2024 Yu County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)
Yu County is situated in northwestern Hebei province close to the city of Zhangjiakou, west of Beijing. The region's history dates back over 1000 years. Visitors can take a stroll through the ancient streets of the county town and climb the town walls for a spectacular view over the old town and Xiao Wutai Mountain. In addition to the rich history, there are also a number of scenic destinations including Jinhekou Scenic Area and the Nanni River Grasslands (南泥河空中草原).
Today's Weather
Cloudy -8-5℃
Popular Attractions
Nuanquan Town
Weekend tour around Beijing (5): The charm of Shuixi Fort in Yu County - Babaizhuang Fort.
After leaving Nuanquan Ancient Town, we went to Shuidong and Shuixibao villages. It is said that there are some ancient building remains there.
Both forts are built on high hills. Entering from Shuixibao Village and then to Shuidong Fort, it seems that Shuidong Fort has more ruins.
The rain was heavy and light, and it never stopped. The Xibao archway in Yuzhongshui is very eye-catching, but it seems to be newly built.
There was an old man taking shelter from the rain under the Shuidong Fort. I went to chat with him for a while. He was very proud of his village. The fortress is very complete, with a Bell and Drum Pavilion on top, and the Guanyin Temple opposite, but it does not open the door. Next to the Guanyin Temple is a semi-shaped wind and rain corridor surrounding an open space, with the daughter-in-law field marked on it. I don’t know what the daughter-in-law field is used for. Opposite the wife's theater is an ancient stage, which is very simple and colorful.
I originally wanted to visit Yuquan Temple, but in Bubeibao Village, who knew it was still closed. I walked around Bubeibao in the rain and found something unexpected. First, we discovered the former residence of Wang Zhen, which was the home of the eunuch who forced Yingzong of the Ming Dynasty to go to the north and asked Yingzong to visit his home. The ending of this story was the "Tumu Fort Incident". Yingzong was captured and the Ming Dynasty It started to go downhill.
The fortress of Gubei Fort is very simple and elegant. Viewed from the back, the back wall of Yuquan Temple is on the right.
Walking to the highest point of Bubeibao, there is a small temple on a high platform. Looking over from the high platform, Bubeibao Village is peaceful and peaceful in the rain. Wang Zhen's former residence is not conspicuous in the village, just like he was in the long history. Although he had a great reputation for corrupting the Ming Dynasty, in the end it was just blown away by wind and rain.
[Note] During the process of checking the information, I found that someone had done in-depth research on Zhuangbao in Yu County. Cheng Changjin, chief engineer of the China Chemical Safety Association, archaeologist Shang Heng, and Guan Qi, senior director of China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation, are particularly admirable for their self-financed research out of love and belief. Perhaps there is an indescribable charm in it that makes people entranced. Since their youth, Cheng Changjin, Shang Heng, and Guan Qi have delivered to the academic community over 1 million words of written records, more than 700 line drawings and rubbings, and more than a thousand pieces of An 8-volume masterpiece composed of color photos, the series of books "Investigation and Research on Zhuangbao Temple in Yu County since the Ming and Qing Dynasties" will be published by Shanghai Ancient Books Publishing House in December 2023.
Beijing Surroundings Tour.
In the suburbs of Beijing, the first stop is Feihu Valley in Yu County. As soon as you enter the Feihu Valley, you will be greeted by the stunning scenery. As the saying goes, the best scenery is on the road. There are huge rocks on both sides of the road, and we are walking through the gaps between the mountains. Drive slowly through the mountains and enjoy its unique beauty. Yizhuxiang, Baxian Cave, and Seventy-two Bends, each bend has a cave.
Recommended homestay in Weixian County, Hebei Province: A quiet place that takes you back in time.
Recommended homestay in Weixian County, Hebei Province: A quiet place that takes you back in time
🏘Chiyu Guyuan Homestay in Weixian County: A quiet place that takes you back in time
In Nuanquan Ancient Town in Weixian County, there is a homestay called [Chiyu Guyuan]. It is not just a place to stay, but also a cultural experience and a touch of history💫. The three-entry courtyard from the Ming and Qing Dynasties has been transformed into a new Chinese style with a strong sense of design, allowing people to slow down and feel the tranquility and warmth of life🌈
🏘Homestay title: One of the top 100 boutique homestays in Hebei Province, and two of the first nine "Great Wall Family" boutique homestays in Zhangjiakou were selected👍
🏡Accommodation experience
The room is spacious, clean, and hygienic, and the sofa bed is very practical, especially for family trips. Facilities such as a chess room🎲, conference hall, air conditioning, hair dryer, and 24-hour hot water are all available to ensure your comfort🙆 The simple yet warm breakfast and the aroma of millet porridge are enough to make you feel the warmth of home💕
🏟Explore the surroundings
Nuanquan Ancient Town: Named after the constant temperature spring water that flows through the houses, bringing a warm winter and cool summer experience🍃
📺Ancient castle culture: Weixian County's ancient castles are cultural symbols, known as "the most beautiful ancient buildings in northern China." From the homestay, explore ancient villages and castles, and experience the well-preserved ancient buildings🏯
🐲Folk activities
Experience rich folk activities such as Dashuhua and Bailengshan, and feel the charm of the "capital of northern China's New Year culture"🐉
❣️Tips
📍Location: Located in Nuanquan Ancient Town, with convenient transportation. A 3-minute walk to the Dashuhua performance
🌟Service: The homestay owner is warm and hospitable, and is happy to share the history and culture of Weixian County💕
Nanan Temple Pagoda in Hebei, a stunning beauty through the ages.
Hey family, today I'm going to take you to explore a hidden gem in Hebei - Nanan Temple Pagoda! 🏰🌟
🚗 [Transportation]
First, let's talk about how to get there. From Beijing, driving or taking the high-speed train are both good options. Driving takes about 2-3 hours, and the scenery along the way is beautiful. The high-speed train is more convenient, taking about 1 hour.
🏞️ [Attractions]
Nanan Temple Pagoda is an ancient pagoda that has stood the test of time and witnessed the changes of history. 📜🌪️ The pagoda is beautifully carved, with different patterns and stories on each level, making you feel as if you have traveled back to that ancient time.
📸 [Photo Spots]
How can you not take photos when you come here? 📷💃 Standing under the pagoda and looking up at the spire, you can feel the weight of history. Or find some angles around the pagoda to capture the feeling of "I am under the pagoda, and the pagoda is in my heart."
🍲 [Local Food]
When you're tired of walking, don't forget to try the local specialties. 🍜🥢 Hebei's donkey meat fire, beef pancakes, every bite is an authentic Hebei flavor, let your taste buds also have a time travel.
🏨 [Accommodation]
If time permits, I suggest you stay overnight nearby. 🌙🛏️ There are many local-style B&Bs around, which can give you a deeper experience of Hebei's local customs.
📝 [Tips]
Finally, don't forget to bring your camera and power bank, because the beautiful scenery here will definitely make you want to take photos non-stop! 📱🔋
Xiaoxijiang in Western Beijing: A One-Day Trip to Matianling, Yu County
🌄 Matianling, Yu County, is located in the Taihang Mountains in Yu County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, about 200 km from Beijing. It is a natural gem in the suburbs of Beijing. It is known as "Little Tianshan" and "Shangri-La in Western Beijing" and is a great place to escape the summer heat and get close to nature.
