Things to do in Mizhi

Li Zicheng's Palace is located on Panlong Mountain, north of Mizhi County. Built against the mountainside with a unique layout, it is one of the best-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architectural complexes in Shaanxi Province. Climbing the palace offers panoramic views of Mizhi, with particularly stunning scenery at sunset.

Mizhi Ancient City is actually Mizhi Old City. Since the establishment of the county in the early Song Dynasty, this has been the seat of Mizhi County. In recent decades, Mizhi has opened up a new urban area, but the old city has not been "abandoned". People still live there, and there is a smell of fireworks everywhere. Walking in it, you can even feel a little crowded and noisy. However, the deeper you go, the more you can understand the cultural heritage behind this thousand-year-old ancient city.

Taking parents to the Mizhi Thousand Buddha Caves is a great choice. Here, the caves are carved into the mountainside, and among them, thousand-year-old Buddha statues stand quietly, conveying a profound sense of history. Parents, many of whom have a special affinity for traditional culture, will be captivated by the intricacy and majesty of the Northern Song Dynasty stone carvings. The caves are cool and tranquil, and the walk is gentle, making them easy on the elderly. Standing by the Wuding River, the view of the mountains, water, and caves complement each other, creating a profound and captivating scene. This blend of human and natural beauty will immerse parents in the scenery, perfect for taking photos or simply strolling. The overall experience is relaxing and insightful, allowing families to escape the hustle and bustle while enjoying a warm and culturally enriched time together. For families who value experiencing traditional culture, this is a worthwhile trip.

But the main reason for visiting Mizhi was to see Jiang's Manor. I checked beforehand and someone said that it was impossible to get there due to road construction, so I decided to give it a try. The transportation was really inconvenient and it was suitable for self-driving tours. Because of the road construction, I could only go from Yangjialing. The minibus only went to Yangjialing, and I had to go to Taozhen and then to the manor by myself. The minibus to Yangjialing was 80 yuan round trip. Later, the owner of a snack bar gave me 200 yuan for a round trip, and we went to Yangjialing and Jiang's Manor. It is very worth going. I won't write about it in detail, there are many online, and I mainly record how to get there.

This is where the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China lived for the last few months in northern Shaanxi. The December Conference was held here, and the Chinese Liberation War was on the road to victory. The scenery here is also beautiful, and the roads are smooth, which is very good.

A taxi only goes to the entrance of Jinci Park. You can walk into the Jinci Museum or take a 10-yuan round-trip sightseeing bus. It's worth a visit! Due to limited energy, I only visited the main attractions. I had lunch at the market outside Jinci Park, which was quite good.

Hukou Waterfall is truly a must-see in person; photos simply can't capture its breathtaking beauty. We explored the west side this time, and the Dragon Cave is a must-see – the 20 yuan entrance fee is well worth it! Standing at the bottom of the cave, looking up at the Yellow River crashing down overhead, the spray hitting your face, the deafening roar, you're completely enveloped – an experience you can't fully grasp from above. However, it is indeed very wet inside the cave, so it's best to put your phone in a waterproof case. In the morning, when the light is good, you can even see a rainbow, and if you're lucky, the photos will be stunning. Parking in the scenic area is quite convenient, and the shuttle bus service is smooth.