Guanque Tower

Location: Guanque Tower, Yongji, Shanxi "The sun sets behind the mountains, the Yellow River flows into the sea" — the pinnacle Tang poem we memorized in elementary school, finally experienced in person! Climb to the top of Guanque Tower, one of China's Four Great Towers, and see the Yellow River spread beneath like a golden belt. At sunset, when the light melts like gold, you instantly understand the awe that inspired the great poet’s brush! 📜 (Photo tips below 👇) 💥 Three immersive experiences in one: ✅ Immersive poetry theater At 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily, the tower hosts the holographic light show "Poetry Chanting Guanque Tower" 🎭, where Li Bai and Wang Zhihuan "recite poetry across space," their flowing robes stepping out from the murals! ✅ Unlock the best Yellow River viewing spot On the west side of the 4th floor is the "Jimu Platform"! Use the telescope 🔭 to see the outline of Mount Hua in Shaanxi across the river. If you're lucky, you can capture flocks of Yellow River water birds flying into the frame 🕊️ ✅ Collect exclusive cultural souvenirs Get a free "Poetry Stamp Set" ✒️ at the cultural shop on the 1st floor, and buy a "Yellow River Flows into the Sea" ice cream 🍦—posing with the replica mural makes for a fun photo! 📸 Photo secrets: ➊ Wear Hanfu and stand in the front square! Shoot upward to capture the flying eaves and blue sky, instantly transporting you to the flourishing Tang Dynasty ➋ At the red railing corner on the 3rd floor, look sideways at the Yellow River—your silhouette will be stunning ➌ Rush to the top an hour before sunset! The warm light spills over the Yellow River’s surface, making every original photo look cinematic 🚗 Lazy traveler tips: ▫️ One hour from Yuncheng city center, parking 10 RMB/day ▫️ Nearby attraction: Half an hour to Puji Temple, the prototype site of "Romance of the Western Chamber," to pray for love 💘 and touch the Echo Wall of the Tang Dynasty’s Yingying Tower! ▫️ Must-eat in Yongji: Recommended "Yellow River Fish Restaurant" for oil-splashed noodles and Yellow River carp served two ways 🐟 🎫 Tickets: 50 RMB (half price for students! Free for seniors) ⏰ Open: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM (last entry to the tower at 5:30 PM) 🌇 Golden hour: 4:00 PM until closing! Fewer people and soft light Who says Shanxi is only about ancient buildings? The thrill of climbing the tower and gazing at the mountains and rivers is the awakening of the Chinese spirit! Comment below if you want to team up for a Hanfu photoshoot! 📢

Winter is coming! Winter vacation is just around the corner, and we've prepared an 8-day tour of Pingyao Ancient City and more for you. It's a great deal and will save you time and effort! This guide is packed with information and has a great itinerary. It's all you need! Check it out! -------- 🌟🎒Itinerary:🎒🌟 Day 1: Qujing->Kunming->Lvliang Today, we'll travel through Qujing and Kunming in Yunnan, and then arrive in Lvliang, Shanxi. The scenery along the way is picturesque. Day 2: Lijiashan Village->Qikou Ancient Town We'll experience the rural charm of Shanxi in Lijiashan Village, and then explore the ancient charm of Qikou Ancient Town. Day 3: Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River in Shanxi->Guanque Tower The shock of seeing Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River in Shanxi and the ancient charm of Guanque Tower will be the highlights of the day. Day 4: Wulaofeng->Wang Family Courtyard in Shanxi We'll enjoy the magnificent scenery of Wulaofeng, and then experience the cultural heritage of Shanxi at the Wang Family Courtyard. Day 5: Pingyao Ancient City->Jinci Museum Today, we'll explore the traces of time, from the historical buildings of Pingyao Ancient City to the precious cultural relics of Jinci Museum. Day 6: Mount Wutai->Hanging Temple We'll experience the grandeur of nature at Mount Wutai, and then visit the Hanging Temple to marvel at the incredible architectural wonder. Day 7: Yungang Grottoes->Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Today, we'll admire Buddhist art at the Yungang Grottoes, and then visit the world's oldest wooden building, the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda. Day 8: Taiyuan->Pinliang->Kunming We'll end our journey in Shanxi, departing from Taiyuan and returning to Kunming. Goodbye, beautiful mountains and rivers. -------- Some tips: 1️⃣ Photo spots: There are many corners in Pingyao Ancient City that are perfect for taking photos, such as the city wall and Ming and Qing Street, which have a particularly ancient charm. 2️⃣ Customs: The residents of Pingyao Ancient City are very warm and friendly, but please respect local customs, such as not making loud noises in scenic areas. 3️⃣ Food: You can't miss Pingyao beef when you visit Pingyao. The rich texture and unique recipe are worth treating your taste buds to. 4️⃣ January weather: January is winter, and the temperature difference between day and night in Pingyao Ancient City is large. Please dress warmly and keep warm💼, and also pay attention to sun protection⛱️ to prevent sunburn. 5️⃣ Commercial inducement: During your trip, you may encounter some commercial inducement or various advertisements. Be sure to keep a clear head and don't be easily induced. -------- The meaning of travel lies in discovery and experience. Walking through every ancient street and building in Pingyao Ancient City is like reading a vivid history book. We look forward to your journey of exploration!

