2025 Ruicheng Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

Shanxi is known for its historical relics, and Yuncheng boasts "big names" like Yongle Palace and Guan Di Temple. But beyond these ancient structures, the Yuncheng Museum is also worth a visit 👀. The Yuncheng Museum houses a rich collection that vividly showcases Yuncheng's long history and profound cultural heritage. The museum also features a special exhibition on Hedong culture, offering an in-depth interpretation of the region's historical and cultural characteristics, providing visitors with a deeper understanding of the area. Visiting the Yuncheng Museum not only allows you to admire a wealth of artifacts but also to experience the charm of history more directly through modern technology such as multimedia interactive devices and VR experiences. 💁🏻‍♀️P.S. There are also tons of free, beautiful stamps to collect. Remember to bring a notebook, or you can buy one at the gift shop ✌️. ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 🧩Name: Yuncheng Museum 📍Address: No. 1080 Weifeng Street, Yanhu District, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province 🈺️Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm, closed on Mondays

In late autumn, when you walk into Yuncheng, the autumn colors and ancient buildings all over the city interweave to create a poetic picture. At dawn, I stepped into the Guandi Temple in Jiezhou. Between the red walls and black tiles, the statue of Guandi sat majestically, and the pine and cypress trees all over the hall added to the solemn and dignified atmosphere. Stroll to the Guangrenwang Temple, which stands quietly in the mountains, with golden ginkgo trees all over the courtyard and the thousand-year-old incense still lingering. When you come to Yongle Palace, the murals are still colorful. The Taoist spirit has been flowing here for 800 years. The Taoist charm in the palace is so profound that people will stop and linger. Climb up the Feiyun Tower, feel the autumn breeze, and look into the distance to get a panoramic view of the outline of the ancient city. From the Stork Tower, the Yellow River winds like a ribbon. At the Jiwang Temple, this ancient temple dedicated to the ancestor of farming appears peaceful and solemn in the autumn sun, and the weight of history is overwhelming. As the sun sets and the autumn breeze blows gently, Yuncheng's ancient charm blends with the autumn atmosphere, making people feel awe and recall the past and think about the present, which is unforgettable.

The Guandi Temple in Jiezhou, Yuncheng, is located to the north of the Salt Lake and faces the Zhongtiao Mountains. Founded in 589 AD, the ninth year of the Kaihuang reign of the Sui Dynasty, it is the largest existing palace-style Taoist building complex and martial arts temple, and is known as the "ancestor of Guan temples" and the "crown of martial arts temples." Guandi Temple is very big, with many attractions👀 👉Must-see contents include ✅ Qianlong's "Divine Bravery" ✅ Meridian Gate: a building with a hip roof, usually only the imperial palace has a Meridian Gate ✅ Bagua Caisson: carved with two dragons playing with a pearl, in the Imperial Library ✅ Chrysanthemum Caisson: the only one in the country, in the Spring and Autumn Building ✅ The only real statue of Guan Erye, on the second floor of the Spring and Autumn Building ps. It costs an additional 30 yuan to climb to the second floor of the Spring and Autumn Building. Cold light flashlights, amulets, and shoe covers will be distributed on site, which can be taken back. ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 🧩Name: Jiezhou Guandi Temple 📍Address: No. 145, Wuyi Road, Jiezhou Town, Yuncheng, Shanxi 🈺️Time: 08:00-18:00 (peak season 4/1-10/31) 09:00-17:00 (off-season 11/1-3/31) 💰Tickets: 60 yuan in peak season, 50 yuan in off-season

Located on Woyungang on the north bank of the Salt Lake, Chi God Temple in Yuncheng is backed by the Zhongtiao Mountains and overlooks the "Dead Sea of China." It is the only imperial temple in China dedicated to the god of the salt lake.​ Originally built in the Tang Dynasty, it was granted imperial seals and renovated by successive emperors due to the flourishing salt industry. The existing three main halls, Zouyan Tower, and other buildings are mostly relics of the Ming Dynasty, with 1,300 years of salt transportation history precipitated among the blue bricks and black tiles.​ 
The three main halls stand side by side in the temple. The middle hall enshrines the salt god "Lingqing Gong," while the left and right halls enshrine the sun god and the wind god, respectively, implicitly reflecting the natural wisdom that salt production requires "sunlight evaporation and wind regulation."​ The stone lions in front of the hall are naive and cute, and the carvings on the railings tell the story of the rise and fall of salt merchants. 
Climb the Haiguang Tower for a panoramic view of the salt lake👍.
The stele forest houses the Ming Dynasty stone inscription "Map of Hedong Salt Lake." You can also visit the Hedong Salt Lake Museum to unlock 4,000 years of salt-making technology.​ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ ⓘ ⓝ ⓕ ⓞ ▫️▫️▫️▫️ 🈺️Hours: 8:30am–5:30pm 🚇Transportation: Navigate to "Chi God Temple" by car, or take bus No. 21/88 to "Chi God Temple" station🚌 🎫Tickets: Free with a tourism annual pass🆓; currently half price during the off-season. Combined ticket for Chi God Temple + Chi Salt Museum + City Wall: CNY 39.9 for adults, CNY 19.9 for students

