Mr chai Noodle

Many restaurants in Datong are closed in the afternoon. This is something that tourists who travel to Datong must prepare in advance. We originally wanted to go to another shaved noodle restaurant at noon, but when we went there, there were already a lot of people queuing up, and the store also said that there was no need to queue up anymore, because they would rest after serving the current group of guests, so we searched for various shaved noodle restaurants that were not closed in the afternoon, and found this one, which had a good rating, so we drove 🚗 straight here. 🍜 Dishes: Although it was past the lunch rush hour, this restaurant was still crowded. A few of us waited for a while and finally got a vacant seat. Fortunately, we had ordered the meal while waiting, and the dishes were served soon after we sat down. 4 people ordered 3 bowls of traditional pork noodles 🍜, with added old tofu, eggs 🥚, signature small roasted pork and tiger skin peppers as side dishes, and also ordered 1 serving of mutton offal and 1 large serving of cold dishes. The shaved noodles are very wide and solid, and paired with soup and side dishes🥬, you won't feel greasy; the mutton offal is very substantial, accompanied by hot oil, it is very satisfying to chew, and both the noodles and mutton offal are more oily, so you still have to order a cold dish and a drink🥤 to neutralize it. 🍃Environment & Service: The store is not small, but because there are too many customers, it seems crowded. The waiters in the store💁 are very busy, but although there are many people, they are not panicked and very patient👍. All kinds of side dishes and ingredients in the ordering area are placed under a transparent glass cover. Above the ordering counter is a light board of the store's signature dishes. The customers can see it clearly at a glance, which improves the efficiency of ordering. There are graphic introductions of various old-style shaved noodles on the walls around the store, and there are self-service water and noodle soup equipment at the door. Everything is very convenient. 📍Location & Transportation The store is located at the northeast entrance of the intersection of Yongtai South Road and Xiangyang Street, not far from the south gate of the ancient city. It is a lively place. It is convenient to park if you drive 🚗. If you take the bus 🚌, you need to walk 🚶 for a while, which is relatively inconvenient.

🥶I was freezing in Datong in November! But the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient city and grottoes made me reluctant to leave~ Just got back from Datong bundled up in a down jacket! The -10°C wind stung my face and my hands and feet were numb, but the perilous Hanging Temple, the piping hot knife-cut noodles, and the lively atmosphere of the ancient city completely healed me! Going in November or December is truly "torture," but this guide will save you 99% of the trouble~ As a history buff and food lover, before I left, my mind was filled with the awe-inspiring Yungang Grottoes and the delicious aroma of Datong knife-cut noodles. But as soon as I got off the train, the northeast wind taught me a lesson! But when I saw the golden glow of the Buddha statues in the grottoes under the setting sun, and finished a bowl of hot knife-cut noodles, all the cold vanished~ This heartfelt sharing covers everything from routes and food to staying warm! 🚗Transportation Guide: Worry-Free Travel - External Transportation: 1.5-hour direct high-speed train from Beijing, ticket price 100+ RMB; 2-hour journey from Taiyuan. Buy round-trip tickets in advance on the Ctrip app. During peak season, it's recommended to book early morning high-speed trains to avoid delays. - Local Transportation: Attractions are concentrated in the city center. Taxi fares start at 8 RMB, approximately 30 RMB to Yungang Grottoes; Bus 603 goes to Yungang Grottoes and Huayan Temple for a very cheap 2 RMB/person, but waiting for the bus in winter is extremely cold, so a combination of subway and taxi is recommended. - Avoidance Tips: Roads may be icy in winter. Choose licensed taxis and avoid unlicensed taxis; for the Hanging Temple, carpooling is recommended (50 RMB per person), saving time compared to public transport and being safer on icy mountain roads. 