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

Feiyun Tower Scenic Area in Wanrong County, Yuncheng, was recently announced by the Shanxi Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism as a candidate for a national 4A-level tourist attraction. Known as the "First Wooden Tower of China," Feiyun Tower, along with Ying County Wooden Pagoda, is referred to as the "Southern Tower and Northern Pagoda." This pure wooden structure from the Yuan and Ming dynasties stands 23.19 meters tall, with no iron nails used throughout its construction. It relies entirely on thousands of precisely interlocking mortise and tenon joints, remaining stable and standing firm through nearly a thousand years of wind and rain, earning it the title of "Ancient People's Construction Ceiling." The exquisite design of Feiyun Tower is astonishing: it appears as a three-story pavilion from the outside but actually has five floors inside. There are 345 sets of dougong brackets, each with unique shapes, layered like clusters of clouds. Thirty-two upturned eaves hang copper bells that chime crisply when the wind blows, fully immersing visitors in an ancient atmosphere. Standing in front of the tower and looking up, its majestic presence is overwhelming, as if you can feel its spirit "flying" into the clouds. As a nationally protected key cultural relic, Feiyun Tower not only boasts impressive aesthetics but also carries the wisdom and craftsmanship of ancient people. Now proposed as a 4A-level scenic spot, visitors can experience the gentle ringing of copper bells, try assembling mortise and tenon wooden blocks by hand, take a set of ancient-style photos with a time-travel feel, and enjoy this millennium-spanning architectural romance. Come check in and let this wise ancient building become the most vivid memory of your trip!

As soon as I arrived at Feiyun Tower, I was captivated by this red wall under the sunset. The locals sunbathing, cycling, and walking by the red wall perfectly embody the relaxed vibe unique to Shanxi. After a nap, just a short stroll outside, you can see such a magnificent pure wooden structure. I can only say Shanxi really has so many wonderful things. At this moment, I just want to sit under this wall and soak up the sun. - Sharing a great self-driving route for families from Yongji to Wanrong: starting from Guanque Tower, follow the Yellow River No.1 Tourist Highway to Qiufeng Tower, then take the highway to Feiyun Tower (route map at the end). The entire Yellow River No.1 Highway is in excellent condition, with no large trucks, so you can drive leisurely. In winter, you can see the wide northern farmlands unique to the region and the spectacular scenes of the Yellow River water diversion project. In summer, the ten-thousand-mu lotus flowers are especially beautiful. Bring your kids to enjoy the sun and ancient architecture along the way, and you can also taste local specialties. I recommend everyone come and see it when the sun is shining. - Tickets: 10 RMB Winter park hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Parking at the entrance: It’s not easy to park on the main street Dining: There are well-rated restaurants nearby, suitable for families with kids - 📷 I am Sen Sen, a photographer traveling the world with my child

How to enjoy Yuncheng in winter? Keep this 4-day National Treasure Trail guide handy! From Tang Dynasty architecture at Guangrenwang Temple, murals at Yongle Palace, to brick carvings at Guandi Temple... From glazed coffered ceilings to Jin Dynasty brick tombs, 12 serene and beautiful ancient buildings in winter are all included, unlocking Yuncheng’s new national treasures and millennia-old secrets! 📒 Suggested Itinerary: Day 1: Yuncheng Guan Gong Hometown Cultural Tourism Scenic Area -> Yongle Palace -> Guangrenwang Temple Explore the hometown of Guan Gong, feel the culture of loyalty and righteousness, then admire the murals of Yongle Palace and the Tang-style architecture of Guangrenwang Temple. The national treasure hunt begins here 🔛 Day 2: Pujiao Temple -> Pujindu Site -> Guanque Tower -> Houtu Shrine -> Qiufeng Tower Start from the love sanctuary Pujiao Temple, pass by the Pujindu Site, climb Guanque Tower for a distant view, then visit Houtu Shrine and Qiufeng Tower to experience the dual charm of history and nature 🌉 Day 3: Fusheng Temple -> Longxing Temple -> Sui Dynasty Garden - Jiangzhou Hall -> Jiangzhou Third Tower -> Taiyin Temple Discover ancient relics at Fusheng Temple, pray at Longxing Temple, enjoy the scenery of the Sui Dynasty Garden, feel the charm of ancient architecture at Jiangzhou Hall and Third Tower, and finally find peace at Taiyin Temple 🧘‍♀️ Day 4: Macun Brick Carved Tomb -> Qinglong Temple -> Wanzhou Feiyun Tower Scenic Area -> Wanrong Ji King Temple Explore the brick carving art of Macun Brick Carved Tomb, admire murals and coffered ceilings at Qinglong Temple, appreciate the beauty of glazed tiles at Feiyun Tower, and experience farming culture at Ji King Temple 🌾 Last Day: Return Pack up your mood in Wanrong and prepare to head home, ending this journey full of national treasure hunts and cultural experiences in Yuncheng ✈️ Must-Visit Attractions: Yuncheng Guan Gong Hometown Cultural Tourism Scenic Area 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: No. 145 Wuyi Road, Jiexiu Town, Yanhu District, Yuncheng City ⏰ Opening Hours: Unknown ⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours The Guandi shrine features a golden plaque inscribed by Emperor Kangxi, feel the Guan Gong culture! Yongle Palace 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: No. 230 Yongle North Road, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province ⏰ Opening Hours: Unknown ⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours Unique Yuan Dynasty architectural style, exquisite murals inside the Sanqing Hall, a must-see! Guanque Tower 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: East bank of the Yellow River, west side of Puzhou Ancient City, Yongji City, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province ⏰ Opening Hours: Unknown ⏳ Duration: 1 hour A peerless ancient tower, enjoy the Yellow River scenery, admire the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, a great spot for photos and check-ins! 🌂 Travel Preparation: Complete Guide for Yuncheng in December 🧥 [Clothing] Fleece-lined jackets and thermal underwear are essential. The wind is strong at Guandi Temple and Salt Lake, so scarves and gloves protect your face from frostbite. Choose slip-resistant short boots for climbing Guanque Tower. 📱 [Electronics] Bring a 20,000mAh power bank; Jiexiu Ancient City photography consumes power. Use a selfie stick to capture details of artifacts at Yuncheng Museum. Having a plug adapter gives extra peace of mind. 🆔 [Documents] Keep your ID in a waterproof pouch. Student ID gets half-price entry to Ruicheng Yongle Palace. Driver’s license offers more freedom for self-driving to Guanque Tower. Keep photocopies separate to avoid loss. 💊 [Health Supplies] Prepare cold medicine in powder form; the wind by Salt Lake can cause chills. Band-aids help with blisters from hiking. A thermos with hot water warms your stomach and saves money. 👜 [Personal Items] A folding umbrella protects against sudden rain. Wet wipes clean the white frost at Salt Lake. Small tissue packs save space. Carry cash for small change, convenient for rural buses. 💖 Quickly save this private Yuncheng tour guide, invite your friends and family, and start this amazing Yuncheng journey together! 💖

