GU LOU SLICED NOODLES

The location of this restaurant is very good, just at the southeast corner of the Drum Tower, next to the intersection of Drum Tower East Street, and facing the Drum Tower through the French windows in the restaurant. It is a fast food restaurant. You can order your food at the front desk and pick it up when it is ready. They also have milk tea and coffee. In the morning, I had a set meal, which was just right. The portion was large, and I probably couldn't finish it if I had a small appetite. The taste was also more authentic Shanxi flavor.

Today is the first time I set foot on the land of Shanxi, and the first time I ate authentic local knife-cut noodles. This noodle shop next to the Drum Tower in the old city of Datong has a strong Internet celebrity style. The shop is well organized, the noodles taste very good, and the price is cheaper than Beijing

How can you not have a bowl of knife-cut noodles when you go to Datong, Shanxi? The location and decoration of Gulou Knife-cut Noodles are very good, especially the taste of the knife-cut noodles is very authentic.

Shanxi, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, boasts a rich tapestry of ancient architecture, grotto art, and Shanxi merchant culture. This guide will take you on a journey from north to south, exploring the best of Shanxi on a budget of under 9,000 yuan. It's perfect for travelers who enjoy history, architecture, and cuisine. 📅 Itinerary Overview Day 1: Arrive in Taiyuan → Jin Temple → Shanxi Museum Day 2: Taiyuan → Mount Wutai (Foguang Temple, Bodhisattva Peak) Day 3: Mount Wutai (Dailuo Peak, Xiantong Temple) → Hanging Temple → Datong Day 4: Datong (Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple) Day 5: Datong → Pingyao Ancient City Day 6: Pingyao Ancient City → Wang Family Courtyard → Hukou Waterfall Day 7: Hukou Waterfall → Linfen (Guangsheng Temple) → Taiyuan Day 8: Return from Taiyuan 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations Taiyuan (2 nights): Four-star hotel, approximately 400-600 RMB/night Mount Wutai (1 night): Boutique inn within the scenic area, approximately 300-500 RMB/night Datong (1 night): Hotel near the ancient city, approximately 350-550 RMB/night Pingyao (1 night): Characteristic B&B within the ancient city, approximately 400-700 RMB/night Hukou Waterfall (1 night): Hotel near the scenic area, approximately 300-450 RMB/night Total Accommodation Budget: Approximately 3,000 RMB 🚗 Transportation Major Transportation: Round-trip high-speed rail/flight (e.g., Beijing high-speed rail, approximately 600 RMB round-trip) Intra-province Transportation: Chartered car/high-speed rail/tourist bus (approximately 2,500 RMB) Local Transportation: Scenic area electric carts, taxis, etc. (approximately 500 RMB) Total Transportation Budget: Approximately 3,600 RMB 📍 Daily Itinerary Day 1: First Experience of Taiyuan Culture Morning: Arrive in Taiyuan and check in to your hotel. Afternoon: Visit the Jin Temple (80 yuan admission) and admire Song Dynasty painted sculptures. Evening: Visit the Shanxi Museum (free) and learn about the civilization of Shanxi. Day 2: Pilgrimage to Mount Wutai Morning: Travel to Mount Wutai by car (3 hours). Afternoon: Visit Foguang Temple (15 yuan admission) and Bodhisattva Peak (10 yuan admission). Evening: Accommodate at the Mount Wutai Scenic Area. Day 3: The Wonders of the Hanging Temple. Morning: Climb Dailuo Peak (8 yuan admission) and worship the Five-Directions Manjusri. Afternoon: Visit the Hanging Temple (125 yuan admission) and marvel at the wonders of ancient architecture. Evening: Arrive in Datong and check in. Day 4: A Feast of Yungang Grottoes Art. Full Day: In-depth Tour of the Yungang Grottoes (120 yuan admission) and Huayan Temple (65 yuan admission). Evening: Savor Datong Sliced ​​Noodles. Day Day 5: Shanxi Merchants Cultural Tour Morning: Drive to Pingyao (4-hour drive) Afternoon: Tour Pingyao Ancient City (125 RMB pass) and visit the Rishengchang Bank Day 6: Wang Family Courtyard + Hukou Waterfall Morning: Visit Wang Family Courtyard (55 RMB admission), the "Folk Forbidden City" Afternoon: Depart for Hukou Waterfall (5-hour drive) Evening: Watch the sunset over the Yellow River Day 7: Guangsheng Temple Glazed Pagoda Morning: Visit Hukou Waterfall (100 RMB admission) Afternoon: Visit Guangsheng Temple (55 RMB admission) and see the colorful glazed pagoda Evening: Return to Taiyuan Day 8: Return to Taiyuan Morning: Purchase Shanxi specialties (aged vinegar, Pingyao beef) Afternoon: Return based on flight/train schedule 💰 Budget Overview Items Budget (RMB) Transportation 3600 Accommodation (7 nights) 3000 Food and Beverage 1500 Entrance Fees 600 Other 300 Total 9000 🍜 Must-Try Foods Taiyuan: Tou Nao, Guoyou Rou Datong: Knife-Cut Noodles, Sheep Offal Pingyao: Pingyao Beef, Wantiao Southern Shanxi: Hele Noodles, Yellow River Carp 📌 Useful Tips Best Season: April-June, September-October (avoid extreme cold) Admission Discount: 50% off for seniors over 60 and students with ID Photography Tip: Flash photography is prohibited at the Yungang Grottoes Reminder: Mount Wutai experiences significant temperature fluctuations, so bring a jacket. This guide covers the best of Shanxi's UNESCO World Heritage sites and national treasures. Daily driving time is limited to 3-5 hours, ensuring a thorough and stress-free experience. If you need to adjust your itinerary, you may wish to omit some attractions. #Yikou Waterfall #Hengshan Hanging Temple #Wutaishan Buddhist Holy Land #Wutaishan Xiantong Temple