🏯3 Days 2 Nights Essential Itinerary: Cold but Super Worth It! ✨Day 1: Yungang Grottoes → Huayan Temple → Ancient City Wall Night View Arrive at Yungang Grottoes before 9 AM. Buy tickets in advance on the Ctrip app (120 RMB/person, half price for students) to avoid peak tour periods! We recommend renting an audio guide (30 RMB/unit) to follow the explanations and explore the five caves of Tan Yao. The solemnity of the open-air Buddha in Cave 20 is even more breathtaking under the warm winter sun. Photography tips: Wear a dark coat or red scarf to create a contrast with the yellowish-brown of the grottoes. Use the light and shadow to photograph the Buddha's profile for maximum atmosphere! In the afternoon, visit Huayan Temple. The Liao Dynasty painted clay sculpture "Bodhisattva with Hands Clasped and Teeth Showing" is incredibly lifelike. Sunlight streaming through the ancient windows onto the Buddha statue is breathtakingly beautiful. The temple's main hall boasts the largest Buddhist hall caisson ceiling in China; looking up is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Climb the Datong Ancient City Wall at night (free). When the lights come on, the outline of the ancient city is exceptionally clear in the night. Walking on the wall with the wind blowing (remember to wear a scarf!), you can see the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the distance, creating a picturesque scene. Every snapshot is a masterpiece of ancient style. ✨Day 2: Hanging Temple → Hengshan Mountain → Datong Knife-Cut Noodles The Hanging Temple is absolutely precipitous! Built on a cliff face, the wooden walkway is so narrow that only one person can pass at a time. Looking down makes your legs weak! Tickets can be booked in advance on the Ctrip app (15 RMB/person, 100 RMB for the climbing fee). It's recommended to go early in the morning to avoid crowds and queues. The sunlight shining on the temple, with its red walls and gray tiles, is incredibly photogenic! In the afternoon, we went to Hengshan Mountain. Winter Hengshan was shrouded in a thin mist, and the snow on the summit hadn't melted yet. Climbing the steps, the cold wind stung our faces, but the moment we reached the top and looked down at the surrounding mountains, all the fatigue was worth it! Clothing suggestions: Wear non-slip sports shoes, gloves, and a hat. It's windy on the mountain, so wear a windproof down jacket if possible. In the evening, we absolutely had to have Datong knife-cut noodles! The pork stir-fried noodles at "Oriental Knife-Cut Noodle King" were incredibly fragrant, the noodles were chewy, and paired with homemade chili oil, one bite warmed us to the core. It's only 15 yuan per person, enough to fill you up. ✨Day 3: Shanhua Temple → Datong Museum → Local Snacks Shanhua Temple is the best-preserved Liao-Jin dynasty temple in China, and it's free to enter! The Puxian Pavilion and the Three Saints Hall inside the temple are exceptionally well-preserved. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, creating dappled light and shadow, perfect for a quiet and leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, visit the Datong Museum. The museum's prized possession, the "Sima Jinlong Tomb Wood Lacquer Painting," is a must-see. Its vibrant colors and exquisite details offer a close-up experience of the cultural charm of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Before leaving, check out "Fengling Pavilion." Besides its famous shaomai (steamed dumplings), their braised pork and yellow millet jelly are also superb. The shaomai have thin wrappers and generous fillings; one bite and the broth bursts out. A satisfying meal for around 60 RMB per person. 🍜Food List: Local Hidden Gems You Can't Miss - Knife-cut Noodles: Besides the "King of Knife-cut Noodles" from Dongfang, "Lao Chai Knife-cut Noodles" also offers incredibly fragrant mutton noodles. The mutton is tender and not gamey, paired with refreshing side dishes—perfect for warming up in winter. - Shaomai: Fengling Pavilion's shaomai is a must-try, but the queues are long. You can also try "Kaige Restaurant's" shaomai; the taste is just as good, and the price is more affordable. - Snacks: "Sun Ji Baozi Shop's" sugar buns and meat buns are incredibly generous, with thin skins and large fillings. Paired with a bowl of millet porridge, they make a wonderfully comforting breakfast. "Datong Liangfen" (cold mung bean jelly) has incredibly fragrant chili oil; eating cold dishes in winter requires courage, but the taste is absolutely amazing! - Specialties: Datong daylilies and Yanggao dried apricots are great souvenirs, readily available in supermarkets at excellent value. ⚠️November-December Avoidance & Warmth Guide - Warmth Gear: For temperatures below -10℃, a