Day 1 All places → or → Taiyuan ★ All day gathering day
All day
Today is the gathering day for activities.
Tourists will check in at designated hotels after 2:00 PM. Please report your "China-Travel Note + Name" at the front desk. You will then be free to move around. Please keep your belongings safe and take care of yourself.
Recommended attractions
Museums: Shanxi Museum, Bronze Museum, Shanxi Merchants Museum, China Coal Museum, etc. (Please make reservations in advance through the official WeChat accounts of each museum)
Other attractions in the city: Shuangta Temple Park, Chunyang Palace, Governor's Mansion, Donghu Vinegar Garden
Surrounding areas: Jin Temple, Tianlongshan Grottoes, Taiyuan Ancient County (where the New Year atmosphere is absolutely stunning), Mengshan Giant Buddha (it is recommended to take a taxi directly to the surrounding attractions for easier access)
Food recommendations
Taiyuan Liuxiang Bell Tower Street, Old Taiyuan Restaurant, Shanxi Restaurant, Yangji Sausage on Food Street, Hao Ganggang Lamb Offal in Liuxiang, Qingheyuan Restaurant, Laoshuku Yuanxiao, Bofan Old Tavern, Yixiang Pavilion, Qingheyuan's Head, Renyili (Halal cuisine), etc.
Traffic Tips
Taiyuan Wusu Airport and Taiyuan High-speed Railway Station/Railway Station are very close to Taiyuan city center. A taxi ride takes about half an hour and costs around 20-30 yuan. Pick-up service is not included. Please make your own way to the meeting hotel.
Day 2 Taiyuan → Yungang Grottoes → Datong Earth Forest → Hunyuan County
All day
Yungang Grottoes
The Yungang Grottoes, one of China's four major grottoes, are hailed as a treasure trove of ancient Chinese sculpture. Carved into the mountainside, they boast 45 major caves, over 1,000 niches of various sizes, and over 51,000 stone Buddha statues. Over twenty caves of varying sizes stretch across a two-kilometer mountain range, interspersed with classical Chinese architecture. While seemingly unremarkable from the outside, the Yungang Grottoes reveal a mystical depth within. Unlike the other three major grottoes, the Yungang Grottoes incorporate artistic influences from ancient India, the Western Regions, and the Central Plains. The over 51,000 stone statues, each with their own unique expression, are breathtaking and captivating, leaving one with a tantalizing sense of gratitude.
【Datong Earth Forest】
Compared to Xinjiang's renowned "Devil City"—the Wind City of Urho—Datong's Earth Forests are arguably the "Devil City of Shanxi." Their sprawling flower fields, flowing reeds, adorable camels, and tranquil lakes lend them a more gentle charm. While the Earth Forests are a product of soil erosion, they are also a true artistic expression of that erosion. If the weather is good, take photos of the sunset here. The various Earth Forests resemble fingers extending from the ground, their vibrant colors adorned by the sunlight, adding to their allure! Feel free to pose and capture your own unique Northwest romance!
We will go to the Hunyuan County Hotel in due time and have a good rest.
Day 3 Hunyuan County → Hanging Temple → Qiankun Bay → Laoniuwan Ancient Village
All day
【Hanging Temple】
As one of the world's ten most dangerous structures, the Hanging Temple is known for its "half-high, three horsetails suspended in the air." A few seemingly frail wooden pillars support the entire structure from the cliff edge. Only by experiencing it firsthand can you truly appreciate the architectural mastery. While navigating the structure, you might have expected steep, treacherous steps, but the entrances and exits are hidden in subtle corners and mezzanines, so be careful when climbing up and down. Ascending the temple and gazing across at Mount Hengshan, you'll experience a thrilling adrenaline rush. We enjoyed a photo op here, unveiling the mysterious Hanging Temple's true beauty.
【Shanxi Qiankun Bay】
Formerly known as Baozi Tower Bay, the seemingly gentle river cuts through the broken cliffs on both sides. The Yellow River makes a nearly 360-degree bend here, forming a peninsula known as the "Colorado of China." While marveling at nature's wonders, we casually posed in various poses, leaving behind unforgettable memories!