​[Fu] Guangrenwang Temple is one of the four existing Tang Dynasty wooden structures in China. The other three are Nanchan Temple, Foguang Temple, and the bell tower of Zhengding Kaiyuan Temple. It was built in 831, the fifth year of the Tang Dynasty's Dahe period. It enshrines the water god Guangrenwang and is also known as the Five Dragons Temple. ​🇨🇳Experience the five thousand years of China and inherit Chinese civilization.

Yuncheng | A Must-Visit: Yongle Palace Yongle Palace, an artistic treasure trove hidden in Yuncheng, Shanxi, is renowned for its world-famous Yuan Dynasty murals and ancient architectural style, attracting countless art and history enthusiasts. It is a sacred site of Taoist culture and a pinnacle of ancient Chinese mural art. 🌟 Stunning Murals 💁🏻‍♀️ Sanqing Hall Murals: The treasure of Yongle Palace, these murals depict a grand scene of nearly 300 Taoist deities paying homage to the Yuan. The characters have diverse expressions, their robes fluttering, and the colors remain vibrant even after a thousand years, making it a pinnacle of Yuan Dynasty mural art. 💁🏻‍♀️ Chunyang Hall Murals: The murals, themed around the life story of Lü Dongbin, use a comic strip format to depict the legend of "Lü Zu's Manifestation." The style is delicate, and the story is vivid, resembling ancient comic strips. 💁🏻‍♀️ Chongyang Hall Murals: These murals depict the missionary experiences of Wang Chongyang, the founder of the Quanzhen School. The murals are rich in content and exquisite in detail, showcasing the superb skills of Yuan Dynasty painters. The architectural layout of Yongle Palace is rigorous, with upturned eaves and carved beams, showcasing the unique style of Yuan Dynasty architecture, especially the glazed tiles on the roof, which shine brilliantly in the sunlight.

If you are interested in historical culture and art treasures, Yongle Palace in Yuncheng is a must-see place✨! 👀Admire the beauty of architecture Yongle Palace is a typical Yuan dynasty architectural style, with a spacious layout and magnificent momentum. The palace gate, Wuji Gate, Sanqing Hall, Chunyang Hall, and Chongyang Hall are arranged along the central axis in an orderly manner, and the simple and elegant appearance of the buildings shows the charm of time. 👀Enjoy the mural feast This is the essence of Yongle Palace👍. The "Chaoyuan Tu" in Sanqing Hall, with a total area of more than 400 square meters, depicts a grand scene of nearly 300 gods worshiping Yuanshi Tianzun. The murals in Chunyang Hall and Chongyang Hall are also wonderful. 👀Appreciate the cultural heritage As a Taoist holy place, Yongle Palace contains profound Taoist culture. Here, you can learn about the development history of Taoism, the system of gods, and related religious rituals and cultural connotations. ⚠️Notes for visiting: 1. Photography is strictly prohibited in the three halls📷, but there is a painting room with printed versions of Yongle Palace, where you can take a "substitute" photo😁. 2. Visitors need to wear shoe covers👢 when entering the halls to keep the floor clean and tidy and prevent damage to the floor.

Yuncheng is truly a treasure trove of a city, worthy of being the first city of national treasures. You can't see it all in one visit. You have to take your time to savor the details left behind by our ancestors. I went for two days this time and only visited Jishan, Wanrong, Ruicheng, and Jiezhou, leaving the other places for another time. ✅3-day, 2-night itinerary Day 1 Yuncheng Airport ➡️ Wanrong Feiyun Tower ➡️ Houtu Temple ➡️ Qiufeng Tower ➡️ Beixin Relic Pagoda ➡️ Li Family Courtyard ➡️ Yuncheng City Day 2 Yuncheng ➡️ Yongle Palace ➡️ Guangrenwang Temple ➡️ Ruicheng City God Temple ➡️ Yuncheng Day 3 Yuncheng ➡️ Jiezhou Guan Yu Temple ➡️ Chi God Temple ➡️ Yuncheng Museum ➡️ Yuncheng Airport The cultural relics in Yuncheng are a bit far apart, so if you're short on time, driving is the most convenient option. Picking up and returning a car at the airport is relatively convenient. There are now flights to Yuncheng from all over the country, and the tickets are not expensive. I highly recommend everyone to go and see it. Every ancient building is beautiful, and each one leaves you wanting more. I'll share a detailed guide for each spot later.