Datong In-Depth Tour Guide: 3 Days, 2 Nights to Experience World Heritage and the Ancient City (Starting from ¥1,000 per person) I. Tickets and Experiences for Key Attractions World Heritage Three-Piece Package Yungang Grottoes: ¥120/person, one of China's four major grottoes. It's recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and focus on viewing the open-air Buddha statues in the Five Tan Yao Grottoes, where the details of the Buddha's clothing are well-preserved. Hanging Temple: ¥15/person (entrance fee) + ¥100/person (climbing fee). Those with a fear of heights can enjoy the view from a distance. The temple is built into the cliff face, its wooden structure blending seamlessly with the mountain. Hengshan: ¥45/person, a renowned Taoist mountain. The hike to the summit takes 3-4 hours. Those less physically fit can take the cable car (¥70/person one-way) for a panoramic view of the Hunhe Gorge. Ancient City Cultural Landmark Huayan Temple: ¥50/person, a Liao and Jin Dynasty architectural gem. The "Oriental Venus" painted sculpture in the Bhagavat Hall is not to be missed. A guided tour is recommended (approximately ¥50/session). Shanhua Temple: Free admission, featuring well-preserved Liao Dynasty architecture, with its red walls and ancient trees creating a striking contrast. Perfect for photographing in Hanfu (Chinese traditional clothing). Datong Ancient City Wall: Free access to the city walls. In the evening, rent a bicycle (30 yuan/hour) for a circular tour. The blue brick walls and moat against the setting sun create a perfect photo op. II. Accommodation Recommendations and Price Range In the Ancient City Core Area (within walking distance of attractions) James Joyce Coffetel (Datong Ancient City Branch): 300-400 yuan/night. Featuring a retro industrial design, free breakfast and a fitness room, it's just a 10-minute walk from Huayan Temple. Datong Golden Land Howard Johnson Plaza: 500-700 yuan/night. City-view themed rooms offer panoramic views of the ancient city at night. It also features an indoor heated pool and a VR experience area. Budget Options (Near the Ancient City) Hanting Hotel (Datong Railway Station, Ancient City Wudingmen Branch): 200-300 yuan/night. Family rooms include free laundry service. It's a 15-minute walk from the ancient city wall. All Seasons Hotel (Datong Municipal Government Museum Branch): 350-450 RMB/night, with a hearty breakfast and free pick-up service, perfect for high-speed rail arrivals. III. Authentic Cuisine and Average Cost Must-Try Intangible Cultural Heritage and Specialty Dishes Fenglin Pavilion: Hundred Flower Shaomai (68 RMB/cup), shaped like flowers, served with Hunyuan Liangfen (12 RMB/bowl). Average cost: 90-120 RMB/bowl. Longjuxiang Shaomai Restaurant: Soft, sweet, and tender yellow rice jelly (18 RMB/portion), and rich, brothy knife-cut noodles (15 RMB/bowl). Average cost: 50-70 RMB/bowl. Kaige Restaurant: Braised Pork (18 RMB/half portion) and Wind Sand Chicken (29 RMB/half portion), both excellent value, costing 40-60 RMB/bowl. Snacks and Night Markets Gulou Sliced ​​Noodles: Traditional meat sauce sliced ​​noodles, 12 RMB/bowl, served with shabu-shabu beef tripe (20 RMB/portion). Average cost: 25 