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Discover the most popular places to stay in Yangcheng, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Kaerluowasitudankaniuhong: The hotel is close to the scenic spot and there is a special scenic shuttle bus! The room also sent a joint ticket to the scenic spot; the hotel is also very convenient for eating, and the portion is sufficient. The child suddenly had a stomachache before going to bed at night. The manager on duty also drove us to the town health center. Special thanks to 🥹
Huangcheng Village (On the Mountain)
From KRW 56,456
Guest User: This is an excellent hotel in a perfect location. My room must have one of the best views in China - the town walls, misty mountains, a towering pagoda, dark red walled temple, the village ranged on a hillside beyond the walls. The room was very comfortable. The staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The breakfast was good. Attractions are within walking distance or a free shuttle. I was very happy with my stay
About 80 meters northeast of Yangcheng County Wuting Middle School, Guoyu Village
From KRW 25,025
Guest User: The room was large and bright, and the bed was very comfortable and solid. There is a large sofa, a writing desk, a small refrigerator, and even direct drinking water in the bathroom, although I don't know if the water meets the requirements. This is the closest hotel to the Imperial City Xiangfu, not a homestay. The biggest disadvantage is that the elevator to the guest room cannot go directly to the lobby and needs to climb nearly 20 steps! The ramp next to it is very steep, and it is inconvenient and dangerous to pull the suitcase up and down. Seeing the car that sent the linen is also very difficult to push up, imagine the difficulty of sending it down. I don't know what the designer's brain thinks?
Huangcheng Village, Beiliu Town
From KRW 48,649
Guest User: 房間真的很大，很好，隔音也很好，住的很舒服，房間也很乾凈，服務也很好，有專門的小童牙刷和拖鞋。離皇城相府門口很近，樓下就是。酒店照片沒拍，真的跟看到的圖片一樣，在晉城住過最舒服的酒店了
Guwenhua Street, Huangcheng Village
From KRW 49,449
Guest User: Fantastic luxury stay at 500 year old mansion. Incredible setting in museum like village. Spend at least 2-3 nights to enjoy fun in daytime and silent nights in a fairytale setting. 100 % recommended. Very friendly and helpful staff
No. 14, Shenjia Back Street, Guoyu Village, Beiliu Town
From KRW 53,253
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Yangcheng dishes and foodie spots.
Beautiful China, let's discover a different side of China together 🇨🇳 Here at "Discover Beautiful China," today we are taking you into Jincheng, Shanxi ✨ The southern Taihang Mountains, the Qin River ancient castle clusters, and well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty villages are all concentrated here. With landscapes and ancient architecture seamlessly connected, it truly is a severely underrated treasure of a city! 🏔️ 🏙️ City profile Located in the southeastern part of Shanxi Province, Jincheng is an important city at the southern end of the Taihang Mountains. The Imperial City Prime Minister's Mansion, Guoyu Ancient City, and Xiangyu Ancient Castle preserve the northern fortress architectural system, while Wangmang Ridge, Jue Mountain, and Mang River showcase canyon, peak forest, and forest landforms 🌿 The colored sculptures at Yuhuang Temple and the streets of Dayang Ancient Town make Jincheng's cultural content even more complete~ 📋 Basic facts Provincial administrative region: Shanxi Province Location / Common alias: Southeastern Shanxi Province, southern end of the Taihang Mountains; historically known as Zezhou Core features: Taihang landscapes · Qin River castles · Ming and Qing architecture 📍 Must-visit attractions 1️⃣ Imperial City Prime Minister's Mansion Ecological Cultural Tourism Zone Address: Huangcheng Village, Beiliu Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province This castle-style official residence is built against the mountain. The courtyards, city walls, and pavilions perfectly present the architectural layout of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking inside feels like traveling back in time! 