Yongle Palace

🚄 Day1: First Encounter with Yuncheng · Guan Gong Pilgrimage 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Yuncheng Jianguo Hotel or Salt Lake Resort Hotel ¥800/night *2=¥1600 ✅ Privilege: Free Hanfu experience + "Dreaming Back to Hedong" show ticket 🏯 Morning Sacred Site 8:00 Xiezhou Guandi Temple 🔥 Three Must-Sees: Ming Dynasty Glazed Screen Wall / Chunqiu Tower Suspended Pillars / Emperor Kangxi's Calligraphy "Yi Bing Qian Kun" 🍜 Southern Jin Morning Delights 11:00 Hedong Family Feast 🥢 Three Must-Try Delicacies: Wenxi Zhubing ¥6 / Yongji Beef Dumplings ¥15 / Jishan Mahua ¥5 🌊 Afternoon Spectacle 14:00 Yuncheng Salt Lake 📸 Popular Activities: Floating experience ¥80 + Colorful Salt Lake aerial photography 🌃 Evening Feast & Intangible Cultural Heritage 19:30 Lanshan Gen · Yuncheng Impression 🍢 Must-Order Combo: Lamb Hubo ¥18 / Wanrong Liangfen Heluo ¥10 / Jiangzhou Hotpot ¥88 🏯 Day2: Exploring the Roots of Huaxia 🚗 Chartered Car Day Trip (¥900/includes admission and guide) 🌅 Morning Epic 7:00 Yongle Palace 🎨 Three Stunning Masterpieces: Yuan Dynasty Mural "Chaoyuan Tu" / Glazed Chiwen / Thousand-year-old Ginkgo 🍲 Taoist Vegetarian Feast 12:00 Ruicheng Intangible Cultural Heritage Restaurant 🥗 Specialty Delicacies: Yongle Vegetarian Meal ¥68 / Ruicheng Pickled Vegetable Platter ¥15 🏛️ Afternoon Time Travel 14:00 Xihoudu Site 🔥 Cradle of Human Fire: See traces of human fire use from 1.8 million years ago + Check in at the Sacred Fire Platform ✨ Starry Sky Salt Lake 20:00 Salt Lake Light Show 🌌 Limited Experience: Night view of the "Fluorescent Salt Field" spectacle (Summer exclusive) 🛕 Day3: Yellow River Civilization Tour 🚌 Cultural Special Line (¥200/person including boat ticket) 🌊 Morning Grand Song 8:00 Yellow River Grand Iron Ox 🐂 Glorious Tang Dynasty Memory: Touch the Kaiyuan Iron Ox + Listen to the story of Pujin Ferry ☕ Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicraft 11:00 Xinjiang Chengni Inkstone Workshop 🖌️ Experience Course: Make your own inkstone ¥80 (engraving available for souvenir) 🛍️ Shopping Guide 13:00 Yuncheng Specialty Center 🛒 Must-Buy Souvenirs: Wenxi Zhubing ¥25/box Jishan Jujube ¥35 Jiangzhou Chengni Inkstone ¥200 and up 🚄 Return Trip Tips 16:00 Yuncheng North Station 🧳 Packing Secret: Zhubing needs separate crush-proof packaging 💰 Budget Details Item Cost Transportation (Xi'an → Yuncheng High-speed Rail) ¥120 Accommodation 2 nights ¥1600 Dining ¥900 Admission & Experiences ¥1000 Local Transportation ¥800 Specialty Shopping ¥500 ⚠️ Travel Tips No flash photography allowed for Yongle Palace murals Bring your own swimsuit for salt lake floating Fun Fact: The bronze statue in Guandi Temple weighs 50 tons 🎪 Festival Recommendations September: Guan Gong Culture Tourism Festival June: Salt Lake Colorful Carnival Fun Fact: When Yongle Palace was relocated, its murals were cut into 341 pieces Yuncheng, a city of civilization "etched in bronze for Huaxia," where you can touch the Green Dragon Crescent Blade at Guandi Temple in the morning, enjoy Lamb Hubo while conversing with Yuan Dynasty murals at noon, and float on the Salt Lake gazing at the starry sky at night – with freshly baked Zhubing in one hand and a thousand-year-old Chengni inkstone in the other.