|Guangrenwang Temple, Forgotten by Time. Let me share a hidden gem in Shanxi that is both niche and charming—Guangrenwang Temple. 🌟 Highlights: 1. The beauty of Tang Dynasty architecture: Guangrenwang Temple is one of only four remaining wooden structures from the Tang Dynasty in China. The architectural style is simple and grand, with large dougong brackets and deep eaves. Every detail exudes the unique charm of Tang Dynasty architecture, as if transporting you back to the prosperous Tang era. 2. Historical and cultural heritage: The temple houses precious stone tablets from the Tang Dynasty, recording the history of the temple's construction. Through these inscriptions, you can gain a deeper understanding of the social and cultural background of that time. 3. Tranquil atmosphere: This place is relatively niche, with few tourists and no hustle and bustle. Strolling through the temple, you can quietly feel the weight of history and enjoy a rare moment of tranquility and leisure. 📍 Address: Located within the ancient Wei City wall ruins, 4 km north of Ruicheng County, Shanxi Province. 🚗 Transportation: If you choose public transportation, you can first reach Ruicheng County and then take a taxi to Guangrenwang Temple. Self-driving is more recommended, as navigation is accurate, and there are parking spaces nearby, making it convenient and free.

| Guangrenwang Temple, a Hidden Ancient Building. If you are interested in ancient buildings, you must visit Guangrenwang Temple in Yuncheng! This low-key but extremely precious Tang Dynasty building hides the secrets of time. 📍 Address: Located in the ruins of the ancient Wei city wall, 4 km north of Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. 🚗 Transportation: If you are driving, just navigate to "Guangrenwang Temple" directly, there is a parking lot nearby. If you are taking public transportation, you can go to Ruicheng County first, and then take a taxi. The distance from the county to Guangrenwang Temple is short, and it is also very convenient to take a taxi. 🕙 Opening hours: 09:00-17:00 🎫 Tickets: Free 🌟 Highlights: ✅ Tang Dynasty style: Guangrenwang Temple is one of the only four remaining wooden buildings of the Tang Dynasty in China. The main hall is simple and unadorned, with large brackets and deep eaves, full of Tang Dynasty architectural style, as if traveling back to a thousand years ago. ✅ Architectural details: The beam structure, door and window decorations of the main hall have a unique charm, and the carvings on the building are still exquisite despite the passage of time. ✅ Surrounding environment: The environment around the temple is quiet, and the historical atmosphere of the ancient Wei city ruins is strong, allowing you to feel the precipitation of history.

😜 Guys, the Yongle Palace is amazing! It was originally called the Great Chunyang Longevity Palace and is one of the first national key cultural relics protection units in China! 😲 It was built in 1247 AD and has a long history. From 1959 to 1965, the original Yongle Palace was moved from Yongle Town to the site of the ancient capital of the Western Zhou Dynasty, 2 km north of the county seat, for preservation. In addition to the famous murals, the architecture and stone carvings are also worth seeing, and the dragons next to the dougong are very distinctive! 🤩

Fu Shuo Sage Temple is located on a hill in the northeast of the county. To the north, you can overlook the remaining veins of Zhongtiao, and to the south, you can overlook the entire county, the Yellow River, and the Sanmen Gorge on the other side. Fengkou Mountain National Forest Health Base is located next to the 10,000-acre Pinus tabulaeformis forest in Fengkou Village, Zhangdian Town. There are large campsites among the jungle at the base. Standing on the observation deck next to the wind turbine, you can overlook the scenery of Yuncheng Salt Lake. It was rainy when we went, but it will definitely look particularly beautiful on a sunny day. You can also go to the nearby mountain along the wooden plank road, but because of the rain, the plank road was slippery, so I didn't go there. 🚗When going there, go to Zhongtiao Mountain in Buguan Town, and then follow the road on the top of the mountain to "Fengkou Liangdu". The return trip from Zhangdian takes the expressway, and the toll is 8 yuan.

