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Qin refers to Shaanxi Province, which was divided into the Guanzhong Plain, the southern Shaanxi mountainous area, and the northern Shaanxi Plateau according to local customs. Jin was the most important vassal state in central and southern Shanxi during the Spring and Autumn Period. Until the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period, Jin's territory encompassed not only Shanxi but also parts of Hebei, Henan, and Shaanxi. Later, the three states divided Jin, forming distinct cultures in each region, but also sharing some commonalities. Now, it is the abbreviation for Shanxi Province.
Now, when we talk about the Qinjin region, we are referring to the area around the Qinjin Grand Canyon, which separates Shanxi and Shaanxi when the Yellow River flows through the Loess Plateau. It is mainly in northern Shaanxi and northwestern Shanxi. The customs and climatic conditions of these areas are similar, and they are very suitable for travel at the same time. During the year, April to October is the best time to travel.
In people's impression, northern Shaanxi may be the Shaanxi men wearing sheepskin coats and playing Ansai waist drums on the Loess Plateau, or it may be the red revolutionary holy land in the hearts of the older generation, or it may be the potato chips and yellow steamed buns on the dining tables in the caves, or it may be the Yellow River rushing endlessly at the Hukou Waterfall.
But northern Shaanxi holds even more hidden gems waiting to be discovered. For example, Jingbian's Wave Valley and Yucha Grand Canyon rival the Wave Valley and Antelope Canyon in the United States. No lottery tickets, no traffic restrictions, no visas or flights are needed to see these wondrous sights. Northern Shaanxi is no longer the harsh, loess-covered land it once was.
Shanxi is not just about the Qiao Family Compound and the Wang Family Compound, which represent the Shanxi merchant culture. It is not just about the "white + black" culture of aged vinegar, knife-cut noodles, coal, and pasta. It is not just about the love story of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin who traveled to Shanxi four times in search of ancient buildings.
In Shanxi, in addition to the inherent gray loess plateau, there are all kinds of fantastic natural scenery and cultural customs waiting for people to discover. You will see that on this land there are still vast forests and grasslands like Xinjiang, the crystallization of nature's uncanny creation and the hard work of the working people, and even the Western churches dotted among the wilderness and countryside, which make people yearn for them.
Enjoy a immersive hike through China's Wave Valley, also known as the Longzhou Danxia Landform Natural Scenic Area, without having to fly to the US. The name "Wave Valley" was given by photographers who have visited the area. It differs slightly from Arizona's Wave Valley, which features white stripes interspersed with red, while Jingbian's Wave Valley is primarily red.
Now the entire scenic area is still in the undeveloped protection stage, and the relevant facilities are still not perfect, but it is precisely this relatively original and undamaged state that has preserved the gorgeous scenery.
【How to play and photography spots】
Today's Wave Valley is generally divided into three areas, each with its own unique gameplay.
★01 Area A and Area B are connected to each other, and Area B is occasionally closed
Here you can hike deep into it, immerse yourself in it along the plank road, touch the lines of time with your hands, and suddenly you will be enlightened and look down at the vast red wave ocean. Occasionally you will see pools of water inlaid in it, dotted with green plants, and there are large reed marshes along the way, which will make your heart sway.
★02 Area A "Canyon Skyline"
This place is like a time tunnel, and you don't know where it will lead to. It can only squeeze one person through here, and it is not connected, so you can only return the same way after the tour. There are often traffic jams. Wave Valley is the most time-consuming place in the entire scenic area, but the scenery is really worth the wait, it is beautiful.
★03 Water Danxia in Area C
This place is very photogenic and is divided into two halves by the river. There is a spot in one half where you can capture the jumping shape shown in the picture above. Remember to lower the camera position to create a very magical feeling.
★04 The other half of Area C hides a heart-shaped lake at a commanding height.
If Area A is the best place for landscape photography, Area C is a perfect place for portraits. You can sit on the waves and create all kinds of poses. Wave Valley is about to start waving! (For portraits in Wave Valley, please refer to the fourth grandfather in the following article)
Tips:
★Coordinates: Yanjia Village, Longzhou Township, Jingbian County, Shaanxi Province
★Tickets: Temporarily free
★Tour Notes:
Due to the geological reasons for the formation of Wave Valley, please do not scratch or draw on it, and take good care of it.
