GU LOU SLICED NOODLES

The location of this restaurant is very good, just at the southeast corner of the Drum Tower, next to the intersection of Drum Tower East Street, and facing the Drum Tower through the French windows in the restaurant. It is a fast food restaurant. You can order your food at the front desk and pick it up when it is ready. They also have milk tea and coffee. In the morning, I had a set meal, which was just right. The portion was large, and I probably couldn't finish it if I had a small appetite. The taste was also more authentic Shanxi flavor.

Today is the first time I set foot on the land of Shanxi, and the first time I ate authentic local knife-cut noodles. This noodle shop next to the Drum Tower in the old city of Datong has a strong Internet celebrity style. The shop is well organized, the noodles taste very good, and the price is cheaper than Beijing

How can you not have a bowl of knife-cut noodles when you go to Datong, Shanxi? The location and decoration of Gulou Knife-cut Noodles are very good, especially the taste of the knife-cut noodles is very authentic.

Just returned from visiting the ancient courtyards of Shanxi, and I strongly advise anyone planning a December trip to think twice—it's not that it's not fun, but stepping into this "museum of cultural relics on the ground" will leave you struck by the profound heritage of the thousand-year-old temples and Shanxi merchant courtyards under the warm winter sun, completely awakening your cultural soul! Let me start with the most direct impression: Winter in Shanxi sees fewer tourists, giving you the opportunity to be alone with these ancient sites. It's dry and cold, but the sunshine is excellent, and the sky is azure, further highlighting the colors of the wooden structures and the outlines of the brackets in the ancient buildings. Standing before the East Hall of Foguang Temple, or strolling through the blue-brick alleys of Pingyao Ancient City, the sense of dialogue across time is a kind of awe and tranquility that other bustling seasons cannot provide. 🌟【Pre-trip Preparation: Warmth and Moisturization are Key】 Clothing: Shanxi winters are dry and cold, but indoor spaces are heated. Wear thermal underwear and a sweater underneath, and a long down jacket or thick coat on top. This makes it easy to put on and take off when entering the ancient buildings. Hats, scarves, and gloves are essential. Comfortable and warm shoes are essential, as you'll be walking the entire ancient city. Other: Moisturizer, lip balm, and a thermos are crucial! Shanxi winters are extremely dry. Pack extra camera batteries and a power bank. 🚗【Transportation Guide: Excellent High-Speed ​​Rail Network】 High-Speed ​​Rail: From Taiyuan, there are high-speed rail or bullet trains to Datong (Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple), Pingyao Ancient City, Xinzhou (Wutai Mountain), and other destinations, making travel very convenient. Driving: The attractions are spread out, making driving highly flexible, but be aware of road conditions in mountainous areas during winter. Chartered Car/Tour: For more distant attractions like Wutai Mountain and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, chartering a car or joining a day tour is a hassle-free option. 🏯【Must-See Attractions: A Tour of Ancient Architecture】 Yungang Grottoes (Datong) In winter, the Yungang Grottoes are free of crowds, allowing you to quietly appreciate the compassion and solemnity of each Buddha statue. Unaffected by weather, the painted Buddha statues inside the grottoes remain breathtaking even after a thousand years. Remember to hire a guide to fully appreciate the weight of history. Hanging Temple (Datong) This ancient temple, built on a cliff, appears even more perilous and ethereal after a snowfall. Due to visitor limits, the queues are much less long in winter, making the experience even more unique. However, it may be temporarily