📍 Attraction Introduction:
Matianling is famous for its natural landscape and rich biodiversity. In the vast alpine meadows, wildflowers bloom in spring and summer, forming a sea of flowers; in autumn, the forest is dyed in layers, like a delicate oil painting. Climb to the top of the 2,122-meter Little Tianshan Mountain to overlook the magnificent scenery and experience the pleasure of "touching the white clouds with your hands and stepping on the green grass with your feet."
🚗 Transportation Guide:
Self-driving: Depart from Beijing and drive along the Beijing-Kunming Expressway for about 2 hours. The scenery along the way is beautiful, suitable for self-driving tours.
Public transportation: Take a long-distance bus from Beijing to Yu County, then transfer to a local bus or rent a car to Matianling.
🏠 Accommodation Recommendations:
Specialty homestays: There are many local specialty homestays near Matianling, which maintain the traditional style of northern villages and allow you to experience local life in depth.
Camping: For outdoor enthusiasts, this is also a great camping site. Bring a tent and sleep under the stars to experience the charm of nature.
🌅 Nearby Attractions:
Sky Grassland: Located near Matianling, it has unique natural landscapes, rich vegetation, and unique terrain.
Xiaowutai Mountain: Not far from Matianling, it has beautiful natural scenery and profound cultural heritage.
Jinhekou: A famous attraction in Yu County, with clear rivers and beautiful natural scenery that attract many tourists.
📷 Photography Tips:
The beautiful scenery of Matianling is very suitable for photography enthusiasts. You can capture great pictures at sunrise and sunset. It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens and a tripod to take spectacular panoramic photos.
💡 Tips:
☘️ Remember to bring enough sunscreen and comfortable hiking shoes.
☘️ Protect the environment, take away the garbage, and let the beautiful scenery continue.
Pathfinder Episode 104: Chongtai Temple, Yu County.
In the past two years, I've visited Shanxi six times to admire its temples. This place is full of surprises and love.
🌺
I visited Chongtai Temple in Yu County, Hebei—a small village temple originally built in the Liao Dynasty and rebuilt in the 9th year of the Jiajing period (1530).
It's a provincial-level cultural relic, and it's said to have been upgraded to a national-level relic.
It's a small temple, but not small in size. Including the mountain gate, there are six buildings along the axis, and six courtyards including the accommodation area at the back.
🌺
I came to Chongtai Temple mainly to admire the Ten Great Kings of the Qing Dynasty murals in the Water and Land Hall, especially the Face-Tearing King (Figure 1) and the Belly-Tearing King (Figure 3).
The murals in the Three Teachings Building at the back are also interesting, with each character smiling.
Free admission.
Enter through the left side door!
Hebei Zhangjiakou | Yu County Nuanquan Ancient Town | Experience the vicissitudes and glory of history.
| Yu County Nuanquan Ancient Town | Experience the vicissitudes and glory of history. A small ancient town full of life 🏯 Nuanquan Ancient Town is located in the west of Yu County, Hebei Province. It was established in the Yuan Dynasty and developed into "three forts, six lanes, and eighteen villages" during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The ancient town is named after a spring with a constant temperature all year round. It is also the best-preserved castle in the Yu State area.
🏯 The architectural style here is unique. The ancient city walls and city gates tell the glory and vicissitudes of the past. The ancient houses, ancient temples, and ancient opera buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are well preserved. The green bricks and gray tiles, carved beams and painted buildings, show the simplicity and charm. Xigubao is a landmark building in Nuanquan Ancient Town, integrating ancient castles, ancient opera buildings, temples, and courtyards. The structure is rigorous and the layout is ingenious.
🏯 Walking on the stone road of the ancient town, it seems to have traveled back to the past. The traditional handicraft shops on the street are full of treasures, and the paper-cutting, lanterns, etc. are unique to the local area. Here, you can taste local delicacies, such as Fen Tuo and dried tofu, and feel the life of the ancient town.
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📍 Self-driving must navigate to Nuanquan Ancient Town Xigubao (❌Do not directly navigate to Nuanquan Ancient Town, it will go to the visitor center, which is more than ten kilometers away from the core area)
🚌 You can take a township bus in Yu County to get there. There are fewer shifts, and you can also take a taxi.
⏳️ Tour route: Beiguanbao➠Laojun Temple➠Wang Min Academy➠Xigubao➠Zhongxiaobao➠Snack Square➠Huayan Temple➠Tree Flower Square
🥘 Specialty snacks: yellow cake, water-milled bean flour, rotating powder, dried tofu, mule meat... You can eat them in the snack square of the ancient town. I personally feel that the yellow cake and mule meat are the most delicious, and the others are too plain.
🎇 There is a tree flower performance at night, but it is charged 🎫138/person, depending on personal preference.
Nuanquan Ancient Town | A hidden gem near Beijing, full of life.
| A hidden gem near Beijing, full of life. ▫️▫️Nuanquan Ancient Town is famous for its spring water, markets, ancient buildings, and folk culture. It was established in the Yuan Dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, it developed into "three forts, six lanes, and eighteen villages", reaching the peak of the town's history and becoming the transportation hub and commercial center of the western part of Yu County at that time.
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▫️▫️Nuanquan Ancient Town has preserved a large number of ancient buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, such as ancient forts, opera towers, temples, and courtyards, which are full of strong northern characteristics and are precious heritage of ancient Chinese architecture.
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🏛Main attractions:
Xigubao, Nuanquan Academy, Huayan Temple, Laojun Temple
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❤: Folk culture
🔥Tree flower beating, paper cutting, lantern festival
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🎫Admission: Free for the ancient town
🕐Opening hours: All day
📍Address: Within Yu County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province
Hiking in Matianling: Life is a wilderness, not a track. This is a tribute to the explosive amount of exercise.
Matianling self-driving tour guide:
Location and transportation:
Matianling: Located in the southern part of Yu County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, it is part of the Taihang Mountains and is also known as Little Tianshan. It is only a 3.5-hour drive from Beijing. The scenery along the way is excellent, with canyon style and grassland mountain roads appearing alternately.
Main attractions:
Matianling Meadow: Vast and full of flowers, cattle and sheep are leisurely foraging, forming a vivid pastoral picture, which is an ideal place for hiking, camping and picnics.
Wind power plant: Rows of huge windmills stand on the top of the mountain, contrasting with the blue sky and white clouds, forming a unique landscape, which is a good place for taking pictures.
Streams and waterfalls: The streams in the mountains are gurgling, and the waterfalls are flying down, bringing a touch of coolness to the hot summer.
Play suggestions:
Hiking: The hiking route of Matianling is classic and mature, with a total length of about 14 kilometers, which is very suitable for all ages.
Camping: Camping on the alpine meadow, feeling the embrace of nature, but the temperature is low at night, and you need to take warm measures.
Sun protection: Although the temperature is low, the ultraviolet rays are still strong, and sun protection measures are needed.
Accommodation recommendation:
It is recommended to choose a hotel or homestay near Matianling for accommodation, which is convenient for visiting various attractions.
Zhangjiakou: A shining pearl in the long river of history.
After passing Xiong'an and Baoding, continue on to Zhangjiakou, a land with a long history and splendid culture. From the ancient footprints of Nihewan to the precious cultural relics of the Yuxian Museum, from the ancient buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties in the Warm Spring Ancient Town to the magnificent scenery of Zhangjiakou, Zhangjiakou, a city where history and modernity are intertwined, is writing its past and present with its unique charm and shining brightly.
✅In Nihewan, Yangyuan County, ancient footprints tell the mystery of human origin. This is the hometown of the Oriental people. About two million years ago, ancient humans thrived on this land. The discovery of the Nihewan site not only filled the gap in the activities of early humans in the Paleolithic Age in China and even East Asia, but also became an important window for interpreting the process of human cultural development with its rich fossils and stone artifacts.