While most northern ancient cities sink into desolation, Yuncheng quietly blooms its winter charm with "Hometown of Guan Yu + Salt Lake’s Magical Colors + Millennium-old Ancient Tower + Steaming Hot Lamb Soup with Bread" — December average temperature -3℃ to 8℃, over 70% sunny days, crisp and clear air, salt lake crystals like mirrors, reeds swaying like snow, the red walls of Guandi Temple reflecting the deep blue sky, making it an underrated warm winter cultural line in southern Shanxi. ✅ Three days and two nights · High-speed rail + bus cost-effective version | Total budget: 1998 RMB 🏨 Accommodation (2 nights): Stay at [Salt Lakeside · Jin Style Homestay] (¥268/night × 2 = 536), an antique courtyard with floor heating, where the landlady serves hand-cooked millet porridge with pickles, and morning mist over the salt lake can be seen right outside the window. 📍 Day 1 | First encounter with the Salt Lake and ancient architecture Arrive at Yuncheng North Station in the afternoon → take bus No. 88 directly; Evening: [Yuncheng Salt Lake] (free admission): In winter, the "Dead Sea of China" crystallizes in patches, with pink, white, and blue gradients like a palette; shoot snow-capped silhouettes among the reeds, and occasionally spot flamingos resting (stable population in December); Dinner: [Old Yuncheng Lamb Soup with Bread] (¥32), rich broth and tender meat, listen to old men tell stories about Guan Yu while breaking bread. 🏯 Day 2 | Deep dive into millennium-old culture Morning: [Jiexiu Guandi Temple] (ticket ¥60): The largest Guandi Temple in the world, the Jin Dynasty glazed tile screen wall shines brilliantly under the winter sun, snow falls on flying eaves, solemn and majestic; Afternoon: [Yongle Palace] (ticket ¥45, 1-hour drive from Yuncheng): The Yuan Dynasty mural masterpiece "Chaoyuan Tu" is stunningly silent, with ample heating, a must-visit for ancient architecture lovers; Overnight by the salt lake, enjoy a cup of astragalus and red date tea (complimentary from the homestay). 🍜 Day 3 | Wrapping up the local flavors Morning: [Phoenix Valley Scenic Area] (free admission): Climb the old site of Guanque Tower to overlook the Yellow River ice floes and check in at the "First Bend of the Yellow River"; on the way, buy Jishan mahua (fried dough twists) (¥28/box) and Wenxi cooked cakes (¥35/box); Noon: Eat beef dumplings (¥22) and Ruicheng mahua slices (¥18) at Nanfeng Square Food Street, and pack Yuncheng apples (¥25/5 jin); Before departure, take a sample of "Guan Gong Family Liquor" (¥48) — not for heavy drinking, but to gently carry loyalty and warmth in your luggage. 💰 Breakdown: Transportation (round-trip high-speed rail + bus + short-distance charter) ¥320 | Accommodation ¥536 | Food + tickets + souvenirs ¥1142 (including three meals ≈ ¥240 + tickets ¥105 + experiences ¥0 + souvenirs ¥897) > Yuncheng in December, > is the salt lake mirror reflecting flying geese heading south, > is the copper bells of Guandi Temple ringing softly in the north wind, > is you holding a bowl of steaming hot lamb soup with bread standing on Jiexiu Street, > watching the sunset dye the glazed tiles golden red — > the heaviest warmth > is not in the stove, > but in the five-thousand-year unbroken smoke and fire, > a mouthful of hot soup, > is the most reassuring winter > on the banks of the Yellow River.

The first time I took Tangyuan to Yuncheng, we spent 2 days and 1 night there, and I was truly captivated by this small city. It has mountains, "seas," history, and beautiful scenery, making it perfect for a weekend family trip with kids~ Sharing our 2-day, 1-night itinerary with everyone~ 📍Yuncheng, Shanxi 🚄Transportation High-speed rail: 1 hour from Xi'an North to Yuncheng North Self-driving: 3 hours ⛰️Attractions ✅Salt Lake China's "Dead Sea," where you can see the sky and water merge into one during the day, and enjoy the sunset in the evening. Two incredibly photogenic free check-in spots: 1️⃣ Salt Pool No. 006 Streetlight Check-in Spot, where you can capture mountains, "sea," road, and the Salt Lake all in one frame – absolutely stunning! 2️⃣ Salt Edge Starlight Station. On a windy day, you can see the "bubble sea." The day we went wasn't windy, so we saw the sky and water merge into one on the Salt Lake, and in the evening, we even saw a pink sunset glow – super beautiful! ✅Yuncheng Museum A National First-Class Museum, well worth a visit. You can see miniature versions of all Yuncheng's scenic spots, offering a quick understanding of the city~ Scan the QR code at the entrance to make a reservation~ ✅ Yongle Palace A filming location for "Black Myth: Wukong," built in memory of Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals. It's a masterpiece of ancient Chinese murals. Photography of the murals is not allowed, but replicas can be photographed at the Yuncheng Museum. ✅Jiezhou Guandi Temple The hometown of Guan Gong, and also a filming location for "Black Myth: Wukong." Ancient buildings are everywhere, and "loyalty and righteousness" can be seen throughout – well worth a visit. 🍽️Food Wadan Hotpot Restaurant, Shijia Fish Noodles, and Xinghe Rock & Roll Fried Chicken are all good. Donghu Morning Market or Yellow River Night Market offer a huge variety of delicious food. 🏨Accommodation Yuncheng Shenzhen Airlines Hotel, clean and tidy. It's a 10-minute taxi ride from Yuncheng North Station, cheap and convenient.