🏯 2️⃣ Wangmang Ridge Scenic Area Address: Wangmang Ridge Scenic Area, Gujiao Township, Lingchuan County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province Peak clusters, canyons, and cliff-hanging roads form the most representative mountain landscape of the southern Taihang Mountains. It is incredibly photogenic 📸 3️⃣ Jue Mountain Scenic Area Address: Sinanzhuang Village, Jincun Town, Zezhou County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province With twin peaks facing each other, the mountain features ancient temples and hiking trails. You can overlook the Dan River valley—a must for hiking enthusiasts ⛰️ 4️⃣ Mang River Ecological Tourism Zone Address: Manghe Village, Manghe Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province Canyons, streams, and forests are distributed throughout this area. It is an important natural scenic spot in southern Jincheng and is undoubtedly a natural oxygen bar 🍃 5️⃣ Guoyu Ancient City Address: Guoyu Village, Beiliu Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province The city walls, defensive towers, and traditional dwellings are well-preserved. It is not far from the Imperial City Prime Minister's Mansion, so you can visit them together 👌 6️⃣ Xiangyu Ancient Castle Address: Xiangyu Village, Zhengcun Town, Qinshui County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province Built against the mountain and facing the river, the castle features a chessboard-like street layout and tall city walls that showcase a defensive village design. A must-visit for castle lovers 🏰 7️⃣ Dayang Ancient Town Address: Dayang Village, Dayang Town, Zezhou County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province Ancient streets, courtyards, and relics of traditional handicrafts are concentrated here, preserving the living scale of a northern ancient town. It is very pleasant to stroll and take photos slowly 🚶 8️⃣ Fucheng Yuhuang Temple Address: Fucheng Village, Jincun Town, Zezhou County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province The Yuan dynasty colored sculptures of the Twenty-Eight Mansions inside the temple are precious and represent a significant example of ancient Jincheng sculpture. The artistic value is off the charts 🎨
When it comes to ancient architecture in Shanxi, many people first think of Mount Wutai or Pingyao. But those in the know put Jincheng on their list. 🏯 Here, you'll find clusters of ancient castles beneath the Taihang Mountains, bustling local life along the banks of the Qin River, and a low-key yet stunning Ming Dynasty castle—Dijicheng. It’s not as commercialized as Pingyao, nor as crowded as Mount Wutai, making it perfect for those who want to quietly admire ancient architecture, take great photos, and escape the crowds. This itinerary is organized by "Castle Exploration + Qin River Scenery + Ancient Architectural Culture." It’s packed with practical tips—just follow along. 👇 🏯 Morning: Exploring Dijicheng Castle Head straight to Dijicheng for your first stop. It’s a defensive castle built during the Ming Dynasty, featuring thick walls and a maze-like network of streets. The city gates, barbicans, residential houses, and secret passages are all worth seeing. We recommend going in the morning when the light slants into the narrow alleys, creating the most historic atmosphere for photos. 📸 Must-visit spots: City gates, barbicans, and castle alleys The most photogenic spots in Dijicheng are the city gates and the barbicans. The combination of gray bricks, wooden doors, stone paths, and high walls creates a natural sense of desolation. As you walk inside, don't forget to slow down; the narrow alleys, courtyards, and brick carvings are all worth capturing. 🏛️ Along the way: Ancient residences and courtyard details Dijicheng preserves many traditional courtyards. The wooden windows, brick carvings, screen walls, and siheyuan (courtyard house) layouts all showcase the sophistication of Jincheng's ancient architecture. Don't just photograph the exteriors; the details inside the courtyards are even more evocative. 🌊 Afternoon: A leisurely stroll along the Qin River After leaving the castle, don't miss the nearby Qin River. The river, valley, distant mountains, and farmland all in one frame create a completely different vibe from the castle—open and healing. It’s perfect for a post-meal walk or portrait photography. 🚶 Pacing advice: Half-day to one day Dijicheng itself isn't large; two or three hours is enough for a leisurely stroll. If you have extra time, you can combine it with nearby ancient villages, castle clusters, and the Qin River scenery for a perfect one-day trip. For photography enthusiasts, we recommend visiting the castle in the morning and the Qin River in the afternoon. 🍜 What to eat? In Jincheng, you can try local noodles, rice soup, farmhouse dishes, and Taihang Mountain flavors. When dining near the scenic area, it's recommended to check the menu first to ensure prices are clearly marked. If you're driving, you can also return to the county seat for accommodation, where there are more options. 