Title: This "Hidden Gem Town" in Shanxi is Trending! Free Admission and All-You-Can-Eat, Stay in a Homestay for Just One Night
Tired of crowded, trendy cities? Today, I want to recommend a travel destination with an "unbelievable cost-performance ratio" — Yanggao County, Datong, Shanxi!
Can you believe it? You can have fun here for 5 days with just 300 yuan! All attractions are free, a night in a unique homestay costs only 50 yuan, and you can eat until you're full! This place not only has a Great Wall comparable to the "Little Badaling," but also a sea of apricot blossoms covering thousands of acres and Ming Dynasty murals that predate the Forbidden City.
Instead of suffering in big cities, come to this small town in northern Shanxi and experience the true frontier charm! 😎
🗺️ How to plan your trip? (Lazy version)
To make sure you have fun without getting tired, I’ve planned a 3-day, 2-night highlight tour combining nature, culture, and the Great Wall.
🌅 Day 1: Getting to Know Yanggao, Crossing Past and Present
Morning: Yanggao Ancient City Ruins
This is the perfect spot for sunset photos! When the sun sets, the silhouette of the ancient city wall is full of historic charm. Remember to wear Hanfu, and every shot will look like a masterpiece! 📸
Evening: County Center Snack Street
Must-try Yanggao Saozi noodles (only 8 yuan!) and grilled lamb skewers (2 yuan each, the owner is honest!).
🌄 Day 2: Between Mountains and Water, Free Oxygen
Morning: Baiyun Mountain
A hiker’s paradise! Moderate altitude, about 2 hours to the summit. The view from the top is excellent, overlooking Yanggao County, refreshing and uplifting.
Afternoon: Longquan Lake
Right at the foot of Baiyun Mountain, perfect for picnics and photos by the lake. Few people and beautiful scenery, ideal for daydreaming.
🏯 Day 3: At the Foot of the Great Wall, Apricot Blossoms in Light Rain (Spring Exclusive / Suitable All Year)
Morning: Shoukoubu Great Wall
This section of the Great Wall is known as the "Little Badaling," with a strategic and rugged terrain. Come in spring (April-May) to see apricot blossoms covering the hillsides blending with the desolate Great Wall — breathtaking! 🌸
Afternoon: Yunlin Temple
This is an imperial decree-built temple! The Ming Dynasty murals inside the main hall are well preserved, magnificent and more stunning than many paid attractions.
📸 Must-Visit “Photo Spots” (Perfect for Social Media)
Shoukoubu Great Wall: In spring, shoot “Apricot Blossoms Reflecting on the Great Wall,” in autumn, “Golden Armor and Horses,” in winter, “Snowy Mountain Pass.” Beautiful all year round, a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts.
Yunlin Temple Main Hall: The murals and statues inside are highly artistic. The light and shadow on the Buddha statues create a timeless tranquility.
Daqianshan: Known as "New China’s Number One Soil and Water Conservation Mountain." Climb Phoenix Mountain to watch the sunrise break through the morning mist — truly majestic.
🥟 Taste of Yanggao (A Foodie Must-See)
Don’t shortchange your stomach in Yanggao! The food here is not only cheap but also generously portioned!
Yanggao Saozi Noodles: Rich and flavorful soup, chewy noodles, 8 yuan a bowl, guaranteed to fill you up.
Grilled Lamb Skewers: 2 yuan each, tender and fresh without gamey taste, grilled to order with a mouthwatering aroma.
Millet Flour Fried Cake: Crispy outside, tender inside, best eaten hot, a local breakfast favorite.
🏨 Accommodation and Transportation (Money-Saving Tips)
Recommended Accommodation:
County: "Small Town Story" homestay, clean and cozy, only 50 yuan per night.
Countryside: Peach Blossom Village farmhouse, including breakfast for just 45 yuan, plus a chance to experience rural life.
Transportation Tips:
There are direct buses from Taiyuan to Yanggao, about 3 hours.
Once in the county, borrow a bike from the homestay owner or walk around — very convenient.
💰 Budget Breakdown: Only 300 yuan per person?!
You read that right, this is the latest budget travel ceiling for 2025! 💰
Item Estimated Cost Notes
Transportation 52 yuan Round-trip bus ticket included
Accommodation 190 yuan 4 nights in homestays/farmhouses
Food 58 yuan Eat well and drink well
Attractions 0 yuan All free!
Total 300 yuan 5 days, 4 nights
💡 Travel Tips (Avoid Pitfalls)
Best Season: Although suitable all year, mid to late April (Apricot Blossom Festival) and September (Harvest Season) are the best times to visit.
Essentials: Yanggao is windy with strong UV rays, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and a windbreaker are must-haves.
Interactive Bonus: Chat more with homestay owners or local elders by the roadside; they know many “off-the-map” secret spots.
This low-key frontier town, hidden for thousands of years, is waiting for you with its sincerity and beauty. Don’t hesitate, pack your bags and come to Yanggao County to experience a carefree life that "money can’t buy happiness" for yourself! 🎒
👇 Interaction Time:
Who do you most want to visit this 300-yuan-for-5-days town with? Or what’s the most amazing street food you’ve ever had? Tell me in the comments! 👇