💢 I was worried about hiring a young guide and running into trouble, but this post-2000 veteran brother nailed it❗❗ 👋 Arrived at the station 10 minutes early, carried my suitcase willingly, drives as steady as a pro 🌞 Knows the history of the attractions inside out, calm and considerate, even socially anxious travelers can easily enjoy the trip～ 💞 Official platform guarantee, full protection of rights throughout the journey, and you can even choose your driver in advance (reservation required) ⚡ Today's surprise unlocked! Yuncheng local post-2000 top guide—Ma Binbin! 🏆 7 years of safe driving + 31 thoughtful services, full of glowing reviews, unlimited potential for the future～ 1️⃣ Hundreds of heartfelt long reviews from customers praising him～ 2️⃣ Extremely attentive to customer needs and travel experience, striving for perfection in every detail to bring an amazing travel experience～ 3️⃣ Always has bottled water and umbrellas in the car, parks right at the nearest entrance to the scenic spots, and can even act as your personal photographer with stunning compositions and high photo success rate～ 4️⃣ Young, energetic, and knowledgeable, answers every question patiently, making the journey warm and beyond expectations～ 【Yuncheng Route Recommendations】 ♦️【Classic Route A】Yongle Palace + Guan Di Temple ♦️【Classic Route B】Yongle Palace + Guang Renwang Temple + Guanque Tower + Pujiao Temple + Guan Di Temple ♦️【Classic Route C】Hukou Waterfall + Feiyun Tower / Houtu Temple / Yellow River Grand Ladder Cliff ♦️【Wanrong + Jishan】Houtu Temple + Ji King Temple + Feiyun Tower + Ji King Temple + Macun Brick Carving + Qinglong Temple ♦️【Wanrong】Li Family Courtyard + Houtu Temple + Wanrong Ji King Temple + Feiyun Tower ♦️【Yongji】Pujiao Temple + Big Iron Ox + Guanque Tower ♦️【Jishan + Xinjiang】Jishan Ji King Temple + Macun Brick Carving + Qinglong Temple + Fusheng Temple + Baitai Temple ♦️【Xinjiang】Jiyi Temple + Fusheng Temple + Baitai Temple + Xinjiang Ancient City ♦️【Xia County + Jiang County】Sima Wengong Shrine + Duiyun Cave + Qiao Temple Archway + Taiyin Temple + Nanfan Archway ♦️【Wanrong + Yongji】Feiyun Tower + Wanrong Ji King Temple + Houtu Temple + Pujiao Temple + Guanque Tower ♦️【Ruicheng】Yongle Palace + Guang Renwang Temple + City God Temple + Fengling Ancient Ferry ♦️【Jishan】Macun Brick Carving Tomb + Qinglong Temple + Ji King Temple + Great Buddha Temple ⭕【About Us】 --- 24h+ ultimate service --- Provide effective solutions within 10 minutes --- Care about your travel status in real time throughout the trip --- Always on standby to handle emergencies --- Full quality tracking to ensure every detail --- Team deeply rooted in Shanxi for over 15 years+ 💌 How to book: Click the product link below👇 to order directly or consult the “Customer Service” inside~

✨Shanxi Yuncheng car rental pit-avoidance guide! Platform vs. individual, which to choose? 🔍For the indecisive! Who understands the sense of security with platform car rentals! Rights protection + after-sales guarantee, and you can even choose your favorite guide (remember to book in advance)～ 💯Today's top recommended hidden gem guide — Li Yingbo! The platform's gold certification is no joke! 19 years of driving experience + 160+ service times, zero negative reviews, an unbeatable record! Smooth driving without bumps, punctual pick-up and drop-off, outgoing personality to avoid awkward moments on the trip~! Also comes with basic commentary buffs, easily sharing background info on attractions～ 🌟Can't hide the full screen of 5.0 ratings! “Clean vehicle with no odor,” “Attentive and thoughtful service,” “Professional and sincere explanations” 5 years on the platform as a guarantee, reliability maxed out! Planning a trip to Yuncheng? Book this guide with confidence, your travel happiness will double~ 🉑Pages 5-7 are real reviews from platform customers (for your reference) 💥【Yuncheng Highlight Routes】 ♦️【Classic Route A】Yongle Palace + Guan Di Temple ♦️【Classic Route B】Yongle Palace + Guang Renwang Temple + Guanque Tower + Pujiu Temple + Guan Di Temple ♦️【Classic Route C】Hukou Waterfall + Feiyun Tower / Houtu Shrine / Yellow River Grand Ladder Cliff ♦️【Yongji】Pujiu Temple + Big Iron Ox + Guanque Tower ♦️【Ruicheng】Yongle Palace + Guang Renwang Temple + City God Temple + Fengling Ancient Ferry ♦️【Wanrong】Li Family Courtyard + Houtu Shrine + Wanrong Ji King Temple + Feiyun Tower ♦️【Jishan】Macun Brick Carved Tomb + Qinglong Temple + Ji King Temple + Great Buddha Temple ♦️【Xinjiang】Jiyi Temple + Fusheng Temple + Baitai Temple + Xinjiang Ancient City ♦️【Wanrong + Jishan】Houtu Shrine + Ji King Temple + Feiyun Tower + Ji King Temple + Macun Brick Carving + Qinglong Temple ♦️【Wanrong + Yongji】Feiyun Tower + Wanrong Ji King Temple + Houtu Shrine + Pujiu Temple + Guanque Tower ♦️【Jishan + Xinjiang】Jishan Ji King Temple + Macun Brick Carving + Qinglong Temple + Fusheng Temple + Baitai Temple ♦️【Xia County + Jiang County】Sima Wengong Shrine + Duiyun Cave + Qiao Temple Archway + Taiyin Temple + Nanfan Archway ✨Finding a good guide = unlocking your trip! Who understands these hidden benefits～ 1️⃣No need for complicated transport planning, the guide knows the routes well to help you avoid pitfalls, with flexible itinerary pacing~ 2️⃣Local hidden scenic spots and authentic snacks revealed, the guide takes you off the beaten path beyond the popular spots~ 3️⃣Stable driving skills, familiar with road conditions, clean and comfortable vehicle, no need to repeatedly move luggage, making long trips easy and pleasant~ 4️⃣Adjust itinerary based on your preferences, last-minute additions of attractions are okay 5️⃣Avoid overpriced tourist restaurants and fake shopping spots, recommend local favorite cost-effective food and specialty shops, saving you money and doubling your travel experience~ A good guide is not just a driver, but a friend and steward on your journey! Choose the right guide and unlock the ultimate travel happiness~

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Winter in Yuncheng is indeed an underrated treasure travel destination. Compared to the severe cold in other parts of Shanxi, Yuncheng's winter is much milder. The average temperature usually ranges from -5°C to 10°C, with many sunny days and a comfortable feel. It is perfect for travelers who are afraid of the cold but want to experience the northern winter atmosphere. ➤【Winter Travel in Yuncheng】 1. In winter, flights and hotels in Yuncheng are cheaper. 2. Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery at attractions, allowing quiet appreciation of ancient architecture. 3. Remember to wear red clothes or a red scarf for especially photogenic pictures. 4. Although it’s not very cold, the climate is dry, so pay attention to moisturizing and skin care, and drink plenty of water. ➤【Recommended Routes】 ☑️ West Line: Yongle Palace + Guangrenwang Temple + Pujiao Temple + Guanque Tower + Guandi Temple + Salt Lake ☑️ North Line: Li Family Courtyard + Houtu Temple + Feiyun Tower + Macun Brick Carving + Qinglong Temple + Ji King Temple ☑️ Xinjiang Line: Jiyi Temple + Baitai Temple + Fusheng Temple + Jiangzhou Government Office + Longxing Temple + Sanguan Temple ➤【Service Advantages】 ☑️ Professional Drivers: Professionally trained and on duty, driver information available on the platform. ☑️ All-Inclusive Price: Includes fuel, parking fees, tolls, and meal allowance. ☑️ Service Details: Equipped with mineral water, rain gear, tissues, and chargers. ☑️ Review System: Real-time public user ratings to regulate service. ☑️ Guaranteed Departure: Booking confirmed means guaranteed departure, worry-free travel in Yuncheng.

Yuncheng is truly an underrated treasure city! 🌟 National Day holiday travel experience 100 points 💯~ Not many tourists, but just enough to join a guided tour. There are so many cultural relics and ancient buildings in the city that you can't see them all~ Traveling by chartered car is incredibly convenient 🚗 🎨【Tips for Viewing Ancient Buildings】🎨 For non-professionals, when viewing ancient buildings, focus on specific highlights: 👉Houtu Temple for the entire walnut wood carving 👉Yongle Palace for the stunning murals 👉Baitai Temple for the realistic style Arhats 🚩【3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary】🚩 DAY 1: Wanrong Ancient Building Extravaganza ·Houtu Temple (20 RMB/person) 📍Address: Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province The worship place of Xuanyuan Huangdi (Yellow Emperor)! 🎎 Emperor Wu of Han wrote "Ode to Autumn Wind" here. ·Feiyun Tower (10 RMB/person) A 23-meter pure wooden structure with no iron nails! Each eave corner features a glazed immortal ✨ ·Qinglong Temple (30 RMB/person) The Yuan Dynasty murals from 600 years ago are absolutely stunning! 🎨 DAY 2: Ruicheng Cultural Journey ·Xiezhou Guandi Temple (60 RMB/person) Be sure to see the 300-jin Green Dragon Crescent Blade ⚔️ ·Yongle Palace (60 RMB/person) The murals are the ceiling (best of the best), definitely buy a cultural and creative calendar 📅 ·City God Temple (Free) It's right in the city center, so you can check it out along the way 🏛️ DAY 3: Xinjiang Cultural Relics Tour ·Baitai Temple (20 RMB/person) The skin texture of the Jin and Yuan Dynasty statues is incredibly realistic! ·Quanzhang Guandi Temple (Free) The coiled dragon pillars are super cool! 🐉 ·Fusheng Temple (20 RMB/person) See the most beautiful Guanyin Crossing the Sea 👑 🍽️【Food Tips】🍽️ Have breakfast at Donghu or Huanghe Morning Market in the morning 🌯 Huanghe Night Market for barbecue in the evening is amazing! 🍢 PS. Be sure to hire a guide or do your homework in advance! Luckily, there were enough people to join a guided tour this time 😂 Each building is incredibly unique, so you won't experience aesthetic fatigue at all~

