Things to do in Pu County
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Top 10 attractions in Pu County
Dongyue Temple
Dongyue Temple is located on the top of Baishan Mountain, 2 kilometers east of Pu County, Shanxi Province. The mountain is covered with lush cypress trees, which are green all year round, so it is commonly known as Baishan Temple. The temple is large in scale and well-planned, with more than 60 buildings including the mountain gate, Lingxiao Hall, Music Tower, meeting hall, offering pavilion, Dongyue Palace Hall, Houtu Temple, Shengmu Temple, Qingxu Palace, Dizang Temple, Hell, corner towers and surrounding corridors. The founding date is unknown, but it was established in the fifth year of Jin Taihe (1205). This palace-style building, like other famous Dongyue Temples, is regarded as the traditional palace of Huang Feihu, the Emperor of Dongyue. Dongyue Temple is unique in design, with a prominent main body, symmetrical left and right, dotted with pavilions, two-story corridors, and towering corner towers at the four corners of the temple. Near the temple, Mengjue Temple, Taiwei Terrace, Huachi Temple, and Bifeng Tower stand on the top of the mountain. The green pines and cypresses all over the mountain are towering, making Dongyue Temple extremely beautiful.Pu County · 2.6km from downtown
Little Western Paradise
Little Western Paradise is perched atop Phoenix Mountain in Xi County, Linfen, Shanxi Province. This Buddhist temple, originally named the Thousand Buddha Nunnery, was established during the Chongzhen era of the Ming Dynasty. It earned its initial name from the thousand Buddha statues enshrined in its Main Hall of the Great Hero. Later, it was renamed due to the inscription "Entering the Western Paradise" above its gate and to distinguish it from another ancient temple, "Great Western Paradise," located south of the city. Surrounded by mountains on three sides and facing a river in front, the temple is compact yet ingeniously laid out across its upper and lower courtyards. Ascending the stone steps and passing through the secluded "Heavenly Grotto" corridor evokes a sense of gradually entering a Buddhist paradise. The upper courtyard centers around the Main Hall of the Great Hero, flanked by the Manjusri Hall and Samantabhadra Hall. The Main Hall is the temple's crowning jewel: within its modest 100-square-meter space, nearly 2,000 suspended sculptures adorn niches, gables, beams, and rafters, transforming the hall into a museum of suspended sculpture art. Five interconnected niches dominate the rear wall, housing the Medicine Buddha, Amitabha, Sakyamuni, Vairocana, and Maitreya seated on lotus thrones, with ten principal disciples standing beside them. The southern wall depicts Buddhist narratives featuring the Four Sages and Four Heavenly Kings, while the northern wall portrays the 33 celestial palaces of Mount Sumeru. Flying apsaras, divine birds, and musician bodhisattvas dance among clouds on the beams, their gilded polychrome surfaces retaining vibrant hues after centuries. This rare collection of late Ming to early Qing suspended sculptures has gained wider recognition since the temple became a filming location for the popular game Black Myth: Wukong, attracting many travelers for dedicated visits. The lower courtyard also rewards exploration: the Immeasurable Hall faces east, where dozens of bronze Buddha statues interplay with wooden celestial palaces in what was once the monks' meditation hall. Opposite stands the Skanda Hall, housing a single nanmu-carved statue of Skanda. The temple also preserves thousands of volumes from the Yongle Northern Canon, a Ming imperial gift. Visitors are advised to spend extra time in the Main Hall—dim lighting requires slow, upward gazes to appreciate the intricate details of the high-placed sculptures. After exploring both courtyards, one can ascend Solitary Paulownia Peak via the "Seemingly No Path" route behind Skanda Hall, where the Cloud-Touching Pavilion offers panoramic views of the rural landscape below.Xi County · 35.3km from Pu County
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, also known as the Terracotta Army, is located about 1.5 kilometers east of the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor and forms part of the extensive necropolis. There were more than a thousand terracotta soldiers unearthed here, each with a different facial expression. Standing before the massive underground army, you will feel the extraordinary might of the Qin Emperor that enabled him to unify six warring states two thousand years ago. The Qin Emperor Ying Zheng began building the mausoleum for himself at the age of 13. Nearly 720000 men and 38 years were required to complete this vast project.China · Xi'an
The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