✅In the Yuxian Museum in Zhangjiakou, precious cultural relics tell the long history and unique culture of Yuxian. From ancient bronzes and ceramics to modern folk cultural relics, each exhibit carries the memory of history, allowing people to appreciate the profoundness of Yuxian culture in the exhibition.
✅The Warm Spring Ancient Town in Yuxian has a long history. As early as 20,000 years ago in the late Paleolithic Age, humans settled here. In the ancient town, the ancient buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are well preserved, and the ancient streets, shops, and houses are scattered, each with a strong historical atmosphere.
Tea Mountain in Weichang County, Zhangjiakou.
Guide to Tea Mountain in Weichang County, Zhangjiakou:
I. Introduction to Attractions
Tea Mountain: Tea Mountain in Weichang County is located on the southern side of Xiaowutai Mountain in the Taihang Mountains. It is a great place for outdoor recreation. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can be amazed by the sea of clouds in front of you, as if you are in a fairyland. In addition, Tea Mountain's sunrise is also a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Tea Mountain Village: At the foot of Tea Mountain lies the highest village in Hebei Province, Tea Mountain Village, with an altitude of 1950 meters. It has ancient legends and simple folk customs. You can get close to gentle cows and sheep and feel the charm of nature.
II. Food Recommendations
Weizhou pastries: Delicate texture, sweet but not greasy, made with local high-quality wheat and beans.
Stewed mutton: A unique dish of Weichang County, with tender meat and rich soup.
III. Accommodation Recommendations
Tea Mountain Homestay: Located in Niu Darenzhuang Village, it provides a comfortable accommodation environment with beautiful surroundings, suitable for family outings.
IV. Travel Recommendations
It is recommended to travel by car, as the scenery along the way is beautiful.
The temperature is lower in the morning and evening, so remember to bring warm clothes.
Protect the ecological environment, please do not litter.
Heiwukong Yuzhou Ancient City | Encounter the treasures of history.
One of the Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun
One of the counties with the most national protected units
‼️The history of Yuzhou is really full of ups and downs. After the "Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun" were occupied by the Khitan people, Yuzhou was incorporated into the Liao Dynasty, and then it was occupied by the Mongols. It was not until the Ming and Qing Dynasties that it became a prosperous commercial town. To be honest, the whole Zhangjiakou, I especially like Yu County (Yuzhou), where there are ancient sites everywhere, various temples, Taoist temples, ancient pagodas, ancient castles, opera buildings and full of fireworks. The houses are clearly in Hebei, but I see him a bit like Shanxi
🏯About the ancient city
Yuzhou Ancient City was built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty more than 1,400 years ago, and most of the ancient buildings are from the Ming Dynasty
Main attractions:
📍Yuhuang Pavilion: One of the locations of the Black Myth, the exterior is magnificent, and there are well-preserved murals from the Ming Dynasty inside, which can be appreciated up close, and it is adjacent to the ancient city wall.
📍God of Wealth Temple: The largest God of Wealth Temple in Hebei during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
📍Zhenwu Temple: There are murals in the North Pole Hall, but unfortunately it was not open when I went.
📍Lingyan Temple: The family temple of the eunuch Wang Zhen, the temple built by the imperial edict, the main hall is built very atmospheric, and the design of the caisson inside is very exquisite.
📍Changping Warehouse: Ancient granary, you can learn about the architecture of ancient granaries, and there is a rare warehouse temple.
📍Wanshan Building: Overlooking the entire small city from the city wall, it is also the best place to take pictures of Nan'an Temple Pagoda.
📍Nan'an Temple Pagoda: One of the locations of the Black Myth, the iconic building of Yu County, can take desolate and lonely beauty from various angles.
📍Shijia Temple: A very characteristic plaque with a smile, here you can see the buildings of the Yuan Dynasty and beautiful caissons.
📌tips: There is a free parking lot next to Yuhuang Pavilion. The entire Yuzhou Ancient City can be visited on foot (small streets and alleys are inconvenient for parking). The whole journey is about 5 kilometers. It can be completed in half a day. If time permits, you can go to Yu County Museum. This is a treasure town
Xiao Wutai Mountain Nature Reserve.
One-day trip outside Beijing during holidays - Xiaowutai, Weixian County
If you don't want to join the crowds or travel long distances, or if you have elderly or young children and want a relaxing trip, then the Jinhe Scenic Area in Xiao Wutai is a good option.
From the Qingzang Expressway, exit at Yanqing (Beijing is so large that the time it takes to reach the Yanqing border varies). Unless there are special circumstances, you can reach the Xiao Wutai exit within two hours.
Among them, if you exit at Kangzhuang and follow the navigation to take the national highway, there will not be many cars (but there will be large trucks, so be careful when overtaking). You will pass by Guanting Reservoir and through villages and towns, which is a relaxing drive. The distance is about 30-40 kilometers less than taking the expressway, so you should also save some fuel. The time is about the same, after all, you won't be able to drive as fast on the national highway as you can on the expressway. However, if there is unexpected traffic on the expressway, it will be different.
At the exit of Xiao Wutai Scenic Area, turn left for Jinhe Scenic Area and right for another scenic area in Xiao Wutai.
Not far away, you will reach Jinhe Scenic Area. Find a place to park outside the barrier to save six or eight yuan in parking fees. Then you have to walk 500-800 meters to the entrance of the scenic area.
There is a ticket office at the visitor service center in the entrance plaza. If you don't buy a ticket here, you will have to buy one from the office next door when you reach the ticket collection point.
Then you enter the canyon. I went in along the right-hand path, circled around, and came out from the left-hand path, completing the loop. At a leisurely pace, with breaks for food and drink, it takes three hours at a relaxed pace.
On October 3rd, there were neither too many nor too few people. Although there was no sense of tranquility in the empty valley, it was not noisy enough to be annoying. The peaks are majestic, the deep canyons are secluded, the stream sometimes trickles and sometimes rushes, the cliffs are gilded by the sun, and the shadows are cool and stony. If you are taking photos, you need to have a good command of dynamic range techniques, or go home and process them with HDR.
In Jinhe Scenic Area, just follow the route. At the end, you will reach Jinhe Temple. First, you will see Maitreya, then Thousand-Hand Guanyin, and on the left and right, the Child-Giving Guanyin and the God of Wealth and Fortune. Haha, it seems that the layout is based on the logic of ordinary people's incense money. However, tracing back to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, several eminent monks emerged from the old site of this temple. This is probably one of the reasons why it is called Xiao Wutai. The remaining few stupas in the hillside pagoda forest are suitable for reminiscing about the past.
Most people can turn back here.
Because I didn't do my homework and was accompanying my 78-year-old mother, I didn't want her to get too tired, so that's it.
Returning to the entrance of the scenic area, it takes about three hours. There are some steps to climb up and down, and my mother's legs are still a bit sore, so she has to stop and go. However, for people under the age of middle age, the intensity is very leisurely. Some young men and women are also out of breath, probably because they are too pampered and don't exercise enough.
On the way back, I heard from tourists around me that there is a Hanging Temple further inside from Jinhe Temple, about 5-6 kilometers away, and the scenery in the valley is even more unique. Unfortunately, I didn't know beforehand, so I didn't go inside this time.
Healthy friends who want to go in may need an extra two hours, so it is recommended to get up early and arrive so that you can complete the loop before sunset. Otherwise, the mountains will get cold without sunshine after autumn.