🗺️ Recommended route: Dijicheng → Barbicans and castle alleys → Ancient residential courtyards → Qin River scenery → Surrounding ancient villages/castle clusters ⚠️ Practical tips · There are many steps, slopes, and narrow alleys inside the castle, so wear comfortable shoes. · The UV rays in Jincheng are strong; bring plenty of sunscreen and water. · Please protect the cultural relics when visiting ancient architecture; do not carve on them or climb them. · Try to avoid taking photos at noon; the morning and afternoon offer better lighting. · It is best suited for self-driving or chartered cars, as public transportation transfers can be time-consuming. · It is less crowded during holidays, offering a better experience. Shanxi is more than just Pingyao and Mount Wutai. Dijicheng in Jincheng is like an old letter hidden beneath the Taihang Mountains. If you enjoy quiet, ancient architecture, and taking textured photos, this place is worth a special trip. ❤️
Take a day of leisure, take the high-speed train to Jincheng, and head to the Ming and Qing dynasty castle hidden under the Taihang Mountains, Huangcheng Xiangfu. Tangguoma has compiled a reliable, personally tested family travel guide: . 🚗 Transportation: Departing from Zhengzhou, take the D2774 Fuxing train, departing at 7:08 AM, and arrive at Jincheng East at 8:06 AM. . ✅ The [Huangcheng Xiangfu Official Service Platform] has a direct shuttle from the high-speed railway station. Currently, it is CNY 48/person one way, with no child discount. A trip for three costs CNY 144 total, which is no different from taking a taxi, so I do not recommend it. A more cost-effective route is recommended: ✅ Take a taxi from Jincheng East Station to Jincheng East Passenger Station (about CNY 20), then transfer to the direct intercity tourist line to Huangcheng, which is the 201 bus mentioned online. The ticket is only CNY 1/person, with no free ticket policy for children. ✅ You can buy tickets on-site or book via the "Damei Taihang Jincheng Tour" WeChat official account. Scan the code to enter near the departure time, and there is no fixed ticket gate, making travel flexible. We chose the 8:40 AM departure, which was just right. Eating is prohibited on the bus, and the whole journey was clean and orderly. . Tips: The route stops have been updated and do not match the old guides online. You can also scan the code to board at bus stops along the way, but online ticket holders get priority seating. Return trip note: There is no drop-off/pick-up point at Guyu Ancient City, so do not go there expecting one. Get off the special line and walk back 20 meters to reach the main entrance of the scenic area. We just caught the 10:00 AM "Welcoming the Imperial Carriage" live performance, an immersive way to unlock the ritualistic charm of the ancient castle✨ . 🎫 Scenic area preferential policies (personally tested and effective) Children are free. People with disabilities are free with valid ID. Those with grade 1 or 2 disabilities can bring 1 caregiver for free. No need to exchange tickets; just pass through with your ID. . Huangcheng Xiangfu covers a vast area. It has scattered ancient buildings and varying terrain, so you can spend a long time strolling around slowly. The scenic area hides many fun interactive tasks: Drawing lots to recite poems, recognizing rare characters, pitch-pot, picking up glass marbles, and other small games. Collect silver notes to exchange for small cultural and creative gifts at the exit. At the North Gate entrance, you can participate in an NPC costume experience. I saw tourists dressed as bandits, and they could even earn extra silver notes by "passing levels" through fun challenges, which is full of childlike fun. . The scenic area is full of benefits and details💌 There is a free photo spot on the high north city wall where you can get an exclusive postcard. You can buy vinegar cola at the cultural and creative shop in the park for CNY 8. It has a unique flavor and is a specialty taste exclusive to Jincheng. There are swans playing in the courtyard pond, and a cozy swing hidden in the Miss's Courtyard. It combines cultural heritage with leisure and fun, making it not boring for kids. . 🍜 Dining tips: After watching the performance, the KFC outside the scenic area was not yet open, so we had to wait a while. For lunch, I recommend the Shanxi Noodle Restaurant at the exit of the scenic area. The CNY 89 set meal has solid portions. Adding the pure meat Heluo noodles with plump meat and chewy noodles is very cost-effective and enough to fill you up. . After the meal, you can walk to the Xishan Courtyard opposite. The ancient courtyard is quiet and secluded, with few tourists, and has a unique, cool atmosphere. After visiting Xishan Courtyard, you can take the special line for 1 stop directly to Guyu Ancient City. It is actually not far. If you have enough energy, you can exit from the South Gate and walk over.