The Hukou Waterfall is a famous waterfall on the Yellow River. The roiling water of the Yellow River roars downward here with great power. The Hukou Waterfall area is divided by the Yellow River. On the west side is Yichuan County, Shaanxi, and on the east side is Ji County, Shanxi. The waterfall is also divided into the Hukou Waterfall (the part of the falls in Shaanxi) and the Shanxi Hukou Waterfall (the part of the falls in Shanxi). Separate tickets are sold for each area. The Shanxi section of the Hukou Waterfall is located 45 kilometers west of the seat of Ji County in Linfen City, Shanxi.Ji County · 65.5km from Pu County
Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
The Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River is located on the riverbed of the Yellow River in the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon, where the provinces of Shanxi and Shaanxi face each other across the river. The main stream of the Yellow River, originally hundreds of m wide, suddenly narrows to dozens of m and plunges into a deep trough with a drop of 20–30 m, resembling water being poured from a giant pot—hence the name "Hukou" (Pot Mouth). Due to the large amount of sediment carried by the river, the waterfall presents a rare golden-yellow view: the turbid waves roar down with a sound like distant thunder rolling through the valley, while the rising mist lingers before the cliff, earning the nickname "smoke rising from the water." On sunny days, sunlight casts a rainbow over the waterfall, known as "a rainbow playing in the water." The mist may drench visitors even without wind or rain, creating the wonder called "rainfall under a clear sky." Hukou waterfall is regarded as the symbol of the "soul of the Yellow River" and the spirit of the Chinese nation. In 1938, when poet Guang Weiran crossed the Yellow River, he witnessed the roaring waves of Hukou and the boatmen's chants, which inspired him to create the now-legendary Yellow River Cantata. Liang Heng's essay of the same name was selected for middle school Chinese textbooks, and the back of the fourth series CNY 50 banknote also features this scene. Many first learned about it through textbooks and currency before visiting in person. In the past, cargo ships had to leave the water and bypass the waterfall here, leaving behind the maritime memory of "sailing on dry land." The scenery here varies with the seasons: In early spring, the upstream ice melts and the water level rises sharply, coinciding with the blooming of mountain peach blossoms on both banks, known as the "March peach blossom flood." In midsummer, the rainy season brings abundant water, with muddy waves towering into the sky. After fall begins, the rainy season subsides, and the water becomes high and steady. As the fall breeze sweeps by, rainbows often appear, earning the name "Hukou autumn breeze." In deep winter, layers of ice form along the banks, and overflow freezes into inverted ice peaks, glistening under the sunlight, creating the spectacular "upside-down ice peaks." The viewing platform on the Shaanxi side stretches along the cliff top on the western bank, offering a commanding view of the "thousand-mile Yellow River funneled into one pot" and the ten-mile-long Dragon Trough below the waterfall. During high-water seasons, the mist is heavy, and clothes get soaked quickly, so remember to protect your camera and phone; the boardwalk is slippery, so watch your step while walking and taking photos.Yichuan · 66.3km from Pu County
Longmen Grottoes
One of the four major grottoes of China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Longmen Grottoes are a trove of 1000 years of Buddhist art treasures. Bounded by the Yi River, the caverns are divided into two sections at East Hill and West Hill. The caverns at East Hill contain mostly Tang dynasty (618-907) works, while the caverns at West Hill were cut out during the Northern, Sui, and Tang dynasties and contain the carvings that are most representative of the site. The Buddha and bodhisattva sculptures that inhabit the caverns are carved into an endless variety of poses and expressions of mercy and kindness, while the caves themselves lend a stately and dignified atmosphere. The artistry of these sculptures is truly a priceless inheritance of Buddhist art.China · Luoyang
Huaqing Palace
Huaqing Palace attraction is located 30 km east of Xi'an, adjacent to the Terracotta Warriors. Renowned for its timeless hot spring resources and numerous historical events, it has become an iconic cultural tourism attraction of Tang Dynasty palaces in China. Palace scenic spots Huaqing Palace boasts a long history, serving as an imperial retreat for emperors from the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties. The palace features cultural zones like the Tang Imperial Hot Spring Relics Museum, the Xi'an Incident site—Five-Room Hall, Nine Dragon Lake and Lotus Lake scenic areas, and the Tang Pear Garden Museum. Notable architectural complexes include Feishuang Hall, Wanshou Hall, Changsheng Hall, Huanyuan Garden, and Yuwang Hall. The stele of "hot spring ode" Mount Li hot springs, developed early and favored by emperors throughout history, enjoy the reputation of being "the imperial hot springs under heaven." As far back as the Yangshao culture period 