#favouriteitinerary **Shanxi Province (山西) 🏯🌄 | A Journey Through History and Spirituality** Shanxi Province, located in northern China, is a treasure trove of ancient temples, historical sites, and cultural landmarks. Among its many attractions, three stand out for their unique beauty and historical significance: **Shuanglin Temple (双林寺)**, **Guanque Tower in Yongji (运城永济市鹳雀楼)**, and **Jade Emperor Temple (玉皇庙)**. --- ### **1. Shuanglin Temple (双林寺) 🕉️🏯** Located in Pingyao County, Shuanglin Temple is renowned for its exquisite ancient sculptures and rich Buddhist heritage. 🔥 **Why Visit?** - **Ancient Sculptures**: Marvel at over 2,000 colorful clay statues, some dating back to the Song and Yuan dynasties, showcasing incredible artistry and craftsmanship 🗿✨ - **Buddhist Heritage**: Explore the temple’s halls, each dedicated to different Buddhist deities, and learn about its spiritual significance 🕉️📜 - **Cultural Treasure**: A UNESCO World Heritage candidate, the temple is a must-see for art and history enthusiasts 🎨🏯 📍 **Location**: Pingyao County, Shanxi Province ⏰ **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and autumn for pleasant weather 🌸🍂 🎟️ **Entry Fee**: Approximately 35 RMB --- ### **2. Guanque Tower in Yongji (运城永济市鹳雀楼) 🏯🌅** This iconic tower, located in Yongji City, is one of China’s Four Great Towers and a symbol of classical Chinese poetry and architecture. 🔥 **Why Visit?** - **Historical Significance**: Rebuilt in 2002, the tower stands on the site of the original Tang Dynasty structure, immortalized in the famous poem *"On the Stork Tower"* 📜🏯 - **Panoramic Views**: Climb to the top for breathtaking views of the Yellow River and surrounding landscapes 🌄🌊 - **Cultural Legacy**: A perfect spot to appreciate classical Chinese literature and architecture 🎎✨ 📍 **Location**: Yongji City, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province ⏰ **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and autumn for clear skies and comfortable weather 🌸🍂 🎟️ **Entry Fee**: Approximately 50 RMB --- ### **3. Jade Emperor Temple (玉皇庙) 🏯🌿** Located in Jincheng City, the Jade Emperor Temple is a Taoist temple famous for its ancient statues and serene atmosphere. 🔥 **Why Visit?** - **Taoist Statues**: Admire the temple’s collection of 280 colorful clay statues, including the renowned 28 constellations, each with unique expressions and details 🗿✨ - **Spiritual Atmosphere**: A peaceful retreat for those seeking tranquility and a connection to Taoist traditions 🧘♂️🕉️ - **Architectural Beauty**: Explore the temple’s traditional Chinese architecture and lush surroundings 🏯🌸 📍 **Location**: Jincheng City, Shanxi Province ⏰ **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and autumn for mild weather 🌸🍂 🎟️ **Entry Fee**: Approximately 30 RMB

“The sun sets behind the mountains, the Yellow River flows into the sea.” At noon, climbing the Stork Tower. Backlit, cloudy, poor shooting conditions. Standing in front of the tower looking up, the ancient famous tower stands majestically. At this moment, what suddenly surges in my heart is not the grandeur of Wang Zhihuan, but the desolation of Chen Zi'ang— “No ancient ones are seen ahead, no future ones are seen behind...” Climbing to the top and looking afar, appreciating the magnificent mountains and rivers of the motherland with the ancients, the Yellow River like a belt, the wind whispering, flocks of birds circling beside, tourists raising their arms, cheering and saluting the layered peaks. “To broaden one’s view a thousand miles, climb one more floor.” The mountains and rivers remain magnificent, life’s journey never ceases. Climbing the tower is also climbing the floors of life.