Yuncheng Travel Guide (Including Prices) Yuncheng, a millennium-old city located in the bend of the Yellow River, is named the "Salt Transport City" and is one of the important birthplaces of Chinese civilization. Here, you can experience the grandeur of the "Ancestor of Martial Temples," the Jiezhou Guan Di Temple, and the wonder of the "China Dead Sea," Yuncheng Salt Lake; you can touch the millennium-old traces of Yuan Dynasty murals at Yongle Palace and feel the vastness of "wanting to see a thousand miles further" at Guanque Tower. Below is a detailed guide covering attractions, accommodations, dining, and unique experiences to help you unlock the cultural secrets of this city. 1. Must-Visit Attractions and Ticket Prices 1. Jiezhou Guan Di Temple (4A) As the largest existing palace-style Taoist architectural complex and martial temple, Jiezhou Guan Di Temple is known as the "Ancestor of Guan Temples." The wooden carvings of "Night Reading Spring and Autumn Annals" in Chongning Hall are vivid, and the second floor of Chunqiu Tower features the solemn suspended sculpture "Guan Gong Reading by Lamp." The daily performances of "Guan Gong Sword Dance" and "Guan Di Sacrificial Music and Dance" at 10:00 and 15:00 are free to watch. You can also participate in the "Guan Di Face Painting" experience (50 RMB/person). Ticket Price: 45 RMB/person in peak season, 40 RMB/person in off-season. Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00 (peak season), 8:30-17:30 (off-season). 2. Yuncheng Salt Lake (4A) One of China’s oldest salt lakes, the water turns pink in spring, and in autumn the crystallized salt layers resemble mirrors. Aerial drone shots reveal a "land color palette." The park offers experiences such as black mud spa (free), saltwater floating (free), and salt cave meditation (80 RMB/person). You can also visit the Salt Culture Museum to learn about salt-making history. Ticket Price: 60 RMB/person (including black mud bath experience). Opening Hours: 8:30-18:00 (closed every Monday). 3. Yongle Palace (4A) Famous worldwide for its Yuan Dynasty mural "Chaoyuan Tu," featuring 286 immortals with "heavenly robes fluttering and walls full of wind," and the Pure Yang Hall’s "Lü Dongbin Manifestation Story" mural series is considered the "ancestor of Eastern comic strips." You can try mural copying (100 RMB/person) or rent Tang Dynasty costumes to take "mural-style" portraits (80 RMB/set). Ticket Price: 50 RMB/person. Opening Hours: 8:30-18:00. 4. Guanque Tower (4A) The inspiration for Tang poet Wang Zhihuan’s famous line "The sun sets behind the mountains, the Yellow River flows into the sea." Climb the tower to overlook the Yellow River and Zhongtiao Mountains and feel the poetic grandeur; the nightly light show "Soul of the Yellow River" recreates the clangor of ancient battles (free). The daily "Tang Poetry Relay" at 10:00 and 16:00 offers chances to win cultural souvenirs. Ticket Price: 45 RMB/person. Opening Hours: 8:00-18:30. 5. Pujiao Temple (4A) The setting of the story "Romance of the Western Chamber," the Yingying Tower is one of China’s four great echo buildings, where clapping hands can be heard as "frog croaks." The Pear Blossom Deep Courtyard recreates scenes like "Listening to the Zither under the Moon" and "Matchmaker Delivering Letters." Don’t miss the immersive live performance "Romance of the Western Chamber: Farewell at the Long Pavilion" (80 RMB/person) and the "Throwing Embroidered Ball" matchmaking experience (50 RMB/person). Ticket Price: 50 RMB/person. Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00. 2. Unique Experiences and Activity Prices 1. Salt Lake Black Mud Bath Natural black mud rich in minerals can be applied all over the body, offering a "natural facial mask" nourishment, perfect for photo ops. Experience Price: Included in ticket, no extra charge. 