Things to do in Lin County

Definitely worth seeing! With over thirty actors, every movement and every line was incredibly professional and dedicated – not at all perfunctory! A fantastic live performance! The stage is movable, and the scenery and stage design were meticulously crafted! Thumbs up! 👍 Everything was very well-conceived, and the content was incredibly rich! I learned so much more about the history of Qikou!

Qikou is a place with early human activities. People here have created a long history and excellent culture. Therefore, Qikou Scenic Area occupies an important place in the hearts of tourists.

This is a unique ancient village in Shanxi, featuring loess cave dwellings. With its distinctive topography, expansive views, and pristine, untouched commercial environment, it's free to visit, offering exceptional value. Quiet and less crowded, it boasts stunning photo opportunities and a relaxed pace suitable for all ages. A visit of 1.5-2 hours is recommended, making it a must-see hidden gem on the Lüliang self-driving loop.

Xiwang Village is located on the banks of the Qiushui River. The village is nestled against the mountains and faces the water, with seven stone-paved streets (two horizontal and five vertical) connecting the courtyards, forming a castle-like, enclosed village with layered, interconnected courtyards and households. For ¥2 per person, we visited one of the families. The elderly lady was very hospitable, giving a detailed introduction to her ancestral home. The stone carvings on the roof beams were exquisite, and she even offered to take photos for us.

The Yellow River Gallery, also known as the Yellow River Hundred Miles Water Erosion Relief, is located in the Qikou section of the Yellow River Grand Canyon in Shanxi and Shaanxi. It is a precious natural heritage. It was formed in the Triassic period. It is a natural cliff relief formed by the combination of groundwater dissolution and river erosion on the thick sandstone of the Triassic system. The Yellow River Gallery has a strong sense of art, like calligraphy, architecture, people, or birds and animals. Different people may see different artistic conceptions from different angles. It makes people marvel at the uncanny craftsmanship of nature.

The Black Dragon Temple, perched majestically on the mountainside of Wohu Mountain, is a landmark ancient temple in Qikou Ancient Town. Originally built in the Ming Dynasty, it has been renovated and remains standing to this day. The temple is built against the mountain, its stone foundations imposing, its halls arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion, and its glazed tile roofs exuding ancient charm. The plaque above the mountain gate is vigorous and simple, and the stage cleverly incorporates acoustic design, allowing the sound of opera performances to travel across the Yellow River to the other side—a truly ingenious architectural feature. This place was once a place of prayer for blessings for merchants and boatmen on the Yellow River, embodying their hopes for peace and prosperity. Climbing to the top of the temple and gazing into the distance, one can see the Yellow River surging mightily, the ancient town's houses standing in neat rows, and the mountains, water, and ancient buildings reflecting each other, showcasing the magnificent and timeless charm of this ancient Yellow River town.

Jinci Temple boasts a rich cultural heritage, truly a gem of Shanxi culture. The ancient cypress trees stand strong and vigorous, the Nanlao Spring flows gently, the Song Dynasty painted sculptures of maidens in the Holy Mother Hall are lifelike, and the Fish Pond Flying Bridge is exquisitely unique. Ancient architecture and gardens blend seamlessly, creating a tranquil environment. A guided tour is highly recommended to allow for a leisurely exploration and immersion in history. A must-see in Taiyuan, five-star recommendation!

The scenic area isn't large; the main attraction is the tower. The building itself is magnificent, and after learning some background information, it feels even more like a miracle. However, the excessive number of signs around the perimeter significantly detracts from the overall aesthetic appeal.

The two routes now connect via the Yellow River Bridge. There's a transportation station in Shanxi after crossing the bridge; it's not far. I recommend bringing a raincoat, as you can see it from both sides. Although the core area is small, I still highly recommend it.