When walking on the surface, remember to stay away from the edge and pay attention to anti-slip
It is not recommended to go there during extreme weather such as rain or snow. The mountain roads are primitive, so safety is the first priority.
Yixiantian is often closed due to rockfall and weather conditions. Please be sure to travel with a companion and don't get lost because of the beautiful scenery.
Speaking of Antelope Canyon, the most famous one is the Antelope Canyon in Arizona, USA. It is a slot canyon that looks like a groove washed out by water on the surface sand. The valley bottom is indeed a masterpiece of nature, as if the waves of thousands of years have been frozen in this canyon, especially when the midday sun penetrates from the top of the canyon, it is even more dazzling.
The Yucha Grand Canyon in northern Shaanxi is located at the same latitude as the Antelope Canyon in the United States, and the scenery is very similar, so you can come directly to this treasure trove to take a look.
【How to play and photography spots】
There are currently three open valleys in the Yucha Grand Canyon, namely Mudan Valley, Longba Valley and Huashu Valley, which require taking a scenic shuttle bus to enter.
★01 Birch Valley
This is the heart of the Yucha Grand Canyon. The approximately 800-meter-high Birch Tree Valley is a photographer's paradise. A stroll through the lush greenery lining the rock faces creates a sense of wonder, reminiscent of the Wizard of Oz. It reveals a wondrous world sculpted over millions of years by wind, water, and time. The dreamlike quality is especially striking when the midday sun streams down, and a wide-angle lens is essential for capturing this profound feeling.
★02 Remember to capture the beauty of the canyon in 360 degrees here, whether you are looking down, looking up, or looking around. The scenery is so beautiful that it can cure cervical spondylosis. Remember to bring a tripod.
Tips:
★Coordinates: Located in Yucha Village, Ganquan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province
★Tickets: No tickets. Scenic bus 70 yuan/person
★Tour Notes:
It is not recommended to go there during extreme weather such as rain or snow. The canyon may be flooded and closed from time to time.
In the non-dry season, you can wear disposable rain boots and be careful of falling rocks on the rock face.
Photography enthusiasts are advised to choose a clear and sunny day, as the best time to take photos is in the afternoon. It is recommended to carry a backpack and a tripod.
Hukou Waterfall has always been a signature attraction in northern Shaanxi. It is divided into two viewing points in Shaanxi and Shanxi, and the perspectives on both sides are different.
Hukou, located on the south bank of the Yellow River, occupies the main riverbed. The riverbed within the scenic area is low but wide, and the overall view is lower than that of the other bank. Because it feels like looking up, it's often called "Hukou, Shanxi," a place with many visitors and convenient accommodations.
Hukou Falls in Shaanxi is located on the north bank of the Yellow River, where the riverbank is significantly higher than on the other side. The riverbed within the scenic area is both higher and relatively narrow, resulting in a much wider view. This is why it's said that "Hukou Falls in Shaanxi offers spectacular views." However, in the rainy summer months, the Shaanxi side may offer a slight advantage, as it offers the highest possible drop of Hukou Falls.
In a nutshell! Shaanxi people see Hukou Waterfall as "the Yellow River is contained in a pot", while Shanxi people see Hukou Waterfall as "the Yellow River comes from the sky".
【How to play and photography spots】
★01 Whether you are visiting Hukou in Shanxi or Shaanxi, you can go down to the platform directly and take close-up photos of the majestic waters of the Yellow River.
★02 It is best to bring a tripod, but the closer you get to the waterfall, the more likely you will have to use safety guardrail posts or chains due to the terrain. Try to use the two fulcrums of the tripod, and then use the safety guardrail post as the fulcrum to stabilize the tripod for shooting.
★03 Generally, the shutter speed depends on the amount of water. If the water is large, the shutter speed can be faster; if the water is small, the shutter speed can be slower. Try to shoot with a wide angle, as it will capture the momentum. Alternatively, shoot from the bottom up, and try to shoot from a low angle.
