flowers in spring, and the forests are dyed in autumn, which is a paradise for photography enthusiasts. 6. Visitor Information It is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes, because there are many stone roads in the village. Pay attention to sun protection in summer and keep warm in winter. Respect local customs and do not enter the villagers' homes at will. The recommended tour time is half a day to one day. 7. Unmissable experience Experience the farming culture on the Loess Plateau, work with the villagers, and feel the heaviness of the land and the rhythm of life. Participate in local folk activities, such as paper-cutting and embroidery, and make your own souvenirs by hand. Conclusion: Lijia Mountain Village, a corner forgotten by time, is waiting for your footsteps to wake up. Come on, let's walk into this paradise on the Loess Plateau and feel its charm and story.

On this ancient and mysterious land, Lijia Mountain Village is like a shining pearl embedded in the Loess Plateau, waiting for every explorer who desires to explore. Here, the dust of history and the natural wonders intertwine, forming a series of vivid paintings. 1. Overview of Lijia Mountain Village Located in the hinterland of Linxian County, Shanxi Province, Lijia Mountain Village attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique loess landscape and profound historical heritage. The village is built on the mountainside, and the scattered cave dwellings seem to tell stories of a thousand years. Lijia Mountain is not only a natural landscape, but also a living history book, waiting for you to turn the pages. 2. How to Get There Lijia Mountain Village is located in Linxian County, Shanxi Province, about 20 kilometers away from the county seat in a straight line. From Linxian County seat, take bus No. 308, about 1 hour direct to the entrance of Lijia Mountain Village. Self-driving tourists can drive along S340, the whole journey is unobstructed, about 40 minutes to reach, there is a free parking lot at the entrance of the village. From Taiyuan, take the expressway directly, about 3 hours drive; from Yuncheng, take G209, 2.5 hours to get close to Lijia Mountain. 3. Must-See Attractions Overlooking the panoramic view of Lijia Mountain: Climb high and look far, the whole picture of Lijia Mountain is in sight. The best viewing time is at sunrise, when the golden sunlight shines on the rolling loess hills, it is breathtakingly beautiful. Ancient Loess Cave Dwellings: Stroll among the ancient cave dwellings, each door hides a piece of history, feel the precipitation of time. Stone Slab Ancient Road: A stone slab road connects the past and present of Lijia Mountain. Follow the footsteps of the ancestors and feel the changes of time. Lijia Mountain Photography Base: This is a paradise for photography enthusiasts, every frame is a beautiful painting. Hidden Ancient Village: Explore the small villages hidden in the mountains and experience the most authentic loess landscape. 4. Tickets and Consumption Lijia Mountain Village does not require tickets, but the photography base requires an entrance fee of 10 yuan/person. The village's特色体验活动 such as loess folk custom experience, cave dwelling accommodation, etc., the price ranges from 50-200 yuan. It is recommended to bring cash and mobile payment tools to avoid unexpected needs. 5. Visiting Time Lijia Mountain Village is open all year round, but the best seasons to visit are spring and autumn. In spring, the mountains are full of flowers; in autumn, the forests are dyed in various colors. The daily opening hours are from 08:00 to 18:00, with no holidays. 6. Tourist Notice Wear comfortable hiking shoes for exploring mountain trails. Sun protection in summer, warm clothes in winter, the four seasons of Lijia Mountain are distinct, and the climate is changeable. Respect local customs and do not enter private cave dwellings at will. Spring and autumn are recommended for a tour of 2-3 days to experience loess culture in depth. 7. Must-Try Experiences Loess cave dwelling accommodation experience: Feel the authentic loess life and experience a different accommodation fun. Traditional handicraft making: Make your own loess artwork and leave precious memories. Lijia Mountain Village, a place that makes people linger, a journey into the loess, will be an unforgettable chapter in your life.

