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Jinzhong is a prefecture-level city under the jurisdiction of Shanxi Province, located in the central part of Shanxi Province. It is the birthplace of Shanxi merchants and has preserved a large number of Ming and Qing courtyards, among which Pingyao Ancient City, Qiao Family Courtyard, Wang Family Courtyard, Chang Family Manor, Zhangbi Ancient Castle, and Zishou Temple are the most representative.
From the popularity of the movie "Raise the Red Lantern" to the sensations of the TV series "Silver Valley" and "Qiao Family Courtyard", the drama "Beginning of Autumn" and the dance drama "A Handful of Sour Jujubes", Shanxi merchant culture seems to be a not-too-distant cultural layer that has been pulled out of Shanxi and swept across the country.
Spring is dry and windy, summer is hot and rainy, autumn is clear and cool, and winter is cold and snowy. Spring and autumn are the best times to travel.
Pingyao Ancient City
Known as one of the "Four Best-Preserved Ancient Cities," it is also one of only two ancient cities in China to have been successfully nominated as a World Cultural Heritage site as a whole. Throughout Chinese history, it has presented an extraordinary and complete picture of cultural, social, economic, and religious development.
Wang Family Courtyard
More than ten TV series, including "A Hundred Years of Changes", "Ancient Town and Great River", and "Guanzhong Past", were filmed here. The Wang Family Courtyard is a culmination of Qing Dynasty residential architecture. It is large in scale and boasts "Five Alleys", "Five Forts", and "Five Ancestral Halls".
Qiao Family Compound
Qiao Family Compound is also known as "Zhongzhongtang". The entire courtyard is in the shape of a double "Xi" character. It is exquisitely built, with well-matched bricks and tiles, fine workmanship, brackets and flying eaves, colorful decorations and gold decorations, bricks, stones and wood carvings, and exquisite workmanship. It is praised by experts and scholars as "a shining pearl in the history of northern residential architecture" and there is a saying that "the royal family has the Forbidden City, and the civilians look at the Qiao Family Compound."
Yuci Old Town
The starting point of the Jin Merchants Tourism Golden Route. Eight major attractions, including the County Government Office and the City God Temple, each have their own unique characteristics. A variety of Chinese folk art performances imbue the old town with spirit and vitality. Over 50 film and television dramas have been filmed there, gradually making it the largest film and television city in North China.
Recommended play time: 1-3 days
Jinzhong, located in Shanxi Province, is known for its rich cultural heritage. It has a long history as a center for commerce, culture, and traditional Chinese architecture. Key landmarks, such as Jinci Temple, date back over 1,000 years, and the area is famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture and historical sites.
Jinzhong is located in the central part of Shanxi Province. It can be accessed from Taiyuan, the provincial capital, by train, bus, or taxi. Public transportation options like buses are available within the city for getting around. Walking is a great way to explore the ancient streets and attractions.
The city and its main attractions are open year-round. The best time to visit is in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild. The summer months can be quite hot, and winters are cold but less crowded.
Ticket prices for attractions such as the Qiao Family Compound and Jinci Temple typically range from 50 to 120 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through travel platforms. Some sites offer combined tickets for multiple attractions.
Booking tickets in advance is advisable during peak seasons (spring and autumn). It is recommended to book at least a few days in advance to avoid long lines, especially for popular attractions like Jinci Temple.
To fully explore the main attractions in Jinzhong, such as Jinci Temple, the Qiao Family Compound, and the city’s ancient streets, plan to spend at least one full day. If you plan to visit surrounding natural sites or museums, consider spending an additional day.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are also available in multiple languages, including English, for many of the major attractions.
Start by visiting Jinci Temple early in the day to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Then, head to the Qiao Family Compound, followed by a stroll through the city’s ancient streets. In the afternoon, visit the Jinzhong Museum or relax by the Fen River.
Jinzhong does not typically offer night visits or light shows. However, the city’s historical streets are beautifully lit at night, offering a serene atmosphere for an evening walk.
Jinzhong can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. The least crowded times to visit are on weekdays, especially during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant but the crowds are smaller.
Toilets are available at most tourist sites. There are several shops selling local souvenirs and snacks, and food stalls and restaurants offer traditional Shanxi cuisine. Rest areas are available in some of the more visited locations like Jinci Temple and the Qiao Family Compound.
The cobbled streets and uneven terrain may pose some difficulty for elderly or disabled visitors. However, most major attractions such as Jinci Temple have paved paths and can be accessed with assistance. Children can enjoy the open spaces and historical buildings.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in Jinzhong. Credit cards may not be as commonly accepted, especially in smaller shops or restaurants.
There are several local restaurants and cafes serving Shanxi cuisine, including traditional noodle dishes and steamed buns. Local eateries are located near major attractions, such as Jinci Temple and the Qiao Family Compound.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in Jinzhong, especially at restaurants offering local specialties. Halal food options may be limited, but some restaurants catering to Muslim travelers might offer such dishes.
There are a variety of accommodations ranging from budget hotels to more upscale options near the city center. Traditional courtyard-style guesthouses are also available for those looking for a more authentic experience.
Souvenir shops in Jinzhong offer local crafts such as Shanxi lacquerware, pottery, and traditional paper cuttings. Local snacks and teas are also popular as souvenirs.