It's that time of year for autumn sightseeing again! Today, I'm recommending a relatively niche autumn destination—Jincheng, Shanxi. It features the essence of the 800-li Taihang Mountains. The southern Taihang Mountains are covered in colorful forests, the cliff-hanging roads are thrilling and magnificent, and amidst the towering mountains are vibrant red leaves as brilliant as fire! In early to mid-October, the red leaves in Jincheng enter their peak viewing period. Shrouded in mist, the Taihang Mountains are painted by the autumn breeze with shades of emerald green, pale yellow, and fiery red. 🚗 Transportation Tips Flight: There is no airport in Jincheng. The nearest airport is Changzhi Wangcun Airport. It only takes half an hour by high-speed rail from Changzhi to Jincheng. High-speed rail: Departing from Zhengzhou/Taiyuan/Wuhan, you can reach Jincheng East Station directly in about 52 minutes/1.5 hours/2.5 hours. 📍 Wangmangling Address: Yingpan Village, Gujiao Township, Lingchuan County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province Peaks over 1,700 meters high tower into the clouds, dominating the Taihang Mountains and overlooking the Central Plains. It not only features cloud seas, sunrises, strange peaks, and pine waves, but also wonders like cliff-hanging roads and the Red Rock Grand Canyon. Autumn is a secret realm for viewing colorful forests. Traveling along the cliffs that stand like walls, the cliff-hanging road is a crystallization of the wisdom of the Taihang Mountain people. Local villagers spent 30 years carving a road to the outside world on the cliffs. On one side is a bottomless abyss, and on the other are mountain peaks and autumn colors. 📍 Jue Mountain Address: Sunanzhuang Village, Jincun Town, Zezhou County, Jincheng City Jue Mountain is famous for its steepness, magnificence, and the "Jue Mountain Moon." It has many nicknames like "Little Huashan" and "Little Wudang." It boasts numerous strange peaks and secluded valleys. On the mountain, there is a thousand-year-old temple, Qinglian Temple, hidden among the layers of forests. The mountain full of red leaves and the ancient temple shine together. The Guoyue Pavilion is also a place not to be missed in Jue Mountain. The Dan River flows like a silver ribbon, circling Jue Mountain, with endless red leaves in the background. 📍 Mang River Address: Manghe Village, Manghe Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City Mang River is known as the "Little Guilin of North China." Its autumn scenery carries a sense of natural wildness. The rare calcified canyon landscape is full of wonder, seclusion, beauty, and thrill. The Mang River water circles the mountains, and the mountains and water shine together. In the hundred-mile landscape gallery, you can hear the roar of waterfalls and the gurgling of streams. Every step brings a new view, and every scene is pleasing to the eye. 📍 Dayang Ancient Town Address: South side of Dadong Line, Dayang Town, Zezhou County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province With a history of over 2,600 years, it is said that historical figures like Zhao Feiyan and Ru Tai Su came from this ancient town. The ancient town preserves a large number of ancient buildings. The 20-meter-long solid thorn wood beam in the Tangdi Temple uses a nail-free structure. Under the rendering of the autumn breeze, the town has a bit more brightness. Find a quiet place to boil tea around the stove, waiting for the iron flower performance and the light and shadow show on the city wall to begin... The human touch and ancient charm condense into the autumn of Dayang Ancient Town. 📍 Daobaohe Village Address: Shanhe Town, Zezhou County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province Houses, roads, and bridges made of stone are hidden in a corner of Zezhou County. Surrounded by the Taihang Mountains, it is like a huge "Stone Kingdom." For hundreds of years, locals have used stone as a material to build houses and form villages, which is how it looks today. During the autumn harvest drying season, corn, chili peppers, and other fruits and vegetables are hung under the eaves and spread on the roofs. Looking around, the colorful vegetables and the red leaves in the distance reflect each other, creating a great atmosphere.
📸 [How to capture this route] Photographing Huangcheng Xiangfu involves three levels. Shoot upwards from the central axis courtyards to capture the layered archways and eaves, which highlight the order of the ancient architecture. Climb the city walls for a top-down view. The vast expanse of grey-tiled roofs makes for the best panoramic shots, especially in autumn when contrasted with yellow leaves. Shoot upwards in front of Heshan Tower to capture the imposing nature of the defensive structure. The central axis of the complex is long. Shooting as you walk allows you to create a sequence of architectural shots with a strong sense of narrative. 📷 [Photography tips] Shoot courtyard details in the morning with front lighting. The textures of doors, windows, plaques, and carvings are clearly visible in this light. Afternoon backlighting is perfect for capturing the silhouettes of eaves and city walls. Ancient architecture has many lines. When composing your shots, pay attention to the alignment of eaves and steps to make the image look neat and appealing. Be mindful of crowds. Wait for other visitors to move out of the frame for a cleaner shot. ☀️ [Timing recommendations] Early mornings are less crowded, and the slanted light in the courtyards is softest. In the evening, the light is warmer, and the layers of roofs seen from the city walls are at their richest. On crisp autumn days, the grey tiles look stunning against the blue sky. Wearing Hanfu or plain-colored clothing coordinates well with the grey bricks and tiles, making for better photos. 📌 [Gear tips] The interior of the pavilions is dim, so use your phone's night mode. When it's crowded, focus on low-angle details first, then capture panoramic shots once the crowds disperse. There are many stone steps, so wear non-slip shoes. Do not lean on railings or artifacts while taking photos. Please refer to the attraction's daily announcements for opening arrangements.