Encounter a colorful and dreamy wonderland at the Salt Lake🌈; climb the Guanque Tower to enjoy an even more magnificent view🏯; and be enchanted by the ancient charm of the Guan Di Temple🎎…… -------- No matter what kind of trip you want, Ctrip local guide Liang Zhonghua can customize it for you✅! You just decide to go, I’ll take care of everything -------- 👫👭For family trips, choose👉 Economy 5-seater, accommodates 4 people, luggage space for 2 pieces, recommended Changan Qiyuan A05 or similar, cost-effective, suitable for short trips with small families🚗 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦For large families or friends traveling together, seeking comfort, choose👉 Comfortable 5-seater, accommodates 4 people, luggage space for 2 pieces, recommended GAC Aion V or similar, spacious and more comfortable🛋️ 👨‍💼👩‍💼For business trips or small teams, choose👉 Business 7-seater, accommodates 6 people, luggage space for 4 pieces, recommended Buick GL8 or similar, full business style, perfect for meetings and travel💼 🎉👨‍👩‍👧‍👦👫For large gatherings or group activities, choose👉 9-seater minibus, accommodates 8 people, luggage space for 5 pieces, recommended JiuLong 9-seater or similar, large space, more convenient for group travel🚌 -------- 🚗Our solemn promise All drivers are local to Yuncheng, and the fleet has deep industry experience to ensure timely and accurate trips⏰ Carefully selected nine popular attractions, combined with diverse itinerary options, tailor-made to create your exclusive private car tour Equipped with professional guides throughout the journey, providing 24-hour attentive concierge service, ready to answer your questions anytime, helping you travel worry-free👔

Guanque Tower in Yongji covers essential information, best visiting times, featured activities, nearby attractions, and food recommendations to help you plan the perfect trip: --- 1. Basic Information about Guanque Tower - Address: East Bank of the Yellow River, West of Puzhou Ancient City, Yongji, Yuncheng, Shanxi - Opening Hours: - Summer (April 1 - October 31): 08:30-18:00 - Winter (November 1 - March 31): 09:00-17:00 - Ticket Prices: - Adult Ticket: 60 CNY (may be discounted to 40 CNY on online platforms) - Concession Ticket: 23 CNY (for minors aged 6-18, students, etc.) - Free Admission: Children under 6, seniors over 60, and disabled visitors with valid ID --- 2. Best Time to Visit - Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): Pleasant weather, ideal for climbing the tower and enjoying views of the Yellow River. - March-April: Combine with Yongji's flower-viewing routes to explore Guanque Tower's flower fields and the vast peach blossoms along the Yellow River. --- 3. Recommended Activities - Intangible Cultural Heritage Performances: Ice-carrying blessings, Yellow River drumming, stilt yangko dances, etc. - Tang Dynasty Music: Sixth-floor bell performances of classics like "Three Variations of Plum Blossom" and "The River All Red." - Food Festivals: Yongji beef dumplings, stir-fried cold noodles, sugar painting, etc. --- 4. Visiting Tips - Duration: 1-1.5 hours. - Tower Climbing Experience: - The tower appears 3 stories tall externally but has 6 floors inside. Visitors can take the elevator or climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Yellow River. - The sixth floor features a blessing area where visitors can hang prayer plaques. - Scenic Area Layout: - Famous Tower Zone: Main tower, Guanque Lake, Tang Dynasty Square. - Yellow River Culture Zone: Puzhou Folk Garden, Willow Garden, etc. --- 5. Nearby Attractions - Pujiu Temple: Famous for the love story in "The Romance of the West Chamber," located close to Guanque Tower. Combo tickets available (from 90 CNY). - Pujin Ferry Ruins: A Tang Dynasty Yellow River ferry site featuring the "Kaiyuan Iron Ox" artifacts. - Wulao Peak: Great for winter snow festivals or summer retreats. - Yuncheng Salt Lake: Best enjoyed via drone photography, worth a quick visit. --- 6. Transportation Guide - Bus: Take Bus No. 2 from Yongji city center to Pujiu Temple, then transfer to a sightseeing shuttle (5 CNY) to Guanque Tower. - Drive: Exit at Yongji West Highway and