📍Address: Yongle North Street, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province 🎫Ticket: CNY 45/person 🖼️Must-see highlights [1] Exterior: The structure of Yongle Palace, from the outermost gate to the three halls inside, is very exquisite. Those who understand architecture can take a closer look. The stone lions in front of the Wuji Hall are especially cute. [2] Mural treasures: When it comes to Yongle Palace, the most famous thing is the murals. The "Chaoyuan Tu" in the Sanqing Hall is magnificent, and the characters are vivid and lifelike. It is so delicate. It can immerse people in it and feel the charm of the intertwining of art and religion. There are murals in all three halls, and they are all very interesting. [3] Palace architecture: The architectural style of Yongle Palace is unique, with flying eaves, dougong brackets, carved beams, and painted rafters, showing the grandeur of Yuan Dynasty architecture. One of the main features of Yuan Dynasty architecture is its simplicity and grandeur. The red walls and green trees complement each other, and the simple and elegant atmosphere is overwhelming. You can take great photos with just a snap. [4] Historical stories: There are also wonderful stories here, such as Lü Dongbin's practice, and the country's efforts to protect cultural relics. A series of stone tablets next to it are engraved with various stories (the text on the stone tablets is printed on the back, but there are still many words that are difficult to identify). 📸Notes: [1] It is strictly forbidden to take photos of the murals in the three halls, even with a mobile phone! [2] In order to avoid damage to the murals by light, only natural light sources are used in the halls. It is recommended to visit on a sunny day for a clearer view. [3] You need to wear shoe covers to enter. There are free ones available at the entrance of the scenic area. [4] The cultural threshold of the scenic area is relatively high. It is recommended to hire a tour guide to listen to the explanation, which is definitely cost-effective. [5] Guangrenwang Temple is nearby, so it is very convenient to visit both. Yongle Palace is really a place full of historical and artistic charm. Whether you are a culture lover or an art enthusiast, you can find your own fun here. You must come and experience the shock and beauty that transcends time and space!

Many people come to Ruicheng for Yongle Palace, but there is an inconspicuous but very important ancient building hidden 2 km away from Yongle Palace - Guangrenwang Temple. When it comes to wooden buildings from the Tang Dynasty, there are only three and a half left in China. The oldest is the Main Hall of Nanchan Temple on Mount Wutai, the Main Hall of Foguang Temple, which Lin Huiyin and Liang Sicheng found after traveling all over the country to refute the Japanese claim that "wooden buildings from the Tang Dynasty can only be seen in Japan," and Guangrenwang Temple, which we are going to visit today. Guangrenwang Temple stands quietly in a corner of the village, which corresponds to its identity as a Taoist temple dedicated to the Dragon King for rain in ancient times, also known as Wulong Temple. Perhaps it was this ordinary identity and inconspicuous location that allowed this Tang building to escape the war and disaster and stand for thousands of years. Guangrenwang Temple is not big, and it has recently started charging an entrance fee of CNY 15 per person. If you come to Yuncheng, it is recommended to buy a Black Myth attraction package or a travel annual card, which is more cost-effective. At first glance, Guangrenwang Temple may seem ordinary, but its beams and brackets are actually real Tang Dynasty creations, and it is precisely because of their exquisite craftsmanship that they reflect the ancient people's superb skills in architecture. Guangrenwang Temple has now been expanded into a small park. In addition to the temple and the stage, many walls have been added, with many introductions to ancient building history and brackets, greatly increasing its appeal. So after visiting Yongle Palace, why not spend some time to take a good look at this Guangrenwang Temple that has stood for thousands of years.

Yongle Palace, originally named Dachunyang Longevity Palace, is a Taoist temple built in commemoration of Lü Dongbin. The Yuan Dynasty murals painted on the 1,000 square meters of walls inside the temple are one of the world's ancient mural art treasures. It is one of the first national key cultural relics protection units. Yongle Palace was built in 1247 AD, originally located in Yongle Town, 20 km southwest of Ruicheng County, the birthplace of Lü Dongbin. In the late 1950s, the state built the Sanmenxia Reservoir, and Yongle Palace was planned to be in the flooded area. After approval, the Ministry of Water Resources allocated more than 2.2 million yuan to relocate Yongle Palace to the site of the ancient capital of the Western Zhou Dynasty, 2 km north of the county seat, from 1959 to 1965. Photography is not allowed in Yongle Palace. There are photos of art students copying the murals in the courtyard, and my photos are from there.