A treasure of a stop on the Taihang No. 1 Tourist Highway✨ Nihe Village, Yangcheng, Jincheng · Manghe Station, truly perfect for a short summer getaway! Ascend the picking boardwalk🍄 Experience the fun of picking wood ear along the way, full of rustic, childlike wonder! Ascend to the high-altitude viewing platform for a panoramic view of Manghe Zhuyu Bay🌿 The magnificent, layered Taihang cliffs stretch endlessly, with clear, emerald-green lake water nestled among the mountains. Rare "Water Taihang" scenery—majestic yet gentle—creates an incredible atmosphere! Zhuyu Bay gets its name from the abundance of dogwood trees🏮 The thousand-year-old poetic imagery of Wang Wei's famous line about "wearing dogwood" finally comes to life here. It is also an official venue for the 2026 China Triathlon League A-Level National Competition—the scenery is officially certified! Summer joy is never complete without water activities💦 Zhuyu Bay Pier offers a wealth of activities: kayaking, paddleboarding, and electric boat tours are all available! The lake waters are calm with no rapids, making it easy for beginners to navigate and paddle upstream or downstream at their leisure. Get up close to the Taihang cliffs, touch the rocks carved by eons of wind and frost, and encounter wild life growing tenaciously along the cliffs—a healing and awe-inspiring experience! Already looking forward to Zhuyu Bay in the autumn🍂 With red fruits adorning the branches across the mountains, climb high to take in the view and unlock the most romantic, limited-edition autumn scenery in Taihang! 🚗Convenient access The Taihang No. 1 Tourist Highway and the Yangmang Expressway exit are right at the village entrance. Just a few minutes' drive from the Manghe Scenic Area, it serves as a hidden gem of a service hub for both major attractions. With a spacious, open parking lot, parking for road trips is completely stress-free!
Thoreau wrote in *Walden*: "I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life✨." We rush through our glamorous daily lives in the city, but vitality often grows from the lush greenery around us. And I, like a bird returning to the forest, have found my way back. Who would have thought🌳! Deep in the dense Taihang forest of the Manghe Reserve lies a hidden gem—Taihang Mijing—that perfectly matches my aesthetic. It brings the Song Dynasty-style landscaping of Jiangnan into the Taihang Mountains. Every step reveals a new view, and even the window designs perfectly balance movement and stillness, adding a touch of elegance to the wilderness. This winter, a hot spring water world will open here❄️. I have to say, Jincheng really knows how to be romantic! In autumn, you can admire the mountains covered in cornel, and in winter, you can soak in a hot spring amidst the snow, experiencing the unique relaxation and comfort of the forest. 🚗Transportation tips Accessible via the Taihang No. 1 Tourist Highway. It is about 3 km from the Manghe Station, and the route includes a short stretch of mountain road.
A child standing in front of the Guandi Temple counting dragons suddenly turned around and shouted, "Mom, these dragons are moving!"🦁 It’s not the dragons moving, but the craftsmen from 300 years ago who carved the sound of the wind into the stone’s breath💨 🐉【The coiled dragon pillars are the real stars】 The Guandi Temple sits on a 5-meter-high platform. On the four stone coiled dragon pillars, ten giant dragons are "fighting"! The exquisite openwork carving makes them look ready to take flight at any moment. Look closely, and you’ll find the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, the thunder god, and the wind god hidden among the dragons. A child excitedly points out, "That uncle with the hammer is making thunder!"⚡️ 🪵【The stones can recite poetry】 The stone pillars in front of the Martial Saint Hall are carved with traditional Chinese couplets. Although the child can’t recognize all the characters, they point to "hanging the seal and sealing the gold" and say, "Guan Gong really keeps his promises." The three layers of carved flowers on the pillar bases hide smiling stone sheep. The claws of the Qing dynasty stone lions feel cool but look lifelike🦁 🎨【300 tiny figures throwing a party】 The four character pillars in the Three Righteousness Hall are like a 3D picture book! The upper coiled dragon stone drums are as steady as Mount Tai, while over 300 mythological figures crowd every inch of the lower part. A child gives up counting after 30: "They must be having a never-ending party"👯 ⛩️【Itinerary recommendation】 📅Day 1: Head straight to the Fucheng Guandi Temple in the afternoon (recommended 2 hours) Focus on the coiled dragon pillars in the Guandi Hall and the character pillars in the Three Righteousness Hall Don’t miss trying Jincheng helo noodles for dinner🍜 📅Day 2: Explore the imperial city Xiangfu Mansion in the morning (Ming and Qing dynasty fortress perfect for kids’ adventures) Visit Jincheng Museum in the afternoon to learn more 📅Day 3: See the 28 constellations at the Jade Emperor Temple in the morning Enjoy Tang and Song dynasty relics at Qinglian Temple in the afternoon Return home in the evening full of stone stories