follow signs to Puzhou to reach the scenic area. --- 7. Food Recommendations - Yongji Beef Dumplings: A local specialty with thin wrappers and fresh fillings. - Lamb Hulapu: Similar to lamb paomo, featuring flavorful shredded flatbread. - Yellow River Carp: Tender and delicious, recommended at nearby restaurants. --- 8. Accommodation Suggestions - Yongji City: Lavande Hotel (Yuncheng Yongji High-Speed Rail Station Branch), convenient for transportation. - Puzhou Town: Choose homestays for easy access to nearby attractions the next day. --- Summary: Guanque Tower is a year-round destination, with the most vibrant activities during Chinese New Year and Dragon Boat Festival. Plan a 1-2 day itinerary combining Pujiu Temple and Pujin Ferry to experience Yellow River culture and intangible heritage!

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

🌉 Gaze at the magnificent mountains and rivers from Guanque Tower; witness the colorful wonder of China's Dead Sea by the Salt Lake. Yuncheng heals every traveler with its millennia-old culture and natural gifts... -------------------- No matter what kind of trip you want, Ctrip local guide Liang Zhonghua can customize it for you✅! You just say go, and I'll take care of everything -------------------- 👫👭 Family trips, choose👉 Economy 5-seater, accommodates 4 people, luggage space for 2 pieces, recommended Changan Qiyuan A05 or similar, economical and super fuel-efficient🚗 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Large family/small group trips, recommended👉 Comfortable 5-seater, accommodates 4 people, luggage space for 2 pieces, recommended GAC Aion V or similar, spacious and upgraded comfort🌈 👨‍💼👩‍💼 Business reception/small group trips, choose👇 1️⃣ Business 7-seater, accommodates 6 people, luggage space for 4 pieces, recommended Buick GL8 or similar, full business style, maximum comfort💼✨ 👯‍♂️👯‍♀️ Group travel/friends gathering, recommended👇 2️⃣ 9-seater minibus, accommodates 8 people, luggage space for 5 pieces, recommended Kowloon 9-seater or similar, super fun for group travel, great value🎉🚌 -------------------- 🚗 Our solemn promise All drivers are local to Yuncheng, the fleet has many years of operating experience, ensuring every minute of your trip is on time⏰ Carefully selected nine key attractions, offering many combination options, tailor-made exclusive itineraries for a unique travel experience Professional guides provide 24-hour attentive service throughout, ready to answer questions anytime, helping you enjoy every moment worry-free👔

Winter in Yuncheng is indeed an underrated treasure travel destination. Compared to the severe cold in other parts of Shanxi, Yuncheng's winter is much milder. The average temperature usually ranges from -5°C to 10°C, with many sunny days and a comfortable feel. It is perfect for travelers who are afraid of the cold but want to experience the northern winter atmosphere. ➤【Winter Travel in Yuncheng】 1. In winter, flights and hotels in Yuncheng are cheaper. 2. Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery at attractions, allowing quiet appreciation of ancient architecture. 3. Remember to wear red clothes or a red scarf for especially photogenic pictures. 4. Although it’s not very cold, the climate is dry, so pay attention to moisturizing and skin care, and drink plenty of water. ➤【Recommended Routes】 ☑️ West Line: Yongle Palace + Guangrenwang Temple + Pujiao Temple + Guanque Tower + Guandi Temple + Salt Lake ☑️ North Line: Li Family Courtyard + Houtu Temple + Feiyun Tower + Macun Brick Carving + Qinglong Temple + Ji King Temple ☑️ Xinjiang Line: Jiyi Temple + Baitai Temple + Fusheng Temple + Jiangzhou Government Office + Longxing Temple + Sanguan Temple ➤【Service Advantages】 ☑️ Professional Drivers: Professionally trained and on duty, driver information available on the platform. ☑️ All-Inclusive Price: Includes fuel, parking fees, tolls, and meal allowance. ☑️ Service Details: Equipped with mineral water, rain gear, tissues, and chargers. ☑️ Review System: Real-time public user ratings to regulate service. ☑️ Guaranteed Departure: Booking confirmed means guaranteed departure, worry-free travel in Yuncheng.