Wanrong Houtu Temple truly deserves the title "The Crown of Temples in the Nation"❗ This is the oldest sacrificial site of the Chinese nation ➡ Dedicated to the Mother Earth, carrying a thousand-year history of worship from the Yellow Emperor to Emperor Zhenzong of Song ➡ The inheritance site of the national intangible cultural heritage "Houtu Sacrifice" ➡ One of the origins of the root ancestor culture of China! Stunning architecture recreated ➡ The wood and stone carvings are amazing! Every detail shows exquisite craftsmanship, and the carvings on the beams are incredibly delicate. ➡ The pinnacle of Chinese architectural aesthetics, every snapshot looks like a masterpiece. 📍Address: Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province 🕰Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (slight adjustments in peak and off seasons) 🎫Tickets: 80 RMB/person in peak season, 60 RMB/person in off season (online booking available)

Beixin Relic Pagoda is located west of Beixin Old Village, Ronghe Town, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. It sits on a hillside by the Fen River and is one of the main scenic viewing platforms along the Wanrong section of the Yellow River No.1 Tourist Highway. The Beixin Relic Pagoda features a unique and flexible design, representing a variant combination of the Lama pagodas popular during the Yuan Dynasty and the Vajra Throne pagodas that appeared in the Ming Dynasty. In the underground palace beneath the pagoda, a sandstone relic small stone coffin, a sandstone square small stone box, and a green-glazed relic small pottery coffin were unearthed. Admission: Free Opening Hours: Open all day

Hello everyone, I am Uncle Tianyi, who has traveled freely in 370 cities in China (excluding Taiwan Province and Sansha City) and 4 countries. If you come across me, it means you also have a heart that wants to wander. Remember to follow me. Checking in at 100 counties in China, the 4th is Wanrong County, Yuncheng, Shanxi. Within Wanrong County, the solitary peaks of Gufeng and Jiwang Mountains face each other from a distance, where the Yellow River and Fen River converge. Wanrong County has 11 National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units, covering ancient buildings, ancient sites, and other types. Houtu Temple Covers an area of 25,268 square meters. Historical value: Emperor Wu of Han personally worshipped Houtu five times. The stele inscription "Fen Yin Two Saints Paired Offering Inscription" written by Emperor Zhenzong of Song is the treasure of the temple. Architectural features: Qiufeng Tower is 32.6 meters high and houses the "Qiufeng Ci" stele; the main hall enshrines the Earth Mother Goddess, flanked by the Child-Giving Goddess and the Medicine-Giving Goddess. ‌ Ji King Temple Historical value: The earliest place in China to worship Hou Ji (the ancestor of agriculture), established in the first year of the Tiansheng era of the Northern Song Dynasty (1023). Architectural features: The main hall is a beamless hall, the only existing Northern Song Dynasty Wudian roof building. ‌ Dongyue Temple Location: West Street, Wanrong County, covering 15,800 square meters. Historical value: Rebuilt in the 28th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1291), it currently houses Feiyun Tower (the first wooden tower in China). ‌ Bailong Temple Pagoda: Built in the 7th year of the Xining era of the Song Dynasty (1074), a seven-story pavilion-style brick pagoda. ‌ Ji King Mountain Pagoda: Built in the 2nd year of the Yuanyou era of the Song Dynasty (1087), a seven-story dense-eaves pagoda. ‌ Wanquan Confucian Temple: Built in the 4th year of the Zhengtong era of the Ming Dynasty (1439), preserving the Dacheng Hall and glazed screen wall. ‌ Li Family Courtyard: Built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty, blending Hui-style and Gothic architectural styles. ‌ Hanquan Pagoda: Jin Dynasty architecture, an 11-story dense-eaves pagoda. ‌ Beixin Relic Pagoda: Built in the 16th year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1383), a combination of Lama pagoda and Vajra throne pagoda. ‌ Shousheng Temple Pagoda: Song Dynasty architecture, an eleven-story pavilion-style brick pagoda. ‌ Transportation is inconvenient; it is recommended to charter a car or drive from Yuncheng. By public transport, you can reach Wanrong County; Dongyue Temple is relatively close. From Dongyue Temple to Ji King Temple, it is still easy to find a ride. From Ji King Temple to Houtu Temple, I met a kind person today who gave me a ride for 100 kilometers without accepting any reward. Follow me to travel with fewer pitfalls and see the world with peace of mind. Looking for a long-term travel companion.

A solo trip on a weekend in Spring 2025 As the prefecture-level city with the most national cultural relics protection units, Yuncheng is definitely worth visiting. Day 1: Xi'an → Yuncheng → Wanrong → Yongji → Ruicheng 📍Wanrong Dongyue Temple - Feiyun Tower p1p2 After getting off the high-speed train and picking up the car at noon, head straight to Wanrong Feiyun Tower. Arrived at 13:00. Feiyun Tower was built in the Ming Dynasty and renovated in the Qing Dynasty. It has three stories, four eaves, and a cross-hipped gable roof. Its rich silhouette resembles clouds embracing it. It is known as the "First Wooden Tower of China" and can rival the Wooden Pagoda of Yingxian County. 📍Wanrong Jiwang Temple p3 Arrived at 14:00. Only the main hall and a Qing Dynasty opera stage remain in the temple. The main hall is a single-eaved hip-and-gable roof building, a rare example from the Northern Song Dynasty. The dougong brackets directly support the deep and tall eaves. Its form is ancient. Compared to the complexity of Feiyun Tower, this place is so empty that only the structure itself remains, giving a sense of powerful simplicity. 📍Houtu Temple - Qiufeng Tower p4-p6 Arrived at 15:00. The tower body is embedded in a high platform, with a neat structure. It is the materialized memory of Emperor Wu of Han's poem "Autumn winds rise, white clouds fly". Climbing the tower offers a distant view of the confluence of the Fen River and Yellow River and this fertile land. However, it is no longer accessible today. 📍Yellow River Kaiyuan Iron Oxen p7 Following Yellow River No. 1 Tourist Highway south, arrived at 16:50. The Yellow River Grand Iron Oxen were the anchor pillars for the Pujin Ferry pontoon bridge, consuming 80% of the iron produced during the Kaiyuan era of the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Afterward, I went to Guanque Tower, but since it's not an ancient building, I won't elaborate further. Day 2: Ruicheng → Jiezhou → Yuncheng → Xi'an 📍Ruicheng Chenghuang Temple p8 At 8:00 AM, I first visited Ruicheng Chenghuang Temple. The temple integrates architecture from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, making it a top-tier example in any province outside of Shanxi. 📍Ruicheng Yongle Palace p8-p12 Arrived at 9:00. Yongle Palace is the ancestral temple of the Quanzhen School of Taoism from the Yuan Dynasty. The Sanqing Hall, Chunyang Hall, and Chongyang Hall on the central axis feature gently curving roofs and grand dougong brackets, retaining the style of the Song and Jin dynasties. Its true soul lies in the Yuan Dynasty murals "Chaoyuan Tu" (Homage to the Primordial) inside the Sanqing Hall, which was the most breathtaking stop on the trip. Nearly three hundred immortals pay homage to the Primordial Celestial Venerable, with flowing and elegant lines, and a magnificent, sweeping momentum, conveying a solemn sense of decay. 📍Guangrenwang Temple p13 Arrived at 10:00. One of the three and a half existing Tang Dynasty structures in China. It features a single-eaved hipped-gable roof, a low hall, simple and large dougong brackets, and no ceiling inside, making the beam structure clear at a glance. It is so plain it's almost clumsy, exuding a steady confidence from the Tang Dynasty. 📍Jiezhou Guandi Temple, Changping Guandi Ancestral Temple p14-p17 Afterward, I crossed the Zhongtiao Mountains and arrived at Jiezhou Guandi Temple at 11:20. This is the "Ancestor of Martial Temples," with a layout resembling an imperial palace, glazed tile roofs, carved beams, and painted rafters, showcasing the supreme status of Guan Yu as a martial saint. 📍Yuncheng Salt Lake, Yuncheng Museum p18 Arrived at Yuncheng Salt Lake at 14:10. Yuncheng prospered because of the salt lake. The lake water exhibits different colors due to algae, but the weather that day wasn't good enough to see very distinct colors. Afterward, I visited the Yuncheng Museum, which houses a 1:1 replica of the "Chaoyuan Tu" mural, making up for the regret of not being able to take photos in the Sanqing Hall. Additionally, the Xi'an Annual Pass generally includes admission to all the above scenic spots.