|Winter Swan Lake. Shengtian Lake has been a beautiful place since ancient times, and is a gem on the Loess Plateau. Shengtian Lake has a relative height difference of over 200 meters, with plenty of sunshine, suitable rainfall, diverse landforms, fresh air, and rich species. It is home to 238 species of birds, 147 species of wetland plants, and 52 species of fish, making it a rare wetland wildlife gene pool in northern China. In winter, thousands of white swans descend like fairies, holy and noble. They sometimes sing, sometimes play, and sometimes fly. Like snow, like clouds, more like white moving elves, they make Shengtian Lake even more beautiful. Address: Liuwan Village, Monan Town, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province Time: 08:30-17:30 Ticket: 50

| The Mysterious "Neiguanjing." "The ancient cave has been sleeping for nineteen years, and the flowing clouds have drunk thousands of cups; when you meet people, don't talk about human affairs, just smile and point to the white clouds coming and going" -- Lu Zu Jiufeng Mountain is named after its nine peaks, which run east to west, forming a rectangular peak screen that resembles a circle chair. Therefore, the headmaster Changren Zhenren Li Zhichang wrote the mountain's name as "Jiufeng Yuyi Mountain" when he visited Lu Zu in Chunyang Cave. There is a "Hanging Bell Cave" in the mountain, also known as "Chunyang Cave." According to legend, Jiufeng Mountain Chunyang Cave is where Lu Dongbin first entered the Tao and practiced in seclusion. The famous name "Dongbin" was also derived from this mountain and cave. Lu Dongbin was also honored as Lu Zu by Yuan Shizu, and Jiufeng Mountain was conferred by the Ming Shenzong. Ruicheng County is the birthplace and place of enlightenment of the new Taoist ancestor Lu Dongbin. It is home to the Quanzhen Ancestral Temple Yongle Palace, Chunyang Upper Palace, and Jiufeng Mountain. It is one of the "72 Blessed Lands" of Taoism and is revered as the ancestral mountain of Taoism. In 2010, members of the Taoist Promotion Association discovered that in the area of Yongle Palace on the north bank of the Yellow River, scattered Taoist temple ruins, when connected with the local natural terrain, formed the image of a meditating human body. Jiufeng Mountain is the head, Qinglongjian is the spine, and Chonggou is the meridian, resembling the human body hidden in the landscape on the "Neijingtu." This suggests that Lu Zu discovered the phenomenon of the landscape resembling the human body while practicing on Jiufeng Mountain, leading to his understanding of the unity of heaven and man. Jiufeng Mountain is popular among outdoor enthusiasts and can be hiked from the Shentan Grand Canyon in Yongji.

Yongle Palace, located in Ruicheng County, Shanxi Province, is a national key cultural relic protection site. The Yongle Palace murals are one of the three largest murals in the country. The history of Yongle Palace can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, but it was during the Yuan Dynasty that it truly became a Taoist holy place. When you walk into the Yongle Palace, you will find that the architectural layout here is very exquisite, simple and solemn. But the most exciting thing is definitely the murals. The murals are mainly concentrated in the Sanqing Hall, Chunyang Hall and Chongyang Hall, each of which has its own unique charm. The Yongle Palace murals, the world-stunning Yuan Dynasty murals, cover an area of ​​more than 1,000 square meters, with rich themes and superb brushwork. After 700 years, they still shock China and are famous overseas, being praised as "Oriental Art Gallery" and "Masterpieces in the History of World Painting". The murals in the Sanqing Hall can be said to be the treasure of the Yongle Palace. The murals here are brightly colored and the characters are vivid. Every detail of the gods, immortals, maids, etc. in the paintings is lifelike. In Chunyang Hall, you can see the story of Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals in Taoism. He looks energetic in the murals and has a very immortal feel. The Chongyang Hall displays the story of Wang Chongyang, the founder of Quanzhen Sect. Based on my experience of visiting the Yongle Palace, if you want to understand the murals more deeply, I suggest you ask for an explanation, otherwise ordinary people will just be there to watch the fun. In addition to the murals, the architecture of Yongle Palace itself is also worth seeing. Every corner of those exquisite wood carvings and stone carvings reveals the ingenuity of ancient craftsmen. Opening hours: Spring, summer, autumn: 8:00-18:00 Winter: 9:00-17:00

|A 1,000-year-old tree. At the entrance to Nantan Village in Ruicheng County, Shanxi, there is a ginkgo tree that is over 1,600 years old. The tree is 25 meters tall and 5–6 people are needed to encircle it. Due to its age, it is known as the "King of Living Fossils" in Yuncheng City. The 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree is located at the entrance to Nantan Village in Ruicheng County, Shanxi, on the road from Nantan Mountain Valley to Jiufeng Mountain (where Lü Dongbin became an immortal). The tree is lush and tall, with a trunk about 30 meters in circumference, and is revered by the locals as a "sacred tree." According to legend, Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals and the founder of Quanzhen Taoism, once helped people and educated the villagers under this tree. The hardworking, simple, and honest folk customs have been passed down to this day. If you haven't had enough of the high skies and light clouds of early autumn, the colorful mid-autumn, and the romantic late autumn, winter is here. This ginkgo tree is covered in golden leaves, like a dazzling golden armor, and the brilliant yellow is like a mesmerizing painting. Address: Nantan Village, Dawang Town, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province