【Laoniuwan Ancient Village】
You may have seen cave dwellings made of loess, but not stone. Take a stroll through the ancient village, and you'll discover that all the buildings are constructed from local stones and slabs. The stone walls, courtyards, millstones, and millstones make it a true museum of stone architecture, allowing you to experience the unique charm of cave dwellings. Then, we'll visit Laoniuwan, where the Great Wall of my country runs parallel to the Yellow River, separating Shanxi and Inner Mongolia. This is also the first bend where the Yellow River enters Shanxi! The setting sun adds a touch of grandeur and majesty, creating a truly refreshing and inspiring experience. Enjoy taking photos of the sunset, and if you enjoy poetry and singing, don't you feel the urge to sing along?
Check in at Laoniuwan Inn and end a beautiful day~
[Important Reminder! Ticket Reservation Rules for the Hanging Temple]
1. Due to the large number of visitors to the Hanging Temple, there may be temporary restrictions, suspension of sales, and long queues. The scenic area requires real-name reservations for ticket purchases, and travel agencies cannot purchase tickets on behalf of others. Therefore, this product only includes the Hanging Temple entrance ticket and does not include the climbing ticket (climbing ticket is 100 yuan/person). Tourists who want to experience the climbing experience, please reserve the climbing ticket in advance on the [Hengshan Scenic Area] official account (entry tickets are handled by travel agencies, so you don't need to make a reservation yourself). If you are unable to make a reservation, you will queue up to buy tickets on site. If you cannot get a ticket, please remain calm, as we will visit the temple as usual.
2. Reservations for tickets to the Hanging Temple can be made through the official account 7 days in advance. Tickets will be released at 7:20 am every day, with two time periods: 8:00 am - 12:00 pm and 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm. For the extended tour of Qin and Jin Fengyun, the time for visiting the Hanging Temple is 8:00 am - 12:00 pm on D3. Please make your own reservation according to the group schedule you registered for. Please be informed!
Attention! Tourists over 60 years old or children under 6 years old who need boarding tickets must make a reservation for free boarding tickets. Boarding is not supported without a reservation! Free boarding tickets can only be reserved on the official account
Day 4: Laoniuwan → Luyashan Wannian Ice Cave + Hanging Village → Stay in Ningwu
All day
【Sunrise at Laoniu Bay】
Early risers can watch the sunrise at Laoniuwan. As the Yellow River winds its way through eighteen bends, a divine ox plows its way to Pianguan. Startled by the bright light, it turns and plows its way out, creating Laoniuwan. The sun gradually shines across Laoniuwan, a truly spectacular sight! After sunrise, return to the inn for breakfast.
Luya Mountain North Route: Wannian Ice Cave + Hanging Village
Formed approximately three million years ago during the Quaternary glacial period of the Cenozoic Era, the naturally formed icicles and icicles create a dazzling array of shapes, reminiscent of a fairytale ice castle. The cave remains frozen year-round, and even in the heat of summer, it remains freezing cold. It's a perfect spot for tourists to cool down during the scorching summer heat, so remember to dress warmly! Experience the thrill of both ice and fire!
Afterwards, we visited the mysterious ancient village on the cliff. Backed by a cliff and facing the abyss, the houses are built on the cliffs a hundred meters high. The streets are plank roads supported by standing trees and paved with logs. From a distance, it looks like a pavilion suspended in the air, a secluded paradise.
The cliff plank road is located in the middle of the cliff on the sunny side of the canyon, opposite which is the vast forest. You can experience the thousand-echo scale similar to Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain, bend down and shuttle through the mountain caves, and hold on to the iron chain to feel the steepness of Huashan's cliffs. You can instantly feel the adrenaline surge, full of freshness, thrills and excitement, and realize the true meaning of "the infinite scenery is on the dangerous peaks"!
Special note: This year, the Cliff Plank Road has been relocated to a free attraction within the Luya Mountain North Line. If it's open, we'll allow time for you to visit. If it's closed due to policy or weather conditions, we'll also take you to the source of the Fen River. Please remain calm.
Tonight we stay in Ningwu County~
Day 5 Ningwu → Yellow River Gallery → Qikou Ancient Town
All day
【Yellow River Gallery】
After breakfast, we headed to the Yellow River Gallery. Upon arrival at Qikou, we checked in and headed to the gallery. We sailed the Yellow River and, within the gallery, admired the water-eroded reliefs of the Triassic period. Over millennia, the Yellow River has carved a profound mystery here. Facing these breathtaking rock faces, let your imagination run wild and experience the vicissitudes of nature.