2. Mural Copying Under the guidance of professional painters at Yongle Palace, use mineral pigments to copy mural segments and appreciate ancient art’s intricacy. Experience Price: 100 RMB/person. 3. Guan Di Face Painting Participate in traditional opera culture by painting Guan Gong’s face mask yourself and learn about the symbolism of loyalty and righteousness. Experience Price: 50 RMB/person. 3. Accommodation Recommendations and Prices 1. Luxury Hotels Yuncheng Novotel Hotel: Five-star standard, offers family-themed rooms and free minibar, ideal for family trips. Price: 600-800 RMB/night. Yuncheng Jinxin Grand Hotel: Equipped with hot spring spa and sauna, overlooking park views, offers free airport shuttle. Price: 500-700 RMB/night. 2. Upscale Hotels Vienna International Hotel (Yuncheng Salt Lake Branch): European-style lobby, laundry service, free parking, walking distance to Yuncheng Station. Price: 300-500 RMB/night. All Season Hotel (Yuncheng Salt Lake District Jiezhou Guan Di Temple Branch): Zen-style design, walking distance to Jiezhou Guan Di Temple, suitable for self-driving tourists. Price: 250-400 RMB/night. 3. Budget Hotels Hanting Hotel (Yuncheng Jiefang North Road Branch): Offers free laundry and buffet breakfast, full-floor heating suitable for winter stays. Price: 150-250 RMB/night. Orange Hotel (Yuncheng Wanda Plaza Branch): Newly opened with smart guest control, free parking, walking distance to Yuncheng Museum. Price: 200-350 RMB/night. 4. Dining Recommendations and Average Cost 1. Local Flavor Restaurants Northwest Courtyard (Golden Waterfront Branch): Shanxi cuisine focusing on coarse grains, recommended dishes include "Earth Pot Chicken" and "Youmian Kaolao." Average cost: 60 RMB/person. Rongjian Pig Trotters (Airport Branch): Famous Yuncheng braised dishes, pig trotters are tender and flavorful, best with mutton oil chili. Average cost: 45 RMB/person. Rock ‘n’ Roll Fried Chicken Shop: Fill up for 53 RMB per person, small fried chicken + wide noodles + cold dishes combo offers great value. Average cost: 30 RMB/person. 2. Specialty Snacks Jiezhou Lamb Paomo: Old brand Jiezhou Wangjian lamb paomo, broth simmered with lamb bones for 8 hours, served with dense flatbread. Average cost: 30 RMB/person. Wenxi Bo Bing: Intangible cultural heritage pastry, coated with sesame and filled with stretchy filling, recommended "Ren Chengyi Bo Bing Shop." Average cost: 15 RMB/person. Jishan Mahua: Freshly fried mahua at Jishan night market, crispy and delicious, best paired with freshly squeezed pomegranate juice to cut the grease. Average cost: 10 RMB/person. 5. Transportation Guide 1. City Transportation Bus: Most attractions are directly accessible, fare 2 RMB/person. Taxi/Ride-hailing: Starting fare 7 RMB, short trips within the city about 15-30 RMB. Shared Bikes: Widely available in the city, suitable for short-distance sightseeing. 2. Surrounding Transportation Yuncheng Guan Gong Airport: Direct flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other cities; airport shuttle to downtown 30 minutes (20 RMB), taxi about 80 RMB. Daxi High-Speed Rail: Xi’an → Yuncheng 1.5 hours (ticket 120 RMB), Taiyuan → Yuncheng 2.5 hours (ticket 180 RMB). Self-driving: Lianhuo Expressway and Hubei Expressway run through the area, ideal for exploring distant attractions like Yongle Palace and Pujiao Temple. 6. Suggested Itinerary Classic Two-Day Tour Day 1: Jiezhou Guan Di Temple → Yuncheng Salt Lake → Overnight in downtown (recommended Yuncheng Jianguo Hotel). Day 2: Yongle Palace → Pujiao Temple → Guanque Tower → Return. Yuncheng’s slow pace of life and profound cultural heritage will surely make you linger. Whether touching millennium-old murals, overlooking the majestic Yellow River, or tasting authentic local cuisine, this city can satisfy all your imaginations of Chinese civilization.