|Check in at a famous Yuan Dynasty temple. Qingliang Temple not only preserves dozens of priceless stone tablets from the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, but the existing Mahavira Hall has also withstood the test of time and still retains the original architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty. The design of the hall is magnificent, the shape is majestic, the dougong is simple and magnificent, and the beams are rough and bold. In order to expand the practical area of the hall, the "column reduction" method was adopted, and the large beams were directly supported under the flat beams from the back of the eaves, reducing the load on the net span of the beams. This was a major innovation in the architectural structure of the Yuan Dynasty and provided valuable physical materials for the study of the architectural style of the Yuan Dynasty. Qingliang Temple is a famous temple of the Yuan Dynasty, located in Silicun Village at the foot of the beautiful Ganzao Mountain, and is named after the gurgling Gongshui River. Qingliang Temple is an important local temple. In the 12th year of the Republic of China edition of "Ruicheng County Chronicle", there are many poems by literati of past dynasties praising Qingliang Temple. At the end of the Ming Dynasty, Yin Run, a native of Mounan, Ruicheng, wrote two poems, "Traveling to Qingliang Temple" and "Staying at Qingliang Temple": "The temple remembers the place where it was born, and people love it when they come again. The old monks are all gone, and the ancient trees are left behind. The mountain is dripping with green. The sound of the spring is choking in the evening sun. I have many feelings when I climb up, and the white clouds hang at the mouth of the stream." "I stayed at the mountain temple with a hanging lamp, and I was always calm when I came here. I imagined the old road, and the bell rang in the middle of the night. The green apes are more dangerous than ever, and the white cranes are hidden in the deep pines. The monk is meditating when the moon sets, and the clouds are sealed in layers." Address: Potou Village, Ximo Town, 25 km northeast of Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Tickets: Free

|Check in at the Eight Ancient Sights of Ruicheng. Shousheng Temple Pagoda was built in the Eastern Han Dynasty and is one of the 19 Ashoka pagodas built when Buddhism first entered China. During the reign of Emperor Shenzong of the Song Dynasty, the pagoda was given the name "Shousheng Temple" and the emperor personally inscribed the temple plaque. Through the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, Shousheng Temple Pagoda has always been a landmark of Ruicheng and is known as the "Morning Bell of the Pagoda Temple," one of the Eight Ancient Sights of Ruicheng. The original staircase in the hollow interior of the pagoda has been destroyed, but traces of calligraphy and paintings remain on the walls. The inscriptions of visitors from the Yuan and Ming dynasties are basically intact, while the 20-square-meter Song Dynasty murals depict the Buddha, Bodhisattvas, and donors with delicate features, strong and smooth lines, and elegant colors. Although the colors have long since faded due to smoke and fire, the painting style is still clearly discernible, making it a rare surviving example of Song Dynasty art. Location: No. 29, Sheli East Street, Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. Transportation: Take bus 109 or Yuncheng bus 109 to Ruicheng Convention and Exhibition Center Station, then walk to this ancient and elegant pagoda.

| Yudao River, stationed here. Dayudu is also known as Shenbai Valley. According to historical records, its ancient site belongs to the Longshan culture and is a prosperous place for early human activities. According to historical records and local legends, around 2100 BC, the Yellow River basin was flooded, and the people were in dire straits. Dayu was ordered by Shun to lead the people to control the water. He followed the mountains to cut down trees and surveyed the water situation. He came here and planted a cypress tree as a sign to determine the high mountains and rivers to observe the water situation. Under the cypress tree, he was enlightened by the holy water Guanyin and realized the good strategy of dredging and guiding the water. He stationed the water control army here, and then took a boat to chisel the Longmen and open the three gates. He continued to control the water for 13 years, passing by his home three times without looking back, and finally succeeded in controlling the water. Later generations were deeply admired by Dayu's spirit and merits, so they called the place where Dayu was enlightened by the gods and the water control army set off by boat "Dayudu", and the big cypress tree that Dayu personally planted as a mark was called "Shenbai". Today, the sacred cypress tree personally planted by Dayu, with its branches towering into the sky and its dragon head and iron bones, still stands on the cliff of Dayudu. Under the sacred cypress tree, there is still a stone tablet from the fourth year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty, "Shenbai Valley Rebuilt Yuwang Temple Stele", which eloquently tells the long and profound history of Dayudu and witnesses the changes of the times. Address: 10 kilometers southeast of the county seat of Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City Tickets: 48 yuan per adult, 24 yuan per person for children 1.2m-1.4m, free for children under 1.2m.