windproof down jacket, fleece-lined snow boots, touchscreen gloves, and a Lei Feng hat are essential. Wear a quick-drying undershirt next to your skin, layered with a sweater underneath. Make sure to protect your neck and ears, or they'll turn bright red from the cold! - Avoidance Tips: Purchase your entrance fee to the Hanging Temple in advance, as it may sell out on-site. Some attractions on Hengshan Mountain may be closed in winter; check the latest announcements on the Ctrip app before you go. Most guesthouses in the ancient city have heating, but some older buildings have poor sound insulation; check reviews before booking. - Photography Tips: In winter, the sunlight is at an angle, making 10 AM and 3 PM the best times for photos. When photographing ancient architecture, use shadows to add depth. When photographing people, let the sunlight come from the side for a fantastic atmosphere. Although Datong is freezing cold in November and December, the ancient city's grandeur, the awe-inspiring grottoes, and the comforting food make this city incredibly charming. Stay warm, bring this guide, and you can unlock Datong's unique winter charm! Save this guide and get ready to go! Which city do you most want to visit in winter? Share your thoughts in the comments, and one lucky winner will receive a Datong-style daylily gift box! ❄️ #DatongTravel #PlacesYouGetAskedAboutOnWeChat #RoadScenery #OffTheRoadDiscovery #CityCultureNotes

Hey everyone! 👋 Can you imagine a city where you can both experience the rich history of the Northern Wei Dynasty and savor delicious, down-to-earth cuisine? Datong, this unassuming yet treasure-filled city, can fulfill all your travel fantasies! Now, let's embark on this dreamlike journey through a thousand years together. Travel Preparation ● Documents: ID card, various discount cards (student ID, senior citizen card, etc.). ● Clothing: Datong has a large temperature difference between day and night, so even in summer, it's best to bring a light jacket. Spring and autumn are windy, so bring windproof clothing. Winters are very cold, so down jackets, thick hats, scarves, gloves, and other warm gear are essential 🧣. ● Other: Sunscreen, common medications, chargers, camera, etc. 📷. Transportation Guide ● External Transportation ○ By Air: Datong Yungang Airport has airport buses to and from the city center. You can also choose to take a taxi or a ride-hailing service. ○ Train: Datong Station and Datong South Station are the main train stations, with convenient transportation and buses and taxis nearby. ● Internal Transportation ○ Bus: Most attractions are directly accessible by bus, and the prices are affordable, making it a good choice for travel 🚌. ○ Taxi/Ride-hailing: Taking a taxi in the city is relatively convenient, but traffic jams may occur during peak tourist season. Food Recommendations ● Knife-cut Noodles: Coming to Datong without trying knife-cut noodles is a wasted trip! The noodles are thick in the middle and thin at the edges, resembling willow leaves, with a chewy texture. Paired with various toppings, the taste is amazing 🍜. Recommended: Dongfang Knife-cut Noodles and Lao Chai Knife-cut Noodles. ● Lamb Offal Rice Noodles: The lamb offal is very clean, with no gamey smell. The rice noodles are soft and chewy, and the soup is fresh and delicious. A bowl is incredibly satisfying 🥣. Fenglinge and Longjuxiang's lamb offal rice noodles are both good. ● Rabbit Heads: Available in various flavors such as five-spice and spicy, the meat is tender and juicy, making it incredibly satisfying to eat 😋. Rabbit Commander's rabbit head is worth a try. ● Copper Hot Pot: Using a traditional copper pot, paired with fresh mutton and a special sesame sauce, it's simply divine! 🥘 Lao Ye Miao Hot Pot and Kai Ge Hot Pot are both very popular. Attraction Guide Yungang Grottoes 📍Address: No. 1, Yungang Town, Yungang District, Datong City 🕙Opening Hours: April 1st - October 31st 08:30 - 17:30; November 1st - March 31st of the following year 09:00 - 17:00 🎫Tickets: Peak season (April 1st - October 31st) 120 RMB/person; Off-season (November 1st - March 31st of the following year) 100 RMB/person 🌟Recommendation: Yungang Grottoes is one of the four major grottoes in China, originally built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, with a history of over 1500 years. The Buddha statues here are exquisitely crafted and magnificent, each embodying the wisdom and faith of the ancients. Caves 5 and 6, and the Five Caves of Tan Yao, are especially worth visiting! 