First time visiting Jincheng, remember not to join a tour group
Dear friends! Just returned from an in-depth trip to Jincheng, and I must say: joining a tour group will definitely make you miss out on countless surprises in this hidden gem city! In the crisp and clear September autumn, Jincheng’s ancient architecture and charm, Taihang’s spectacular scenery, and unique local cuisine can only be leisurely unlocked by traveling independently~Save this heartfelt guide👇
🏰 7 must-visit attractions (only free travel is truly enjoyable)
• Huangcheng Xiangfu: The home of Emperor Kangxi! Nine city gates, layered courtyards, and in September, the sunlight slants on the stone-carved eaves creating stunning light and shadow! Exploring on your own lets you listen to the explanations slowly and feel the grandeur of the “largest cultural clan residence in northern China”🏯
• Wangmangling: The supreme peak of Taihang! Take the cable car to overlook the sheer cliffs, hike through the “Kunshan Hanging Road,” and in September, the mountain’s red leaves begin to appear, with mist swirling like a scene from a fantasy drama🌄 No time to wait for the sea of clouds on a group tour!
• Situ Town: Immersive Jin culture! Watch the iron flower performance during the day, with sparks flying spectacularly✨ Stroll the old Shanxi folk street at night, enjoy a bowl of knife-cut noodles, and listen to the powerful gongs and drums—only free travel lets you fully enjoy it~
• Guoyu Ancient City: Quieter than Pingyao! The Ming Dynasty city walls are well preserved, and from the walls, you can overlook the entire ancient village. The alleys hide many Ming and Qing old houses. Find a teahouse, sit down, and listen to the elders tell stories about the ancient city🗣️
• Manghe Scenic Area: The Little Guilin of the North! The river water is crystal clear, and you can see wild macaques🐒 Hike along the stream; September’s mountain forest is very cool, and you might even find wild chestnuts🌰 Free travel lets you stop anytime to take photos—so refreshing!
• Qinglian Temple: A thousand-year-old ancient temple! Two temples hidden on the mountainside, with exquisite Tang Dynasty colored sculptures. Ancient cypress trees tower inside the temple. Sitting on the steps to bask in the sun while listening to the morning bell and evening drum calms the soul🕊️
• Jue Mountain: The moon-viewing holy place! Twin peaks face each other. Climb Jue Mountain around Mid-Autumn Festival to see the “Twin Peaks Spitting Moon” wonder🌕 September nights are cool; climb to the top to stargaze, and the romance is off the charts~
🍜 Honest food recommendations (if it’s not delicious, I lose)
• Gaoping Ten Bowls: Jincheng’s signature dishes! Squid soup, boiled pork slices, walnut meat… A table full of dishes with great ceremony, fresh and tasty soup, meat lovers will be thrilled🥘 Recommended to go to local favorite restaurants!
• Yangcheng Fried Liver: A must-try dark cuisine! Pork liver coated in batter and fried golden, crispy outside and tender inside, dipping in pepper salt makes it more fragrant, paired with a bowl of millet porridge is perfect~
• Jincheng Fried Pork: A rice companion! Tender meat slices, wood ear mushrooms, and potato slices soaked in sauce, mixed with rice you can show off eating two bowls🍚 Street stalls offer large portions for just 15 yuan!
• Sour Soup Hand-Pulled Noodles: An appetizing delight! Handmade wide noodles with sour and spicy soup, sprinkled with chives and bean sprouts. Eating a bowl in September makes you sweat but is so satisfying. Remember to add a spoonful of chili oil🌶️
• Persimmon Cake: September exclusive! Freshly made persimmon cakes on the street, coated with white sesame, bite into the molten center, sweet but not greasy, 3 for 5 yuan, super happy to eat while strolling
🏡 How to choose accommodation?
• Jincheng city center: Convenient transportation! Close to Situ Town and Qinglian Temple, many shopping malls, hotels with good value, suitable for food and shopping lovers
• Near Huangcheng Xiangfu: Choose this for a deep trip! Many homestays are in antique-style buildings. Open the window and see the Xiangfu city walls, and at night you can watch the night light show🌃
• Next to Wangmangling Scenic Area: Early risers can watch the sunrise! Farmhouse courtyards are clean and affordable, wake up to birdsong, and hiking is super convenient⛰️
🚗 Transportation tips
• Take the high-speed train to Jincheng East Station, then taxi to the city center with a starting fare. Attractions are scattered, so renting a car or hiring a driver is recommended! About 200-300 yuan per day, you can stop anytime to take in Taihang’s beautiful scenery🚙
• City buses cover major attractions but have infrequent schedules! Riding shared electric scooters is also very convenient, great for cruising around nearby ancient villages🛵
💡 Heartfelt tips
1. September in Jincheng has big temperature differences between morning and evening! Bring a thick jacket🧥, wear sports shoes for hiking, as Wangmangling’s stone steps are a bit steep
2. Hire a guide at Huangcheng Xiangfu! 30-50 yuan, you won’t understand the secrets of the architecture without the stories
3. Buy specialties at ancient village markets! Millet, honey, walnuts are cheaper than at scenic spots, and you can taste before buying. Remember to bargain
4. Don’t tease the monkeys at Manghe Scenic Area! Feeding them can lead to being robbed, just take photos from a distance📸
Jincheng’s charm is hidden in the bricks and tiles of its thousand-year-old buildings, in the grandeur of Taihang’s cliffs, and in every warm bite of its noodles~Only the freedom of independent travel lets you truly fall in love with this low-key treasure city! Friends, just go for it!