In short, this scenic area is suitable for a one-day trip outside Beijing during holidays. It is neither too far nor too close, and the intensity is moderate. No preparation is required. On a sunny day, take your family out for a trip and take some photos as souvenirs. It's quite relaxing and happy.
Wuyuan Ancient Town | Reverse tourism during National Day holiday.
Wuzhou in history has a rough fate. After the "Sixteen Prefectures of Yanyun" were occupied by the Khitan people, Wuzhou was incorporated into the Liao Dynasty, and later occupied by the Mongols. It was not until the Ming and Qing Dynasties that it became a prosperous commercial center. To be honest, among the whole Zhangjiakou, I especially like Wuyuan (Wuzhou). There are ancient sites everywhere, various temples, Taoist temples, ancient pagodas, ancient castles, opera houses and houses full of fireworks. Although it is located in Hebei, it looks a bit like Shanxi.
🏯About the ancient town
Wuyuan Ancient Town was first built in the Northern Zhou Dynasty, over 1400 years ago. Most of the ancient buildings are from the Ming Dynasty.
▪️Wuyuan Ancient Town
Relatively quiet at night, like walking through history. It is a very primitive ancient town. There are many ancient buildings and museums in the city, as well as many residential houses. Simple and rustic. It will be more grand and lively in summer or before and after the Spring Festival. A 2-3 hour tour in autumn is enough.
▪️Wuyuan Museum
If you want to learn more about the history of Wuyuan, you must visit the Wuyuan Museum.
There are painted pottery basins from the Yangshao Culture of the Neolithic Period, bronze painted goose and fish lamps from the Western Han Dynasty, painted pottery stoves with pictures of Han Dynasty maids grilling skewers, etc.
▪️Nuanquan Ancient Town
A well-preserved town with a strong atmosphere of fireworks.
There are many introductions about it on Ctrip, so I won't go into details.
Similarly, it is more suitable to visit before the Spring Festival.
You can also watch the intangible cultural heritage performance of "Tree Flower Beating". Buy some cabbage and Wuyuan paper-cuts from the market as souvenirs~
▪️Xishenbao Fort
Built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, Ming Dynasty soldiers stationed at the border were farmers in peacetime and soldiers in wartime. There was one fort every ten li and one village every five li, forming a magnificent sight of 800 villages and forts surrounding the ancient city.
It is said that this was once a military village. The original temple and opera stage are still preserved beside the abandoned ruins.
▪️Danke Village,
It belongs to Nanliuzhuang Town, Wuyuan County, Zhangjiakou. There are almost no traces of modernization in the village, and it instantly travels back to hundreds of years ago, which is amazing! In this dilapidated village where only a few elderly people are left behind, there are many exquisite ancient buildings!!!
Two well-preserved Ming Dynasty gate towers!
Dozens of well-preserved ancient houses!
More than a dozen ancient temples and monasteries in general condition!
And each temple has very exquisite murals!
There are also a large number of exquisite brick carvings and wood carvings!
Ancient beacon tower at the village entrance
🚗Parking | Navigate to Yuhuangge Parking Lot, free.
🛵Travel | Shared bicycles are available in the ancient town.
🍚Dining | Lunch near the Drum Tower, the taste is not bad, cakes, buckwheat noodles, tofu, and sauerkraut are all local specialties.
🍯Specialties | Dried apricots, tofu, apricot kernels, Guangling pancakes are all local specialties. The ancient town is not heavily commercialized, and things are very cheap.
"Black Myth: Wukong" took three real-life scenes here.
Yuhuangge, Nanan Temple Pagoda and Lingyan Temple Hall, while there are not many people, let's go!
Yu Huang Pavilion, Yu County: A thousand-year-old ancient building that will take your breath away!
📝 "Black Monkey King" Travel Guide
I. Introduction
One of the filming locations for "Black Monkey King" - Yu Huang Pavilion, Yu County, also known as Jingbian Tower. A relic from the early Ming Dynasty, it is a temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor and also serves as a defensive structure. It has a unique structure, is majestic, and is rich in mural art and stele culture. The Jade Emperor holds a high position in the Taoist mythological system, and visitors can come here to pray for blessings.
II. Highlights
1. Mural Art: The murals in Yu Huang Pavilion are grand, with bright colors and lifelike characters.
2. Stele Culture: The "Tian Xian Zi" stele is a treasure of calligraphy art.
3. City Wall: You can climb the city wall on both sides of Yu Huang Pavilion and overlook the ancient city.
III. Itinerary
Depart from Yu County, Zhangjiakou City, drive to Yu Huang Pavilion, visit Yu Huang Pavilion and surrounding attractions, such as Nan'an Temple Pagoda, Lingyan Temple, etc.
IV. Notice
Please check the opening hours, ticket prices, and other information in advance. Respect religious beliefs and travel in a civilized manner.
Yu Huang Pavilion, Yu County is not only a temple, but also an ancient city landmark that integrates history and culture. Come here to feel the story and charm behind "Black Monkey King".
Slow Travel in Small Towns | Ancient Buildings in Black Myth: Wukong, Not Just in Shanxi!
It is said that the National Day holiday trip to Shanxi has been completely snapped up by the people of Tianming. Since this is the case, why not go to the filming locations in other provinces and cities during the off-peak period, such as Tianjin Dule Temple/Shandong Lingyan Temple/Sichuan Mingshan Temple, which I and my travel partner have visited during the small holiday and weekend. They are all beautiful and less crowded treasure check-in points. For example, just in Hebei, you can GET⬇️ these ancient buildings in Black Myth: Wukong.
1️⃣ Nan'an Temple Pagoda in Yu County
It is said to be the only one of the secret eaves pagodas, and there are many precious cultural relics hidden in the underground palace under the pagoda.
2️⃣ Yu Huang Pavilion in Yu County
The little-known Yu County in Zhangjiakou has two filming locations, Nan'an Temple Pagoda and Yu Huang Pavilion. The cost performance of holiday travel is invincible💯
3️⃣ Fuqing Temple in Cangyan Mountain
A beautiful ancient temple with its own style, with a completely different look from the Hanging Temple in Shanxi. The bridge and hall in the temple have become a bridge-style ancient building across the dense forest, which is super beautiful!
Yuhuang Pavilion.
Yuhuang Pavilion in Yu County, also known as Jingbian Tower, is located on the north city wall of Yu County. It was originally a military tower, and was later converted into a temple for the Jade Emperor.
There were originally 24 towers in the ancient city of Yu County, but only Yuhuang Pavilion is the most majestic and spectacular.
There is a cursive script stele of "Tianxianzi" in the courtyard, which records the historical events of the enemy's invasion. This stele is admired by later generations for its content and calligraphy.
🏆Designated as a national key cultural relic protection unit by the State Council in 1996
Explore the ancient city of Weizhou.
📍 Location
Weizhou Ancient City is located in Weixian County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. It is an ancient city with a long history, 220km east of Beijing, 220km south of Baoding, 160km west of Datong, Shanxi, and 140km north of Zhangjiakou.
🎟️ Tickets
Weizhou Office: 30 yuan/person
Jade Emperor Pavilion: 20 yuan/person
Zhenwu Temple: 15 yuan/person
Lingyan Temple: 10 yuan/person
Drum Tower: 10 yuan/person
Shakyamuni Temple: 15 yuan/person
Wanshan Tower: 6 yuan/person
Wenwei Academy Museum: 10 yuan/person
Wei Xiangshu's Former Residence: 10 yuan/person
Changping Warehouse: 16 yuan/person
Xiaowutai Mountain Natural Museum: 10 yuan/person.