6,000 years ago, the ancient Jiangzhai people began utilizing these springs. With their profound cultural heritage spanning millennia, Mount Li hot springs represent an indispensable part of Chinese historical culture. The stele of hot spring ode in the attraction stands 154 cm tall, 72 cm wide, and 19 cm thick, featuring a coiled dragon design and a trapezoidal base. Engraved by Yuan Chang, the governor of Yongzhou during the Northern Wei Dynasty, the inscription reads, "The hot spring is nature's prescription and the primordial healer of the universe. People from all nations and those suffering from ailments come with provisions to seek relief in its waters." This stele is the earliest surviving written artifact at Huaqing Palace. Tang Imperial Hot Spring Relics Museum This is the site of the bathing pool described in the "Song of Everlasting Sorrow" where Yang Guifei emerged from her bath. After the An Lushan Rebellion, little remained of the original structure. In 1982, while constructing the "Guifei Pavilion," the Lintong County Government accidentally discovered the ruins of a Tang Dynasty bathing pool. After excavation and restoration, the Huaqing Palace imperial hot spring ruins museum was established. This small yet exquisitely designed pool measures 3.6 meters east-west and 2.9 meters north-south, with an oval-like shape. The pool walls are entirely built with bluestone slabs, featuring a two-tiered terrace structure composed of 18 arched stone sections. Inside the pool lies a dedicated bathing stone for Yang Guifei, engraved with the character "Yang." At the center of the pool bottom is a 10 cm diameter water inlet. A white marble lotus pedestal was unearthed here, connecting to both a showerhead above and ceramic water pipes below that linked to the main water source. Due to natural pressure, hot spring water would spray outward through the lotus showerhead, creating a mist effect remarkably similar to modern showers. Adjacent to the Guifei Pool to the east lies Emperor Xuanzong's exclusive imperial hot spring. During the Tang Dynasty, the Nine Dragon Hall stood above this pool, featuring nine white jade-carved dragons spouting water outside. This pool's surface resembles a realistic lotus shape, hence its alternate name "Lotus Pool." Xi'an incident site The five-room hall at the Xi'an incident site in Huaqing Palace is where the Xi'an incident took place. To this day, the glass windows and walls of the five-room hall still bear bullet marks from the fierce battle during the military remonstrance. The desks, chairs, beds, sofas, tea sets, stoves, carpets, telephones, and other office items in each room are replicated and arranged according to their original appearance. Historical events: Beacon fire to deceive the feudal lords In 779 BC, King You of Zhou obtained the beautiful Bao Si, yet she never smiled. To solve this, the king conspired with the treacherous minister Guo Shifu and lit the beacon fires at the Huaqing Palace attraction. The feudal lords across the land saw the signals.Beacon fireHe quickly led his troops to rescue the king, but King You told the feudal lords, "I lit the beacon fires just to make my queen laugh," upon which Bao Si burst into laughter. The feudal lords arrived valiantly but left resentfully. Seeing King You's incompetence and the people's discontent, the Quanrong tribe seized the opportunity to launch an attack. As the enemy troops approached the mountain, King You urgently raised the beacon fires.Beacon fireHe mobilized troops, but none of the feudal lords came to his rescue. King You fled with Bao Si toMount LiHe was later killed by the Quanrong tribe, leaving behind historical anecdotes such as "a smile worth a thousand gold," "losing the kingdom for a smile," and "playing with beacon fires to deceive the feudal lords." And this beacon tower at Huaqing Palace attraction towers at an altitude of 913.6 m.Mount LiThe beacon tower at Huaqing Palace attraction on the first peak of Xixiu Ridge. Su Dongpo composing poetry at Mount Li During the Jiayou era of the Northern Song Dynasty, the Lishan hot springs, meticulously restored by Liu Ziyong and others, became breathtakingly beautiful, attracting crowds of visitors who composed poems and essays to express their nostalgia. Among the countless poetic works, the emerging literary giant Su Shi stood out with his masterpieces like "Lady of Guo's night outing" and "Lishan" during his visit to the hot springs. Xi'an incident The Xi'an incident, also known as the "double-twelfth incident". Zhang Xueliang and Yang Hucheng launched a mutiny at Huaqing Palace, detaining the then chairman of the Military Commission of the National Government. Performance items You can watch a large-scale dance drama at the attraction. ▲ The Song of Everlasting Sorrow is China's first large-scale live historical dance drama created by Shaanxi Tourism Group. Based on Bai Juyi's timeless poem of the same name, it fully utilizes the attraction's resources and employs high-tech stage lighting to combine historical storytelling with live performances, recreating the love story of Emperor Li Longji and Yang Guifei at Huaqing Palace over 1,300 years ago. ▲There is also the historical adaptation "12-12 Xi'an Incident," which vividly and authentically recreates the lesser-known details of the "Xi'an Incident."China · Xi'an
