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In Situ Town, visitors can explore the traditional architecture, local markets, and scenic surroundings. Popular activities include walking through the ancient streets, visiting local temples, and sampling Shanxi's famous cuisine. Don't miss out on trying the region’s specialty, the Shanxi vinegar, at local shops.
Located northeast of downtown Jincheng, Situ Town recreates the authentic life of Shanxi's urban life over a millennium. It's a great place to experience the vibrant Shanxi folk customs and savor Shanxi cuisine. The live performance of the "iron flower" technique, a provincial intangible cultural heritage and a millennium-old skill, is also worth a visit.
Spring Festival is a prime time for visiting Situ Town. Strolling through the quaint old town, where lanterns hung high from the Ming and Qing dynasties create a festive atmosphere, folk performances like lion and dragon dances, stilt walking, and land boat racing draw applause from the audience. Traditional folk arts like blowing sugar figurines, painting sugar paintings, paper cutting, and facial makeup are performed in the town, creating a sense of time travel back to the Ming and Qing dynasties.
It's worth noting that the Situ Town team of over a thousand people crafting iron flowers is the first such feat in Chinese history. As night falls, shirtless individuals simultaneously strike out, their furnaces blazing, their molten iron ablaze. Sweat mingles with the molten iron, and the flowers bloom like celestial blossoms, dazzling and dazzling. Under the night sky, sparks glitter like celestial flowers.
Climate: Warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate
Best time to travel: All seasons, the best time is Spring Festival
Recommended places to visit: Millennium Iron Soul, See Old Shanxi Again, Qixi Garden, Six-foot Alley, Jinshang Banquet, etc.
Recommended play time: more than half a day
09:30-21:00 year-round (last entry 20:00); Millennium Iron Soul performances at 20:00, no performances on Mondays, normal performances from Tuesday to Sunday; Encounter Old Shanxi performance time: 16:00
Situ Town is a historical town in Shanxi province known for its rich culture and traditional architecture. It has been an important center for commerce and culture in the region for centuries, with well-preserved buildings that showcase traditional Chinese construction methods.
Situ Town is located in the Shanxi province, about 40 km southeast of Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi. The best way to reach the town is by taxi or private car, as public transport options are limited. From Taiyuan, you can take a bus or taxi directly to Situ Town.
Situ Town is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild. The town can be busy during Chinese holidays, so visiting on weekdays is recommended for a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee for Situ Town is typically around ¥30. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via local ticketing platforms.
Booking tickets in advance is not strictly necessary, but it is recommended during peak travel seasons or for group visits. Booking a few days ahead is advisable if you plan to visit during holidays.
A visit to Situ Town can be completed in about 2-3 hours, especially if you're planning to explore the main sights like the historical streets and local markets. If you're interested in exploring the surrounding natural scenery, you might want to extend your visit to half a day.
Must-see highlights in Situ Town include the ancient streets with traditional architecture, local temples, and the Shanxi Vinegar Museum. You should also take time to walk through the town's markets to experience local life.
Guided tours are available in Situ Town, with services often provided in Mandarin. Some private guides may offer tours in English, but it's recommended to check in advance.
The best photography spots are along the ancient streets, where traditional houses and temples provide a picturesque backdrop. The rooftops of some buildings also offer great views of the surrounding landscape.
Start your visit with a walk through the main ancient street, then head to the local market. After that, explore the local temples and the Shanxi Vinegar Museum. If you have time, enjoy a relaxing walk in the surrounding countryside.
Night visits or light shows are not typically offered in Situ Town. The town is best explored during daylight hours, where the traditional architecture is most visible and accessible.
Situ Town can get crowded during weekends and holidays, especially in summer and autumn. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon.
The town has basic facilities, including public toilets, water fountains, and a few rest areas. There are several small shops selling local products and food. However, there are limited large restaurants within the town.
Situ Town is relatively accessible, but the cobblestone streets may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. Elderly visitors and children will have no trouble navigating the main areas, but it’s best to avoid the steeper paths.
While cash is still accepted, mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used in Situ Town. It's a good idea to have cash on hand in case you encounter small vendors who may not accept mobile payments.
Inside Situ Town, there are a few local eateries offering Shanxi specialties such as noodles and fried buns. For more dining options, visitors can travel to Taiyuan, which has a wide variety of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian and vegan food is available at some local restaurants, but options may be limited. Halal food can be found in nearby towns, particularly in Taiyuan, which has a significant Muslim population.
There are limited accommodation options in Situ Town itself. For more choices, visitors can stay in Taiyuan, which offers a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury options. Some local guesthouses near the town are also available for a more authentic experience.
Nearby attractions include the Taiyuan Ancient City, Jinci Temple, and the Twin Pagoda Temple. These landmarks can easily be visited on a day trip from Situ Town.
Yes, there are souvenir shops in Situ Town selling local handicrafts, Shanxi vinegar, and traditional silk items. Local snacks and teas are also popular souvenirs.
The best transportation options to continue your trip are by taxi or private car. Alternatively, you can return to Taiyuan for train or bus connections to other destinations in Shanxi.