Besides the renowned Feiyun Tower, Wanrong also has another pavilion that rivals Feiyun Tower, which is Qiufeng Tower. It became famous worldwide because of Emperor Wu of Han’s timeless poem "Autumn Wind." However, Qiufeng Tower is not located in Wanrong city but in the Houtu Temple about 50 kilometers from the county seat. We drove all the way from Wanquan Confucian Temple to the high cliff by the Yellow River before finally seeing it. · The so-called "Houtu" is the Mother Earth, the most primitive worship of agricultural civilization. Legend has it that since the time of the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan, people have "swept the ground to make an altar" here to worship Houtu, considered the "root of Chinese civilization." However, the historically verifiable beginning was in the first year of Emperor Wen of Han’s Houyuan era (163 BC) when the Fenyin Temple was built here. Later, Emperor Wu of Han visited many times, expanded the temple, established Houtu Temple as a national sacrificial center, and left the famous "Autumn Wind" poem. During the reign of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, the temple reached its peak scale, comparable to a royal palace. Due to repeated Yellow River floods, the temple was destroyed and rebuilt many times until it was relocated in the 9th year of Tongzhi of Qing (1870) to a higher place north of Miao Qian Village. · The current Wanrong Houtu Temple faces south and is strictly laid out symmetrically along the central axis in the traditional Chinese royal architectural style. It consists of the spirit way, mountain gate, pin-shaped platform, east and west five-tiger side halls, sacrificial altar, offering hall, incense pavilion, main hall, Qiufeng Tower, Zhang Yi Road, and more. Most existing buildings date from the late Qing dynasty, but early structures remain, such as the Yuan dynasty mountain gate and the Ming dynasty remnants of Qiufeng Tower. · Climbing the high cliff, the first thing that catches the eye is the mountain gate, shaped like a "tiger head," with a beam-lifting structure and a double-eaved Xieshan-style roof, clearly showing the traditional Shanxi courtyard architectural style. Entering the mountain gate, the most striking feature is the three side-by-side opera stages arranged in a "pin" character shape, extremely rare. One can imagine the grand scene during sacrifices when all three stages performed simultaneously with drums and gongs ringing. · Passing through the opera stages is the magnificent offering hall, divided into five rooms by 24 columns arranged in 4 rows and 6 columns, with a hard mountain roof. Beyond the offering hall is the main hall at the center of the entire complex’s central axis. The main hall has five rooms in width and three rooms in depth, with a hard mountain roof and eight-shaped shadow walls extending on both sides. This design helps sound transmission during sacrifices; the shadow walls and offering hall form an acoustic device so that even in ancient times, the officiant did not need to speak loudly for the sound to carry far. In the center of the main hall is the statue of Mother Houtu, flanked by the Medicine Bestowing Lady and the Child Sending Lady, who oversee health and family continuation, respectively. · Passing through the main hall is the essence and climax of the entire Houtu Temple complex—Qiufeng Tower, named because it houses a stele engraved in the 8th year of Zhiyuan of the Yuan dynasty (1271) with Emperor Wu of Han’s "Autumn Wind" poem. Qiufeng Tower is three stories high, five rooms wide, surrounded by corridors, with a cross-shaped Xieshan roof. The front door plaque of Qiufeng Tower is embedded with stone carvings of "Emperor Wu of Han Obtaining the Cauldron" and "Emperor Zhenzong of Song Praying at the Temple," with smooth lines and delicate structure, elegant and refined. The overall style of Qiufeng Tower is grand and majestic yet exquisite. Unfortunately, it is no longer open to visitors, making it difficult to fully appreciate the vast poetic imagery of Emperor Wu’s "The autumn wind rises, white clouds fly; grass and trees yellow and fall, wild geese return south." · The lower part of Qiufeng Tower is built with tall steps running east to west, each carved with a horizontal plaque: the east reads "Looking toward Lu," and the west reads "Gazing at Qin." Today, this is interpreted as the ancient Zhang Yi Road, an important passage for imperial sacrifices and a hub for trade between Shanxi and Shaanxi. Although only about 500 meters long, walking it gives a strong sense of time’s texture, making one feel small in the long river of history and proud to stand on this land that nurtured Chinese civilization. · 🏠Name | Wanrong Houtu Temple 🎫Ticket | 20 RMB ⛳Address | North of Miao Qian Village, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province

, located inside the Houtu Temple in Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. It stands on a high cliff on the east bank where the Yellow River and Fen River converge. It is not only a "Chinese masterpiece" but also a cultural treasure carrying over two thousand years of history. ✨ Highlights of the itinerary "View the Yellow River from the top of Qiufeng Tower": Climb to the top floor of Qiufeng Tower, 32.6 meters high, to overlook the magnificent scenery where the Yellow River and Fen River meet, experiencing the heroic spirit of Emperor Wu of Han when "the autumn wind rises and white clouds fly." The unique "Pin-shaped Opera Stage": The "Pin"-shaped ancient opera stage inside Houtu Temple is the only triple-stage structure in the country, where Yu opera, Qin opera, and Pu opera can be performed simultaneously, making it highly distinctive. The "Along the River During the Qingming Festival" of wood carving: The four-layer walnut wood carvings on the top of the main hall of Houtu Temple depict over 80 characters in various market scenes with exquisite details, regarded as the pinnacle of wood art. Rich historical and cultural heritage: Qiufeng Tower houses the stele of Emperor Wu of Han's "Autumn Wind Poem," and the building itself is full of symbolic meanings, such as 28 hanging pillars representing the 28 generals of Yuntai and 108 glazed warrior statues symbolizing the 108 heroes of Liangshan. 📌 Basic Information Address: Inside Houtu Temple, Miaoqian Village, Ronghe Town, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Opening Hours: Summer (approx. April to October): 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Winter (approx. November to March): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Ticket Prices: The Houtu Temple ticket includes access to Qiufeng Tower. Adult tickets cost about 20-40 RMB (it is recommended to check the latest prices through official or reliable platforms before traveling). Discounts are usually available for students, seniors, and others. 🗺️ Suggested Tour Routes Essential Half-Day Tour (about 2-3 hours) If you have limited time, you can efficiently visit the core attractions of Houtu Temple and Qiufeng Tower following this route: Enter through the mountain gate → "Pin-shaped Opera Stage" (take wide-angle photos from below) → Dragon and Phoenix Cypress for blessings → Admire exquisite wood carvings in the main hall → Climb Qiufeng Tower to overlook the Yellow River → Visit the Song Zhenzong Stele Gallery. This route is compact and classic, allowing you to appreciate the essence of Houtu Temple and Qiufeng Tower. In-Depth Full-Day Tour If you have ample time, it is recommended to combine Qiufeng Tower with other famous attractions in Wanrong County to experience richer southern Shanxi culture: Morning: Visit Wanrong Dongyue Temple and admire Feiyun Tower, known as "China's No.1 Wooden Tower." This pure wooden structure features exquisite dougong brackets and high artistic value. Afternoon: Head to Houtu Temple for an in-depth tour of Qiufeng Tower and surrounding buildings. Enjoy the sunset over the Yellow River from Qiufeng Tower in the evening, which is especially spectacular. 💡 Practical Tips Best Season to Visit: Autumn (September to November). The weather is clear and crisp, perfectly matching the "autumn wind" atmosphere and is the best time to enjoy the autumn colors along the Yellow River banks. Transportation: Self-driving: Set navigation to "Wanrong Houtu Temple" or "Qiufeng Tower." It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours from Yuncheng city center. Public Transport: Take a bus from Yuncheng Central Bus Station to Wanrong County, then transfer to a rural bus heading to Ronghe Town or Miaoqian Village. Photo Tips: Early morning or late afternoon light is soft and ideal for photographing Qiufeng Tower and the Yellow River. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the unique structure and large scenes of the "Pin-shaped Opera Stage." The top of Qiufeng Tower is the best spot for shooting the Yellow River. Local Cuisine: Nearby farmhouses offer authentic Wanrong cold noodles, heluo noodles, Ronghe steamed dishes, and other local snacks. Notes: Some areas in the scenic spot have many steps, so wear comfortable shoes. Spring and autumn winds can be strong, and Shanxi’s climate is dry, so take precautions against wind, keep warm, and stay hydrated. It is advisable to carry some cash as some small vendors or services may not support electronic payments.