closed due to icy weather, so check in advance. Pingyao Ancient City In winter, Pingyao is filled with the festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year. Red lanterns reflecting in the white snow create a particularly charming scene. You can leisurely stroll through the Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the county government office, and the city walls. In the evening, watch the "Encounter Pingyao Again" performance (indoor, warm) to experience the culture of Shanxi merchants. Mount Wutai A Buddhist holy site, winter is a great time for pilgrimage and snow viewing. The red walls of the temples contrast beautifully with the white snow, appearing even more serene and sacred. However, the temperature at the summit is extremely low and windy, so be sure to dress warmly. Vehicles are generally not allowed on the summit. Yingxian Wooden Pagoda The world's tallest wooden pagoda, a marvel of engineering constructed entirely of wood without nails or rivets. Looking up at it under a winter's blue sky allows one to truly appreciate its ingenious structure and the weight of history. Currently, only the first floor is open to the public. 🍜【Food Recommendations: The Noodle Kingdom Lives Up to Its Name】 Knife-cut Noodles: A representative of Shanxi noodles, chewy and smooth, with a rich broth. Kaolao: A type of oat noodle, served with a special sauce, healthy and delicious. Pingyao Beef: A specialty of the ancient city, renowned for its tender meat. Guoyourou (Stir-fried Pork): A traditional Shanxi dish, with tender slices of meat and a tangy, vinegary flavor. Wantuo (Wan Tuo): A street food, enjoyed hot or cold, with a unique texture. 📸【Photography Tips: Capture the Sense of Historical Wandering】 Outfit Suggestions: In ancient cities and temples, Hanfu, modern Chinese style clothing, or plain-colored coats are very photogenic and blend well with the environment. Timing for Taking Photos: Utilize the oblique sunlight between 9-10 am and 3-4 pm to better showcase the three-dimensionality and texture of ancient architecture. Composition Techniques: Use door frames and window lattices for framing; photograph architectural details such as brackets, roof ornaments, and murals; in Pingyao Ancient City, capture the depth of the streets. ⚠️【Avoiding Pitfalls: Be Cautious on Cultural Tours** Don't Miss Opening Hours: Many ancient architectural sites close early in the afternoon, so be sure to check the opening times in advance. Don't Buy Unreliable Antiques in Scenic Areas: Beware of being scammed. Respect Religious Customs: In religious sites such as Wutai Mountain, follow the rules and maintain quiet. Don't underestimate Shanxi's "hard breakfasts": Many breakfasts are noodle dishes, such as "Tou Nao" (order with caution), which you might not be used to, so ask before ordering. 💡【Suggested Itinerary: 5 Days 4 Nights Highlights of Northern Shanxi** D1: Arrive in Taiyuan and adjust to the environment. D2: High-speed train to Datong, visit Yungang Grottoes and Huayan Temple (warm indoors), overnight in Datong. D3: Chartered car day trip: Hanging Temple, Hengshan Mountain, Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, return to Datong in the evening or head to Hunyuan County. D4: High-speed train to Pingyao Ancient City, explore the ancient city in the afternoon and evening, watch a performance, stay in a guesthouse within the ancient city. D5: Continue exploring the ancient city in the morning, return home in the afternoon. Winter in Shanxi is a journey of profound dialogue with Chinese civilization. Suitable for those who love history, ancient architecture, and seek inner peace. Remember to book all transportation tickets, entrance tickets, and accommodations in advance on Ctrip! Which ancient building in Shanxi interests you most? Is it the Yungang Grottoes or the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda? Let's discuss in the comments! #ShanxiTourism