Tips:
★Coordinates: West to Hukou Township, Yichuan County, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province, East to Hukou Town, Ji County, Linfen City, Shanxi Province
★Tickets: Summer 91.00 yuan, Winter 46.00 yuan
★Tour Notes:
When visiting, do not get too close to the guardrail or lie on the railing to avoid safety accidents.
Don't miss the icefall at Hukou Waterfall in winter.
You need to take the scenic bus to get there, and pay attention to the north-south direction of the bus.
The most beautiful bend on the Yellow River. The bend of the Yellow River at the junction of Shaanxi and Shanxi looks like a natural Tai Chi diagram. It is a major natural landscape on the Qin-Jin Gorge of the ancient Yellow River Road. It is also the most beautiful and spectacular scenic spot in Yonghe, Shanxi. The bend has an arc of more than 320 degrees, which can be called the first bend of the Yellow River in the world.
【How to play and photography spots】
★01 It would be perfect to arrange a sunrise and sunset here.
★02 You can stand at the first observation point of Qiankun Bay Scenic Area - Qiankun Pavilion to take panoramic photos. Be sure to bring a wide-angle lens, which can not only allow you to take photos of large scenes, but also many interesting photos.
★03 The main attractions include: Qiankunwan Museum, Huifeng Village, Eastern Expedition Revolutionary Memorial Hall, Qingshui Bay, Qingshui Yamen, Qiankunwan, Yellow River Plank Road, Nuwa Prayer Hall, Nianpan Folk Museum, Millennium Ancient Kiln, etc. The scenic area is large, and those who are short on time can choose the attractions appropriately.
★04 We recommend the Qingshui Bay-Yellow River Plank Road-Huifengzhai route
The Yellow River plank road connects Huifengzhai and Qingshui Bay. There are various strange marks left by water erosion and water erosion on the cliffs on the shore, which are very visually impactful.
In addition to the river bend, Qingshui Bay also has ancient villages to visit. Huifeng Village and Qingshui Bay Mountain are connected by a cable car, and there are scenic shuttle buses available for you to take in the scenic area.
Tips:
★Coordinates: The border between Yonghe County, Shanxi Province and Yanchuan County, Shaanxi Province
★Ticket: 90 yuan/person
★Tour Notes:
The ticket to Qiankun Bay includes many attractions, so you must take a good look at them.
The scenic area is large, please wear comfortable travel shoes
Laoniuwan is located at the border of Shanxi and Inner Mongolia. To the south lies Pianguan County, Shanxi Province, to the north lies Qingshuihe County, Inner Mongolia, and to the west lies Junggar Banner on the Ordos Plateau. It's a place where you can hear the crowing of a rooster in three cities. The Shanxi-Shaanxi-Inner Mongolia Grand Canyon begins here, showcasing the vicissitudes of the landforms of my country's Loess Plateau.
Laoniuwan is where the Great Wall shakes hands with the Yellow River. It is also one of the ten most beautiful canyons in China. The entire Laoniuwan tourist area consists of three bays and one valley, namely Baozi Tower Bay, Laoniuwan, Sita Bay and Yangjiachuan Small Canyon.
【How to play and photography spots】
★01 You must plan to watch the sunrise and sunset here. You can also take photos of the starry sky here in the summer. They are all magnificent.
★02 You can also take a speedboat to the best shooting spots in Inner Mongolia
★03 In addition to the river bend, there is also a mysterious ancient village in Laoniuwan.
You may have seen loess cave dwellings in northern Shaanxi, but here you can call it a "folk museum of stone cave dwellings." The ancient village still retains its original state, but the forks in the road are intricate and more interesting. There are also some remaining small city walls and boundary markers, which, combined with the reflections on the water, create very nice effects in photos.
Tips:
★Location: Pianguan County, Shanxi
★Ticket price: 96 yuan/person
★Tour Notes:
The road leading to Laoniuwan and some scenic spots near Laoniuwan are under irregular maintenance due to road conditions and other reasons, but the situation will improve this year.
Since the scenic area is remote, only some farmhouses can accommodate you, so be mentally prepared.