Yuncheng, Shanxi in November, The autumn chill rises but warm sunshine often accompanies, Millennium-old buildings appear even more majestic under the clear sky, The colorful Salt Lake lies quietly on the earth like a palette, This is the "Hometown of Guan Yu" and also the "Cradle of Chinese Civilization." Few tourists, a relaxed pace, It is the best season to slowly appreciate the culture of southern Shanxi. This in-depth four days and three nights travel guide under 3000 RMB will take you through a 5,000-year historical corridor! 🗓 Itinerary (4 days 3 nights) Day 1: Arrive in Yuncheng → Visit Guan Di Temple + Salt Lake Sunset Take the high-speed train to [Yuncheng North Station], taxi to the city Check in at a boutique guesthouse near the ancient city 💰600/night × 3 = 1800 In the afternoon, visit [Jiexiu Guan Di Temple] (ticket ¥60), the world's largest ancestral temple of Guan Yu, grand and magnificent ⛩️ In the evening, go to [Yuncheng Salt Lake] (free), capture the pink and green "Mirror of the Sky" and sunset silhouettes 🌅 Day 2: Yongle Palace Murals + Ruicheng Ancient Architecture Exploration ✅ Morning drive to Ruicheng (about 1.5h), visit [Yongle Palace] (ticket ¥50) Be amazed by the Yuan Dynasty mural "Chaoyuan Tu," with lines that have not faded for a thousand years, a treasure of Eastern art 🎨 ✅ Afternoon climb [Guangren King Temple] (free), one of the four surviving Tang Dynasty wooden structures, simple and vigorous Day 3: Sima Wen Gong Shrine + Fushou Temple Twin Towers ✅ Morning visit [Sima Guang Tomb · Wen Gong Shrine] (ticket ¥30), feel the spirit of the historian 📚 ✅ Afternoon head to [Wanrong County], check in at [Feiyun Tower] (ticket ¥35) and [Ji King Temple], the exquisite dougong brackets are astonishing Return to Yuncheng city at night, enjoy a bowl of steaming lamb and radish soup or Wenxi boiled cake 🍲 Day 4: Museum Finale + Return ✅ Morning visit [Yuncheng Museum] (free, reservation required), systematically understand the Hedong civilization Return in the afternoon, full of historical charm 💰 Budget Details: Major transportation: round-trip high-speed train ¥600 (depending on departure city) Accommodation: 1800 (three nights in quality guesthouse, prime location) Meals + tickets + local transport: about ¥500 ✅ Total: about 2900 RMB! Culture lovers rejoice, excellent cost performance Yuncheng in November, No noisy crowds, only the millennium whispers told by bricks and stones. When you stand under the eaves of the Tang Dynasty and look up at the dougong brackets, At that moment, you understand Shanxi, and you understand China.

The biggest reason for coming to Wanrong this time is to visit Feiyun Tower, known as "China's First Wooden Tower." This pure wooden pavilion, built without a single iron nail, has stood for hundreds of years and is considered a pinnacle of ancient Chinese architectural mechanics. However, Feiyun Tower is not a standalone building but part of the Wanrong Dongyue Temple. When you truly step into this temple, you will find it is an open-air museum combining architectural arts from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, with value far beyond just a pavilion. · Wanrong Dongyue Temple’s founding date is unknown, but according to the "Stele Record of the Reconstruction of Feiyun Tower" from the Qianlong period of the Qing dynasty inside the temple, it existed as early as the Tang dynasty’s Zhenguan era (627-649) when Fenyang Commandery was established. It was rebuilt from the 28th year of the Yuan dynasty’s Zhiyuan era (1291) to the first year of the Dade era (1297), laying the foundation for the current architectural layout. The existing buildings are arranged from south to north as the mountain gate, Feiyun Tower, noon gate, offering hall, incense pavilion, main hall, and King Yan Hall. · Upon entering Dongyue Temple, the first thing you see is Feiyun Tower, built during the Ming dynasty’s Zhengde period. A folk saying goes, "Wanrong has a Jie Dian Tower, half of it inserted into the sky," vividly describing its towering and spectacular appearance. No matter when you look up at this wooden masterpiece, you will be amazed by the perfect combination of exquisite craftsmanship and grandeur. · Feiyun Tower features a cross-shaped Xieshan roof, appearing as three stories outside but actually having five stories inside, forming a unique "three visible, five hidden" structure. The floor plan is square, made entirely of wood, with five bays in width and depth. Four central pillars reaching to the sky form the core support of the tower, while 32 wooden columns around cleverly create a chessboard-like layout. These pillars together form a stable nine-palace bagua square chessboard structure. · The density of the dougong brackets in Feiyun Tower is also breathtaking, totaling 345 sets with rich shapes like clusters of clouds and blooming flowers. These dougong are not only decorative but also bear weight. It is said that the entire tower contains no iron nails; all joints, big or small, are connected by mortise and tenon, showcasing the ancient craftsmen’s superb wooden construction skills. · Passing through Feiyun Tower, three Yuan dynasty buildings appear in sequence. Among them, the noon gate has seven bays in width and six purlins in depth, with a single-eave Xieshan roof. Although repaired during the Ming dynasty, it still retains the core framework of the Yuan dynasty, with wild beams and large dougong brackets, unadorned. · The offering hall is where offerings are displayed and the main priests conduct rituals. It has seven bays in width, six purlins in depth, and a hard mountain-style roof. Its design of thick beams and slender columns reflects the Yuan dynasty’s unconventional architectural style. · The main hall, also called Dongyue Hall or Daiyue Hall, is the temple’s core building. It is five bays wide and deep, nearly square in plan, with a double-eave Xieshan roof. Inside, it enshrines the Great Emperor of Dongyue, Huang Feihu. The wooden craftsmanship of the shrine is exquisite, with intricate carvings that remain solemn and dignified. · Besides the three Yuan dynasty halls, the incense pavilion built during the Ming dynasty’s Zhengde period is also worth seeing. Although small in size, it is the most delicate building in the temple. The incense pavilion has a cross-shaped Xieshan roof supported by four coiled dragon stone pillars. It features a surrounding railing with flowing clouds and flying dragons arranged at varying heights. The crouching lions on the column heads each have different expressions, with finely detailed carvings. · 🏠 Name | Wanrong Dongyue Temple 🎫 Ticket | 10 RMB ⛳ Address | West Street, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province