Went to see the whooper swan! ! ! From November each year to March of the following year, Shengtian Lake will welcome thousands of Siberian white swans to spend the winter here. If you take children on a weekend trip to Xi'an, you must go here! 📍Address: Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province 🚗Transportation: Navigate directly to "Shengtian Lake" by self-driving, and it will take about 2.4 hours to arrive. 🎫Tickets: Ticket RMB50 + Scenic Area Transportation RMB20, package group special price RMB30 Watch the Swan Guide: ✅Beach area: This is where swans are densely populated, and tourists can watch swans up close here. ✅Thousand-acre lotus pond area: The number of swans here is more than that in other areas of Shengtian Lake, but the distribution is relatively scattered. Travel tips: ❗The swans are fed 2 bags of corn kernels for RMB10. ❗It is recommended to take the scenic transportation bus, which is 8 kilometers away. Stop at any time. Be sure to keep your bracelets away! ! I want to see it when I get on the bus~~ ❗Currently there are very few restaurants operating normally in the scenic area, so it is recommended to bring your own lunch for a day trip. ❗There are also cruise ships, parent-child paradise, sand factory and other projects in the scenic area.

Yuncheng Travel Guide Day 1: Salt Lake Scenic Area and Guandi Temple Morning: Head to Salt Lake Scenic Area to enjoy the beautiful scenery, experience floating on the lake, and enjoy the unique salt lake culture. Afternoon: Visit Guandi Temple to learn about the legendary story of Guan Yu and experience the profound culture of Guan Gong. Day 2: Yongle Palace and Wulao Peak Morning: Visit Yongle Palace to admire Yuan Dynasty murals and experience the charm of Taoist culture. Afternoon: Climb Wulao Peak to overlook the beautiful scenery of Yuncheng and enjoy the fun of climbing. Day 3: Yuncheng Museum and Nanfeng Square Morning: Visit Yuncheng Museum to learn about the history and culture of Yuncheng and experience its long history. Afternoon: Head to Nanfeng Square to experience local life and feel the modern atmosphere of Yuncheng. Notes: Plan your itinerary reasonably and pay attention to sun protection and rest. Respect local customs and protect cultural relics. Try local delicacies such as oil-splashed noodles and lamb paomo. I hope this guide will help you have a pleasant holiday in Yuncheng!

#traveldiaries Yuncheng Yanchi is located in the south of Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, at the northern foot of Zhongtiao Mountain.Yanchi is bordered by Qiligang and Shishiligang in Yuncheng City to the north, Zhongtiao Mountain to the south, Anyi to the east, and Jiezhou to the west.The salt pond is 20 to 35 kilometers long from east to west and 3 to 5 kilometers wide from north to south. It is surrounded by high ground and a low-lying shape in the middle. The total area is about 130 square kilometers. The surface of the pond is 320 meters above sea level and the water depth is 0.22 meters. It is a natural inland salt lake. Yuncheng Salt Pond is rich in resources. In addition to salt and Glauber's salt, there are also magnesium sulfate, calcium sulfate, potassium, bromine, boron and other rare elements. The history of Yanchi can be traced back to the early spring and autumn, when the pond salt in Hedong was already very famous.During the Two Han Dynasties, salt officials were set up in Anyi County to manage salt industry affairs.The output of Hedong Salt Pond in the Song Dynasty reached 82.5 million catties.By the mid-1980s, the salt pond had an annual output of 30,000 tons of raw salt, and the annual chemical production capacity was 37,000 tons of alkali sulfide and 280,000 tons of anhydrous glauber's salt. Because its salt content is similar to the “Dead Sea” in the Middle East, people can float without sinking in the water, so it is known as the “Dead Sea of China”. Yuncheng Salt Lake Scenic Area is located in the central area of Salt Lake Lake. It is a national 4A-level scenic area, integrating humanities, ecology, greenness and health.Relying on the unique salt lake resources, the scenic area has developed tourism projects such as “floating in the dead sea, black mud health, hot spring hydrotherapy, mineral salt physiotherapy, and salt spray to clear the lungs”. The formation of Yuncheng Salt Pond can be traced back to the period of the tectonic movement of the Himalayas in the Cenozoic Era, and it has a history of about 50 million years.Due to the large-scale subsidence of the ground to the north of Zhongtiao Mountain, the original prototype of Yuncheng Basin and salt pond was formed.After long-term precipitation and evaporation, a natural salt lake has been formed. Yuncheng Yanchi's unique geographical location and rich natural resources make it the largest lake in Shanxi Province, which has a profound impact on local economic development and cultural inheritance.From the legendary battle between the Yanhuang Alliance and Chi You in the “Zhuolu" near Yanchi, to the many legends of Yao, Shun, and Yu in the southern Jin Region, to the development and prosperity of the Xia, Shang, and San Dynasties in Hedong, Heluo, and Guanzhong regions, they are all within hundreds of miles of Hedong Yanchi.