🚗 Transportation
Self-driving: From Beijing, take Jingzang Expressway (G6) to Tumu Fort in Tuimu County, then transfer to Jingxin Expressway (G7), and transfer to Capital Ring Expressway (G95) in Zhuolu County. Then, transfer to Wofo Temple in Zhuolu County and take Jingwei Expressway (S3701) to the exit of Daiwangcheng. You will arrive at Weixian County.
Long-distance bus: From Liuliqiao Bus Station in Beijing, there are 17 buses daily, with a journey time of about 4.5 hours and a ticket price of 65 yuan.
🏞️ Must-see attractions
1. Jade Emperor Pavilion: A Ming Dynasty building, part of the ancient city wall, offering a panoramic view of the ancient city.
2. Nan'an Temple Pagoda: A national key cultural relic protection unit, an octagonal thirteen-story solid brick pagoda, 32.1 meters high.
3. Lingyan Temple: A Ming Dynasty temple and ancient building, the main hall has a hip roof, beam structure, and painted caisson ceiling, typical of the Ming Dynasty official style.
4. Zhenwu Temple: The east and west walls are painted with murals on Taoist themes, with elegant and lifelike expressions.
5. Drum Tower: A three-eave multi-angle hip-and-gable roofed building with glazed tile trimming, with towering and magnificent eaves and superb craftsmanship.
🌟 Tips
Opening hours: All year round 8:00-18:00.
Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip to explore this ancient city full of historical charm!🧳🌈
Follow in the footsteps of Hei Wukong and bring your family to Yuhuang Pavilion in Yu County.
Kids, today I'm going to share a hidden gem with you - Yuhuang Pavilion in Yu County, Hebei.
🍡Yuhuang Pavilion is located on the north city wall of Yu County. Its official name is "Yuzhou Yuhuang Pavilion", a temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor.
You can climb the city wall from the side door of Yuhuang Pavilion and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Yu County. Yuhuang Pavilion consists of a memorial archway, a hall of heavenly kings, a side room, a bell and drum tower, and a Jade Emperor Hall. The Jade Emperor Hall faces south, with a width of five rooms and a depth of four rooms. It has a triple-eave hip and gable roof with glazed tiles. There are historical relics such as the rebuilt stele forest under the eaves of the hall. Although it has experienced the vicissitudes of history, the exquisite and majestic architectural charm is breathtaking.
🌟Recommended attractions:
- Thirty-six Lei Gong murals: This theme is really rare. There are thirty-six Lei Gong, including twelve each of heavenly thunder, earthly thunder, and human thunder. Each Lei Gong has a nameplate on his waist, which is very interesting.
- Fengshen Picture: The "Six Yu" of Taoism, the Jade Emperor and his buddies. There is only one administrator in the entire Yuhuang Pavilion. He is a jack of all trades. The first sentence when he meets you is "Sorry to keep you waiting". He also said that due to the protection of cultural relics, the hall can only be visited by natural light, and you can take pictures of murals without flash.
🍜Recommended food:
Tofu, dried tofu, tofu skin and other soy products in Nuanquan Ancient Town, Yu County, as well as Yu County's yellow cake, buckwheat Hele and other special delicacies.
💡Tips:
- Yuhuang Pavilion has a unique architectural style. Tourists can enjoy exquisite murals and wood carvings, but please protect cultural relics and do not touch or damage them.
- After climbing the city wall, pay attention to safety and do not climb or lean against the city wall.
- The climate in Yu County is relatively dry, so tourists should pay attention to moisturizing and sun protection.
Come and play with your family and children.
Yeongju Museum
Yeongju Museum was established in 1979. As a county-level museum, Yeongju Museum has a collection of 11,194 cultural relics, including 371 precious cultural relics. It is a national second-level museum.
Yeongju Museum has a rich collection of exhibits, including cultural relics from the Old Stone Age of the Nihe Bay period, the Spring and Autumn period, the Han, Tang, Jin, and Liao Dynasties, and the Qing Dynasty. These include national first-class protected cultural relics such as the Han Dynasty bronze painted goose fish lamp and the Sumeru seat double eaves stupa. Precious cultural relics unearthed from the underground palace of the Nan'an Temple Pagoda are also on display.
National Heritage Sites: Changping Granary (National Level 6), Nan'an Temple Pagoda (National Level 5), Shijia Temple (National Level 5).
1-6: Changping Granary, a 6th batch national key cultural relic protection site, Ming Dynasty, ancient architecture.
The Changping Granary was a granary set up by the ancient government, facing south. It is said to have been built during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. The Changping Granary in Yu County was certified by the "Guinness World Records" as the "longest used granary to this day". There were originally 11 granaries, with a total of 55 rooms. There are now four granaries and a temple theater. The granary is a single-eave hard mountain tile roof with a brick and wood structure. The large wooden frame basically preserves the original structure of the Ming Dynasty. The temple was built between the two north sides, and the theater was connected to the front of the temple.
7-11: Nan'an Temple Pagoda, a 5th batch national key cultural relic protection site, Liao Dynasty, ancient architecture.
The Nan'an Temple Pagoda is a Liao Dynasty octagonal thirteen-level dense eave brick pagoda, 32 meters high. The base was rebuilt in the 45th year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1706), and beast heads and auspicious characters were carved on each side. The four main sides of the pagoda are built with door arches, with two dragons playing with beads carved on the top, blind windows carved on the four corners, and sutra banners carved on the corners. The bells hang under the corner beams of each layer of the pagoda. The iron-cast pagoda is composed of a bowl, a round light, a phase wheel, a moon, and a bead. The Liao Dynasty's Sheli Golden Pagoda and the painted wooden carvings of the Four Heavenly Kings in the underground palace were once stolen and later recovered. They are currently on display in the Yu State Museum. The Nan'an Temple Pagoda is a landmark building in Yu State City.
12-20: Shijia Temple, a 5th batch national key cultural relic protection site, Yuan and Ming Dynasties, ancient architecture.
Shijia Temple is located on the west side of Nanguan, Yu County, facing south. According to the inscriptions unearthed in the temple, it was called "Shijia Zen Temple" in the Yuan Dynasty and was expanded during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty. The central axis of the temple from south to north is the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the Hall of Great Heroes, and the Hall of Reclining Buddha. The three halls are well preserved. The single-eave Xieshan-style Hall of Great Heroes in the Yuan Dynasty has seven caisson ceilings, with gold-painted bucket arches, centered on dragons, phoenixes, and various flowers, which are extremely exquisite.
National Heritage Sites: Yu State Ancient City Wall (National Level 7), Zhenwu Temple (National Level 6), Lingyan Temple (National Level 6).
1-6: Yu State Ancient City Wall: The 7th batch of national key cultural relics protection units, Ming Dynasty, ancient architecture.
The Yu State was established in the second year of the Northern Zhou Dynasty (580 AD) and was rebuilt in the tenth year of the Ming Dynasty (1377 AD). The city was re-planned on the basis of the old city, including the city's shape, pattern, city defense, market, temple, and yamen. The Yu State City is 980 meters long from north to south, 780 meters wide from east to west, and 3520 meters in circumference. The city wall is 11 meters high and 13 meters wide at the bottom. There is a gate on the east, west, and south sides, and a urn city is built outside the gate. There is no city gate on the north side, and the Jade Emperor Pavilion is built in the middle of the north wall. City towers and corner towers are built at each city gate and corner. The existing south gate (Jingxian Gate) city platform and the northeast, north, and northwest are about 1600 meters long. The north city wall and west city wall where the Jade Emperor Pavilion is located are well preserved.