Yuncheng Houtu Temple is known as the "Crown of Temples in the Nation" and is an important carrier of Chinese ancestral worship culture and Yellow River civilization. Here is a carefully designed tour route plan for you: 【Basic Information】 Location: Huanghe East Bank, Ronghe Town, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City ⏰ Recommended Duration: 2-3 hours 🎫 Admission: 40 RMB/person in peak season (reference) 【Recommended Route Plans】 1. Cultural In-depth Tour Line (about 2.5 hours) Entrance → Shanmen Gate (admire ancient architectural rules) → Pin-shaped Opera Stage (architectural marvel) → Offering Hall → Main Hall (main worship area) → Qiufeng Tower (core attraction, climb to overlook the Yellow River) → Stele Forest → Return to exit Highlights: Appreciate the essence of Ming Dynasty architecture at the Pin-shaped Opera Stage Learn about Houtu worship culture in the Main Hall Recite "Autumn Wind Poem" on Qiufeng Tower while overlooking the magnificent Yellow River 2. Yellow River Culture Experience Line (about 2 hours) Qiufeng Tower (priority to climb) → Main Hall → Stele Forest (focus on Yuan Dynasty imperial edict steles) → Yellow River Viewing Platform behind the Temple → Stroll along the Yellow River walkway → Return Special Recommendations: Visit in the morning for the best lighting, ideal for photographing the Yellow River and ancient buildings Experience the poetic beauty of "Qiufeng Tower" especially in late autumn 【Itinerary Suggestions】 Half-day tour: Visit Houtu Temple alone (suitable for culture enthusiasts) Full-day tour: Combine with Wanrong Feiyun Tower (30 minutes by car), visit Houtu Temple in the morning and Feiyun Tower in the afternoon 【Practical Tips】 1. Transportation: Recommended to drive or take the Yuncheng-Wanrong intercity bus then transfer to local vehicles 2. Best Season: Spring and autumn (the temple fair on the 18th day of the third lunar month is the grandest) 3. Nearby Attractions: Can be combined with Yellow River Iron Ox, Pujiao Temple, and other sites 4. Special Events: Pay attention to the annual autumn "Autumn Wind Poem" cultural activities Houtu Temple is not only an ancient building but also a spiritual sanctuary to feel the origins of Chinese civilization. It is recommended to slow down and quietly experience the majestic imagery of "The Yellow River’s waters come from the sky" atop Qiufeng Tower.

Who would have thought such a divine ancient building was hidden in this small town! Ladies, let’s go✨ Feiyun Tower, located in Wanrong County, Yuncheng, Shanxi, truly amazed me～ Known alongside Ying County Wooden Pagoda as the "South Tower and North Pagoda," it is considered the pinnacle of ancient Chinese wooden architecture! Compared to the modern replicas of the "Four Great Towers," this is the real "China’s Number One Wooden Tower"! 👍 📍Address: No. 8 West Street, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province ⏰Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Open year-round) 💰Ticket Price: 10 RMB (So reasonable!) 🚗Transportation: Recommended to drive or hire a car ✨【Must-Visit for Architecture Enthusiasts】 Built during the Ming Zhengde period, the current Feiyun Tower was restored in the Qing Qianlong era～ yet it still retains the architectural style of the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties! The 23-meter-high building looks like it has three floors but actually has five (with two hidden floors), all made of wood! Not a single nail was used, relying entirely on exquisite mortise and tenon joinery! Touching those towering pillars, you can feel the weight of history～ 🌈【Four Stunning Highlights】 1️⃣ Perfect Mortise and Tenon 32 wooden pillars arranged like a chessboard! Four towering pillars pierce the sky～ No nails or iron, ancient craftsmen are the best! 👏 2️⃣ Brilliant Bay Windows The 2nd and 3rd floors each extend a "small balcony" Protected by railings + facing mountain flowers Ancient design wisdom at its finest! 3️⃣ Bracket Set Feast 345 sets of cloud-like brackets Shaped like blooming flowers Eaves curve lightly, truly a flying cloud feeling! ☁️ 4️⃣ Lively Winged Corners 32 armored warriors on the pointed corners Wind chimes jingling Every snap is a poetic masterpiece 📸 📸【Photo Tips】 Sunny days are best for photos! The wood carving details shine beautifully in sunlight Don’t miss the red lantern corridor pillars for a must-take shot Remember to take a photo with the stone lion sculpture Here are some perfect spots: - Front full view - Close-up of wood carvings - Red lantern corridor - Photo with stone lions 💡Travel Tips: Plan for about 2 hours Wearing Hanfu for photos is highly recommended Bring sunscreen and water There are plenty of delicious local foods nearby to explore 🌳This place is not only a paradise for architecture lovers But also a treasure trove of photo spots for photographers!

In Pingyuan Village, Wanrong County, Shanxi, there is a "national-level" treasure—the Xue Xuan Ancestral Hall and Tomb. It is not only a nationally protected cultural heritage site but also a living "history museum." 🌟 Core Highlights of the Ancestral Hall (a must-check-in!) 1. Ming Dynasty "Publishing House": Thousands of Woodblock Printing Plates This ancestral hall is a rare site nationwide preserving complete Ming Dynasty woodblock printing plates! 1,080 woodblock plates of the "Collected Works of Xue Wenqing" are neatly displayed, as if you can hear the rustling sound of printing from over 400 years ago. This is a true "national treasure" with immense academic value. 2. Authentic Works of Fu Shan: Master’s Hand-Carved Couplets The main hall hangs wood-carved couplets personally written by Fu Shan, a top calligrapher of the Ming Dynasty. The vigorous brushwork is a precious artistic treasure. It’s a rare opportunity to appreciate the master’s authentic works up close! 3. "Wenqing" Hometown: Memorial Site of a Great Neo-Confucian Scholar The ancestral hall was built to commemorate Xue Xuan (posthumous title "Wenqing"), a famous Neo-Confucian scholar and writer of the Ming Dynasty. His statue is enshrined in the main hall, and the plaque "Hometown of Xue Wenqing" highlights the deep cultural roots of this place. 🌳 About the Tomb (Knowledge Tip) Not far outside the village is the corresponding Xue Xuan Tomb, a large-scale site covering 24 acres. It preserves stone statues, stele arches, and other Ming Dynasty tomb features, making it a great place to learn about ancient funeral rites and family culture. 📝 Travel Tips 🗺 Location: Pingyuan Village, Liwang Township, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City 👍🏻 Status: Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units ✨ Features: The core highlights are the woodblock printing plates and Fu Shan’s authentic works inside the ancestral hall, offering a powerful experience of Ming Dynasty culture and printing history. If you want to find a place rich in cultural heritage where you can witness "textbook-level" artifacts firsthand, the Xue Xuan Ancestral Hall will definitely make your visit worthwhile!

🌿Lazy parents born in the 90s taking a relaxed approach to parenting, the most comprehensive three days two nights family trip guide to Yuncheng Yongji ➡️Day 1: Depart from Xi'an 🚘, about 3 hours to reach Yuncheng city center, lunch at "Xinghe Rock Chicken"; after lunch, went directly to the Salt Lake Scenic Area (006 check-in spot on the way); it was already dark when leaving the scenic area; went straight to stroll around "Salt Street Night Market" and had dinner there, also visited the "Catholic Church" nearby, then returned to the hotel to rest 🏨 ➡️Day 2: After breakfast, went to "Yuncheng Museum"; returned to the hotel at noon to check out, lunch at "Wadan Hotpot"; after lunch, drove about 1 hour to "Guandi Statue Scenic Area", Mia fell asleep 😴 near the scenic area, waited for her to wake up in the parking lot before entering the park before closing time, it was dark when leaving the scenic area, then drove about 1 hour to Yongji city hotel to rest 🏨 ➡️Day 3: After breakfast, drove about 0.5 hours to "Guanque Tower Scenic Area", toured for about 2.5 hours; casually visited "Pujiao Temple" on the way — the story of the classical drama masterpiece "Romance of the Western Chamber" took place here; drove about 1 hour 🚗 to the "Jiezhou Guandi Temple" missed yesterday, very worth visiting, the largest Guandi Temple in the country, magnificent architecture, many great photo spots, toured for about 2.5 hours; after dinner, headed to "Xihoudu Ruins" — the birthplace of human sacred fire, unique architecture perfect for photos, known as 'Little Egypt', the scenic area is small, toured for about 1 hour, many steps so not recommended to bring a stroller, then returned to Xi'an 🏨Yuncheng city center — Yuncheng Liting Hotel; Yongji city center — Yongji Zunyue Hotel 🫧If you want to take your kids to a different city without too much stress, this route is a good choice. For a deeper exploration, you can also consider adding Yongle Palace and Feiyun Tower to your itinerary.

