GU LOU SLICED NOODLES

The location of this restaurant is very good, just at the southeast corner of the Drum Tower, next to the intersection of Drum Tower East Street, and facing the Drum Tower through the French windows in the restaurant. It is a fast food restaurant. You can order your food at the front desk and pick it up when it is ready. They also have milk tea and coffee. In the morning, I had a set meal, which was just right. The portion was large, and I probably couldn't finish it if I had a small appetite. The taste was also more authentic Shanxi flavor.

Today is the first time I set foot on the land of Shanxi, and the first time I ate authentic local knife-cut noodles. This noodle shop next to the Drum Tower in the old city of Datong has a strong Internet celebrity style. The shop is well organized, the noodles taste very good, and the price is cheaper than Beijing

How can you not have a bowl of knife-cut noodles when you go to Datong, Shanxi? The location and decoration of Gulou Knife-cut Noodles are very good, especially the taste of the knife-cut noodles is very authentic.

In the ancient city of Datong, amidst its long history, Huazhu Xingmao Inn shines like a dazzling pearl, exuding a unique charm that attracts every traveler to explore. Stepping into the inn, the perfect blend of retro and modern elements immediately catches the eye. The tea bar, coffee area, and streamside viewing area on the first floor complement each other harmoniously, the gentle sound of the flowing water seemingly telling the story of the ancient city, instantly relaxing visitors. Here, order a cup of fragrant coffee or a pot of tea to begin a delightful prelude to your travel photography. The inn's rooms offer unmissable backdrops for travel photography. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in abundant sunlight, bathing the soft beds in playful light and shadow, creating stunning shots with every snapshot. Opening the back door and standing on the balcony, you're greeted by a panoramic view of the rustic, exquisite, elegant, and magnificent ancient architecture, as if you've stepped back in time. Against the backdrop of these ancient buildings, dressed in traditional costumes, holding scrolls, or gently touching the railings, every photo is imbued with historical charm and cultural atmosphere. Stepping outside the inn, its excellent location provides immense convenience for travel photography. Just a 5-minute walk will take you to Shanhua Temple and Huayan Temple, the filming locations for the game *Black Myth: Wukong*. At Shanhua Temple, the solemn Buddha statues and exquisite murals are perfect elements for travel photography. The magnificent architecture and unique style of Huayan Temple make you feel as if you're in a fairyland. With these ancient buildings as a backdrop, whether shooting close-ups or panoramic views, you can capture unforgettable moments. Besides the rich historical and cultural attractions, there are many popular restaurants around the inn, such as Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season, Longjuxiang Shaomai Restaurant, and Gulou Knife-Cut Noodles. While enjoying the food, you can also capture many interesting moments. For example, in the bustling restaurants, you can photograph the satisfied expressions of people enjoying their food, or record the exquisite plating of the dishes, making your travel photography even more colorful. Huazhu Xingmao Inn is more than just a place to stay; it's a charming and story-filled travel photography destination. Here, you can capture the beauty and history of Datong Ancient City with your camera, creating unforgettable memories. #PlaceYouGetAskedAboutOnWeChat #UniqueHotel #LocalFood #RomanticDomesticTravelDestination

**🏔️Dingxiang 2-Day In-Depth Budget Travel Guide｜Explore the "Scenic Wonders of Northern Shanxi" for 186 RMB per person **** Tianzhu Cloud Sea + Fengshen Ancient Temple + Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Palace, Experience the "Secret Realm of Taihang Mountains, Essence of Ancient Architecture, and Geological Wonders" Within Your Budget** --- **🚌Transportation Plan (47 RMB per person)** -Taiyuan → Dingxiang: Bus **28 RMB** (2 hours, first bus 06:30) -Spot transfers: Rural bus **12 RMB** -Within the scenic area: Hiking + ridesharing **7 RMB** --- **🗓Itinerary** **Day 1: Tianzhu Mountain + Fengshen Mountain** 06:30-08:30 Taiyuan → Dingxiang, Breakfast en route: Scallion pancake **3 RMB** + Tofu pudding **2 RMB** 09:00-12:00 **Tianzhushan Scenic Area (Free Admission)** - Hiking along the Taihang Mountain Fault Zone Geological Corridor - Climbing to Yuhuangding Peak to view the sea of ​​clouds (1488 meters above sea level) - Exploring the Tang Dynasty Cliff Carvings 12:00-13:00 Lunch: Self-heating rice **8 RMB** + Jingju Mountain Spring Water 13:30-16:30 **Fengshenshan Ancient Building Complex (Free Admission)** - Paying homage to the Fengbo and Yushi Temple (Yuan Dynasty wooden structure) - Observing the murals depicting stories from *Investiture of the Gods* - Collecting specimens of plants unique to the Taihang Mountains 17:00-18:30 Transfer to Luyashan Homestay: Farmhouse accommodation **45 RMB/night** 19:00 Dinner: Dingxiang Steamed Pork **12 RMB** + Fried Pork Belly **6 RMB** **Day 2: Luyashan + Wannian Ice Cave** 06:30-08:00 Homestay Breakfast: Millet Porridge **2 RMB** + Pickled Melon 08:30-11:30 **Jingju Temple on Luyashan Mountain (Free Admission)** - Hiking on the Primitive Forest Trail (North China Larch Forest) - Pilgrimage to the Ancient Tang Dynasty Zen Buddhist Site - Searching for the "Luyashan Emerald Green" rock formation 11:30-13:00 Lunch: Vegetarian meal at the temple **10 RMB** (Donation optional) 13:30-16:00 **Ten Thousand Year Ice Cave (30 RMB Admission, Half Price for Students)** - Exploring Quaternary glacial relics (-5℃ constant temperature) - Observing geological wonders such as ice stalagmites and ice curtains - Experiencing the "Summer's Dual Experience of Ice and Fire" 16:30-18:30 Return to Taiyuan 19:00 Dinner en route: Dingxiang Knife-Cut Noodles **10 RMB** --- **💰Cost Breakdown** -Transportation: 47 yuan -Entrance Fee: 15 yuan (Ice Cave Student Ticket) -Accommodation: 45 yuan -Food: 53 yuan -Experience: 0 yuan (All attractions are free) -Flexible: 26 yuan **Total: 186 yuan** --- **💡Ultimate Budget Travel Tips** 1. **Ticket Strategy**: Tianzhu Mountain/Fengshen Mountain/Luyashan Mountain are all free; Ice Cave is half price with student ID. 2. **Accommodation Tips**: Choose a farmhouse at the foot of Luyashan Mountain (40% cheaper than in the county town). 3. **Off-Peak Travel**: Visit Ice Cave first in the morning to avoid crowds, then climb Tianzhu Mountain in the afternoon to see the sea of ​​clouds. 4. **Food Plan**: Bring your own dry food + farmhouse meal combination; keep daily food expenses to 25 yuan. 5. **Cultural Alternatives**: Jingju Temple instead of Wutai Mountain (save 135 yuan), Fengshen Mountain instead of Hanging Temple (save 115 yuan). --- **🌄Featured Experiences Guide** - Tianzhushan Mountain: Archean gneiss geological specimen collection area - Fengshenshan Mountain: Yuan Dynasty "Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Lightning" mural replica - Luyashan Mountain: Tang Dynasty stupa underground palace ruins (free admission) - Wannian Ice Cave: The only year-round ice cave at the same latitude in the world. ****⚠️Safety Tips** - Ice Cave Visit: Light jacket required (temperature difference 30℃) - Hiking Gear: Non-slip hiking boots, trekking poles, raincoat --- #Dingxiang2DayIn-DepthTour #ExploringTaihangHiddenGems