🤩 Hanging Temple 📍Address: At the foot of Hengshan Mountain, southeast of Hunyuan County, Datong City 🕙Opening Hours: 08:30 - 17:30 🎫Tickets: Peak season (March 1st - November 30th): 15 RMB/person, climbing fee 100 RMB/person; Off-season (December 1st - February 28th of the following year): 15 RMB/person, climbing fee 100 RMB/person 🌟Recommendation: The Hanging Temple is a temple built on a cliff, renowned for its unique architectural style and breathtaking location. Perched on a precipice overlooking a deep valley, it resembles a delicate and exquisite relief sculpture embedded in the towering cliffs. Standing inside the temple, feeling the gentle breeze on your face, you can almost hear the whispers of the ancients. Huayan Temple 📍Address: No. 18, Daxi Street, Pingcheng District, Datong City 🕙Opening Hours: 08:30 - 17:00 🎫Ticket Price: 65 RMB/person 🌟Recommendation: Huayan Temple is one of the oldest and best-preserved Liao-Jin dynasty temple complexes in China. The Mahavira Hall within the temple is one of the largest existing Buddhist halls in my country, with exquisite murals and Buddha statues possessing high artistic value. Datong Ancient City Wall 📍Address: Pingcheng District, Datong City 🕙Opening Hours: Open all day 🎫Ticket Price: Free 🌟Recommendation: The Datong Ancient City Wall has a long history and is tall and majestic, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in my country. You can stroll along the wall, admire the scenery of the ancient city, and feel the vicissitudes of history. The ancient city wall is even more beautiful at night under the lights; you must see it! ✨ Accommodation Recommendations ● Within the Ancient City: Convenient for travel, with many restaurants and attractions nearby, and the option to enjoy the city's night view. Consider a guesthouse to experience local culture. 🏠 ● Near the High-Speed ​​Railway Station: Convenient transportation, suitable for travelers catching early trains or flights. A wide selection of hotels is available. 🛎️ Itinerary Three-Day Tour Day 1 ● Morning: Arrive in Datong, check into the hotel, and after a short rest, enjoy some knife-cut noodles. ● Afternoon: Visit Huayan Temple and experience the charm of Liao and Jin culture. ● Evening: Tour the Datong Ancient City Wall, enjoy the night view, and savor local cuisine. Day 2 ● Morning: Visit the Yungang Grottoes and appreciate the splendor of these thousand-year-old grottoes. ● Afternoon: Visit Jinhua Palace National Mining Park to experience the history and culture of coal mining. ● Evening: Enjoy hot pot with copper pot meat. Day 3 ● Morning: Visit the Hanging Temple and experience the wonder of its suspended architecture. ● Afternoon: Return to the city, buy some local specialties, and conclude your enjoyable trip ✈️. My darlings, Datong has many hidden gems and delicious foods waiting for you to discover 🤗. Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous trip to Datong! Remember to share your travel stories in the comments section 😘. #DatongTravel #DatongTravelGuide #YungangGrottoes #HangingTemple

Datong Travel Guide and Price List (Non-Wildlife Theme) Datong, an ancient capital with a history spanning thousands of years, attracts countless tourists with its rich cultural heritage and magnificent natural landscapes. Below is a detailed Datong travel guide, covering major attractions, ticket prices, transportation options, and food recommendations to help you plan your trip efficiently. I. Must-See Attractions and Ticket Prices Yungang Grottoes: One of China's three major grottoes, with 45 existing caves. The carvings blend Chinese and Western artistic styles, making it a treasure of Northern Wei art. Ticket Price: From 100 RMB (including audio guide rental), some special caves require additional payment. Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30 (Winter), 08:00-17:30 (Summer). Recommendation Reason: A World Cultural Heritage site, a perfect combination of history and art. Hanging Temple: Built on a cliff, with a history of over 1500 years, it is China's only remaining temple that integrates Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. **Ticket Price:** From 115 RMB (including climbing fee), advance reservation required. Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30 (Winter), 08:00-18:00 (Summer). Recommendation: Architectural marvel, experience the crystallization of ancient wisdom and courage. **Hengshan Introduction:** Hengshan, the Northern Sacred Mountain, is one of the birthplaces of Taoism. Its Tianfeng Ridge reaches an altitude of 2016 meters, boasting a majestic presence. Ticket Price: From 45 RMB, cable car 70 RMB one way. Opening Hours: 08:30-16:00. Recommendation: Climb the mountain for panoramic views, overlooking the Five Sacred Mountains. **Datong Ancient City Introduction:** With a long history, the ancient city wall stretches 13.7 kilometers, blending modern and ancient charm. Famous attractions include Huayan Temple, Shanhua Temple, and the Nine-Dragon Wall. Ticket Price: Free (some attractions, such as Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple, require separate tickets, starting at 40 RMB each). Opening Hours: Open all day (specific opening hours are subject to change). Recommendation: Experience the charm of the ancient capital and immerse yourself in local life. Datong Volcanic Cluster National Geopark Introduction: Free admission. The Jinshan, Heishan, and Matishan volcanoes are arranged in a "品" (pin) shape, possessing extremely high scientific research value. Opening Hours: 08:00-18:30. Recommendation: Explore volcanic landforms and appreciate the wonders of nature. II. Transportation Guide Airport: Yungang Airport, approximately 15 kilometers from the city center. Airport buses or taxis are available directly to the city center. High-Speed ​​Rail Station: Datong South Station, approximately 7 kilometers from the city center. Public transportation is available by bus or taxi. City Transportation: Public buses accept Alipay QR code payments; bus route 61 goes directly to Fantawild Adventure. Charter a car for Hengshan Mountain and the Hanging Temple for approximately 400 yuan per vehicle. Shared bicycles are suitable for cycling around the ancient city. III. Food Recommendations **Zini 369 Coarse Grain Season Specialty Dishes:** Pork Minced Meat Knife-Cut Noodles, Hunyuan Cold Noodles, Oat Noodles (Tuntun). Average Price: 74 RMB Recommendation: Authentic Shanxi cuisine, antique-style environment. **Kaige Restaurant Specialty Dishes:** Hundred-Flower Shaomai, Braised Pork Strips, Sea Buckthorn Juice. Average Price: 59 RMB Recommendation: Established chain, high cost-performance ratio. **Longjuxiang Shaomai Restaurant Specialty Dishes:** Hundred-Flower Shaomai, Assorted Copper Hot Pot, Cold Mixed Fresh Daylily. Average Price: 64 RMB Recommendation: Intangible cultural heritage food, century-old brand. **Laoye Temple Flavor Food Restaurant Specialty Dishes:** Laodatong Assorted Hot Pot, Lamb Shaomai, Zhuangyuan Chicken. Average Price: 70 RMB Recommendation: Frequently visited by locals, authentic taste. IV. Accommodation Recommendations Datong Yungang Jianguo Hotel: Features: Close to Datong Ancient City Wall, free parking, musical fountain, French style. Price: Prices vary depending on room type; advance booking is recommended. Datong Jindi Howard Johnson Hotel: Features: Close to Datong Ancient City, city-view themed rooms, indoor heated swimming pool, free parking. Price: Prices vary depending on room type; advance booking is recommended. Datong Yungang Hotel: Features: Close to Datong Ancient City Wall, a new landmark for luxury travel, free parking, great for taking photos. Price: Prices vary depending on room type; advance booking is recommended. V. Itinerary Planning Suggestions Day 1: Morning visit to Yungang Grottoes, lunch at Zini 369 Coarse Grain Restaurant, afternoon visit to Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple, evening cycling along Datong Ancient City Wall. Day 2: Charter a car to Hanging Temple and Hengshan Mountain, return to Datong for lunch at Kaige Restaurant, afternoon visit Datong Volcanic Geopark. Day 3: In the morning, visit the Datong City Museum and the Nine-Dragon Wall. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Longjuxiang Shaomai Restaurant. In the afternoon, stroll through the Drum Tower Night Market and experience the vibrant local life. VI. Avoidance Tips: Be wary of roadside "low-price guides" at the Yungang Grottoes; official guides are more professional. Tickets for climbing the Hanging Temple are limited daily; advance booking is essential. Avoid overpriced shops around the scenic area for knife-cut noodles; we recommend well-known local chains like Lao Chai Knife-Cut Noodles and Dongfang Knife-Cut Noodles. Seasonal Recommendations: September-October: Enjoy the red leaves of Hengshan Mountain and the autumn scenery of the Datong volcanic cluster; December-February: View the lantern festival in Datong Ancient City and the snow scenery of Liangshan.