Don’t throw away your admission ticket after the gaokao—pack your bags and set off! 🧭North China 1⃣️Shanxi 📍Cangshan Scenic Area: Free first-entry ticket before Aug 31. 📍Niangzi Pass Scenic Area: Free admission to four core attractions before Aug 31. 📍Guanque Tower: Before Aug 31, parents accompanying students get 50% off tickets❗ 📍Luya Mountain Scenic Area: Free admission to all attractions before Aug 31. 2⃣️Hebei 📍Yesanpo Scenic Area: Free admission with exam ticket before Aug 31. 3⃣️Inner Mongolia 📍29 A-level attractions in Alxa League: Free first-entry ticket before Sep 1. 📍Laoniuwan Yellow River Grand Canyon: Free admission + sightseeing bus before Sep 1. 4⃣️Henan 📍Laojun Mountain: Free admission before Jul 31 (requires ¥5 insurance). 📍Baiyun Mountain: Free for all students nationwide before Aug 31. 📍Longtan Grand Canyon: Free admission before Aug 31. 🧭East China 1⃣️Anhui 📍Jiuhua Mountain Scenic Area: Free core area admission + hotel/dining discounts before Aug 31. 📍Tianzhu Mountain Scenic Area: Free admission before Aug 31. 📍Tiantangzhai Scenic Area: Free admission until Dec 31. 2⃣️Zhejiang 📍Shenxianju Scenic Area: Free admission before Sep 1 (requires 1-day advance booking). 📍Qiandao Lake Good Luck Island: Free with exam ticket before Aug 31. 3⃣️Jiangsu 📍Pan’an Lake Wetland Park: Free admission before Jun 30. 📍Maling Mountain Scenic Area: Free admission before Aug 30. 4⃣️Shandong 📍Jiuru Mountain Resort: Free admission + 20% off lodging before Aug 31. 🧭Central & South China 1⃣️Hubei 📍Shennongjia Scenic Area: Free first-entry ticket before Aug 31. 📍Qingjiang Gallery (Yichang): Free admission + boat ticket before Aug 31. 📍Ancient Longzhong (Xiangyang): Free admission + sightseeing bus before Aug 31. 2⃣️Hunan 📍Mount Heng (including Zhurong Peak): Free admission before Jun 30 (requires booking). 📍Zhangjiajie Qixing Mountain: Free admission + cable car + sightseeing bus before Aug 31. 3⃣️Guangdong 📍Luofu Mountain: Free admission before Aug 31. 📍Dinghu Mountain: Free for students with ID before Aug 31. 🧭Southwest & Northwest China 1⃣️Sichuan 📍Xiling Snow Mountain: Free admission + round-trip cable car (original price ¥240) before Aug 31. 📍Jianmen Pass Scenic Area: Free admission before Aug 31. 📍Huanglong Scenic Area: Free hiking admission + return sightseeing bus before Aug 31. 2⃣️Chongqing 📍Wulong Fairy Mountain/Tiankeng Three Bridges (5 major attractions): Free admission before Jul 15. 📍Fengjie Baidi City & Qutang Gorge: Claim free ticket before Aug 31. 3⃣️Shaanxi 📍Huaqing Palace: Free admission before Aug 31. 📍Zhuque National Forest Park: Free admission + 20% off for 2 companions before Aug 31. 4⃣️Xinjiang 📍Hami Pterosaur-Yadan Dahai Dao: Free first-entry ticket before Aug 31. 📍Kezhou Glacier Park: 50% off admission before Aug 31. 🎯Important Notes 🕐Always check the latest updates from attractions before visiting❗❗ 🎫Present your 2025 gaokao admission ticket + original ID. 💰Most free admissions cover only the first-entry ticket; additional fees may apply.