7-9: Zhenwu Temple: The 6th batch of national key cultural relics protection units, Ming Dynasty, ancient architecture.
Zhenwu Temple was built in the Ming Dynasty and was rebuilt in June of the 59th year of Kangxi (1720). The existing buildings of Zhenwu Temple include the Heavenly King Hall, Zhenwu Hall, East and West Side Halls, and Bell Tower.
Unfortunately, Zhenwu Temple is currently closed for maintenance, and now you can only look at the beautiful archway and stone lion at the door.
10-20: Yu State Lingyan Temple, the 6th batch of national key cultural relics protection units, Ming Dynasty, ancient architecture.
Lingyan Temple was rebuilt by the notorious eunuch Wang Zhen, who deceived Emperor Yingzong of Ming to personally lead the troops to the Tumu Fortress and was captured, in the sixth year of Ming Zhengtong (1441). The existing Heavenly King Hall and Daxiong Hall of Yu State Lingyan Temple. The Daxiong Hall is a single-eave pavilion. There are three Douba and Douba caisson ceilings in the hall, which are exquisitely decorated and have dragon patterns on the top. The ceiling is decorated with eight treasures, white cranes, and flower patterns, which symbolize the auspiciousness of the Buddhist world and are very beautiful.
How ancient is Weixian, the filming location of Black Myth? This guide will show you
🌟 When we talk about the filming locations of Black Myth: Wukong, we often focus on Shanxi. Shanxi has also gained fame for many national treasures, such as Xiaoxitian in Xixian, Tiefo Temple in Gaoping, Yuhuang Temple in Jincheng, and the ancient city of Datong.
🌟 Little did we know that not far from Datong in Hebei, there is an ancient city that also appeared in Black Myth: Wukong - Weixian, Hebei. Weixian may not sound very popular, but it is actually quite remarkable.
🌟 According to statistics, Weixian has 21 national key cultural relic protection units, second only to Gaoping in Jincheng, Shanxi, making it one of the counties with the most national protection units in the country.
🌟 The reason for having so many national protection units is its rich history. Turning over the history of Weixian, we can learn that it is one of the birthplaces of Oriental humans 2 million years ago and an important part of Hongshan Culture, Yangshao Culture, and Hougang Culture.
🌟 It was also one of the sixteen prefectures of Yanyun during the Song and Liao periods, with a continuous civilization evolution history of 6,000 years and a county history of 3,000 years. This shows how remarkable Weixian was in ancient times.
🌟 Compared to its former glory, today's Weixian seems much more niche and backward, but for cultural travel enthusiasts, a trip to Weixian is very rewarding.
🚌 How to get to Weixian:
Weixian has no train. Besides self-driving, you can only take a bus. From Beijing, you can take a bus from Liuliqiao Bus Station to Beijing, which takes about 6 hours.
There are also buses from Datong and Baoding to Weixian, making travel relatively convenient overall.
✅ Weixian travel recommendations:
The ancient city is not very large, but temples, Taoist temples, ancient towers, city towers, and ancient residences can be seen everywhere, giving it a bit of a Shanxi flavor. For a moment, I even asked myself if I was really in Hebei.
✅ Route recommendations:
Shijia Temple ➡️ Wanshan Tower ➡️ Nan'an Temple Tower ➡️ Weizhou Office ➡️ Drum Tower ➡️ Jixing Tower ➡️ Lingyan Temple ➡️ Zhenwu Temple ➡️ Caishen Temple ➡️ Yuhuang Pavilion
You can complete the tour on foot from south to north in about half a day. Currently, except for Zhenwu Temple, all other places are open.
🌟 What are the highlights:
✅ Shijia Temple: According to the "Weizhou Annals", this temple was a nunnery in the Yuan Dynasty and was changed to a temple during the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty.
Inside, it houses the only wooden structure from the Yuan Dynasty in Weixian. My favorite part is the caisson in the main hall, which is particularly beautiful with its layers.
✅ Nan'an Temple Tower:
This is also an ancient building that appeared in Black Myth: Wukong. It was first built during the Northern Wei period and rebuilt during the Liao Dynasty. It is a 13-story solid brick tower with dense eaves, consisting of four main parts: the tower base, tower seat, tower body, and tower finial. Pay special attention to the beast heads or auspicious characters on the Sumeru seat, which are very beautiful. The tower finial consists of components such as an inverted bowl, phase wheel, round light, inverted moon, jewel, and canopy.
✅ It is recommended to view the ancient tower from Wanshan Tower, paired with the surrounding residences, giving a strong sense of life. You can also visit the Weixian Museum to see many Liao Dynasty artifacts unearthed from the underground palace of Nan'an Temple Tower. Unfortunately, it was closed when I visited on Monday.
✅ Lingyan Temple:
Built during the Jin Dynasty, "Lingyan Temple in Weizhou was destroyed at the end of the Yuan Dynasty and rebuilt by imperial decree in the sixth year of the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty." The existing buildings mainly include the Hall of Heavenly Kings and the Mahavira Hall.
My personal favorite is the exquisite Ming Dynasty ceiling and caisson in the Mahavira Hall, which is very atmospheric with its golden caisson. After all, it was built by imperial decree from Emperor Yingzong at the request of Wang Zhen, a eunuch from Weizhou during the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty, so it is very grand.
✅ Yuhuang Pavilion:
This is the building that appeared in Black Myth: Wukong. It was built during the Ming Dynasty and is a pavilion on the ancient city wall of Weizhou, housing the Jade Emperor.
Yuhuang Pavilion is located on the northernmost side of the ancient city of Weixian. It was built to resist northern tribes in ancient times, so it is also called Jingbian Tower.
Yuhuang Pavilion includes a group of ancient buildings consisting of the Hall of Heavenly Kings, the main hall of Yuhuang Pavilion, and side halls. Pay special attention to the main hall of Yuhuang Pavilion, which has a three-tiered eaves hip-and-gable roof with glazed tiles, five bays wide and three bays deep.
The murals inside the main hall are the most exquisite, depicting a large mural "Fengshen Tu" with characters such as the Five Emperors, Queen Mother of the West, and "Thirty-Six Thunder Gods", all well-preserved.
✅ Additionally, I want to mention that although the Weizhou Office is large and looks like a scenic spot, it is all newly built and not very interesting. Although Weixian is far away, it is definitely worth a visit.
Black Myth: Wukong - Discover the traces of time in ancient architecture at the Jade Emperor Pavilion.
🌟【Jade Emperor Pavilion】🌟
The Jade Emperor Pavilion in Yu County, Hebei, is a Taoist holy site that has stood for over 600 years. Also known as the Jingbian Tower, it is not only the guardian deity of Yuzhou Ancient City, but also a treasure of architectural art. The pavilion faces south and is grand and imposing. Each brick and tile tells a story of historical vicissitudes and glory.
💰【Cost】💰
Only CNY 10 for a ticket, great value for money! If you have a Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Tourism Annual Card, you can enter directly, great value for money!
📅【Travel Plan】📅
A day trip is recommended. Visit the Jade Emperor Pavilion in the morning and take a leisurely stroll along the ancient city wall of Yuzhou in the afternoon to experience the charm of the ancient city. Remember to check the opening hours in advance!
🎒【Travel Essentials】🎒
- Comfortable walking shoes: The Jade Emperor Pavilion offers a panoramic view, and good shoes will make your trip easier.
- Camera/phone: Capture every wonderful moment, especially the unique structure and exquisite murals of the Wuliang Hall.
- Sunscreen/hat: Sun protection is essential in summer.