“In Yuncheng, you might be stepping on the ridges once walked by Emperor Shun, feeling the Tang Dynasty breeze, and basking under the same sun as Yuan Dynasty painters.” 📷 This is Yuncheng, Shanxi, one of the prefecture-level cities with the highest concentration of national protected sites. ‼️ For those planning to visit, I highly recommend buying the Yuncheng Tourism Annual Card (128 RMB/person) or the Black Wukong Card (68 RMB/person). I drove from Xi’an to Yuncheng and here’s my itinerary: DAY 1️⃣ Xi’an 🚘 Tongguan 🚘 Pujindu Ruins (Yellow River Iron Ox) 🚘 Guanque Tower 🚘 Yuncheng City Center 1️⃣ Tongguan 🌟🌟🌟 (free admission), featuring an ancient city area and a museum with a distant view of the Yellow River. After Tongguan, there’s a street selling roujiamo (meat sandwiches) that tastes pretty good. 2️⃣ Pujindu Ruins (Yellow River Iron Ox) 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, free admission. This spot is truly underrated. You can see the national treasure up close in the open air, and the Pujindu Ruins Museum clearly explains the history and significance of the Yellow River Iron Ox. Highly recommended. 3️⃣ Guanque Tower 🌟🌟. I visited because it’s included in the Black Wukong Card combo ticket and because of the famous Tang poem “Ascending Guanque Tower.” I wanted to experience the ancient feeling of climbing the tower and seeing the sun setting behind the mountains and the Yellow River flowing into the sea, inspiring one to climb higher for a broader view. The stairs downstairs are great for photos, and there’s an elevator to the top. 4️⃣ It’s about a one-hour drive from Guanque Tower to Yuncheng city center. DAY 2️⃣ Yuncheng city center, Yongle Palace, Guangrenwang Temple, and in the afternoon, the Salt Lake and Swan Habitat 1️⃣ Yongle Palace 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. I strongly suggest visiting in the morning when sunlight streams through the windows into the main hall, illuminating the murals clearly—especially the 700-year-old Yuan Dynasty Taoist deity painting “Chaoyuan Tu” in the Wuji Hall. The murals are 5-6 meters tall and truly breathtaking. You’ll need 2-3 hours to fully appreciate it. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed. 2️⃣ Guangrenwang Temple 🌟🌟🌟🌟. One of the three and a half surviving Tang Dynasty wooden structures. Approaching it, you can feel the lingering grandeur of the High Tang era. It’s a great spot for photos. 3️⃣ Salt Lake Swan Habitat 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. I recommend arriving around 4:30 PM. The sunset combined with the swans on the salt lake is a perfect match! Navigation: Salt Lake Swan Habitat, then walk 1.5 km to Swan Lake, or take a shuttle bus for 5 RMB/person. DAY 3️⃣ Jiexiu Guandi Temple, Panzhou Zen Master Pagoda, Yuncheng Museum 1️⃣ Jiexiu Guandi Temple 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. The oldest Guandi Temple in China, over 1,400 years old. Many visit specifically to see the Qinglong mural and to take photos of the “Shenyong” plaque. The site is large, and the walk from the parking lot to the temple is a bit long. 2️⃣ Panzhou Zen Master Pagoda 🌟🌟🌟🌟, free admission. Located among residential houses, I personally think it’s worth a visit. This Tang Dynasty ancient pagoda is listed in “Famous Chinese Towers” and is the only circular pavilion-style brick pagoda from the Tang Dynasty in the country. 3️⃣ Yuncheng Museum 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟. A national first-class museum! Worth taking your time to explore. It also makes up for the no-photography rule at Yongle Palace’s Chaoyuan Tu mural.

Yuncheng, Shanxi in November, The autumn chill rises but warm sunshine often accompanies, Millennium-old buildings appear even more majestic under the clear sky, The colorful Salt Lake lies quietly on the earth like a palette, This is the "Hometown of Guan Yu" and also the "Cradle of Chinese Civilization." Few tourists, a relaxed pace, It is the best season to slowly appreciate the culture of southern Shanxi. This in-depth four days and three nights travel guide under 3000 RMB will take you through a 5,000-year historical corridor! 🗓 Itinerary (4 days 3 nights) Day 1: Arrive in Yuncheng → Visit Guan Di Temple + Salt Lake Sunset Take the high-speed train to [Yuncheng North Station], taxi to the city Check in at a boutique guesthouse near the ancient city 💰600/night × 3 = 1800 In the afternoon, visit [Jiexiu Guan Di Temple] (ticket ¥60), the world's largest ancestral temple of Guan Yu, grand and magnificent ⛩️ In the evening, go to [Yuncheng Salt Lake] (free), capture the pink and green "Mirror of the Sky" and sunset silhouettes 🌅 Day 2: Yongle Palace Murals + Ruicheng Ancient Architecture Exploration ✅ Morning drive to Ruicheng (about 1.5h), visit [Yongle Palace] (ticket ¥50) Be amazed by the Yuan Dynasty mural "Chaoyuan Tu," with lines that have not faded for a thousand years, a treasure of Eastern art 🎨 ✅ Afternoon climb [Guangren King Temple] (free), one of the four surviving Tang Dynasty wooden structures, simple and vigorous Day 3: Sima Wen Gong Shrine + Fushou Temple Twin Towers ✅ Morning visit [Sima Guang Tomb · Wen Gong Shrine] (ticket ¥30), feel the spirit of the historian 📚 ✅ Afternoon head to [Wanrong County], check in at [Feiyun Tower] (ticket ¥35) and [Ji King Temple], the exquisite dougong brackets are astonishing Return to Yuncheng city at night, enjoy a bowl of steaming lamb and radish soup or Wenxi boiled cake 🍲 Day 4: Museum Finale + Return ✅ Morning visit [Yuncheng Museum] (free, reservation required), systematically understand the Hedong civilization Return in the afternoon, full of historical charm 💰 Budget Details: Major transportation: round-trip high-speed train ¥600 (depending on departure city) Accommodation: 1800 (three nights in quality guesthouse, prime location) Meals + tickets + local transport: about ¥500 ✅ Total: about 2900 RMB! Culture lovers rejoice, excellent cost performance Yuncheng in November, No noisy crowds, only the millennium whispers told by bricks and stones. When you stand under the eaves of the Tang Dynasty and look up at the dougong brackets, At that moment, you understand Shanxi, and you understand China.