Xinzhou, this underrated small city in Shanxi, hides countless stunning ancient buildings and tranquil winter beauty! In November, Xinzhou is less crowded with tourists and more imbued with a sense of historical weight. Be sure to check out this guide! Day 1: Wutai Mountain Pilgrimage ⏰Morning: Wutai Mountain Scenic Area Introduction/Experience: Wutai Mountain, a Buddhist holy site, is even more majestic in winter when its temples are covered in snow. We recommend visiting Xiantong Temple and Tayuan Temple first; the red walls and golden roofs contrast beautifully with the white snow, making for stunning photos! Transportation: It is recommended to drive or hire a car. Navigate to "Wutaishan Visitor Center". Sightseeing buses are available within the scenic area. Opening Hours: 6:30-18:00 (Hours may vary in winter) 🍽️Lunch: Wutaishan Vegetarian Restaurant Introduction/Experience: Enjoy a light and delicious vegetarian meal at a vegetarian restaurant next to the temple. We recommend trying the local specialty, braised tofu with mushrooms. Opening Hours: 11:00-14:00 🌆Afternoon: Pusa Ding (Bodhisattva Peak) Introduction/Experience: The highest temple in Wutaishan. Climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the entire Taihuai Town. In winter, it is shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland. Transportation: Approximately a 20-minute walk uphill from Xiantong Temple. Opening Hours: 8:00-17:00 🌙Evening: Stay at a Guesthouse in Taihuai Town Introduction/Experience: Choose a traditional guesthouse with heating and experience the warmth of a northern Shanxi dwelling. Recommended: Try the Shanxi knife-cut noodles offered by the guesthouse. Day 2: Exploring Xinzhou Ancient City ⏰Morning: Xinzhou Ancient City Introduction/Experience: The restored Xinzhou Ancient City is well-preserved. Stroll along the bluestone streets and experience the Shanxi merchant culture of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Don't miss the ancient city wall and Xiurong Academy. Transportation: Taxi fare from the city center is about 15 yuan. Opening Hours: Open all day. 🍽️Lunch: Ancient City Food Street Introduction/Experience: Be sure to try Xinzhou's specialties, "Buckwheat Noodle Bowl" and "Baode Oil Cake." You can eat your fill for about 30 yuan per person! Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00 🌆Afternoon: Yuan Haowen's Former Residence Introduction/Experience: The former residence of Yuan Haowen, a great writer of the Jin Dynasty. Learn about the life story of this "Northern Literary Hero." The ancient ginkgo tree in the courtyard is at its best viewed at the end of November. Transportation: Within walking distance of the ancient city. Opening Hours: 8:30-17:30 🌙Evening: Night Tour of the Ancient City Introduction/Experience: The ancient city is even more charming at night with lanterns hanging high. We recommend listening to a Shanxi Bangzi opera performance at a teahouse. Day 3: Yanmen Pass Retreat ⏰Morning: Yanmen Pass Scenic Area Introduction/Experience: "Of the nine strategic passes under heaven, Yanmen is the foremost." Yanmen Pass is even more desolate and magnificent in winter. Walking on the ancient Great Wall, you can almost hear the echoes of history. Transportation: It is recommended to hire a car, the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30 🍽️Lunch: Daixian Stewed Fish Introduction/Experience: Enjoy the local specialty stewed fish in Daixian on your return trip. The fish is tender and the broth is rich. Around 50 RMB per person. Opening Hours: 11:00-14:00 🌆Afternoon: Bianjing Tower Introduction/Experience: A landmark ancient building in Daixian, one of the largest existing wooden drum towers in my country. Climbing the tower offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city of Daixian. Transportation: Center of Daixian County Opening Hours: 8:30-17:00 🌙Evening: Return to Xinzhou City Day 4: Hot Spring Relaxation Day ⏰Morning: Qicun Hot Spring Introduction/Experience: A famous hot spring resort in Xinzhou. Soaking in a hot spring in winter is the perfect way to relax! Recommended choice: Hot spring hotel with private soaking tub Transportation: Approximately 40 minutes by taxi from the city center Opening Hours: 9:00-22:00 🍽️Lunch: Hot spring hotel buffet 🌆Afternoon: Free time/shopping Introduction/Experience: You can buy some Shanxi aged vinegar and Pingyao beef as souvenirs at a local specialty shop in Xinzhou. 🌙Evening: Return trip 💡Useful Tips: The temperature difference between day and night in Xinzhou in November is significant, remember to bring a thick coat and thermal underwear. Wutai Mountain and Yanmen Pass are at high altitudes, so be prepared for the cold and wind. Shanxi noodles are served in large portions, so don't order too much. Total cost: Approximately 1500-2000 RMB per person (including accommodation and transportation) Feel free to discuss any questions in the comments section! Save this post, and your Xinzhou trip will be a breeze!