This is the first stop of our ancient visit to Shanxi during last year's National Day—Qikou Ancient Town in Shanxi. After seeing the flamboyant ancient towns with vermilion colors in the south, we wanted to come to the north to see the ancient villages with blue bricks and yellow earth. In addition to the ancient town itself, the nearby Lijiashan Village is the place we most wanted to visit this time. The famous painter Wu Guanzhong visited Lijiashan Village twice in the last century to sketch and paint. It is said that he made sketches here, one of which sold for 27 million yuan. As soon as you enter the village, a row of cave-style buildings comes into view. On a high mountain slope of about 40 degrees and several hundred meters, as many as nine layers of 98 courtyards were built, layer upon layer, following the mountain's contour. Seeing such architectural style for the first time was very impressive. There are still villagers living here today. We went early in the morning and even encountered locals having breakfast at home. The history of Lijiashan Village can be traced back to the Chenghua period of the Ming Dynasty and gradually prospered until the mid-Qing Dynasty. Later, due to the continuous construction and competition between two wealthy families, Lijiashan Village became a dazzling place on the yellow earth. Qikou Ancient Town is known as the 'First Town of the Nine Bends of the Yellow River.' Across the Yellow River is Shaanxi. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China, the Yellow River water transport here became a famous commercial town in northern China. Currently, the ancient town still retains many buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. You can go to the highest point, Heilong Temple, to overlook the ancient town. ✈️Travel Guide: ❶ Other cities → Lvliang: Qikou Ancient Town is in Lvliang, Shanxi. Lvliang has an airport, and there are direct flights from Chengdu, which are not expensive, generally around 500 yuan. Last year's National Day only cost 450 yuan, with one flight per day by Sichuan Airlines. Lvliang also has a high-speed rail station. ❷ Lvliang → Qikou: 1. If you take the train, get off at the train station and take bus 110 to the 'Jinianpai' stop. After getting off, walk to 'Hengdele Weimin Supermarket,' where there are red minibuses to Qikou, 15 yuan per person (leaves when full). If in a hurry, you can share a ride (about 20 yuan) or charter a car for about 200 yuan; 2. If you take a plane, there is a free airport bus to the city. Get off at 'Dawanyuan' (tell the driver in advance), then take a taxi to 'Hengdele Weimin Supermarket' (follow the same steps as the train arrival guide). ❸ Qikou → Lijiashan Village: Take a taxi or charter a car, 50 yuan round trip (near Qilin Bridge). Driving takes about 10 minutes. If you want to walk slowly, it takes about an hour to walk from the ancient town to Lijiashan Village. 🎫Ticket Information: There are no entrance fees for Qikou and Lijiashan Village. Some residences may charge a sanitation fee of about 2 yuan to enter. Most roads in the village are stone-paved and sloped, so it's best to wear non-slip shoes. If you want a guide, official guides in Qikou and Lijiashan Village charge 50 yuan, and local villagers charge about 30 yuan (negotiable).

On the vast lands of Shaanxi and Shanxi, the mountain village cave dwellings are like pearls deposited by time, exuding a unique charm. These cave dwellings are a tacit creation of the earth and the mountain people. They are built along the mountains, blending seamlessly with the loess, as if they were meticulously crafted works of art by nature. The appearance of the cave dwellings is simple and unadorned, yet they possess a steady and solid strength, much like the hardworking people of this land, silently bearing the weight of life. Entering the cave dwellings, a rustic atmosphere greets you. The rough walls tell stories of the years, and the dim lights create a warm ambiance. There are no luxurious decorations here, but there is the warmth and tranquility of home. The earthen kang is the soul of the cave dwellings. In winter, the family sits around the kang, sharing the joys and sorrows of life, and the steaming days flow with laughter and joy. Outside the cave dwellings are rolling mountains and vast fields. The changing seasons bring varied scenery, endowing this land with endless vitality. In spring, the mountains are adorned with blooming flowers, surrounding the cave dwellings with vibrant colors; in summer, the green trees provide shade, bringing coolness to the cave dwellings; in autumn, the golden crops cover the land, and the joy of harvest fills every corner; in winter, the snow-covered landscape makes the cave dwellings look like fairy-tale cottages, serene and beautiful. The mountain village cave dwellings in Shaanxi and Shanxi are not just a form of residence but also a cultural heritage. They witness the changes of history and carry people's aspirations for a better life. Here, time seems to slow down, allowing people to calm their minds, feel the gifts of nature, and savor the essence of life.