Taking advantage of the Dragon Boat Festival holiday, I chose nearby Yuncheng, Shanxi as my travel destination. Over two days, I visited some famous attractions. On the first day, I arrived at Yongji North Station around noon and took the tourist shuttle to Pujiu Temple. Although I've never read "The Romance of the Western Chamber," the saying "All temples avoid romance, except Pujiu in Shanxi" establishes its special status. For lunch, I tried Yingying Restaurant opposite the scenic area - their dumplings and marou soup are truly worth trying. In the afternoon, I continued by tourist shuttle to Stork Tower. The scenic area is small, with the tower itself being the main attraction. While visually impressive, it's unfortunate the original structure was destroyed long ago without even ruins remaining. In the evening, I took a high-speed train to Yuncheng North Station, then a bus to Galaxy Commercial Street for the famous Rock Fried Chicken. Be sure to find the original store in the alley - spicy but delicious, generous portions at reasonable prices, and don't miss the cold dishes at the entrance. After dinner, I checked into Lavande Hotel (Yuncheng Yongle Street High-Speed Rail Station Branch) where the front desk provided warm service and even offered local attraction postcards with stamps for collection. The next morning's hotel breakfast buffet offered wide variety and good taste. As the attractions were remote and scattered, I rented a car for my tour. First stop was Yuncheng Guan Gong's Hometown Cultural Tourism Area - my favorite site showcasing Guan Yu's life story and later generations' reverence, with exquisite architecture worth savoring. Next was Yongle Palace - don't miss the murals, cultural relics so precious the Japanese searched for seven years unsuccessfully, leaving me in awe of ancient artisans' skills. My third stop was Yuncheng Salt Lake, where I was lucky to see the giant Guan Yu statue en route. The salt lake is best appreciated via drone or with prior research on viewing spots - otherwise you might leave disappointed like us, though Salt Pond Avenue's No. 006 streetlight makes a great photo spot. For dinner, I tried local specialty Lamb Hubo, similar to lamb paomo but with shredded pancakes, offering rich flavor. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, I missed Feiyun Tower in the city center and Wanrong County - a slight regret for next time.

Exploring Guanque Tower and Yongle Palace Yuncheng, Shanxi, a city steeped in history, is like a weighty tome with every page filled with stories. Today, let us embark on a unique travel route to experience the charm of Guanque Tower, Yongle Palace, Pujiu Temple, the Yellow River Iron Oxen, and Guangren King Temple. Guanque Tower: Majestic Elegance in Timeless Poetry Guanque Tower, one of China's four great historical cultural towers, stands on the eastern bank of the Yellow River in the ancient city of Puzhou, Yongji. Built during the Northern Zhou Dynasty by Yuwen Hu as a military watchtower, it was named after the storks that often perched there. In "Dream Pool Essays," Northern Song scholar Shen Kuo described it as "Three stories high, overlooking Zhongtiao Mountain and the Yellow River below." The famous poem "Climbing Guanque Tower" by Wang Zhihuan—"The sun sets behind the mountains, the Yellow River flows into the sea. To see a thousand miles further, climb another story higher"—brought it enduring fame. The original tower, which stood for over 700 years through the Tang and Song dynasties, was destroyed by war in the early Yuan Dynasty. The current Guanque Tower was reconstructed in 1997 and opened to the public in 2002. The rebuilt tower follows a Tang-style design, featuring four eaves and three external stories with six internal levels, standing 73.9 meters tall. Inside, it showcases Yellow River culture through reliefs, murals, and miniature landscapes. From the top, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Yellow River, evoking the grandeur and spirit of ancient times. Yongle Palace: A Brilliant Hall of Mural Art Originally named "Da Chunyang Wanshou Palace," Yongle Palace was built to honor Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals. Established