Lianhua Dian is located at the intersection of Shanxi, Shanxi and Inner Mongolia provinces. Here you can experience the feeling of stepping on three provinces with one foot. "There is Qingmuchuan in the south and Lianhua Dian in the north." The scenery in the north and south is different. It is one of the eight scenic spots in Fugu in ancient times.
Like the "pork belly" on Mars, the unique landform makes you feel like you are walking on the Martian planet. The rocks are all red and white, and the colors are bright and delicious. The peaks are staggered in distance and height. Looking down, it looks like a blooming lotus. It is a treasure trove with few people and beautiful scenery.
【How to play and photography spots】
★01 You can go hiking here. You will find that the valley bottom is covered with thick fine sand that has been weathered.
★02 You can also take a look at the Danxia landform from the viewing platform. The greenery in the middle makes it more vibrant.
Tips:
★Coordinates: Located near Qiangtou Village, Fugu County, Shaanxi Province
★Tickets: Temporarily free
★Tour Notes:
Since most of the Lotus Trail is exposed to the ground and there are not many trees to block it, you must take good sun protection measures.
It is best to wear comfortable outdoor hiking shoes
Mount Wutai, said to be the most efficacious place for prayers, is not a single mountain, but rather five peaks (Wanghai Peak in the East, Jinxiu Peak in the South, Cuiyan Peak in the Center, Guayue Peak in the West, and Yedou Peak in the North) that encircle the entire area. The summit is treeless and flat, resembling a platform of earth, hence the name. To truly appreciate the mysteries of Mount Wutai, one day is definitely not enough. In a narrower sense, Mount Wutai refers to the temple complex centered around Tayuan Temple in Taihuai Town.
【Wutai Characteristics】
★Dongtai Wanghai Peak is a great place to watch the sunrise, with a spectacular sea of clouds
★Nantai Road is the most difficult to walk, but also has the best scenery, especially in the summer when wildflowers are everywhere and the scenery is breathtaking.
★ Every autumn in Xitai, the moon hangs like a mirror on the peak
Beitai is the highest peak of Mount Wutai and the best place to view the snow. Snow begins to fall here in August of the lunar calendar, and the view overlooking the mountains is like a northern landscape.
★ Zhongtai is a good place to watch the weather, especially in the summer when it is sunny and rainy. It is very special.
【Highlights of Mount Wutai】
★“Golden Wutai, Silver Putuo, Bronze Emei, Iron Jiuhua, among the four famous Buddhist mountains in China, Mount Wutai is the big brother!
★ Mount Wutai is the only Buddhist temple in China where the Green Temple (Han Buddhism) and the Yellow Temple (Tibetan Buddhism) complement each other.
★ Thanks to the efforts of Liang Sicheng and Lin Huiyin, the Nanchan Temple and Foguang Temple, the oldest existing wooden structures from the Tang Dynasty in China, have been brought back to the public's attention.
★ If you want to make a wish, go to Wuye Temple! It is said to be the most effective temple for making wishes in Wutai Mountain. I hope all your wishes will come true.
★ I believe that whether it is the beautiful scenery of Mount Wutai, the ancient cultural buildings, or the devout people praying along the way, they will become a different Mount Wutai in your heart.
【How to play in Wutai Mountain】
❤Casual version
Centered in Taihuai Town, this two-day itinerary recommends praying around the Great White Pagoda at Tayuan Temple, seeing the oldest stone lions at Luohou Temple, admiring the ancient buildings at Xiantong Temple, enjoying a panoramic view of Taihuai Town from Pusa Peak, watching the sunrise from Dongtai, climbing to the summit of Dailuo Peak, ascending the 1,080 steps of Dazhi Road, paying homage to the five statues of Manjusri Bodhisattva (at the Small Chaotai), and viewing the dazzling array of stone carvings at Nanshan Temple.
❤Outdoor version
A 4-5 day pilgrimage to Mount Wutai is recommended with a clockwise route, including Jinxiu Peak on the South Platform, Puji Temple, Jinge Temple, Lion's Nest, Guayue Peak on the West Platform, Cuiyan Peak on the Central Platform, the Bathing Pool, Yedou Peak on the North Platform, Hongmen Rock, Wuye Temple, Tayuan Temple, Xiantong Temple, Bodhisattva Peak, and Dailuo Peak.