Qikou Lijiashan Village: A Soul-Stirring Ancient Village Exploration Background Story Discoverer: Famous painter Wu Guanzhong Discovery Time: 1989 Status: One of Wu Guanzhong's 'Three Major Discoveries in Life' (the other two being Wulingyuan Zhangjiajie and the Loess Plateau) Impact: A related painting was auctioned in Hong Kong for over 27 million, making Lijiashan Village famous both domestically and internationally, and turning it into a holy land for sketching. Basic Information Location: Qikou Lijiashan Village Scenic Area Opening Hours: Open all day for free Fees: Some residential houses require a sanitation fee of 2-3 yuan to enter Official scenic area guide: 50 yuan Local villager guide: 20-30 yuan Transportation: You can drive directly to the village square, free parking For detailed public transportation strategies, see below Public Transportation Guide Lüliang to Qikou High-speed rail/train: Take to 'Lüliang' station Bus: Take bus 110 or other routes to 'Monument' station, walk 200 meters to the opposite of 'Hengdele Weimin Supermarket' to take a shuttle bus (red/gray-gold) to Qikou, fare 15 yuan First bus: 08:00 Departure interval: Every half hour Carpool: 20-30 yuan/person, more comfortable Qikou Ancient Town to Lijiashan Village Charter: 50-60 yuan, the driver will wait for 1 hour for sightseeing and then return to Qikou Ancient Town Hiking: 3.5 kilometers, about 1 hour, the mountain path overlooks Qikou Ancient Town and both sides of the Yellow River, very suitable for photography Downhill method: Find a villager to send you down the mountain, the cost is about 30 yuan (you can ask the village guide aunt) Accommodation Suggestions Price: 80-100 yuan/night Recommendation: It is best to negotiate to include dinner and breakfast Viewing Suggestions: The sunrise sea of clouds and sunset glow in Lijiashan Village are absolutely beautiful, it is recommended to stay overnight Tour Tips Tour Time: Normal tour: about 1 hour Mainly for photography: reserve 2-3 hours Classic Photography Spots: Seven-story cave dwelling Wu Guanzhong's same framing location (multiple locations) Nearby Attractions Recommendations The First Town of the Nine-Bend Yellow River, Water and Land Wharf Small Metropolis 300-year-old primitive ancient village Northern Wei Grottoes, Song and Ming murals are rare nationwide With the above detailed information, you can better plan your trip to Qikou Lijiashan Village and feel the shock and beauty brought by this treasure on the Loess Plateau.

Lijia Mountain Village has become my favorite place in Shanxi this year. Back in college, I had heard of the famous Lijia Mountain Village, but because it was so close, I never made the trip. This time, due to work reasons, I finally had the opportunity to come here. Lijia Mountain Village is close to the ancient town of Qikou, yet it is exceptionally quiet. Here, I met Niu Niu's mom, who told me that there are only a dozen or so residents left in the village, and in winter, they also move to the new cave dwellings at the foot of the mountain. The entire village is almost abandoned, just as Mr. Wu Guanzhong said, from a distance, it looks like an ancient Han dynasty tomb. I chose to stay at the Xicai Master's Courtyard, a 200-year-old house where an uncle and aunt provide three simple but delicious meals a day. When there are no tourists, I sit on the high roof to enjoy the breeze and watch the sunset; after the sun sets, I walk along the ancient path, as if I can still hear the bells of the camel caravans, the roar of the Yellow River, and the shouts of laborers.

Shanxi Lüliang is most famous for its Qikou Ancient Town, but I recommend the Li Jia Mountain Village, which is four kilometers away from Qikou Ancient Town even more. This is the paradise that Wu Guanzhong painted, with the entire village nestled among the loess highlands, scattered in a picturesque disorder. The village architecture is dominated by cave dwellings and quadrangle courtyards, each with a flat courtyard carved out of the hillside and caves dug into the mountain, said to be warm in winter and cool in summer. Due to inconvenient transportation and backward conditions, the young people have all gone out to work, leaving almost only the elderly behind. There are not many tourists in the village, some of whom are art teachers and students coming to sketch. It also happened to be the season when the village's jujube trees were ripe, and you could reach out and pick the jujubes. It is said that Lin County, where the village is located, is also known as the hometown of red dates, with many ancient jujube trees that are over a thousand years old. 【Transportation】The nearest train station is not Lüliang Station but Liulin South Station. I took a taxi from Liulin South Station and negotiated a price of 80 yuan to get here. 【Admission】Free It is recommended to visit in the afternoon. The village is small and can be toured in one or two hours, and then you can go to Qikou Ancient Town. However, it is difficult to hail a taxi during the off-season, so I had to spend 30 yuan to take a villager's car to Qikou Ancient Town (actually only 4km away) PS: The Yellow River flows through Lüliang, Shanxi, turning into a peculiar nearly 'O'-shaped big bend, known as 'the first bend of the Yellow River in the world'. On one side of the Yellow River is Shanxi, while the other side is Shaanxi.