Yuncheng is truly a treasure trove of a city, worthy of being the first city of national treasures. You can't see it all in one visit. You have to take your time to savor the details left behind by our ancestors. I went for two days this time and only visited Jishan, Wanrong, Ruicheng, and Jiezhou, leaving the other places for another time. ✅3-day, 2-night itinerary Day 1 Yuncheng Airport ➡️ Wanrong Feiyun Tower ➡️ Houtu Temple ➡️ Qiufeng Tower ➡️ Beixin Relic Pagoda ➡️ Li Family Courtyard ➡️ Yuncheng City Day 2 Yuncheng ➡️ Yongle Palace ➡️ Guangrenwang Temple ➡️ Ruicheng City God Temple ➡️ Yuncheng Day 3 Yuncheng ➡️ Jiezhou Guan Yu Temple ➡️ Chi God Temple ➡️ Yuncheng Museum ➡️ Yuncheng Airport The cultural relics in Yuncheng are a bit far apart, so if you're short on time, driving is the most convenient option. Picking up and returning a car at the airport is relatively convenient. There are now flights to Yuncheng from all over the country, and the tickets are not expensive. I highly recommend everyone to go and see it. Every ancient building is beautiful, and each one leaves you wanting more. I'll share a detailed guide for each spot later.

Today, let's go to the scene of "Black Myth: Wukong" and explore the long history of Yongle Palace together~ 🌟 🔸Yongle Palace 📍 Location: No. 128, Yongle North Road, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province 🚗Transportation: Take Bus 109 from Yuncheng to the terminal, then take a taxi for 3 kilometers to the scenic spot, or it is also very convenient to drive there directly. 🌟 About the tour: The Yongle Palace scenic spot is not large. The following is the recommended route for you: Mountain Gate → Lingguan Hall → Sanqing Hall → Chunyang Hall → Chongyang Hall. The murals in Yongle Palace are colorful, the lines are smooth, and the characters are lifelike. Each mural is very vivid. 🌟 Travel tips ✅ During the tour, please protect the cultural relics and do not touch the murals ✅ Please respect Taoist culture, keep the scenic spot clean, and visit in a civilized manner

Yuncheng, a seriously underrated "Chinese civilization mystery box"! 99% of people only know Shanxi for coal, but they don’t know that half of Chinese history is hidden here! You think Shanxi is just about coal mines and vinegar? Wrong! On this yellow land in southern Shanxi, there’s a treasure city that even many old Shanxi locals haven’t fully explored—Yuncheng! It’s as low-key as a missing chapter in a history textbook, but once you come, you’ll exclaim: The switch of Chinese civilization has long been pressed right here! ⚡ Why Yuncheng? Three words: Super! Hardcore! This is the hometown of the "Martial Saint" Guan Yu (Jiexiu Guandi Temple, the largest Guan Gong shrine in the world) Here lies China’s oldest salt lake—Yuncheng Salt Lake, a magical place where "red rain" falls! 🧂🌈 It hides murals older than Dunhuang—Yongle Palace murals, the pinnacle of Yuan Dynasty art! 🎨 Also the great bend of the Yellow River, the place where Nüwa patched the sky, and the hometown of Sima Guang smashing the water jar... Every step is on the pulse of 5,000 years of civilization! Day 1: Travel through myth ✅ Morning | Ruicheng · Yongle Palace 600-year-old Yuan Dynasty murals, lines as delicate as hair! Free guided tours are a must-hear, so stunning you’ll want to kneel! ✅ Afternoon | Dayu Crossing · Yellow River Scenic Area Take a cable car across the Yellow River, check in at the "Yellow River Snake Bend" wonder, snap a top photo for your "I’m at the Yellow River bend" social feed! 📸 ✅ Evening | Stay at a salt lake wellness homestay, soak in natural brine springs, skin so smooth it reflects light! Day 2: A day tour in the hometown of Lord Guan ✅ Morning | Jiexiu Guandi Temple (50 RMB ticket, half price for students) The "ancestral temple" of all Guandi temples nationwide! Morning light on the glazed roof is so solemn it gives you goosebumps! ✅ Noon | Eat "Shaozimian" + lamb and radish on Yuncheng Old Street Local secret spot: Lao Wang Noodle House, one bowl and your soul smells like home! ✅ Afternoon | Salt lake floating experience (recommended "Colorful Salt Lake" scenic area) Wear a white dress for photos, the water is a pink-blue gradient, like falling into a mix of Maldives and Mars! ⚠️ Tip: Avoid noon sun, the best light for photos is after 4 PM! Day 3: Secret realm exploration ✅ Morning | Ruicheng Guangrenwang Temple (Tang Dynasty wooden structure, one of only four left in China!) So off the beaten path even GPS struggles, but ancient architecture lovers will be ecstatic! Every snap looks like a National Geographic cover! ✅ Afternoon | On the way back, stop by "Nüwa’s Tomb" Tell kids the story of Nüwa patching the sky, the place is right here! History instantly becomes three-dimensional! 