Tips:
★Coordinates: Located in Wutai County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province
★Tickets: 135 yuan/person in peak season, 118 yuan/person in off-season
★Tour Notes:
1. Mount Wutai is a Buddhist holy land. Whether you believe in Buddhism or not, you should follow the local customs, maintain quietness, refrain from making loud noises, and abide by the temple rules in the temple.
2. The soil and water in Shanxi are highly alkaline, so it is recommended to drink a small spoonful of Shanxi aged vinegar before each meal to neutralize the saltiness and prevent intestinal fatigue.
3. The temperature difference between morning and evening in Wutai Mountain is quite large, so please be aware that it is best to bring thicker clothes when traveling.
4. Eco-friendly travel, green outdoors
Hanging Village is a small ancient village hidden in the mountains of Shanxi. The houses in the village are built on cliffs hundreds of meters high, and the streets are "plank roads" supported by standing trees and paved with logs.
In this ancient village, stone paths and quaint houses can be seen everywhere. The villagers live a leisurely farming life, working from sunrise to sunset, and leading a very leisurely and peaceful life.
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★ The Hanging Village is built on the mountain. Its unique architectural style, the swings under the big trees at the entrance of the village, and the curling smoke rising from the chimneys will make you want to live here.
★ The vast forest opposite the Hanging Village is very surprising, especially when it is misty in autumn or drizzling, it is refreshing.
★ For those who have lived in the hustle and bustle of the city for a long time, being in this scene can clear their minds, purify their thoughts, and even be so moving that they feel as if they have ascended to heaven.
Tips:
★Location: Located deep in Guancen Mountain in Luya Mountain, northwest Shanxi Province
★Ticket: 35 yuan/person
★Tour Notes: 1. Try not to walk on the wood when it rains, be careful not to slip
Luya Mountain's most surprising and hidden gem, bar none! Also known as the "Ningwu Cliff Ancient Plank Road," its construction dates back to the Zhenyuan period of the Tang Dynasty. The plank road traverses the cliffs on the sunny side of the canyon, facing a vast forest. Visitors can access the plank road from Xiaoshimen Village, follow the cliffs, cross the cable suspension bridge, and then continue along the plank road, passing the swinging columns to enter the Hanging Temple and the Immortal Cave. Then, pass the caves housing the hanging coffins, pass the Dragon King Temple, and finally descend to the valley floor alongside the hanging coffins.
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★ You can also enjoy horseback riding in the vast forest. The air is very fresh and it is great for photography.
★ It is a challenge to a certain extent: the Echo Steps in the middle are long and difficult, just like the Eighteen Bends of Mount Tai; there is another section of the road that can be called "Little Huashan", which requires you to hold the iron chain tightly with both hands and climb up. You will feel refreshed after passing it.
★ There are many caves on the mountain roads that require you to bend over to move forward. When you walk through them, some are short and some are long. The long ones are so long that you can't even see your hand in front of you, up to about 10 meters. You can only bend over and move forward slowly. After coming out of the cave, you will be faced with open mountain scenery, which is a unique and new experience.
★ The ancient buildings and cultural relics in the mountains are also worth savoring.
Tips:
★Coordinates: Located on Xiangfeng Mountain, west of Zhangjiaya Village, Censhan Township, 70 kilometers west of Shanxi Province, within the Luya Mountain Scenic Area
★Ticket: 35 yuan/person
★Tour Notes:
It is not recommended to go there in rainy weather, as some mountain roads are steep.
You can bring trekking poles according to your physical strength
People with poor physical strength or bad knees are not recommended to walk the entire route, or take a horseback ride to another route.
Datong Earth Forest is a niche photography spot hidden deep in the vicinity of Datong. Compared with the well-known Xinjiang Ghost City - Urho Wind City, this Ghost City in Shanxi is more beautiful because of its endless flower fields, flowing reeds, cute camels and tranquil lakes.