May Day travel indeed brings a lot of people! We changed our plans on the fly and came to this secluded village by the Yellow River It's the haven on earth depicted by Wu Guanzhong Also known as the 'Little Potala Palace' on the Shanxi Loess Plateau The visit was surprisingly delightful! 📍Li Jia Shan Village, Lin County, Lvliang City, Shanxi Province Self-driving there, it's a quiet little mountain village, not commercialized and very much worth a stroll! ❤️It can be paired with a visit to Qikou Ancient Town We stayed in Li Jia Shan Village, which was quiet with few people. During the May Day period, it's a good place to just lie down and space out😳 You can also choose to stay in Qikou Ancient Town, which is more lively! 🌟The village is not big, and it takes about one or two hours to walk around. You can learn about the history of Li Jia Shan Village in advance and share it with your children when you visit. 🙋‍♀️For more travel tips and updates, remember to follow me🐷!

It really has that authentic feel, just like the ancient village on the Loess Plateau that one imagines. Settlements began during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with seven layers of cave dwellings that are staggered in a visually pleasing manner. Plus, it hasn't been much developed yet, and although many cave dwellings are no longer inhabited, you can still see the remnants of life there. However, development is underway, and with the addition of Wu Guanzhong's famous paintings, it's likely that these uninhabited old houses will soon be rented out to outsiders. There will definitely be commercial activity, so friends who want to visit should do so soon. Transportation: Chartering a car in Luliang costs 200, (there are buses, but they are infrequent), 5 hours is enough—2.5 hours for a round trip, visiting Qikou Ancient Town + Lijia Mountain Village for 2.5 hours.

The Li Family Mountain Residence is mainly composed of cave dwellings built against the mountain during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the Li family has been proliferating and living here for over 500 years. It became gradually known to outsiders in 1989 due to the paintings of the famous artist Wu Guanzhong and is known as the 'Little Potala Palace' on the Loess Plateau. Address: Lijiashan Village, Qikou Town, Lin County, Lvliang, Shanxi Transportation: Self-driving is recommended, or carpooling costs about 20 RMB per person from the Lvliang Monument Q. There are minibuses, but it is not recommended as it requires waiting for people and transferring twice along the way. Ticket: Free Little tips: The overall environment is relatively underdeveloped, and it takes about 2 hours to visit. No accommodation is needed, and a round trip within the same day is feasible. Wu Guanzhong's depicted paradise, the village is built against the loess slopes in a scattered and orderly fashion - a great place for cultural travel~

Lijiashan Village is a group of cave dwellings. It was discovered by famous painter Wu Guanzhong when he went to Lijiashan in October 1989. He was shocked by hundreds of thousands of caves in Lijiashan Village, he said.

The kiln cave building is a wonderful metaphor for the village in the ravine on the Loess Plateau, which is nearly 70 degrees on the hillside. A layer of cave dwellings was dug up on a layered platform. The households of one household live in the hillsides on both sides. Most of the people staying in the village today are white-haired old people. They often move a Mazar, sitting in front of their home, under the ravine. When the tourists came, they got up and sold their own red dates and other agricultural products in their own land. At other times, they looked quietly at the opposite side, facing the loess, and leaning back on the loess. So quiet and slow but with a visual impact, the contemporary art master Wu Guanzhong is full of praise. He called Li Jiashan "looking from the outside like a desolate Han tomb. Once inside, it is a very old cave. The ancient village is relatively closed, like a peach garden, such a village, such a house, all over the place. The world is hard to find" and listed it as one of the three major discoveries in life. There are two major roads to Lijiashan. After crossing the Qilin River Kirin Bridge, you will see a mountain road on the left hand side. When you encounter all the intersections along the road, choose the road on the right and you will reach the top of Lijiashan in about 1 hour. Or follow the road along the Yellow Highway and see the brand of the national historical and cultural village of Lijiashan. Walk here on the mountain road and reach the bottom of Lijiashan Village.