📸【Photo Spots】📸
- The Supreme Gate of the Jade Emperor Pavilion: The same location as in the game Black Myth: Wukong, a must-see!
- Bell and Drum Tower: Experience the wisdom and beauty of ancient architecture.
- Panoramic view of the ancient city wall: Enjoy a panoramic view of the ancient city of Yu County from a high vantage point.
🍽️【Food Recommendations】🍽️
- Yu County Huhu: A local snack that warms your stomach and heart.
- Dried tofu: Fragrant, tender, and delicious, with a lingering aftertaste.
- Millet wine: Taste the local specialty and enjoy a slightly tipsy night in the ancient city.
🏨【Accommodation Recommendations】🏨
- Yu County Xiaowutai Tourist Hotel: Good value for money, close to the Jade Emperor Pavilion, convenient for continuing your exploration the next day.
- Hanting Hotel (Yu County Branch): Well-equipped and attentive service, ensuring a worry-free trip.
💡【Tips】💡
- Respect religious beliefs and keep the scenic area clean.
- Be careful when climbing and watch your step.
- Try local food and experience authentic flavors.
Don't buy tickets, avoid the pit strategy! .
Navigation: Feihu Gorge Sky Prairie, located in Yu County, Hebei, 3-4 hours drive from Beijing.
First of all, why is it not recommended to enter the scenic area? Look at the tickets: 65/person, self-driving 200/car, the key is that the scenery is average! Even the 65/person ticket is not worth it, and this kind of place is suitable for self-driving, 4 people in a car also have to 65+50=115, the key is the scenery, pictures 9-11 are in the scenic area, judge for yourself. I also thought about whether there is any scenery hidden inside? I looked at a few notes from netizens, and there was none, it was really too ordinary, basically I felt pitted.
So I gave up at the time and turned around and walked back. As a result, I didn't walk much and found a surprise: In fact, it is just 1-2 kilometers away from the scenic area (refer to the position I circled in Figure 12), there is a small gorge, and the scenery there is particularly beautiful!
You can see it slowly on the road, pictures 2-6 were taken there, you can camp.
The road up the mountain is paved all the way, the damage is a bit serious, but it is still flat, and the car is stress-free.
Follow Black Goku to check in at Nan'an Temple Tower
Nan'an Temple Tower is located in Yuxian County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province. It is an ancient tower with a long history. The entire scenic area is relatively small, and half an hour is enough for a visit.
⌚️Opening hours: 08:30-18:30
🎫Ticket information: 6 yuan
🚌Public transportation: First arrive at Yuxian County, then choose to walk or take local transportation to reach the destination.
Nan'an Temple Tower was first built in the Northern Wei Dynasty and rebuilt during the Liao and Jin Dynasties. It is an octagonal solid brick tower with high historical and cultural value.
The tower body is placed in a lotus seat, resembling a lotus flower being held up, which is very beautiful and elegant.
tips Precautions: Please pay attention to protecting the cultural relics during the visit. Do not touch or damage the tower body.
Yu County Jade Emperor Pavilion
Yuzhou Jade Emperor Pavilion
The temple of the Jade Emperor Pavilion faces south and consists of two courtyards, front and back. The layout is rigorous, the halls are magnificent, and the momentum is grand. The front courtyard includes the Hall of Heavenly Kings, East and West Halls, and Zen rooms. The back courtyard includes the main hall of the Jade Emperor Pavilion, the Bell Tower, and the Drum Tower. The Hall of Heavenly Kings and the main hall of the Jade Emperor Pavilion are aligned on the same axis, appearing tall and majestic.
Yuzhou Jade Emperor Pavilion
Front Courtyard
In the front courtyard, the Hall of Heavenly Kings has three rooms and two entrances, with a hard mountain roof. From south to north, there are four columns and three rooms on each side, with eighteen stone steps in the middle and two corner gates connecting to the back courtyard.
Back Courtyard
In the back courtyard, the Bell Tower is on the left side of the corner gate, the Drum Tower is on the right, and the main hall of the Jade Emperor Pavilion is in the center. It is built on the city wall, with a three-tiered Xieshan-style roof covered with glazed tiles. The interior has two floors, but the exterior appears to have three stories.
Main Hall of the Jade Emperor Pavilion
The walls of the main hall of the Jade Emperor Pavilion are divided into a base and brick walls, both made of brick and stone. There are arch gates on all sides, with dragon and pearl reliefs as decorations, giving a bold and unrestrained style. The main ridge of the hall is decorated with glazed floral ridges, with glazed dragon and ceramic beast ornaments at both ends. Along the golden pillars is a thick brick eave wall with paintings on the ridges. The main ridge features images of the Eight Immortals, while the side ridges have many beast ornaments. The corners are decorated with animal heads, and iron ornaments hang under the ridges, clanging in the wind.
Inside the main hall, there is a statue of the Jade Emperor in the center, flanked by two statues of blue lions and white elephants carrying treasure vases. The walls are painted with images of the Five Emperors and the Queen Mother of the West, as well as the mythological 'Fengshen Tu' and 'Thirty-Six Thunder Gods'.
Bell and Drum Towers
The Bell and Drum Towers have a unique structure. The lower eave corners lack old corner beams, extending the corner beams horizontally and raising them vertically by one purlin diameter, forming a protrusion. The lower eave rafters only have eave rafters without flying rafters. The upper eave intersects with the eave purlin at a 45° angle, forming an 'I' shaped component. It extends outward from the inner corner beam, with the outer upper part forming the old corner beam and the lower part resting on the intersecting eave purlin, supported by eave columns. The upper part supports another purlin, functioning as an eave beam. The middle golden purlin of the double-eave Xieshan roof rests on the 'I' shaped component, forming a stable cantilever structure. The golden purlin also serves as a step, supporting the rear ends of the mountain eave rafters.
The Jade Emperor Pavilion has arch gates on all sides, with dragon and pearl reliefs as decorations. The main ridge of the hall is decorated with glazed floral ridges, with glazed dragon and ceramic beast ornaments at both ends. Along the golden pillars is a thick brick eave wall with paintings on the ridges. The main ridge features images of the Eight Immortals, while the side ridges have many beast ornaments. The corners are decorated with animal heads, and iron ornaments hang under the ridges. Inside the main hall, there is a statue of the Jade Emperor in the center, flanked by two statues of blue lions and white elephants carrying treasure vases. The walls are painted with images of the Five Emperors and the Queen Mother of the West, as well as the mythological 'Fengshen Tu' and 'Thirty-Six Thunder Gods'.
Under the west side of the front eaves of the main hall, there is a Tianxianzi stele. The stele is 222 cm high, 95 cm wide, and 19 cm thick. The base is 118 cm long, 144 cm wide, and 53 cm high. It has seven lines of cursive script carved vertically. The inscription is a poem written by Su Zhigao, the right assistant of Shanxi during the 23rd year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, when he supervised the collection of taxes in Yuzhou. Su Zhigao's 'Tianxianzi Stele of the Jade Emperor Pavilion in Yuzhou' is not only smooth and natural in writing, with elegant and unrestrained characters, but also has significant calligraphic value.
The light breeze of the beginning of autumn arrives, and I quietly slipped into the secret garden in the suburbs of Beijing, bidding farewell to 'Altay'
🍂The light breeze of the beginning of autumn arrives, and I quietly slipped into the secret garden in the suburbs of Beijing, bidding farewell to the fantasy of 'Altay', but unexpectedly encountered the fairyland of 'Little Gannan'!🌟
🌈【Escape the hustle and bustle, embrace nature】🌿
Dear friends, are you still longing for the poetry and fields of distant places? No need to travel thousands of miles, there is a secret place in the suburbs of Beijing where your soul can take a deep breath—Little Gannan!📍It lies there quietly, waiting for you to embark on a spontaneous trip.