Jinci Temple Museum
Jinci Temple is located on the banks of the Jin River at the foot of Xuanweng Mountain, 25 km southwest of Taiyuan. It was built by later generations to commemorate Tang Shuyu, the founding feudal lord of the Jin State, and served as the ancestral temple of the Jin State. It is often said that "a visit to Taiyuan is incomplete without seeingJinci Templethe saying "a wasted trip to Taiyuan". After getting off at Jinci Temple, the first place you'll reach isJinci MuseumThis is a free park with a pleasant environment, perfect for casual strolling. After about a 10-minute walk through the park, you'll reach the main area of Jinci. Inside Jinci Museum,Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" (Xian Hall, Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond, and Shengmu Hall) and "Three Wonders" (Zhou-bai, Nanlao Spring Pavilion, and painted clay sculptures) are must-sees for every visitor toJinci Templeview that everyone must see. Jinci TempleThe "Three Treasures" are connected and located atJinci Templeon the central axis, allowing for a combined visit. Xian Hall is a place for offering sacrifices, with fence-like walls on all four sides, providing good ventilation and coolness. Notably, not a single iron nail was used in the beams and pillars throughout the hall. The Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond is located in front of Xian Hall and was built during the Song Dynasty. The entire view resembles a modern overpass, making it the only existing example among ancient bridges in China. One end of the "Flying Bridge" connects to Shengmu Hall, which is the earliest existing main building in Jinci Museum. The main hall is spacious, and a major highlight is its beam-and-pillar structure without internal columns. Eight wooden carved coiled dragons, appearing ready to fly, are carved on the eight corridor pillars in front of the hall, which, together with the "Flying Bridge Across Fish Pond," present a magnificent sight. Centered around the Hall of the Holy Mother, it's easy to find the "Three Wonders." The painted clay figurines are located inside the Hall of the Holy Mother, with the main statue of the Holy Mother seated majestically in a wooden shrine, dignified and resplendent, while the other 42 attendant statues stand on either side. These figurines are dressed in vibrant colors with varied expressions, including one maidservant dressed as a flower-dan (young female role in Chinese opera), her face half joyful and half sorrowful, evoking complex emotions in viewers. Master Mei Lanfang once stood before this maidservant statue for a long time, carefully studying her posture and inner emotions, and praised it highly. The Zhou Cypress, located north of the Hall of the Holy Mother, was planted during the Western Zhou Dynasty and is over 3,000 years old. The Pavilion of the Never-Aging Spring stands south of the Hall of the Holy Mother, where the source of the Jin River flows continuously year-round. In addition,Jinci TempleInside, there is also the extremely precious "Jinci Inscription" stele, personally composed and handwritten by Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. At the southernmost part, you can find the Shifang Fengsheng Zen Temple, which is said to have originally been the villa of Yuchi Gong, a founding general of the Tang Dynasty. In the northern part of the temple complex, the Futu Courtyard houses the Sheli Shengsheng Pagoda. Climbing the pagoda offers a panoramic view.Jinci TempleThe panoramic view is clearly visible.China · Taiyuan
Mount Hua
Mount Hua, formerly known as "Xiyue", is one of the five famous mountains in China. It is located in Huayin City, Shaanxi Province. Huashan is also known as "Taihuashan". It is the birthplace of Chinese civilization. The "Hua" in "Zhonghua" and "Huaxia" comes from Huashan. The words "strange and dangerous" are the essence of Huashan's scenery. "Since ancient times, there has been only one road to Huashan" describes the steepness of Huashan. The Attraction has many thrilling attractions such as Changkong Plank Road, Kitesurfing, Qianchi Chuang, Baichi Gorge, Laojun Ligou, etc., which are carved out on the steep cliffs. Those who visit them in person will be amazed. Huashan Attraction covers a vast area, including the Main Peak Attraction, Xiyue Temple Attraction, Xianyu Attraction, etc. The Main Peak Attraction is the core Attraction of Huashan, including "Huashan One Road" and the five main peaks in the southeast, northwest, and center. Huashan in most people's minds refers to the Main Peak Attraction. Five main peaks The East Peak is about 2,100 meters above sea level and is named for its location in the east. There is a platform on the top of the peak, which is high and dangerous with a wide view. It