As an autumn enthusiast, this year I finally set my destination to Tengchong Ginkgo Village. Without making complicated plans, I just grabbed my camera and set off. Unexpectedly, this small village hidden on the border holds autumn’s romance so deeply. Day 1: First Encounter, Entering the Golden Fairy Tale Village It takes about an hour by taxi from Tengchong city center. Just entering the village entrance, I was stunned—the ancient ginkgo trees lining the road spread like giant golden umbrellas. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering golden fragments, and the fallen leaves crunched underfoot. Even the air carried a faint scent of ginkgo. The guesthouse I stayed at is in the core area of Chen Family Village. Opening the window, there were several century-old ginkgo trees. The owner said this area has the densest ginkgo trees in the whole village. After dropping off my luggage, I couldn’t wait to explore the village. The ancient tree group at the entrance of the Li Family Courtyard was very imposing, with trunks so thick that two people had to hug them. The fallen leaves on the ground piled up to ankle height. In the evening, I squatted in front of the old temple waiting for the sunset. When the wind blew, golden leaves fluttered down. I quickly took continuous shots on my phone, capturing the moment of the "golden rain." For dinner, I chose Lao Yang’s Restaurant recommended by villagers. The must-try ginkgo stewed free-range chicken did not disappoint. The free-range chicken had firm meat, and the soup floated with round ginkgo nuts, tasting rich but not greasy. I also ordered a cold tree flower salad, which was refreshing and perfectly cut through the richness. Paired with local rice, I ate two big bowls in one go. Day 2: Deep Exploration, Unlocking Hidden Photo Spots Following the guesthouse owner’s advice, I got up at six in the morning to rush to the high viewpoint. The morning mist hadn’t cleared yet, and the whole village looked wrapped in a golden veil. As the sun rose, the mist slowly dispersed, revealing the village bathed in molten gold. At this time, there was no need to compete for photo spots; every shot was wallpaper-worthy. During the day, I discovered several lesser-known corners: I navigated to the secret trail of Xiaoxin Village, where there were few people and wild scenery. The fallen leaves were 10 centimeters thick. Wearing light-colored clothes and standing inside, the photos had an instantly enhanced atmospheric feel. There was also the old house ruins area, where collapsed earthen walls were piled with golden fallen leaves, creating a unique "ruin aesthetic." Every casual shot told a story. For lunch, I skipped the big restaurant at the village entrance and walked 50 meters further into the village to find a small shop run by an elderly lady. A bowl of ginkgo nut stewed chicken soup cost only 10 yuan and was so fresh I could lick the bowl clean. After tiring from the afternoon walk, I sat in a villager’s courtyard, ordered a cup of tea, and basked in the sun while watching an old lady drying corn and ham under the ginkgo trees. The slow pace of life was so comfortable. In the evening, I returned to Chen Family Village. The light was especially soft then. Using the portrait mode on my phone, with ginkgo trees in the foreground and people faintly visible in the frame, the layering effect instantly appeared. Before leaving, I bought a pound of fresh ginkgo nuts for only 10 yuan, planning to cook them at home. Day 3: Final Moments, Leaving with Golden Memories Before leaving, I took one last stroll around the village and found many villagers selling ginkgo handicrafts, including leaf vein bookmarks and ginkgo specimens. The prices were reasonable, so I picked a few as souvenirs. Passing by a small shop, I bought a bag of pine pollen cake made with wild pine pollen. It was fragrant, sweet, and soft—so good I couldn’t stop eating while walking. When organizing photos, I realized I didn’t want to delete a single one from these three days: the ancient village in the morning mist, the piles of fallen leaves in the afternoon, the "golden rain" at sunset, and the steaming ginkgo stewed chicken at the dining table. The best trips aren’t about rushing to scenic spots but about slowly catching the romance autumn offers in such a small village. Heartfelt Tips (Tested and Useful!) • Timing: Mid to late November through early December is peak season, but avoid weekends for fewer crowds and cheaper prices. • Outfit: Light-colored clothes look best in photos. Bring a red scarf as a prop to instantly brighten the shots. • Avoid: Don’t buy overpriced souvenirs at the scenic area entrance. Fresh ginkgo nuts from the village and pine pollen cake from the market are more affordable. Don’t shake the ginkgo trees; naturally fallen leaves are the most beautiful. If autumn had a shape, it would definitely be the look of Tengchong Ginkgo Village. Every fallen leaf and every ray of sunlight here holds the most healing moments. Once you come, you really don’t want to leave.

Whether in times of peace or in eras of frequent warfare, worshiping the gods of heaven and earth was an activity fervently pursued by Chinese emperors throughout history. They needed to promote the concept of the divine right of kings through traditional rituals and regarded praying for the gods' protection as a spiritual pillar to maintain their rule. Historical records show that during the Qin Dynasty, there were already four seasonal sacrifices, with six sacrificial sites: the Western season, Fu season, and Qi season all worshipped the White Emperor; the Mi season worshipped the Blue Emperor; the Shang season worshipped the Yellow Emperor; and the Xia season worshipped the Flame Emperor. In the Han Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu established the Northern season to worship the Black Emperor, making a total of five seasons. Later, Emperor Wu of Han, following the false teachings of alchemists, revered "Taiyi" as the supreme heavenly deity. The Blue Emperor, Flame Emperor, White Emperor, Black Emperor, and Yellow Emperor were considered merely Taiyi’s attendants. Therefore, he built the Taiyi Temple in the northwest of Chang’an, designed as a circular altar called Yuanqiu, symbolizing the shape of heaven; and in Fenyin, Shanxi, he built the Houtu Temple, designed as a square altar called Fangqiu, symbolizing the shape of earth. Taiyi and Houtu were the two most important sacrificial sites in the early Western Han period and served as prototypes for the later Temple of Heaven and Temple of Earth. During the reign of Emperor Cheng of Han, the sacrificial activities to heaven were moved to the southern suburbs of Chang’an (the "Qian" direction of the Earlier Heaven Bagua), while earth worship was conducted in the northern suburbs of Chang’an, becoming a fixed system by the Eastern Han period.

🚗🚗59 seconds to get the ultimate Shanxi travel guide! Packed with useful info👇 Day 1⃣️【First Exploration of Shanxi】 📍Bu'er Temple No. 72 Shouyi West Road, Yangqu County, Taiyuan 🕒8:30-11:30 / 15:00-17:30 💰Free admission 🌟Highlight: The best-preserved among the three existing "Bu'er Temples" in China! 📍Zishou Temple West side of Suxi Village, Lingshi County, Jinzhong 🕒9:00-22:00 💰Free admission 🌟A masterpiece of Ming Dynasty polychrome sculptures, the Eighteen Arhats are stunning! 🏨Haomeiju Hotel (Huozhou Branch) Opposite Zhaojiacun Primary School, Kaiyuan Street ✅Smart rooms ✔️Large parking lot 💡Electric curtains + projector, great value at about 150 RMB per person! Day 2⃣️【Mystery Tour of Xixian County】 📍Xiaoxitian Top of Phoenix Mountain, Xixian County, Linfen 🕒8:00-17:30 💰35 RMB 🌟The pinnacle of suspended sculpture art! Warning: phone storage may run out⚠️ 📍Guangsheng Temple - Lower Temple Hongtong County, Linfen 🌟Stunning Yuan Dynasty murals, remember to bring binoculars🔭 ......(Middle itinerary abbreviated) 💥Top 5 Must-Do: 1️⃣Jinci Museum: Three masterpieces that amaze! The Song Dynasty maid statue is heartbreakingly beautiful 2️⃣Xiaoxitian: The pinnacle of suspended sculpture art✨ 3️⃣Shanxi Museum: A grand exhibition of bronze ware📿 4️⃣Guanque Tower: Climb the tower to enjoy the Yellow River sunset🌅 5️⃣Shuanglin Temple: Over 2000 polychrome sculptures that leave you speechless! 📌Tips: ✔️Big temperature difference in September, bring a light jacket ✔️Many ancient buildings are in the mountains, comfortable shoes are important ✔️Bring enough SD cards, you won’t stop taking photos ✔️Book hotels in advance! Especially during the peak season in Pingyao (Due to word limit, only part of the itinerary is shown. Save the full guide⭐️)