Six people embarked on a road trip from Beijing, exploring Shanxi Province in a minivan for six days and five nights. With a budget of 20,000 yuan (just over 3,000 yuan per person), they effortlessly captured the essence of Shanxi's culture! The trip was relaxed, avoiding rushing, budget guesthouses, and half-hearted meals. Here's a thoughtful, heartwarming, and flavorful road trip plan for you. Day 1: Beijing Departure → Wutai Mountain (approx. 300 km, 4.5 hours) Depart at 7:00 AM, taking the Jingli Expressway and then the Linghe Expressway directly to the South Gate of Wutai Mountain Scenic Area. The scenery changes gradually along the way, with undulating mountains leading into a Buddhist realm. Lunch will be a vegetarian meal in Taihuai Town; we recommend "Yizhan Mingdeng" or "Puhua Chanyuan," a clean and healthy meal costing around 50 yuan per person. In the afternoon, visit the core temple complex of Wutai Mountain—Xiantong Temple, Tayuan Temple, and Pusa Ding—experiencing the beauty of its thousand-year-old incense and ancient architecture. Overnight stay in a local boutique guesthouse; spacious rooms are available, and six people can book three rooms together for less than 150 yuan per person. Day 2: Wutai Mountain → Hanging Temple → Datong (approx. 280 km) Climb to the top of Dailuo Peak in the early morning to watch the sunrise, overlooking the golden roof of the temple nestled among the mountains, serene and solemn. After breakfast, depart, passing through Shahe Town to Hunyuan County, and visit the Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain—a wooden structure suspended on a cliff, thrilling and unique; a wide-angle lens is a must for photos. For lunch, enjoy knife-cut noodles in Datong city; we recommend Lao Chai or Dongfang knife-cut noodles, with a rich, hot broth and chewy texture. In the evening, check into a four-star hotel in the ancient city, stroll along the antique-style street, and enjoy the Drum Tower light show at night. For dinner, choose a Jinbei restaurant for six people, enjoying dishes like shaomai, lamb offal, and braised pork; a satisfying meal for about 80 yuan per person. Day 3: Yungang Grottoes + Slow Tour of Datong Ancient City In the morning, focus on visiting the Yungang Grottoes, a World Heritage Site. The Buddha in Cave 20 is breathtaking; we recommend hiring a guide to hear a story about Northern Wei Buddhist art, which will immediately enhance your understanding. We rested briefly at the hotel at noon, then visited Huayan Temple and Shanhua Temple in the afternoon, admiring their magnificent Liao and Jin dynasty architecture. In the evening, we cycled along the ancient city wall of Datong, the setting sun casting a golden glow on the blue bricks, making the entire city seem gilded. For dinner, we tried Datong's assorted hot pot, its steaming warmth reaching deep into our hearts. Day 4: Datong → Yingxian Wooden Pagoda → Pingyao Ancient City (approx. 320 km) We set off south early in the morning, passing through Yingxian County, making a special trip to see the Yingxian Sakyamuni Wooden Pagoda, the oldest and tallest existing wooden pagoda in China. Standing for over 900 years, it is a marvel of mortise and tenon joints. We stopped for an hour to take photos and visit. Continuing our drive, we arrived in Pingyao Ancient City in the evening and checked into a Ming and Qing dynasty style inn. Opening the window to see lanterns hanging high, it felt like stepping back into the era of Shanxi merchants. A small courtyard house for six people provided greater privacy and comfort. Free time in the evening. Stroll along Ming and Qing Dynasty Street and watch the "Encounter Pingyao" performance (highly recommended, book tickets in advance). The immersive story will move you to tears. It's worth the price, around 200 RMB per person. Day 5: In-depth exploration of Pingyao Ancient City. Wake up naturally and have a bowl of Pingyao beef noodles for breakfast. Then, embark on a full day of exploring the ancient city: learn about China's first bank at Rishengchang Exchange House, see an ancient courtroom scene at the county government office, and experience the Confucian tradition at the Confucius Temple. Enjoy a traditional eight-bowl, eight-dish banquet at Deshenglou Restaurant at noon, perfect for six people. In the afternoon, cycle along the city wall and take some stunning photos of yourself "walking in a painting." Children can try their hand at paper cutting or lacquerware making. In the evening, buy some Pingyao specialties on South Street: beef, vinegar dates, and Taigu cakes—respectable gifts to take home. Day 6: Pingyao → Wang Family Compound → Return to Beijing (approx. 550 km) On the last day, don't rush. Drive one hour to Lingshi County to visit the Wang Family Compound, known as the "Folk Palace." It's grand in scale and exquisitely carved, even more worthwhile than the Qiao Family Compound. After two hours of sightseeing, depart for Beijing, stopping for rest and meals at service areas in Shijiazhuang or Baoding along the way. We expect to arrive back in Beijing before 8 PM, concluding this cultural tour. Estimated Cost Breakdown: - Minivan rental (7 or 9 seats): Approx. 4,500 RMB for 5 days (including insurance) - Fuel + tolls: Approx. 3,500 RMB round trip - Accommodation: 5 nights, average 1,200 RMB per night, total 6,000 RMB - Entrance fees (including guided tour): 500 RMB per person, 3,000 RMB for 6 people Meals: 100 RMB per person per day, 3,600 RMB for 6 people over 6 days - Other miscellaneous expenses: 1,400 RMB Total expenditure kept under 20,000 RMB, less than 3,400 RMB per person, excellent value for money. This road trip through Shanxi is more than just sightseeing; it's like stepping into a living history book. The ancient architecture, beliefs, cuisine, and people of the Loess Plateau will give you a new understanding of this richly endowed land. Grab your friends, step on the gas, and let's go!