is a good place to watch the sunrise. It is called Chaoyang Terrace, and the East Peak is also called Chaoyang Peak. The East Peak consists of four peaks, one main peak and three s-ervant peaks. The peak where Chaoyang Terrace is located is higher, the Yunv Peak is in the west, the Shilou Peak is in the east, and the Botai is in the south. There are more than dozens of landscapes on the East Peak. There is a natural stone pattern on the cliff on the side of the East Shilou Peak, which looks like a giant palm print. This is the Huayue Immortal Palm, which is listed as the first of the eight scenic spots in Guanzhong. The story of the giant spirit opening the mountain and guiding the river originated from this. The West Peak is about 2,000 meters above sea level. Because there is a huge rock on the top of the peak that looks like a lotus petal, ancient literati often called it Lotus Peak or Hibiscus Peak. Xu Xiake wrote in his "Diary of Traveling to Mount Taihua": "There is a rock rising on the peak, and there are stone pieces covering it, like a lotus flower." This stone must be referring to it. There are many landscapes on the West Peak, including Cuiyun Palace, Lotus Cave, Giant Spirit Foot, Axe-Split Stone, Sheshen Cliff, etc., and there are many beautiful myths and legends. Among them, the well-known story of Chenxiang splitting the mountain to save his mother is circulated here. The South Peak is over 2,100 meters above sea level and is the highest peak of Huashan. The ancients called it the "Head of Huashan". On one side of the South Peak is a thousand-foot cliff, standing straight like a knife, and below is a deep ravine, which is separated from Sangong Mountain and Sanfeng Mountain. The South Peak consists of one peak and two peaks. The east side is called Songhui Peak, and the west side is Luoyan Peak. The origin of the name of Luoyan Peak is said to be because the migrating wild geese often land here to rest. The North Peak is about 1,600 meters above sea level, with cliffs on all sides, covered with clouds above and connected to the earth veins below. It stands tall and unique, and is also called Yuntai Peak because it looks like a cloud platform. Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty wrote in his poem "A Song of the Cloud Platform of Mount Xiyue to Complimentary Danqiuzi": "Three peaks stand as if about to collapse, and the green cliffs and red valleys are high. The golden essence of the White Emperor mobilizes his vitality, and the stones become lotus flowers and the clouds become platforms." The famous story of "Taking Huashan by Strategy" took place here. There are many landscapes on the mountain, including the Zhenwu Hall, Jiaogong Stone Chamber, Changchun Stone Chamber, and the place where Laojun hung the plow. The Middle Peak is the only way to the other four peaks. It is located in the middle of the East, West and South Peaks. The forests on the peak are lush and green, and the environment is quiet. There is a Taoist temple named Yunu Temple on the top of the peak. It is said that it was the place where Qin Mu Gong's daughter Nong Yu cultivated herself in the Spring and Autumn Period, so it is also called Yunu Peak. Main landscape: There are more than 210 famous Attraction in Huashan. From ancient times to the present, countless literati and poets have left various classic poems here. Skywalk The Changkong Plank Road is located on the east side of the Huashan South Peak. It was built by the master of the Huashan School, Taoist He Zhizhen of the Yuan Dynasty, who wanted to get away from the world and practice Taoism. He built it by inlaying stone piles on the cliffs and paving wooden boards. At the end of the plank road, you can see the "Hezu Cave" where Master He practiced self-cultivation. The road builders chiseled stone holes on the cliffs, wedged stone piles into the holes, and laid wooden boards about 40 cm wide between the stone piles. Visitors must stick to the cliff wall, pull the iron chain with their hands, step on the wooden boards, and move forward slowly sideways. Xiyue Temple Xiyue Temple, also known as Huayue Temple, is a temple where emperors of all dynasties worshipped and offered sacrifices to Shaohao, the Great Emperor of Xiyue. It was first built during the Yuanguang period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty (134-129 BC) at the entrance of Huangshengu (now Huangfuyu) at the foot of Huashan Mountain. It was moved to its current location during the reign of Emperor Huan of the Eastern Han Dynasty (147-167 AD) and renamed today. It was rebuilt many times during the Tang, Song, Ming and Qing dynasties. Canglong Ridge The steps on Canglong Ridge are only 2 feet wide, with deep ravines on both sides, as steep as a knife. The height difference between the ridge and the top is about 500 meters, and the slope is more than 45 degrees. Looking at the green pines and white clouds in the distance and hearing the sound of the wind is dizzying. Jinsuoguan Jinsuoguan is one of the five passes of Huashan Mountain. It is built on a stone