Qiufeng Tower is one of the Four Famous Towers of Shanxi Province, holding a very high historical status and cultural relic value. It is a nationally protected key cultural relic site. The entire tower features a beautiful shape, complex craftsmanship, and a majestic grandeur, reflecting the wisdom of the ancients and possessing great architectural aesthetic significance. [Cute] Qiufeng Tower is located behind the main hall of the Houtu Temple (in the ancient Hedong Commandery Fenyin County, now southwest of Wanrong County, Shanxi Province). It is named after the stele of Emperor Wu of Han Liu Che’s "Autumn Wind Poem" stored in the tower. The exact date of Qiufeng Tower’s establishment is unknown. Due to flooding by the Yellow River, it was repaired during the Kangxi and Tongzhi reigns of the Qing Dynasty. The existing building was rebuilt in the ninth year of Tongzhi (1870 AD). It is said that Emperor Wu of Han Liu Che toured Hedong five times. In the fourth year of Yuanding (113 BC), while worshipping at the Houtu Temple, it was late autumn. He feasted with his ministers on a boat in the Fen River, sang passionately, and wrote the "Autumn Wind Poem." [TeaDrinker] The tower has three floors, each five bays wide and deep, surrounded by corridors, with a cross-gabled roof; on the second and third floors, each side protrudes with a turtle pedestal room topped with a tiled roof and forward-facing mountain flowers; under the corridors of the second and third floors are dougong brackets or flat seats, each housing a stele of Emperor Wu of Han’s "Autumn Wind Poem." [Coke] Opening hours: 08:30~18:00. Ticket price: 40 yuan. Currently, the tower is closed and climbing is not allowed.

**🌿 A Masterpiece of Mortise and Tenon, Defying Nails for Centuries** Feiyun Tower, a wooden pavilion dating back to the Yuan and Ming dynasties, stands tall with 82 towering wooden columns and 246 intricate sets of interlocking brackets. This architectural wonder is a harmonious blend of mechanics and aesthetics, earning its title as a "wooden marvel." **✨ Three Unique Features Unlocking Ancient Architectural Secrets** - **Suspended Yet Stable**: The three-story, four-eaved structure relies solely on its base-level columns for support. When strong winds pass, the wind chimes on the eaves gently ring, creating a timeless dialogue between architecture and nature. - **Ceiling of Illusions**: Look up to witness a seven-layered dome supported by intricate ruyi-style brackets. Sunlight filters through the carved patterns, casting dynamic light totems on the brick floor. - **Hidden Layers**: Though it appears to have three stories, the tower conceals two additional hidden levels. Stairs are cleverly tucked behind painted beams, making the structure resemble a wooden Rubik's Cube. **📜 Touch the Texture of Time in Wanrong** As morning mist drifts over the Emei Plateau, the pinewood aroma from Feiyun Tower's mortise and tenon joints tells a story: this is a living textbook more vivid than the "Yingzao Fashi" and an Eastern LEGO set that could wear out Liang Sicheng's sketchbook. **Start Your Journey Now** Navigate to Jiedian Town, Wanrong County, Yuncheng, Shanxi, and witness how this steel-free architectural miracle humbles Newton's laws.

Nan Song Blue Bridge Rafting, located in Wanrong, Shanxi, is truly a place full of surprises and excitement! We visited during a particularly hot day, and the moment we hit the water, it felt incredibly refreshing—instantly cooling us down and lifting our spirits. The rafting route is quite diverse. Some sections have rapid currents that are thrilling, almost like riding a roller coaster, but in a natural setting. There are also calmer stretches where you can take a break and enjoy the stunning mountain scenery on both sides. The lush greenery is absolutely beautiful. The staff were very friendly, and all the safety measures were well in place, making the experience worry-free and enjoyable. If you're in the area during summer, I highly recommend giving this rafting experience a try!

Yuncheng, Shanxi, with 100+ national protected sites, each a treasure. Although the main attractions are in the counties below, the urban area also has some nice places. The urban area of Yuncheng is called Yanhu District. Here are a few spots I have checked in at: 📎 Yanhu Lake: One of the world's three major salt lakes, with a history of about 50 million years. In summer, different algae in the lake multiply massively due to rising temperatures, increasing salinity and uneven density, showing different colors. You can check in at pink, purple, and green lakes. Popular photo spot on the highway, location: [Miaodongzhuang D Group Service Station] 📎 Chishen Temple: Three large halls arranged in a row, quite rare, each dedicated to a different deity. The halls are all three bays wide and three bays deep with double-eaved Xieshan-style roofs, surrounded by corridors. Climb to the top to overlook Yanhu Lake. 📎 Changping Guan Di Family Temple: The hometown of Guan Yu, said to be the earliest Guan Di temple in China, founded in the Sui Dynasty and flourishing in the Jin Dynasty, but repeatedly damaged and rebuilt. It has the mountain gate, ceremonial gate, offering hall, Chongning Hall, Niangniang Hall, Shengzu Hall, and a thousand-year-old ancient tree. The octagonal seven-story brick pagoda inside the temple commemorates Guan Yu’s parents. 📎 Guan Di Statue Scenic Area: The statue is 61 meters tall, representing Guan Gong’s age. It is currently the tallest and largest bronze statue of Guan Di in the world, made with 500 tons of copper and 2,000 tons of iron, costing 200 million yuan and taking two years to complete. 📎 Panzhou Zen Master Pagoda: A round single-story pagoda built in the Tang Dynasty. It tapers slightly from bottom to top, with patterns like diamonds, lotus flowers, and treasure covers on the top. The round body is divided into eight sections by square brick pillars, each with different carvings, and a wooden door on the south side. 📎 Shun Emperor Mausoleum: A statue of Emperor Shun, with two cypress trees over 4,000 years old behind it, said to have been planted by Emperor Shun himself. Each ancient cypress embraces a dead cypress. At the end is the Yu Emperor Shun Mausoleum, where Emperor Shun was buried after his death. The layout of the tomb in front and temple behind is unique in China. The tomb is said to have been built by Emperor Yao. 📎 Jiexian Guan Di Temple: The second floor of the Chunqiu Tower has two chrysanthemum-patterned caisson ceilings, with layers of dougong brackets hanging down, and the Bagua caisson ceiling inside the Imperial Calligraphy Tower is also exquisite. There are also the divine bravery plaque appointed by Emperor Qianlong, the "Eternal Human Grade" handwritten by Emperor Xianfeng, and the "Righteousness Illuminates the Universe" calligraphy by Emperor Kangxi. Countless archways and stone pillars. The architecture is very beautiful. ps 1. Besides these, you can also check in at Yuncheng Museum (to get a complete understanding of the attractions in Yuncheng’s counties) and Donghu Morning Market (a collection of delicacies from various counties in Yuncheng). 2. If you stay in Yuncheng for a longer time, it is recommended to buy the Yuncheng Cultural Tourism Card, which includes all the attractions mentioned above and is very cost-effective. (p3) 3. Panzhou Zen Master Pagoda and Shun Emperor Mausoleum are a bit far from the urban area. You can visit them together along the way and connect with attractions in Wanrong County like Feiyun Tower for a day trip. 4. Jiexian Guan Di Temple is also far from the urban area. You can combine it with attractions in Ruicheng like Yongle Palace or in Yongji like Guanque Tower for a day trip.

#discoverchina One of the three great towers of Shanxi, Qiufeng Tower is a hidden gem with deep historical roots and poetic charm. 📍Location: Like many iconic towers tied to poetry and history, Qiufeng Tower sits by the water — specifically at the junction of the Yellow River and Fen River. At sunset, the views are nothing short of breathtaking — think “long river and falling sun” vibes 🌅 🏯 Architectural Highlights: Qiufeng Tower is 32.6 meters tall, with three main levels, a cruciform roof, and glazed tile decorations — grand and elegant. Although its original construction date is unknown, it was rebuilt multiple times due to Yellow River floods. The current structure dates to the Tongzhi era of the Qing Dynasty. Look out for: 28 finely carved hanging columns on the lower levels — rich in detail and symmetry. 36 overhanging corners, each adorned with colorful glazed statues of military generals — fierce and majestic. Unique projecting eaves with turtle-shaped bases and petal-like rooflines on the first two floors. Dense dougong (bracket sets) that showcase incredible craftsmanship. The grand platform foundation, running east to west — with the east gate inscribed “Zhan Lu” (Gaze at Lu) and the west gate “Wang Qin” (Look toward Qin), referencing ancient political pathways. #thingstodo #travel