RMB/bowl. Yonghe Hongqi Food City: Yingxian Liangfen (10 yuan/bowl) and Dousi (5 yuan/20 skewers), perfect for a quick craving. Three-Day Itinerary and Budget Guide Day 1: Ancient City Cultural Tour Morning: Huayan Temple (2 hours) → Shanhua Temple (1 hour) → Nine Dragon Wall (free, 30 minutes). Afternoon: Cycling along the Ancient City Wall (2 hours) → Datong Museum (free, 2 hours, reservation required). Dinner: Fenglin Pavilion (intangible cultural heritage steamed buns and liangfen). Accommodation: B&B in the Ancient City (150 yuan per person). Budget: 100 yuan entrance fee + 120 yuan food and beverages + 150 yuan accommodation = 370 yuan. Day 2: World Heritage Tour Morning: Yungang Grottoes (3 hours, guided tour recommended). Afternoon: Hanging Temple (2 hours, including climbing) → Hengshan Mountain (3 hours, hiking or cable car). Dinner: Longjuxiang Shaomai Restaurant (yellow rice jelly and copper hot pot). Accommodation: All Seasons Hotel (200 yuan per person). Budget: 260 yuan entrance fee + 80 yuan food and beverages + 200 yuan accommodation = 540 yuan. Day 3: Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience and Return Trip Morning: Weave an Intangible Cultural Heritage bracelet at the Pingcheng Memory Museum (30 yuan per person) → Enjoy coffee at the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda (wooden pagoda-shaped coffee, 38 yuan per cup). Afternoon: Purchase souvenirs at Huayan Temple Square (Yanggao apricot preserves, 20 yuan per bag). Budget: Experience 30 yuan + Coffee 38 yuan + Souvenirs 20 yuan = 88 yuan. V. Transportation Guide and Costs External Transportation: Beijing → Datong: High-speed rail, approximately 2.5 hours (150 yuan per person), or overnight bus (200 yuan per person, 6.5 hours). Taiyuan → Datong: High-speed rail, approximately 2 hours (100 yuan per person). Intra-city Transportation: Bus: 1-2 yuan per trip, covering major attractions. Taxi: Starting price 8 yuan, about 30 yuan from the ancient city to the Yungang Grottoes. Car rental: Electric cars 80 yuan/day (applicable for Erhai Lake circumnavigation, shared bicycles available in Datong). VI. Pitfall Avoidance Guide and Practical Tips Climbing the Hanging Temple: Those with acrophobia should be cautious; the ground-level observation deck is free and safe. Yungang Grottoes Tour: Official tour guides are 150 yuan per group; you can join a group to share the cost. Hengshan Mountain Hiking: Wear non-slip shoes; the temperature at the top of the mountain fluctuates greatly, so bring a jacket. Food Lines: Popular restaurants like Fenglinge and Longjuxiang recommend arriving before 5:30 PM. Photography Time: Sunset view of the ancient city wall (6:00 PM-7:00 PM), Huayan Temple red walls (before 9:00 AM). VII. Total Budget (Three Days, Two Nights) Budget: 800-1000 yuan (for hostel, public transportation, and snacks). Comfortable: 1,500-2,000 RMB (four-star hotel + taxi + dinner). Luxury: 2,500-3,000 RMB (five-star hotel + chartered car + high-end dining). Datong, steeped in millennia of history, blends the awe of its World Heritage sites with the warmth of everyday life. For just 1,000 RMB per person, you can embark on a cultural journey through the Liao and Jin dynasties.