archway at the entrance of the three peaks. It is the throat of the Wuyun Peak to the four peaks of East, West, South and Center. There is no way to pass after the pass, so it is also called Tongtianmen. Taoists believe that Huashan is the fairyland of gods. Only after passing Tongtianmen can you enter the fairyland. Therefore, there is a folk song that "after passing Jinsuoguan, there is another world". There has been only one road to Mount Huashan since ancient times "There has been only one road to Mount Hua since ancient times" refers to the "Huashan Valley" hiking trail, which includes various scenic spots along the Huashan hiking trail since ancient times. When connected together, it is what is commonly referred to as "There has been only one road to Mount Hua since ancient times." How to visit Huashan has two mountain gates (entrances): East Gate and West Gate (also known as Huashan Gate). Take the cable car up the mountain and go to the East Gate; if you climb the mountain on foot, enter from the West Gate. Huashan currently has two cable cars, the East and West Lines, which reach the North Peak and the West Peak respectively (please plan the climbing route in advance before purchasing the ticket and purchase the corresponding ticket type, and you cannot change it midway.). Route 1: Hiking route There has been only one road on Mount Huashan since ancient times. It is an ancient mountaineering road with a total length of 12.5 kilometers and 9,567 steps. It takes about 4 hours to hike from Yuquanyuan, through Wuli Pass, Shaluoping (night climbing), Qianchi Chuang, Baichi Gorge, etc. to the North Peak, and then start the tour from the North Peak. Route 2: "Up West and Down West", a mountaineering route suitable for the Seniors and tourists with children This route goes up the West Peak Cableway of Mount Huashan and down the West Peak Cableway, that is, going up from the west and down from the west. The whole route takes a relatively short time, about 4 hours, and is also more energy-saving, making it more friendly to the Seniors and tourists with children. Route 3: "Up West and Down North", a one-day mountaineering route chosen by 80% of tourists This route goes up by cable car from the West Peak of Mount Huashan and down by cable car from the North Peak, that is, going up from the west and down from the north. The entire route is a classic one-day tour route, which takes about 6 hours. You can visit all the attractions without backtracking. Most tourists choose this route because this road almost goes straight down, which is easier and faster than the uphill road. Route 4: "North up and north down", a time-saving, economical and panoramic mountaineering route This route goes up by cable car at the North Peak of Huashan and down by cable car at the North Peak, that is, going up from the north and down from the north. The whole route is a relatively low-cost cable car mountaineering route. If your sightseeing time is limited, you can choose this route and visit the North Peak, which has the Memorial Pavilion, Ear-Crushing Cliff, Canglong Ridge, Huashan Sword Contest Monument, panoramic Huashan and other attractions.China · Huayin
Pingyao Ancient City
Pingyao Ancient City is approx. 85 km from Taiyuan. The streets, shops, and residences within the ancient city still maintain their traditional layout and appearance, making it one of the best-preserved ancient cities in China. It is also the only ancient county town in China that has successfully been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as an entire city. Pingyao was once the financial center of China during the late Qing Dynasty. Walking through this once-prosperous ancient city, you can feel the essence of Shanxi merchant culture everywhere. The ancient city has six gates in total, with the north gate near Pingyao bus station and the west gate nearPingyao train stationThe south gate and west gate are places with many travelers. Entering the ancient town does not require an admission ticket, but if you want to climb the city wall or visit attractions like the ticket number, you need to purchase a pass for the ancient town. The ancient town is not very large, and walking is enough to explore it all. If you prefer not to walk, you can also take electric bikes. The streets of the entire ancient city are laid out in the shape of the Chinese character "土" (earth). When visiting, you usually enter the city from the West Gate and walk along West Street to Rishengchang Draft Bank, known as the "ancestor of modern Chinese banking". Here you can not only learn about the development history of ancient banking, but also have the old manager in a long robe and mandarin jacket write a draft for you using the early draft method, which is particularly historical. Moving forward is the north-south spanningSouth street, it is the central axis of the ancient city. During the Ming and Qing dynasties,South streetControlling over half of the nation's financial institutions, it was hailed as the "Wall Street of China" in its heyday. Today, it remains