⛰️ Runcheng in Jincheng hides a seriously underrated national treasure-level ancient Dongyue temple. Unlike typical temples, it stands out for its exquisite Ming dynasty glazed craftsmanship. The entire building is extensively covered with glazed tiles, vibrant and radiant, rivaling the texture of royal ancient architecture. The temple preserves Jin dynasty column bases, Ming dynasty halls, and stunning coffered ceilings. With few visitors and a tranquil atmosphere, it’s a must-visit spot for niche ancient architecture and glazed art in Jincheng. ⛰️ Located in the heart of Runcheng town, right next to the popular Dijicheng, you can visit both in one trip. It offers an authentic ancient temple experience away from crowded tourist spots, perfect for architectural study or peaceful historical visits. —————— 🏯 Yangcheng, Jincheng · Runcheng Dongyue Temple 🪵 Location: Central area of Runcheng town, Yangcheng county, Jincheng city, Shanxi province 🪵 Transportation: Recommended to drive. About 50 minutes from Jincheng city center. Free parking in town. Roads are smooth. 🪵 Status: Sixth batch of national key cultural relic protection units, peak Ming dynasty glazed heritage in Yangcheng 🪵 Admission: Free with no extra charges 🪵 Highlights: Fully glazed ancient building, cross-gable pavilion, exquisite domed coffered ceiling, Jin dynasty stone-carved column bases, stone railings with auspicious beast carvings —————— 🌟 Travel tips ✅ Thousand-year-old Dongyue temple, a treasure trove of glazed art 👉 Runcheng Dongyue Temple was built long ago, originally designed as a three-courtyard, nine-gate complex with grand scale. Despite the passage of time, the core ancient buildings along the central axis remain intact and well-organized. The temple combines Jin dynasty stone carving, Ming dynasty wooden structures, and glazed craftsmanship, making it a classic example of cross-era architectural fusion in southeastern Shanxi. 👉 As a representative of Yangcheng’s glazed heritage, all roof tiles, ridge beasts, wind boards, and hanging fish components are glazed. Yellow and green bases with peacock blue accents have retained their bright colors after centuries of weathering. The craftsmanship is considered the pinnacle of northern glazed art. 👉 The temple has no commercial development, preserving its original ecological appearance. It is quiet and serene, full of intricate details, ideal for deeply appreciating ancient architecture and traditional craftsmanship. ✅ Five core highlights, must-see recommendations 1️⃣ [Fully glazed ancient building] The entire temple is covered with glazed components. The ridge immortals and beasts, and wall decorations are delicate and three-dimensional. On sunny days, light shines through the glazed tiles, creating a dazzling visual impact. 2️⃣ [Cross-gable pavilion] The main welcoming pavilion in front of the hall is a classic Ming dynasty design. The layered dougong brackets are intricate, with a complex and beautiful domed coffered ceiling. The mortise and tenon joints fit perfectly, showcasing peak ancient architectural aesthetics. 3️⃣ [Jin dynasty stone carving relics] The Tianqi Hall preserves complete Jin dynasty column bases and stone railings. The panels are carved with dragon and phoenix patterns, and the column heads feature auspicious beasts like lions, elephants, and monkeys. The lines are simple yet lively, with vivid details. 4️⃣ [Tianqi Hall main hall] The temple’s core main hall is dignified and grand. The wooden structure is robust and heavy, with orderly beams and frames, continuing Ming dynasty official architectural techniques. It is solemn and full of ancient charm. 5️⃣ [Complete ancient building complex] The existing pavilion, Tianqi Hall, rear palace, and east and west side halls are arranged in sequence. The central axis is clear and symmetrical, preserving the temple’s complete ritual layout and rich cultural heritage. —————— ❤️ Tips for visiting: 👉 The whole temple can be toured in 40 minutes to 1 hour. To carefully admire the glazed and stone carving details, allow 1.5 hours. The visit is easy and not tiring. 👉 Sunny days are the best time to visit. The sunlight brings out the richest layers of glazed colors, perfect for photos. 👉 All glazed components, wooden structures, and stone carvings inside the halls are precious cultural relics. Touching, carving, or climbing is prohibited. Please speak softly throughout to protect this thousand-year-old site. 👉 Recommended attire is simple and elegant, new Chinese style or traditional clothing, matching the temple’s refined ancient charm. 👉 Very close to Dijicheng, you can visit these two niche ancient sites in one trip to unlock the cultural scenery of Runcheng ancient town.