🍜 Yuncheng Food Must-Try List ✔️ Boiled dough buns (juicy meat inside, careful not to burn your mouth!) ✔️ Fenjiang rice (sour and appetizing, locals’ top breakfast choice) ✔️ Jishan Mahua (freshly fried! Crispy to the point of crumbling) ✔️ Ruicheng bubble oil cake (sweet but not greasy, tastes like childhood) 📌 Pitfall Avoidance Guide 🚫 Don’t go to the salt lake at noon! UV + reflection = instant sunburn 🚫 Don’t hire expensive guides at Guandi Temple, scan the code at the entrance for free, more professional explanations ✅ Self-driving is most convenient! Attractions are scattered, after taking the high-speed train to "Yuncheng North Station," renting a car is recommended ✅ Best seasons are spring and autumn! April-May for apricot blossoms, pear, peach, rapeseed, and locust flowers blooming in succession. September-October is cool with red leaves all over the mountains, apples fragrant in the air, and persimmons hanging like lanterns. In winter, the Yellow River wetlands attract thousands of Siberian swans, drawing photographers nationwide... Final words: Yuncheng is not noisy, but so profound it leaves you silent; It’s not trendy, but so genuine it touches your heart. Coming here is not just "checking in," it’s a dialogue with your ancestors. "Can you believe it? Guan Gong really grew up here!" Tell me in the comments: who do you most want to bring to this "forgotten heart of Chinese civilization"? Parents? Kids? Or that someone who always says "traveling is boring"? Share this with the friend who’s always wanted to visit Shanxi but never dared! Next stop is Yuncheng, don’t miss it! Yongle Palace, Guanque Tower, Pujue Temple

🏰 Did you know? This place is not only a Taoist temple to commemorate Lu Dongbin, but also the epitome of Yuan Dynasty mural art. After more than 120 years of meticulous carving, every stroke and every painting reveals the ancient wisdom and craftsmanship! 🌟 Step into the Hall of Wuji, and you will be so amazed by the murals in front of you that you'll be lost for words. The scale and richness of themes in the 'Chaoyuan Tu' are comparable to Dunhuang! The depiction of Mercury is simply breathtakingly beautiful! 🌌🚗 If you plan to go, self-driving or chartered car is the most convenient. The ticket is only 54 yuan, but remember, you must get a guide! Otherwise, you can only join the crowd but fail to appreciate the deeper meaning. 📸 Oh, by the way, photography is not allowed in the mural area, but don't worry, there are ceramic tile replicas of the murals on the left side of the Wuji Gate, where you can take photos to your heart's content. 📌 Finally, here are a few travel tips: getting a guide is essential to make your trip worthwhile; and don't forget to stop in front of the murals to savor them, allowing your soul to engage in a profound conversation with art. 🌈 Yongle Palace, a place where you can experience the charm of Yuan Dynasty art, a place where your soul can be purified and elevated. Come on, it's definitely worth exploring! 💖

Address: Yongle Palace Scenic Area, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Transportation: 🚌 Recommended route from Yuncheng: Take the "Yuncheng-Ruicheng" long-distance bus at Yuncheng Bus Station (about 1.5 hours, 20 yuan fare). Or take high-speed rail to Yuncheng North Station, then transfer to the bus station by public transport. From Ruicheng, it's a 10-minute taxi ride to the scenic area entrance🎫. Introduction: 🏯 Built in 1312 (Yuan Dynasty), Yongle Palace is one of China's largest surviving Taoist temple complexes. Its highlight is the Yuan Dynasty murals🎨, hailed as the "Treasure House of Oriental Art", depicting Taoist celestial realms with colors preserved for centuries. The well-preserved architectural complex including Sanqing Hall and Chunyang Hall showcases Yuan Dynasty wooden construction mastery. Travel Tips: 🎯 Must-sees: Sanqing Hall murals (grand "Chaoyuan Tu"), Chunyang Hall paintings (exquisite Taoist stories), Chongyang Hall (classic Yuan architecture). ✨ Personal insights: It took me 4 visits to truly appreciate it - first time rushed through details, second time learned history with a guide, third focused on mural lighting, fourth immersed in Taoist culture. Best route: Enter in morning, visit Sanqing Hall first (fewer crowds, better light), then explore other halls. Recommendations: 📅 Best seasons: Spring/Autumn (Apr-May or Sep-Oct), avoid summer crowds. 