a bustling area of the ancient city, known as the Ming-Qing Ancient Street. Most attractions in Pingyao Ancient City are concentrated here, centered around the landmark structure, the Ancient City Tower. Surrounding it are attractions like Xie Tong Qing ticket number (China Banking Museum) and Wei Tai Hou (Ticket number museumAttractions such as Baichuantong, China Escort Museum, Tongxinggong Escort, Weishengchang, China Rare Newspaper Exhibition Hall, and Tianjixiang are available, along with restaurants, musical instrument stores, cafes, and bars. After strolling along the street, you can dine here, buy some souvenirs, and then continue south for more sightseeing. At the Pingyao Ancient City's county government office on the south side of the ancient city, you can see a large number of ancient documents and torture instruments, with daily performances of court sessions; near the Shangdong Gate are the Pingyao Ancient City's Chenghuang Temple andConfucian templeIt is quite grand and meticulously built, with thriving incense offerings where you can burn joss sticks. The Pingyao Ancient City wall is also one of the highlights of the ancient city, being not only majestic but also remarkably well-preserved. Climbing the wall offers a panoramic view of the entire ancient city. Among the gates, the tower of the south gate (Yingxun Gate of Pingyao Ancient City wall) is exquisitely crafted, and this area is close to residential buildings, allowing visitors to observe the daily life of the locals. If time permits, you can walk around the ancient city along the wall to fully appreciate its charm, which takes about an hour. Watching the sunset from the wall in the evening presents a beautiful scene. Besides the ancient town itself, Pingyao has two other major attractions: Zhenguo Temple and Shuanglin Temple. Zhenguo Temple was built without a single nail, with all structures joined by interlocking wooden components. Shuanglin Temple houses over 10 halls containing exquisitely crafted painted sculptures dating from the Yuan to Ming dynasties. It is highly recommended to stay overnight in the ancient town to enjoy its night view. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the small alleys and experience the authentic Pingyao, where the local culture and customs or photography make excellent subjects. Especially during the Chinese New Year, Pingyao is full of festive atmosphere. The town features old courtyards converted into inns, which are usually affordable, with clean and tidy accommodations available for just a few dozen yuan. Additionally, Pingyao is renowned for its beef. In the late Qing Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cixi passed through Pingyao and was so fond of the local beef after tasting it that she designated it as a royal tribute. Shops bearing the name "Guanyun beef" can be seen everywhere in the ancient town, making it hard to distinguish authenticity, and prices are generally high. You may consider buying some outside the town to try or give as gifts to friends and relatives.China · Pingyao County
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What travellers say about Pu County
山在穷游11 October 2026
4.0
Many people drive long distances to Xixian County to see Xiaoxitian (Little Western Paradise) and then sneak away. However, there are several other scenic spots worth visiting along the road from Linfen to Xixian County, one of which is Dongyue Temple. Located high in the mountains, it beautifully showcases Dongyue culture.
Dongyue Temple
脆皮晕车精26 October 2026
5.0
This over 400-year-old suspended sculpture masterpiece is enveloped by a dense array of statues upon entering the main hall. The rich, heavy use of red, green, and gold paint, along with the intricate layout, creates a sense of oppression and a uniquely eerie atmosphere. It is a one-of-a-kind Buddhist dreamscape.
Little Western Paradise
Randy25 October 2026
5.0
📍Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, Lintong District, Qin Shihuang Mausoleum Museum (Terracotta Army) | Pit 1-4 + 50th Anniversary Exhibition: A Comprehensive Guide
[Smiling face][Grinning face] This summer, I took my child to Xi'an. Although we're not exactly high-class tourists, the Terracotta Army and the Shaanxi History Museum were our main destinations. I heard reservations were difficult, so we booked guided tours for both. We got the tickets with us, and the Qin Shihuang Mausoleum tour included both the regular guided tour and the 50th anniversary exhibition.
[Smiling face][Grinning face] At the Qin Shihuang statue in the parking lot, there are many guided tours available. You'll gather there to collect your tickets and audio guides. Remember to bring your ID card.
[Smiling face][Grinning face] Pit 1 is the one most often seen in videos. It's great for taking photos; the sheer number of horses and soldiers is breathtaking. At 14,260 square meters, it's truly awe-inspiring. However, it's also very crowded, so I recommend going early. The air conditioning system was renovated last year, but it's still quite hot.