#traveldiaries Yuncheng has a long history. During the Western Jin Dynasty, it belonged to Hedong County, Sizhou. During the Sixteen Kingdoms Period, it was a land for various ethnic minorities. In the Qing Dynasty, it was divided into 1 prefecture and 2 prefectures, which belonged to Hedong Road, Shanxi.During the Republic of China period, it was assigned to the Shanxi Provincial Government and the Yuncheng Special Zone was established.In 2000, a prefecture-level transportation city was established. Yuncheng is an important area for the activities of the Huangdi, Yandi, and Chi You, the ancestors of the Chinese nation, as well as Yao, Shun, and Yu. Chinese civilization is slowly unfolding here. Yuncheng City is rich in cultural heritage. As of April 2024, there are 28 national intangible cultural heritage projects and 153 provincial-level projects.There are 6,205 immovable cultural relics of various types, including 102 national-level protected cultural relics, which ranks first among prefecture-level cities in the country and is known as the “No. 1 National Treasure City”. There are national AAAA-level tourist attractions such as Houtu Temple, Wulaofeng, and Yuncheng Salt Lake in Yuncheng City, as well as famous attractions such as Jiezhou Guandi Temple, Stork Bird Tower, and Yongle Palace, which have attracted a large number of tourists to visit. Yuncheng City has a complex geological structure, with three types of terrain: mountains, hills, and plains. The climate belongs to a warm temperate continental monsoon climate.There is Lake Wu Surnamed, the largest freshwater lake in Shanxi, in Yuncheng, and the river belongs to the Yellow River Basin. Yuncheng City is located in the heart of the “Golden Triangle” of the Yellow River in Jin, Shaanxi, Henan and Henan. It inherits the east and the west, runs through the north and south, and radiates the Central Plains. It is the combination of North China, Northwest China, and the Central Plains of China, and it is also an important node for the country to implement the “Belt and Road” initiative. In summary, Yuncheng City is a city with a long history, deep cultural heritage, rapid economic development and rich tourism resources. It is worth a visit.

Get exotic photos 📷 📍Xihoudu Site (Yuncheng, Shanxi) 🎫CNY 130/person This is one of the earliest Paleolithic sites discovered in China It is the place where the first sacred fire of mankind was lit There are the earliest traces of fire use🔥 Very historical Standing on the high platform of the site, you can overlook the Yellow River Every shot is a blockbuster 📷 📝 1️⃣The scenic area is not big, it can be visited in about half an hour, and one to two hours is enough for taking photos 2️⃣It is not recommended to go to this site alone, you can plan a trip to Yuncheng, Yuncheng has a lot of ancient buildings, such as Yongle Palace, Guangrenwang Temple, Guandi Temple, Feiyun Tower, etc., which are all worth a visit.

Shanxi is a must-visit destination for ancient architecture enthusiasts. It is a place where dreams last for a thousand years and a single glance can span ten thousand years. Only by visiting in person can you truly appreciate the soul-stirring impact of its ancient bricks, tiles, and wood. Liang Sicheng once said, "Without visiting Shanxi, you won't know the full potential of timber construction." There are countless ancient buildings in Shanxi. Yongle Palace is not very large, but its main attractions are its ancient architecture and murals. The three large murals inside the halls are considered to be the second most important mural discovery after Dunhuang. 「Tour Route」 From south to north: Palace Gate → Wuji Gate → Three Purities Hall → Pure Yang Hall → Chongyang Hall → Exit through the left and right outer roads of Yongle Palace 「Must-See」 1 Murals in all three halls, especially the exquisite "Morning Yuan" mural in the main hall, the Three Purities Hall 2 The vertical plaque "Wuji Gate" is the only surviving original Yuan Dynasty wooden plaque in Yongle Palace. 3 Coffered ceiling in the halls, 4 glazed dragon-shaped roof ornaments, 5 mortise and tenon wood structure Monument to the construction of Yongle Palace during the Yuan Dynasty 「Practical」 1 To protect the cultural relics, photography is not allowed inside the halls (mural photos provided by official sources) 2 It is recommended to visit with a tour guide or do your research before going 3 Opening hours: 9:00-17:00 (Closed on Mondays) 4 Adults 50 Half price 25 「About Photography」 Apart from the murals, all the must-see items mentioned above are worth learning and recording. The red walls outside the palace and the ancient buildings inside the palace are good for taking photos. Transportation: 1 Self-driving/Taxi 2 Yuncheng North Railway Station - Ruicheng Bus Station - Take Bus No. 109