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★ There are large flower fields and reed marshes around the earth forest. During the flowering season, the slightly hard earth forest adds a gentle atmosphere.
★ You can use the small lake in the middle of the earth forest to shoot the reflection of the earth forest, especially at sunset, it is easier to shoot a magical feeling
★ Sometimes you can try black and white tones, which may give you unexpected surprises
Tips:
★Coordinates: Located in Duzhuang Village, Datong County, Datong City, Shanxi Province
★Ticket: 60 yuan/person
★Tour Notes:
1. When visiting, be careful not to step on the earth forest or cross the cordon. The earth forest is still very fragile, so don't scratch or draw on it.
There are two relatively famous ice caves in Shanxi Province. One is the ice cave group in Yunqiu Mountain, and the other is the Wannian Ice Cave in Luya Mountain.
After on-site inspection by cave experts from the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, it was confirmed that this cave was formed during the Quaternary glacial period of the Cenozoic Era, about three million years ago. Experts said that this ice cave is the first of only nine ice caves among more than 10,000 caves in the country.
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★ The icicles, ice curtains, ice waterfalls, ice flowers, ice Buddhas, ice beds, ice clocks, ice men, ice Bodhisattvas, etc. formed by ice are strange, crystal clear and dazzling, which is amazing.
Even more astonishing is the fact that less than 200 meters from the ice cave lies a thousand-year-old underground fire, known locally as the Millennium Volcano. These two elements, ice and fire, are supposed to counteract each other, yet they miraculously coexist on the same mountain, a truly remarkable sight.
Tips:
★Coordinates: Located in Luya Mountain Scenic Area, Ningwu County, Xinzhou, Shanxi
★Ticket price: 120 yuan/person
★Tour Notes: 1. The temperature in the Wannian Ice Cave is relatively low, so it is recommended to bring a thick coat.
Tang Monk personally swept and certified: the most exquisite and best-preserved glazed tower in the country. Although most people may be unfamiliar with this name, I believe you must have seen it. The 18th episode of the 1986 version of "Journey to the West", a summer drama that is repeatedly broadcast every summer vacation, "Sweeping the Tower to Examine Strange Injustices", was filmed at the Feihong Tower of Hongdong Guangsheng Temple.
This tower hidden in Hongdong County, Shanxi Province is actually worth a lot of money. It was built in the Ming Dynasty and has a history of more than 500 years. It has experienced 10 earthquakes of varying sizes, but it is still well preserved. It is worthy of being a treasure holy tower with many titles: ★ One of the five Buddha relic towers and one of the four existing ancient towers in China ★ The only multicolored glazed tower with craftsman inscriptions discovered so far, the largest and most complete glazed tower ★ Certified by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA) as the "world's tallest multicolored glazed tower" ★ It is known as the "Three Wonders of Guangsheng" together with the "Zhaocheng Golden Collection" and the Yuan Dynasty murals in the Water God Temple that were once treasured here.
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★01 The Feihong Tower has 13 levels, with a total height of 47.31 meters. The towers are gradually reduced in height, and the eaves are almost connected in a straight line. It is recommended to bring a wide-angle lens to take a full view.
★02 The most eye-catching feature is the colored glaze decoration of the tower, which is most exquisite on the first three floors. The various components under the eaves, such as the brackets, supporting columns, bodhisattvas, vajra, flowers, coiled dragons, birds and animals, are all painted in vibrant colors and look as good as new. It is recommended to bring a telephoto lens to take close-up photos of these colored glaze decorations.
★03 The bottom floor of Feihong Tower has an extremely intricate and complex glazed caisson, which is even more amazing when you look up. Don't forget this angle.
★04 Guangsheng Temple, where the Feihong Pagoda is located, also houses the largest and best-preserved ancient drama mural in my country, one of the "Three Wonders of Guangsheng"
★05 The Zhaocheng Golden Canon, housed in Guangsheng Temple, is a rare Chinese translation of Sanskrit scriptures brought back from India by Master Xuanzang. It is the only copy of its kind in the world and is considered one of the four treasures of the National Library, along with the Yongle Encyclopedia, the Complete Library in the Four Treasures of the Four Branches of Literature, and the Dunhuang Manuscripts. This is one of the reasons why Guangsheng Temple is so famous among so many Buddhist temples. It is one of the "Three Wonders of Guangsheng."