🚗 3-hour self-drive from Zhengzhou! The core national treasure Confucian temple in Yangcheng, originally built in the Song dynasty, with a complete Ming and Qing dynasty Confucian temple layout. It is also the former site of the Taiyue Military Region. Currently, the entire area is closed for restoration work. Visitors can only view the outline of the ancient buildings from outside, making it ideal for cultural heritage enthusiasts to visit specially ❤️ · ————— 🏡 Attraction: Yangcheng Confucian Temple (Kongsheng Temple) 👉 Best time to visit: open year-round. The light is soft from 9 to 11 AM, creating a strong atmosphere with red walls and ancient halls. Only suitable for outdoor photos; the interior halls are temporarily closed to the public 👉 Location: Southeast corner of Dongguan Village, Fengcheng Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City. Located in the county center with very convenient access 👉 Transportation: Self-drive navigation to "Yangcheng Confucian Temple." Temporary street parking available. Accessible by taxi or on foot within the county. Can be combined with Haihui Temple and Huangcheng Xiangfu for a one-day cultural tour of Yangcheng 👉 Admission: free. Important note: The Confucian temple is under cultural relic protection and restoration, so entry to the main hall is not allowed. Courtyards are open for viewing · ————— 🌟 Touring tips ✅ Rare Song dynasty cultural heritage national protected Confucian temple in southeastern Shanxi 👉 Yangcheng Confucian Temple was originally built in the Song dynasty, rebuilt on the original site during the Ming Hongwu period, and expanded and restored in the 19th year of the Qing Daoguang reign. It is the eighth batch of national key cultural relic protection units, featuring a complete two-courtyard standard Confucian temple layout. It was the highest official Confucian academy and sacred site in ancient Yangcheng 👉 More than just Confucian heritage, it was also the former headquarters of the Taiyue Military Region from 1946 to 1949. The scholarly ancient courtyard carries red revolutionary history, combining literary and military heritage, which is rare among northern county-level Confucian temples 👉 The main Dacheng Hall has a double-eaved Xieshan roof with yellow glazed tiles and carefully crafted dougong brackets. The beams bear inscriptions from Qing dynasty craftsmen, preserving the style of Song dynasty ancient architecture. The architectural art value is very high. Currently, due to aging cultural relics, comprehensive restoration is underway. The courtyard is fenced off for construction, and interior visits are temporarily closed ✅ Highlights during restoration 👉 [Confucian temple red wall mountain gate] The street-facing main gate features red walls and vermilion doors with traditional eaves, simple and elegant, creating an authentic ancient Confucian temple atmosphere for outdoor photos 👉 [Outline of ancient buildings outside the fence] From outside the fence, you can clearly see the double-eaved roof of the Dacheng Hall and glazed ridge decorations, giving a direct sense of the grand Ming and Qing official Confucian temple style 👉 [Confucian temple history stele introduction wall] An information board outside the gate fully records the temple’s thousand-year history and red revolutionary history, allowing visitors to understand the story without entering the courtyard 👉 [County cultural connection points] Located in the old town core, after visiting, you can stroll through the surrounding old town streets to experience the local life atmosphere of Yangcheng · ————— ❤️ Tips for visiting: The temple courtyard is under full construction and entry to the main hall and other core areas is not allowed. For a complete interior visit, please come back after restoration is finished. Recommended attire: plain colors or modern Chinese-style clothing to match the red wall and ancient style for outdoor photos. Roads in the county are narrow, so please watch for pedestrians when parking during self-drive
Aside from the last attraction, the Prime Minister's Mansion, the other three attractions included in the package are all worth visiting, and half a day is enough to see them all. The Imperial City Prime Minister's Mansion takes about three hours. The food at the restaurant inside the scenic area is just average, and KFC is closed during the off-season.
aerofishAfter visiting the Huangcheng Xiangfu (Imperial City Prime Minister's Residence), it's about a ten-minute walk to reach Guoyu Ancient City (Guoyu Castle). Guoyu Ancient City is a fortified village built during the Ming Dynasty, and also the ancestral home of Chen Tingjing, a famous prime minister of the Qing Dynasty. Within the ancient city, the well-preserved Yuan Dynasty Tangdi Temple boasts a rare nine-bay main hall and a 20-meter-high stage. The Yulou Tower, a "fortress within a fortress" built during the Ming Dynasty, could accommodate thousands of people for refuge, and climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city. The 1400-meter-long Ming Dynasty city wall features three layers of 628 hidden military tunnels on its inner side, a unique feature in China. Guoyu Ancient City is a national key cultural relics protection unit, a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, and a famous historical and cultural village in China, also hailed as a gem of Chinese vernacular architecture.