in 1247 during the reign of Yuan Dingzong, it is the earliest, largest, and best-preserved Taoist temple in China, alongside Beijing's Baiyun Temple and Chongyang Palace in Hu County, Shaanxi. Originally located in Yongle Town, 20 kilometers southwest of Ruicheng County, the palace was relocated between 1957 and 1966 due to the construction of the Sanmenxia Reservoir, following instructions from Premier Zhou Enlai. Covering over 8,000 square meters, its central axis features ancient buildings such as the Mountain Gate, Dragon and Tiger Hall, Wuji Hall, Chunyang Hall, and Chongyang Hall. The most remarkable feature of Yongle Palace is its Yuan Dynasty murals, covering an area of 1,005.68 square meters. The "Chaoyuan Diagram" in Wuji Hall is particularly stunning, with its 402-square-meter depiction of lifelike figures arranged symmetrically, elegant colors, varied costumes, and grand scenes. Scholar Zheng Zhenduo praised it as "a large-scale display of Han palace grandeur and a collection of organized figure paintings." The narrative murals in Chunyang Hall and Chongyang Hall combine diverse scenes, offering valuable insights into the social life of the Tang, Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties, making Yongle Palace a true artistic treasure. Pujiu Temple: A Romantic Sanctuary from "The Story of the Western Wing" Located 3 kilometers east of the ancient city of Puzhou in Yongji, Pujiu Temple is a national 4A-level tourist attraction and one of Shanxi's "Top Ten" scenic spots. This Buddhist temple is famous for the romantic tale in "The Story of the Western Wing," earning it the saying, "Temples across the land do not speak of love, except for Pujiu Temple in Shanxi." Every September and October, it hosts the "World Couples Month" event. The temple's Yingying Tower is particularly notable for its unique structure and exquisite craftsmanship, featuring a distinct echo effect. It is one of China's four major echoing buildings, alongside the Echo Wall of Beijing's Temple of Heaven, the Pagoda of Baolun Temple in Henan, and the "Stone Zither" of Dafu Temple in Tongnan County, Sichuan. The current Yingying Tower, rebuilt after an earthquake, stands 40 meters tall with a base length of 8.3 meters, designed as a square brick pagoda with dense eaves. Other structures, such as the Bell Tower and the tower courtyard corridors, also have their own charm, immersing visitors in the romantic story of Zhang Sheng and Yingying. Yellow River Iron Oxen: Tang Dynasty Wonders of River Control The Yellow River Iron Oxen are "river-controlling divine beasts" from the Tang Dynasty. Each iron ox weighs 60 tons, with intricate details like iron rings on their noses and lifelike pupils showcasing ancient craftsmanship. These iron oxen are located at the Pujindu Site, once a vital crossing point on the Yellow River. The site also houses artifacts like Kaiyuan Tongbao coins, reflecting its historical prosperity. Standing before the iron oxen, one can deeply appreciate the wisdom and strength of ancient laborers, as these oxen are not only witnesses to history but also outstanding examples of ancient engineering. Guangren King Temple: A Precious Relic of Tang Architecture Situated in Ruicheng County, Guangren King Temple is a Taoist temple from the Tang Dynasty and a fifth batch national key cultural relic protection unit. Though modest in scale, its architecture is simple yet elegant, retaining the characteristics of Tang-style buildings. The main hall, an original Tang structure, features a single-eave hip-and-gable roof with large dougong brackets and deep eaves, showcasing the grandeur and boldness of Tang architecture. At Guangren King Temple, visitors can closely experience the charm of Tang-style architecture and the passage of history. This travel route in Yuncheng offers a glimpse into historical and cultural relics from different periods and styles. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of ancient poets, admiring exquisite mural art, immersing yourself in romantic tales, or marveling at ancient engineering feats, you'll find it all here. Embark on this cultural journey and create unforgettable memories!