Things to do in Xiaoyi

Tickets are easy to buy; simply scan your ID card to enter. The Wang Family Compound is vast, built against the mountainside in a well-organized and impressive manner. Those who appreciate ancient architecture could easily spend several hours there. Hiring a guide is highly recommended for a better understanding of the history.

What makes it special is that it's rare to find a temple that worships all three emperors together. The stage inside has a glass panel, hence its name, the "Glass Stage." However, the ticket price is quite expensive, making it not very cost-effective.

We came to Pingyao as a stop off on the way to Xi’an from Beijing. We didn’t book a guide, just thought we’d explore and that turned out to be perfect for us. We spent one full day exploring the streets, attractions, the wall and the many shops and restaurants. We also caught the evening light show which was a highlight. A great day and well worth the visit.

Free admission. Most of the buildings date back to the Ming Dynasty, with some from the Yuan Dynasty. This is a massive Taoist architectural complex with resplendent glazed tile roofs. The integrated architectural style of the Sanqing Hall, stage, and offering hall is extremely rare. The conjoined temples of Lü Zu, Guan Yu, and the Earth God are unique in China. These features alone are enough to make a detailed visit worthwhile. It's a fantastic place for taking photos; five-star recommendation! Scenery: The buildings and glazed tile roofs are incredibly beautiful. Fun: A perfect spot for taking photos. Value for money: Extremely high.

Red walls and ancient courtyards, a tranquil Buddhist sanctuary. Free from the hustle and bustle of commerce, only vibrant colorful sculptures remain, depicting the spirited Weituo and the serene Guanyin. This is a treasure trove of ancient temples in Shanxi that you shouldn't miss.

Compared to the Wang Family Compound, it is indeed much inferior. It is an ancient castle without any special features, and the NPCs only start work at 2 pm, and there are not many NPCs. No wonder it is not very famous.

I specifically called the Culture and Tourism Bureau beforehand and was told it was open as usual, but when I arrived, I found I couldn't go in. There was a notice posted at the entrance stating that due to some peeling paint caused by summer rains, the building had been closed for repairs since November 4th. So I could only look at it from the outside!

Although this place is still some distance away from the main urban area, there are buses to get there, or you can choose other ways to get there like I did. The entire archway is still very shocking. When you walk in, you will feel your own insignificance and the greatness of the wisdom of the ancients. The person looking at the archway is an aunt, who is sometimes a little like a rocket compared to the people outside.

Mianshan Mountain is definitely worth a visit. It boasts stunning natural scenery and numerous historical and cultural sites. However, there are many attractions, and they are quite far apart, making it difficult to see everything in one day. Accommodation is available within the scenic area, and staying overnight might be a better option. Two points to note: 1. When dining at Shuitaogou, avoid the temporary stalls near the drop-off point. Walk towards the entrance of Shuitaogou Scenic Area; there are larger self-service restaurants and food stalls there. 2. Plan your energy and time carefully to avoid running out of time or being unable to keep up. Take the elevator whenever possible to save energy and time. Accommodation booking phone numbers are shown in the image for your reference.