Tips:
★Location: Hongdong County, Shanxi Province
★Ticket: 55 yuan/person
★Others: Every year on March 18th of the lunar calendar, Guangsheng Temple holds a traditional temple fair to worship the water god. It was held on a considerable scale during the Yuan Dynasty.
Pingyao, Shanxi Province, is known as one of the "Four Best-Preserved Ancient Cities" and one of only two ancient cities in China to have been successfully nominated as a World Cultural Heritage Site as a whole. With over 2,700 years of history, Pingyao still retains the basic features of a county town from the Ming and Qing dynasties, making it a landmark of Shanxi.
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★ Rishengchang Bank is located in the prosperous area of West Street in Pingyao Ancient City. It is the first bank in China and is famous for its "connecting the world"
★ Ming and Qing Street, also known as Ming and Qing Ancient Street, is located on the South Street of Pingyao Ancient City. Here, the remains of shops from the Ming and Qing dynasties are well preserved, and the night view is super beautiful.
★ The folk customs and activities in Pingyao Ancient City are very rich and colorful. I believe you can also record the unique Shanxi culture here.
Tips:
★Coordinates: Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province
★Ticket: 125 yuan/person
★Others: You can find an inn in the ancient city and enjoy a leisurely and slow life.
As early as the Qin and Han dynasties, waist drums were considered as essential equipment by garrisoned soldiers as swords, spears, and bows and arrows. They would beat drums to warn and convey messages during sudden enemy attacks; drums would be beaten to cheer troops during battles; and soldiers would beat drums to celebrate victories. Over time, waist drums evolved from military use to a folk dance used by local people to pray to the gods, wish for good harvests, and celebrate the Spring Festival. This gave waist drums a wider appeal, yet the drumming style and performances still retained some of the heroic spirit of the Qin and Han soldiers.
Ansai Waist Drum is a traditional folk dance in Ansai District, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province. It can be performed by a few people or thousands of people together. Its majestic momentum and exquisite expressiveness are intoxicating. It is known as the "No. 1 Drum in the World" and Ansai is named the "Hometown of Waist Drum in China".
【Highlights and Photography Points】
The Ansai waist drum is a folk dance that embodies the essence of northern Shaanxi. It blends yangge (Chinese folk dance) and martial arts movements, and can be performed by one person, two people, or groups of dozens or even hundreds. You'll see northern Shaanxi men, wearing white sheepskin scarves on their heads and red cloth belts around their waists, dancing the waist drums in unison. The rhythmic rhythm of the drums is unwavering, and the clamor is exhilarating. We filmed it up close, and the scene was truly thrilling.
Tips:
★Coordinates: Ansai, Yan'an City, Shaanxi Province
Lijiashan Village is located five miles south of the ancient town of Qikou in Lin County, Shanxi Province. When the famous painter Wu Guanzhong went to Lijiashan to collect folk songs, he exclaimed that this place looked like a "Han Tomb". He said: From the outside, it looks like a desolate Han Tomb, but once you go inside, you will find that it is a very ancient and exquisite cave dwelling. The ancient village is relatively closed, like an isolated Peach Blossom Spring. Today, it is a good place for teachers and students from major art colleges, art and photography enthusiasts to collect folk songs and create.
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★ As a gathering place for Shanxi cave dwellings, you can experience different residential styles here. The two wealthy families in the east and west are hidden in the small paths among the big trees at the entrance of each village. The walls decorated with various porcelains and the stone plaques with different styles are all worth your careful appreciation.
★ The elderly people living in the village, wearing sheepskin waistcoats, will be important models for folk songs.
Tips:
Location: Qikou Ancient Town, Lin County, Shanxi Province
★Tickets: Free
★Others: You can find a local guide to learn more about the local culture
Qikou Town is located at the western foot of the Luliang Mountains in western Shanxi Province, on the banks of the Yellow River, and at the southern end of Lin County. From the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the Republic of China, it became a major commercial center in northern China thanks to Yellow River water transportation. Known as the "First Town of the Nine-Bend Yellow River," it is one of the birthplaces of Shanxi merchants.