117***30Runcheng, you may have never heard of it Dijicheng, you may not have read it correctly Pork offal, you may not have eaten it This is Runcheng Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, only seven kilometers away from the Imperial City Xiangfu 🌟Highlights: Dijicheng: National VI It is connected to Runcheng Town in the south and Qin River in the north. It is surrounded by water on three sides and is in the shape of a peninsula. From a distance, it looks like a rock-hard pillar standing in the middle of the stream, so it is named Dijicheng. This place is like a small maze, where every household lives This place is like a big castle, with iron shields guarding the outside The only bad thing is that the north gate has too many artificial traces because of the evening performance Runcheng Dongyue Temple Built before the Great Jin Dynasty, it was rebuilt in the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty. The glazed roof ridge, animal heads, and tiles are comparable to the Forbidden City. The caisson of the offering hall is unique and very beautiful. The harem in the backyard will be forgotten by many careless people Next to the bus station This is not a historical site, but a modern building corresponding to the historical site , you can take beautiful photos by looking up 🍲Food recommendation When the pig offal in front of Dongyue Temple is out of the pot, there will be a long queue. 10 yuan a bowl is not expensive, you can taste it The jujube cake in front of Dongyue Temple is cheaper and more delicious than the one in Dili City, 10 yuan for 4 🚉Transportation strategy: There is a direct bus from Jincheng East Station for 1 yuan per hour. Please note that the latest return time is 16:30, and 17:30 is for passing buses **For more travel notes in Southeast Shanxi and the whole country, you can click on the collection "Traveling in Southeast Shanxi on a Poor Budget, 0 Yuan Transportation" and the blogger's homepage**
山在穷游After visiting the Huangcheng Xiangfu Scenic Area and Guoyu Ancient City, we took the sightseeing bus for our final stop: Haihui Academy. Haihui Academy, formerly Haihui Temple, is an ancient temple with a history of over a thousand years, already a renowned scenic spot in Shanxi Province during the Jin and Yuan dynasties. During the Ming Dynasty, an academy was built next to the temple, producing 68 Jinshi (successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations) and hundreds of Juren (successful candidates in the provincial imperial examinations) and Xiucai (successful candidates in the county-level imperial examinations), thus elevating its reputation. Highlights of the Haihui Academy scenic area include: the Tang Dynasty pagoda among the Haihui Twin Pagodas, which has remained standing for nearly a thousand years due to foundation subsidence, earning it the nickname "China's Leaning Tower of Pisa." The other Ming Dynasty pagoda is an octagonal, thirteen-story structure, with a rare glazed tile pavilion on the tenth floor. The temple also features buildings such as the Daxiong Hall, rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, which perfectly preserves the layout of a Ming and Qing Dynasty Buddhist temple. Haihui Academy was listed as a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit in 2006 and designated a National 4A-level Tourist Attraction in 2021.
117***30The scenery is pleasant, the water is clear and the mountains are beautiful, there are many monkeys, it is fun to play in the water, there are many stones in the water, you can find some beautiful stones. But you can't eat, if you are seen by the monkeys, they will come over to ask for it immediately.
_We***77I won't post photos of the scenery because I've already introduced a lot of them. I'll post some pink photos, which are full of love. I especially like the swan shape, heart shape and pink sand. The boat trip experience is also good.
旅游可放松心情Strolling through Xiangyu Ancient Castle feels like stepping back 600 years to the Ming Dynasty. The mottled walls, the scattered cave dwellings, and the deep, secluded alleys—every brick and tile carries the weight of history. The honeycomb-style hidden troop tunnels are ingenious and awe-inspiring. Climbing the Yilan Tower offers panoramic views; the ancient castle at the foot of the Taihang Mountains possesses both the grandeur of a military fortress and the warmth of ancient village life. Free from the hustle and bustle of excessive commercialization, only the tranquility accumulated over time remains, allowing one to understand the wisdom and perseverance of the ancients. This trip was incredibly rewarding, leaving us wanting more. The tour guides were warm and attentive! A big thumbs up to our guide, Xiao Li, for taking such beautiful photos of us! 👇Photos of the lovely young lady!
冰糖BingtangIt's just a general scenic spot. There are still many residents in the scenic area. The scenic area is not very popular and the signs are not clear. There is mainly one street (Guhe Street) with some old houses on both sides. Wangfu is the residence of Wang Guoguang in the Ming Dynasty. Go there when you have time, no need to go specially. It's not far from the Imperial City Xiangfu, about 15 minutes by car.
110***68Returning to the Prime Minister's residence is worth seeing. Although it was raining—and not just a light drizzle—the actors performed in the rain, showing great professionalism. The four short stories were also very touching. To be honest, I felt a little melancholic after watching them. Neither the powerful Prime Minister nor the honored lady were truly happy.
Anonymous userLocated in Zhongzhuang Village, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, this attraction was owned by Li Zhi, the Left Governor of Shandong during the Ming Dynasty. The residence comprises a Jinshi Residence, a granary, a teachers' and students' quarters, a chessboard courtyard, and secret passages, totaling approximately 38,000 square meters. The buildings, featuring exquisite brick and wood carvings, are well-preserved. It has been designated a National Scenic Village and a Famous Historical and Cultural Village in Shanxi Province.
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