Exploring the Hidden Gems of Shanxi's Ancient Architecture: A 3-Day, 2-Night Encounter in Jincheng

There's a saying, "To see cultural relics above ground, go to Shanxi." Shanxi's ancient architecture is scattered throughout the province, astonishing in its sheer number. This time, let's venture into Jincheng, a severely underrated treasure trove of a city, a hidden repository of ancient architecture, harboring countless historical gems. Jincheng boasts nearly 20,000 ancient buildings, including an impressive 46 wooden structures from the Song and Jin dynasties, dating back nearly a thousand years. This represents a third of the total number in the entire country, making it a veritable "Museum of Ancient Architecture." Follow this guide to embark on a 3-day, 2-night journey of exploration through Jincheng's ancient architectural wonders. Itinerary Day 1: Fengqi Lake → Gaoping Xizhen Suzhuang Village → Situ Ancient Town - Fengqi Lake (Free admission): This is a lake with excellent ecological beauty, where lotus leaves sway gently in the breeze, exuding an air of tranquility. Jincheng, nestled at the foot of the Taihang Mountains, reveals its charm as a health and wellness destination, refreshing the mind and spirit. - Gaoping Xizhen Suzhuang Village (Free admission, Open from 2pm–10pm): This ancient village features the "Double Happiness" culture, with uniquely crafted plaques and stone carvings. The old streets and alleys still retain their former appearance, and the courtyard gates and platforms stand tall. Currently, there are more than twenty well-preserved ancient courtyards in the village, making it a museum of ancient architecture with a rich cultural heritage. - Situ Ancient Town (Admission + Watching "Da Tiehua" Performance, Second-Class Adult Seat: CNY 120/person, Open from 9:30am–10pm): Highly recommended to watch the "Da Tiehua" (molten iron fireworks) performance at 8pm. Molten iron is splashed into the air, creating a dazzling display of fireworks. It's a super spectacular scene that you absolutely shouldn't miss. Day 2: The Imperial City of the Xiangfu → Guoyu Ancient City → Diji City → Xiangyu Ancient Fortress - The Imperial City of the Xiangfu (Admission: CNY 120/adult, Open from 8am–6pm): This is the former residence of Chen Tingjing, a famous prime minister. It is a rare example of a castle-style official residence complex from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and also a filming location for the TV series Kangxi Dynasty. Strolling through it, you can almost feel the glory of the past and the weight of history. - Guoyu Ancient City (Admission: CNY 30/adult, Open from 8am–10pm): Located only 300 meters from the Imperial City of the Xiangfu, it is a unique honeycomb-shaped ancient fortress complex in China. The city walls are 12 meters high and 1,400 meters in circumference, with 629.5 caves of various sizes densely distributed, resembling a honeycomb, giving it a distinctive character. - Diji City (Admission: CNY 30/adult, Open from 8:30am–6pm): This ancient castle is built from crucibles, and the unique arrangement of iron-smelting crucibles is eye-catching. It's worth mentioning that the inventor of the Manchu Han Imperial Feast was also born here, adding a touch of mystery to this ancient city. - Xiangyu Ancient Fortress (Admission: CNY 65/adult, Open all day): This is a classic example of a defensive castle built against the mountainside, and it is also the first Ming Dynasty ancient castle in a rural area in northern China. Standing on the fortress, overlooking the surrounding scenery, you can feel the perfect fusion of history and nature. Day 3: Liu Family Mansion → Dayang Ancient Town - Liu Family Mansion (Admission: CNY 55/adult, Open from 8am–6pm): This is the only existing original ancient village in China where generations of the same ancestral bloodline have lived together. The exquisite nine-story Dougong brackets on the main gate of the Sima Di courtyard and the wood carvings found throughout the courtyard are truly impressive. The only eight remaining "Jiao Hua" stone lions in the country are also treasured here, adding to its value. - Dayang Ancient Town (Admission: CNY 60/adult, Open all day): This ancient town has a history of over 2,600 years and preserves a large-scale complex of Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, earning it the reputation of being a "living fossil of ancient Chinese towns." Walking on the stone-paved roads of the ancient town and touching the ancient buildings is like traveling through time back to that prosperous era. Travel Tips It is recommended to rent a car and drive yourself in Jincheng, which allows for more flexible itinerary arrangements and in-depth exploration of the various ancient architectural sites. Jincheng has a wealth of ancient architecture. Doing your homework beforehand and understanding the relevant historical and cultural knowledge will make your trip more insightful and rewarding. Food Recommendations: Be sure to try the Guo's Gaoping Top Ten Bowls, a local specialty that will take your taste buds on a Jincheng journey. Come to Jincheng, explore the stories of ancient architecture that have been sealed by time, and experience the weight of history and the charm of culture. This will be an unforgettable trip.