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★ As the most popular accommodation in Qikou Ancient Town, Fushunde Inn is a must-see for photography. The night lights add to the charm of this cave-style inn. It is recommended to use the water tank in the inn to take pictures of the reflections.
★The best place to watch the sunrise and sunset in Qikou Ancient Town is the Black Dragon Temple. Any small water beach can also create infinite charm.
★The Yellow River surrounds the ancient town of Qikou, and you can see the nearby mountains. In the early morning, the bustling crowds of people carrying shoulder poles and bamboo baskets and hawking their wares are a rare and original cultural scene.
★ Not far from the ancient town of Qikou, there is a place called Xiwan Village, which is similar to Lijiashan. It is also an ancient village and is worth a visit. Whether it is the gourd racks in the farmyard, the jujube trees scattered throughout the village, or the flowers on the big trees at the entrance of the village, they all have a unique charm.
Tips:
Location: Qikou Ancient Town, Lin County, Shanxi Province
★Tickets: Free
★Others: You can find a local guide to learn more about the local culture
The internet-famous Grandpa from Wave Valley, China-TravelNote’s exclusive portrait photography model for Wave Valley, is very friendly and amiable, with a great sense of camera.
Not inferior to Jingdezhen, the porcelain capital, Tongchuan Chenlu Ancient Town is the only site of Yaozhou Kiln still producing porcelain after the Song and Yuan Dynasties. Its furnaces for firing ceramics have been burning for nearly a thousand years, forming the unique beauty of "Lushan Never Sleeps".
Chenlu Ancient Town is named after its "pottery furnace display". As the largest porcelain kiln in Shaanxi and even in the Northwest, it is known as the "living fossil of ancient oriental ceramic production."
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★ The entire ancient town is built against the mountain, layer upon layer, with red bricks, pots and jars as walls, and ceramic tiles as roads, which is simple and unique.
★ You can also see or experience the fun of handmade pottery in the ancient town. Today, the people of Chenlu Ancient Town still live in cave dwellings and rely on handmade pottery workshops to support their families. Facing the wall of pots and walking along the porcelain tile road, you will definitely capture different cultural scenes.
Tips:
★Coordinates: 15 kilometers southeast of Tongchuan City, Shaanxi Province
★Tickets: Free
Nuanquan Ancient Town was built in the Yuan Dynasty and flourished in the Ming and Qing Dynasties. It is a famous historical and cultural town in China. The ancient town was named "Nuanquan" because of the spring water with the same temperature all year round.
【Highlights and Photography Points】
★ Xigu Fort, located in Nuanquan Ancient Town, is one of the "Three Forts". It integrates the four cultural wonders of "ancient houses, ancient temples, ancient castles, and ancient theaters". It is the most unique and best-preserved example among the 800 ancient Weizhou forts.
★ In Wei County, where there is a fort, there is a village; where there is a village, there is a temple; where there is a temple, there is a theater.
★Iron flower making is a traditional folk custom in Nuanquan Ancient Town. The scorching hot molten iron bursts into the air, and thousands of iron filings suddenly form colorful sparks due to oxidation. The sparks are gorgeous, unpredictable and dazzling. Don't miss it!
Tips:
★Location: Wei County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province
Shaanxi is a magical land, and the cuisine of the Three Qins region, like this ancient land, exudes an enchanting atmosphere. Throughout its long history, from the imperial palaces to the farmlands, one delicious delicacy after another has been born, waiting for you to savor.
Shanxi not only has a rich and profound history and culture, but also has many lesser-known food cultures. With wisdom and hard work, it has produced a wide variety of food. You must not miss it when you come to Shanxi.
The land of Qin and Jin, whether it's its breathtakingly beautiful scenery, historic cultural relics and ancient architecture, traditional customs, or fascinating legends, captivates every traveler. There's so much more to discover, and I hope to join you, maintaining our passion and journeying to the next mountain and sea adventure.