[Smiling face][Grinning face] Don't rush through Pit 2. The kneeling archer figurines are there, very well preserved; you can even see the stitches on the soles of their shoes. However, it seemed to be under renovation this time, so I didn't see them. I later saw a replica at the 50th anniversary exhibition. Pit 3 is small but of high status; it was the command post, with a dozen or so "officer figurines" discussing matters. Pit 4 was a grain and fodder pit; it's basically just a row of characters on the surface. It wasn't completed; just glance at it as you pass by, don't make a special trip for it.
[Smiling face][Grinning face] The 50th anniversary exhibition next door is in the cultural relics exhibition hall. "The Underground Kingdom of the First Emperor of All Time," opening in September 2024, features 230 exquisite artifacts, a third of which are being exhibited for the first time. The green-faced kneeling archer figurine, the purple-robed figurine, and the gilt-silver inlaid music bell are all here. Details you can't see in the pits can be gradually added to in the exhibition hall. There are fewer people than in the pits, making the experience much better.
[Smiling face][Grinning face] A quick note about the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum - Lishan Garden: It's extremely large, and I don't recommend walking around. You should take the electric shuttle bus in Lishan Garden, which runs in a loop and stops at each station. If you're short on time, you should still visit the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum Museum - Bronze Chariot and Horse Museum, where you'll find two bronze chariots and horses. You can also skip the burial pits and steles in the Lishan Garden section if you're short on time.
The shuttle bus from the Terracotta Army to Lishan Garden is free, so it's worth going if you have the time.
Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum
蓝水悠悠25 October 2026
5.0
Hukou Waterfall is truly a must-see in person; photos simply can't capture its breathtaking beauty. We explored the west side this time, and the Dragon Cave is a must-see – the 20 yuan entrance fee is well worth it! Standing at the bottom of the cave, looking up at the Yellow River crashing down overhead, the spray hitting your face, the deafening roar, you're completely enveloped – an experience you can't fully grasp from above. However, it is indeed very wet inside the cave, so it's best to put your phone in a waterproof case. In the morning, when the light is good, you can even see a rainbow, and if you're lucky, the photos will be stunning. Parking in the scenic area is quite convenient, and the shuttle bus service is smooth.
The Hukou Waterfall Scenic Area
Anonymous user20 October 2026
5.0
A Family Review of Hukou Waterfall (100 words)
Visiting Hukou Waterfall with friends is definitely worthwhile! The Yellow River rushes down with tremendous force, its roar audible from afar. Standing on the viewing platform, experiencing the Mother River is truly magnificent. The path is relatively smooth, making it easy for seniors to view. However, the water mist is heavy, and the wind can easily get your clothes wet, so remember to bring a jacket.
You need to take the scenic shuttle bus.
Hukou Waterfall tourist area of the Yellow River
Xbcsupremelover26 October 2026
5.0
Xiao Jiang from Elephant Travel explained things very carefully and attentively. It's clear he has a solid foundation and a wealth of knowledge about traditional culture. He explained things in great detail and with great patience! He also managed the time perfectly, taking excellent care of the tourists and being very considerate. He was also very helpful in taking photos for us. A very good experience! I feel I need to go back to the Longmen Grottoes again; I couldn't get enough!
Longmen Grottoes
M47***2523 October 2026
5.0
The front desk service was excellent, the facilities were complete, and the surrounding area was very convenient. There were free late-night snacks and light meals available. The subway station was only 200 meters away, which was extremely convenient. It was also very close to the hospital. I highly recommend it and will stay here again next time.
Huaqing Palace
xxf071125 October 2026
5.0
A taxi only goes to the entrance of Jinci Park. You can walk into the Jinci Museum or take a 10-yuan round-trip sightseeing bus. It's worth a visit! Due to limited energy, I only visited the main attractions. I had lunch at the market outside Jinci Park, which was quite good.
Jinci Temple Museum
_CF***2224 October 2026
5.0
Such scenery is something you might only see a few times in your life. Standing atop the mountain, watching the clouds and mist swirl around you, and seeing birds flying by, was truly exhilarating. I'm not very fit, and it took me ten and a half hours to traverse all five peaks. Looking at the scenery from the top, I felt incredibly proud of myself, and tears welled up in my eyes. Just come and experience it!
Mount Hua
139***5225 October 2026
5.0
We paid 120 yuan to hire a tour guide to lead us through the five most distinctive attractions included in the pass. The guide's explanations were insightful, easy to understand, and engaging. Visiting the paid attractions is a must when visiting Pingyao Ancient City; otherwise, it's as if you haven't truly experienced the city.
Pingyao Ancient City