🚗【Convenient transportation, ready to go】🛣️
For those driving, follow the navigation along the familiar highway, and enjoy a smooth journey; for those who love taking the bus, don't worry, multiple routes lead directly to the new landmark!🚌
🏞️【Scenic spots, breathtaking beauty】📸
As soon as I stepped onto this land, I felt like I had entered a painting. The boundless grasslands, so green they make you swoon, and when the wind blows, it's the gentlest embrace of nature; the streams gurgle, crystal clear, with little fish swimming happily, wildflowers swaying in the wind, every frame is a wallpaper-worthy scene.🌊 And the mysterious forest, with light and shadow interlacing, feels like stepping into a fairy tale world.
💰【Affordable tickets, great value】💸
Good news! The grassland area is open for free, allowing your wallet to enjoy the freedom of a spontaneous trip. Although some special attractions require a small fee, they are definitely worth every penny!
🧥【Warm reminder, warmth along the way】🧣
It's the beginning of autumn, and it's a bit cool in the morning and evening, so remember to bring a warm coat to add some warmth to your trip. Also, don't miss the local food feast, the aroma of roasted lamb, the sweetness of cheese, every bite is a carnival for your taste buds!🍖🧀
💖【Sanctuary for the soul, worth the trip】💖
Here, time seems to slow down, making you forget the troubles of the world. I captured every heartwarming moment with my camera, feeling every breath of nature with my heart. This is not just a trip, but a spiritual cleansing.🌈
Come to Little Gannan, and join me in giving your soul a break!👭👫👨👩👧👦
Autumn Light Shimmers, Colors Dance in Splendor｜Feihu Valley in Laiyuan, Hebei
【Autumn Light Shimmers, Colors Dance in Splendor】The forty-mile Feihu Valley has seventy-two bends, each bend revealing a new wonder, with scenic views everywhere. Feihu Valley is one of the eight passes of the Taihang Mountains, an ancient passage that crosses the junction of the Taihang, Yan, and Heng mountains. It was once a crucial route connecting the North China Plain to the southern regions and the northern deserts. In autumn, Feihu Valley is adorned with layers of colorful foliage, with steep peaks and peculiar cliffs on both sides of the gorge, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene! The short 20-kilometer mountain road takes over 3 hours to traverse, with frequent stops to take in the views, making it hard to leave.
🌟Highlights:
The best time to enjoy the autumn scenery is from mid to late September to early October.
📝Tips:
1. Currently, passage is free, navigate via Menglai Line.
2. Parking is difficult along the roadside, drive carefully.
Trip to Yu County, Fun Places You Didn't Know About
✨Yu County, located within Zhangjiakou City in Hebei Province🎯! It boasts a long history and brilliant culture, with numerous historical sites such as ancient villages, castles, and temples that seem to tell the tales of past glories😜. Moreover, the unique folk customs and beautiful natural scenery here are truly mesmerizing😃.
🚗Travel Guide:
• Self-driving🚗: Enjoy the freedom to explore every corner of Yu County at your own pace, it's fantastic😎!
• Public Transportation🚌: You can first reach Zhangjiakou and then transfer to a bus heading to Yu County, which is also very convenient👍.
📅Three-day Itinerary:
Day1⃣: Nuanquan Ancient Town - Xigubao
Arrive in Yu County in the morning and head straight to Nuanquan Ancient Town to experience its tranquility and simplicity😃. In the afternoon, visit Xigubao to admire the ancient architecture and defensive structures.
Day2⃣: Yuzhou Office - Yuhuang Pavilion - Nan'an Temple Tower
On the second day, start with Yuzhou Office to learn about the local history and culture. Then visit Yuhuang Pavilion to appreciate its grandeur. In the afternoon, head to Nan'an Temple Tower to feel its ancient charm😜.
Day3⃣: Xiaowutai Mountain - Feihu Gorge
Depart for Xiaowutai Mountain in the morning to enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery. In the afternoon, visit Feihu Gorge to experience the steep and magical canyon😎.
🌟Must-visit Attractions:
1. Nuanquan Ancient Town🎆: Full of local flavor, ancient and charming😃!
2. Xigubao🏰: Well-preserved ancient castle with impressive defensive works😍!
3. Yuzhou Office🏛: Rich in history and cultural heritage😜!
4. Yuhuang Pavilion🛕: Exquisitely built and grand👍!
5. Nan'an Temple Tower🗼: Ancient and solemn, very tasteful😃!
6. Xiaowutai Mountain⛰: Stunning natural scenery, very refreshing😍!
7. Feihu Gorge🌄: Unique and steep canyon, very scenic😎!
8. Paper-cutting Village🎨: Experience the charm of paper-cutting art👍!
9. Chongtai Temple🛤: Peaceful and serene, with a strong Buddhist atmosphere😜!
🎈Specific Ways to Enjoy the Attractions
• Nuanquan Ancient Town: Stroll through the streets and alleys of the ancient town, taste local delicacies, and feel the simple folk customs😃, so relaxing!
• Xigubao: Explore the internal structure of the ancient castle and imagine the living scenes of the past, wow😜, very interesting!
• Yuzhou Office: Visit various exhibition halls to learn about the historical changes in Yu County, very rewarding😍!
• Yuhuang Pavilion: Climb the pavilion to overlook the surrounding scenery, very spectacular😎!
• Nan'an Temple Tower: Walk around the base of the tower and admire the carvings on the tower, very impressive👍!
• Xiaowutai Mountain: You can choose to hike and breathe fresh air, wow😃, very relaxing for both body and mind!
• Feihu Gorge: Drive through the canyon and admire the strange peaks and rocks, very thrilling😍!
• Paper-cutting Village: Watch the paper-cutting artists at work and try your hand at paper-cutting, very fun😎!
• Chongtai Temple: Sincerely pray in the temple and feel the peaceful atmosphere, very nice😜!
🍲Local Food Recommendations:
1. Yu County Eight Bowls🥘: Rich and delicious, absolutely amazing😋!
2. Yu County Yellow Cake🥧: Soft and glutinous, with a fragrant aroma👍!
3. Dried Tofu🧈: Rich in bean flavor, very chewy😍!
4. Huhu Noodles🍜: Nutritious and uniquely flavored😜!
5. Sugar Ma Leaves🥨: Sweet and delicious, very tasty😃!
6. Buckwheat Noodles🍝: Smooth and chewy, fantastic😎!
🏠Local Accommodation Recommendations:
1. Hotels in Yu County Town🏨: Well-equipped and convenient, very nice👏!
2. Homestays in Nuanquan Ancient Town🏡: Experience the night in the ancient town, super cool😎!
3. Inns near Xiaowutai Mountain🏖: Close to nature, beautiful environment😍!
4. Specialty Inns in Xigubao🏝: Feel the atmosphere of the ancient castle, very cozy😜!
5. Hotels near Yuzhou Office🏠: Great location and high cost performance👍!
6. Farmhouses around Feihu Gorge⛺️: Taste farmhouse dishes, endless fun😃!
💡Tips:
1. Check the local weather in advance and prepare appropriate clothing😉.
2. Some attractions are relatively remote, so plan your itinerary accordingly😎.
3. Respect local customs and traditions😜.
In short, my trip to Yu County left me with deep and beautiful memories😍. The beautiful scenery, delicious food, and simple people here are unforgettable. Come and experience it, you will definitely fall in love💖!
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