Huangcheng Xiangfu Must-Visit Guide

Huangcheng Xiangfu 3-Day, 2-Night In-Depth Tour Guide | Enjoy "The First Twin-City Castle in the East" with a 5000 RMB Budget 📍Destination: Huangcheng Xiangfu, Jincheng, Shanxi ⏳Time: 3 days, 2 nights 💰Budget: 5000 RMB (including transportation, accommodation, dining, tickets, shopping) 📌Suitable for: History and culture enthusiasts, ancient architecture photography experts, family trips 📅 Day 1: Arrive at Huangcheng Xiangfu, explore the hometown of Emperor Kangxi's tutor 🚗 Transportation (Budget: 1000 RMB) Departure from major cities like Beijing/Shanghai/Guangzhou (high-speed rail/flight to Zhengzhou/Taiyuan) Zhengzhou → Jincheng: 1.5 hours by high-speed rail (ticket price 80 RMB), then take a taxi to Huangcheng Xiangfu (approx. 1 hour, 150 RMB) Taiyuan → Jincheng: 2 hours by high-speed rail (ticket price 120 RMB), then take a taxi to Huangcheng Xiangfu (approx. 1.5 hours, 200 RMB) Self-driving: Approx. 3-4 hours from Taiyuan/Zhengzhou, car rental fee approx. 400 RMB/day 🏨 Accommodation (Budget: 800 RMB/night) Recommended to stay in characteristic guesthouses within or around the Huangcheng Xiangfu scenic area: Xiangfu Manor Hotel (ancient-style courtyard, scenic views from the window) Guoyu Ancient City Guesthouse (Ming and Qing dynasty style, high cost-performance ratio) 🎫 Tickets (Budget: 120 RMB) Huangcheng Xiangfu ticket: 120 RMB/person (includes Xiangfu, Guoyu Ancient City, Jiunv Xianhu Lake) Morning: Check into the hotel upon arrival, take a short rest Afternoon: Huangcheng Xiangfu Core Scenic Area (3-4 hours): Imperial Library (Emperor Kangxi's imperial inscription "Wuting Mountain Village") Zhongzai Residence (Chen Tingjing's former residence, a model of Qing Dynasty official residences) Heshan Tower (ancient military defense building, climb to the top for panoramic views) Photo ops: City walls, archways, brick carvings ("The Residence of the First Cultural Giant Clan in Northern China") Evening: Xiangfu Family Banquet (Budget 150 RMB/person): Must-try Jincheng specialties (Guoyourou, Braised Scallions, Gaoping Top Ten Bowls) Night tour of Xiangfu (light show/live performance, open seasonally) 📅 Day 2: Surrounding ancient castles + landscape and cultural experience 🚗 Transportation (Budget: 300 RMB) Chartered car/self-driving to nearby attractions (Guoyu Ancient City, Jiunv Xianhu Lake) 🎫 Tickets (Included in the pass) Guoyu Ancient City (Ming and Qing dynasty ancient village, free) Jiunv Xianhu Lake (boat ride 50 RMB/person, optional) 📸 Itinerary Morning: Guoyu Ancient City (2 hours): More rustic than Huangcheng Xiangfu, perfect for cultural photography Yu Tower (Ming Dynasty defense tower, climb to the top for distant views) Afternoon: Jiunv Xianhu Lake (2 hours): Boat ride on the lake (mountains and water reflect each other, legendary bathing place of the Nine Fairies) Hiking trail (suitable for family leisure) Evening: Jincheng Night Market (Budget 100 RMB/person): Try local snacks (Stir-fried Liangfen, Lamb Stewed Noodles) 📅 Day 3: Return + Cultural Souvenir Shopping 🚗 Transportation (Budget: 1000 RMB) Return to Zhengzhou/Taiyuan (high-speed rail + taxi) Return flight/high-speed rail from airport/station 🛍️ Shopping (Budget: 500 RMB) Huangcheng Xiangfu Cultural and Creative Store: Chengni Inkstone (intangible cultural heritage craft) Shanxi Aged Vinegar (recommend "Donghu" brand) Yangcheng Silk Products (scarves, pajamas) 🍜 Lunch (Budget: 100 RMB) Jincheng Hele Noodle Restaurant: Local specialty noodles 2-person project cost (RMB) Transportation 2000 Accommodation 1600 Tickets 240 Dining 900 Shopping 500 Other (performances/boat rides) 300 Total 5540 (can be flexibly adjusted) ✅ Best season: April-October (pleasant climate in spring and autumn, summer for avoiding heat) ✅ Outfit suggestion: Hanfu/Republic of China style (perfect for castle photos) ✅ Must-bring items: Sunscreen, comfortable shoes (many stone paths), camera Wish you a pleasant journey!