👟 Wear comfortable shoes - stone paths are tiring; no flash photography📸 in mural areas. ⏳ Allow at least 3 hours; bring water/snacks (limited dining options); book tickets online🎫 in peak season to skip lines. Local Food: 🍜 Authentic Shanxi cuisine in Ruicheng: Try "Jinxiang Noodle House" for knife-cut noodles (chewy with savory sauce) and lamb paomo (clear broth). Must-try snacks: Ruicheng oil tea (warming) and date cakes (sweet but not cloying), about 30 yuan per person. Accommodation: 🏨 Best value: Ruicheng Hotel (clean & safe, 15-min walk to site, ~200 yuan/night). Or try local B&Bs like "Yongle Homestay" (cultural atmosphere, family-friendly, budget prices). Nearby Attractions: 🌊 Yellow River Scenic Area (20-min drive, view Hukou Waterfall's grandeur). 🏯 Xiezhou Guandi Temple (1-hour drive from Yuncheng, ancient architecture with Guan Yu culture). ⛰️ Wulao Peak (Ruicheng outskirts, hiking with wildflowers in spring). Final Thoughts: My 4 visits transformed me from hurried tourist to cultural explorer✨. Yongle Palace isn't just a site - it's a time tunnel where every brushstroke reveals Yuan artisans' devotion. Don't rush; slow down to converse with history. Return visits will show you: the past isn't distant, but waiting in those weathered colors to be understood🎨.

Dear friends! Looking for a hidden gem to enjoy during the New Year? Here’s your 4-day Yuncheng travel guide! All-inclusive and super worry-free, you can fully experience Yuncheng’s ancient charm and new sights, soaking in the rich festive atmosphere 🏮 Quickly save this practical guide! —— ✨ Perfect for you if: ✔️ You dislike rushed sightseeing ✔️ You love taking beautiful photos freely ✔️ You want to deeply experience Southern Shanxi culture ✔️ Traveling with elderly, kids, or friends who prefer a relaxed trip —— Don’t miss this if you come across it! More exciting content below, keep scrolling~ —— 🌈 Itinerary: * 📅 Day 1: Head to Southern Shanxi, first encounter this city rich in salt transport history 🏙️. After arriving and settling into your hotel 🏨, enjoy free activities! * 📅 Day 2: Li Family Courtyard -> Wanyong County Feiyun Tower Scenic Area -> Houtu Temple, explore ancient architectural treasures and feel the profound cultural heritage 🏯 * 📅 Day 3: Guandi Temple -> Pujue Temple -> Pujindu Great Iron Ox -> Guanque Tower, visit historical sites, climb high for beautiful views 🌅 * 📅 Day 4: Yongle Palace -> Guangren King Temple -> Chishen Temple -> Yuncheng Salt Lake, admire ancient architecture and explore the salt lake wonders 🌊 * 🛫 Departure day: Pack your bags, take home full memories, and depart from Yuncheng 🏠 —— Must-visit attractions: 🏯 Pujue Temple 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: Xixiang Village, Puzhou Town, Yongji City, Yuncheng ⏰ Opening hours: Nov 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ⏳ Duration: 2-3 hours One of the four echo buildings 🔔, the sound of Yingying Tower is touching, feel the classical romance 💕! 🏯 Guanque Tower 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: East bank of the Yellow River, west side of Puzhou Ancient City, Yongji City, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province ⏰ Opening hours: Nov 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ⏳ Duration: 1 hour A peerless ancient tower 🏛️, enjoy Yellow River scenery 🌊 and admire the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty 👘! 🏛️ Yongle Palace 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Address: 230 North Yongle Road, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province ⏰ Opening hours: Nov 1, 2025 - Mar 31, 2026, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM ⏳ Duration: 1-2 hours Unique Yuan Dynasty architectural style 🏗️, exquisite murals inside the Sanqing Hall 🖼️, an artistic treasure 💎! —— 🌨️ Essentials before you go: 🧥 Clothing: Yuncheng is freezing in January! Down jacket + fleece pants are a must, snow boots or anti-slip shoes to prevent falls. 🧢 Accessories: Knit hat + scarf + gloves set to lock in warmth, heat patches for phone and body to prevent shutdown. 📋 Documents: Always carry your ID! Don’t miss half-price discounts with student or senior cards, power bank and charging cables are lifesavers. 🧴 Miscellaneous: Moisturizer + lip balm to fight dryness, sunglasses to block snow glare, small backpack with water bottle and snacks. —— Friends, follow this guide for a smooth trip, click “Free Consultation” to learn more product details~~