Special experience for tourists: rafting on the Yellow River + taking beautiful photos at special locations
Qikou Ancient Town
As a hub on the Yellow River, Qikou Ancient Town was once the largest market town within the 700-kilometer cliffside of the Qin-Jin Grand Canyon, earning the nickname "a small metropolis of both water and land transport." The town still retains the pristine architecture of Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings. Whether it's the quaint houses, the market stalls carrying shoulder poles, or the surging Yellow River beside it, you're sure to be deeply impressed.
【Sunset at Black Dragon Temple】
In the evening, you can go to the Black Dragon Temple to watch the sunset. Under the afterglow of the setting sun, imagine the life of the city a hundred years ago. You can have a delicious dinner with a few friends in the ancient town.
Tonight we will stay at the Qikou Inn. You can freely explore the streets at night and experience the charm of Qikou Ancient Town.
6. Tianqikou → Lijiashan Village → Wave Valley
All day
【Lijiashan Village】
After breakfast, we'll charter a small car to Lijiashan Village. Hidden deep in the mountains, Lijiashan became known to the world after the painter Wu Guanzhong stumbled upon it while collecting folk songs. While Lijiashan appears desolate from the outside, its interior reveals ancient, elegant cave dwellings, resembling a secluded paradise, a rare haven of tranquility. Join a local guide, dressed in traditional Shanxi clothing, as he sings a Shanxi folk song. Visit the homes of wealthy families, admire the jujube trees at the entrances of the cave dwellings, and unwind with stories. Trust us, this place is exactly what you've imagined the Loess Plateau to be like.
[Special Tourist Experience] Listen to a Shanxi local sing a Shanxi folk song, take a photo with a local supermodel, and wear local costumes for a photoshoot
【Wave Valley】
The Wave Valley Scenic Area, located in Longzhou Town, Jingbian County, Yulin City, Shaanxi Province, features Danxia landforms primarily formed during the Cretaceous period, 96 million years ago. The area boasts the "Earth's Core Danxia" below the horizon, the "Flame Danxia" above, and the "Water Danxia" nestled against the lake. The diverse Danxia landscapes, including linear valleys, alley valleys, and red cliffs, are like the rings of time, the fingerprints of the earth, recording the imprints of eons of wind and frost washing over the sand dunes. In spring, admire peach blossoms and yellow willows against the Danxia; in summer, admire the cool breeze and clear water; in autumn, witness the morning mist curling through the yellow reeds; and in winter, admire the glaciers and snow reflecting the Danxia. The scenery offers a unique beauty each season, leaving you marveling at the wonders of nature, like walking on Mars! This area is perfect for drone photography, allowing you to capture the curves and lines of the landscape in detail. Try shooting from the side or backlight, as the contrast between light and dark creates a captivating and unique pattern, ensuring stunning photos!
Special Experience for Tourists: Experience the folk customs of Northern Shaanxi with the guidance of local ladies, including paper cutting and making flower-shaped steamed buns.
Stay at the Wave Valley Farmhouse Hotel at night and have a good sleep~
Day 7 Wave Valley → Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall → Accommodation in Yan'an
All day
【Holy Land Yan'an】
After breakfast, we drove to Yan'an, where we will visit the Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall for a free tour, to personally experience the red memories of those years.
Afterwards, you can freely explore the beautiful city of Yan'an. Recommended attractions include Qingliang Mountain, Pagoda Mountain, and the Yangjialing Revolutionary Site.
At night, you can go to Pagoda Hill to watch the light show, or go to the night market on Erdao Street to taste local delicacies.
Day 8 Yan'an → Yucha Grand Canyon → Stay at Hukou
All day
【Yucha Grand Canyon】
After breakfast, we'll depart for another wonder of the Loess Plateau, known as the "Antelope Canyon of China." The canyon is magnificent and breathtaking, its interior winding and varying in width, ranging from a dozen meters at its widest point to barely wide enough for a single person to pass sideways. The traces of time are seamlessly carved into the cliffs, leaving one marvel at the wonders of nature and the marvels of creation. Huashugou is one of the most beautiful canyons, with sunlight slanting down from above to the bottom, creating a breathtaking spectacle. Recently discovered by geologists, the Yucha Grand Canyon, remarkably similar to the Antelope Canyon in the United States, remains unexplored. We'll stroll through the canyon, taking in the sights with each step, marveling at the scenery and exploring the mysteries of time.
Then we went to check in near Hukou~
Day 9 Hukou Waterfall → Xi'an
All day
Hukou Waterfall
Hukou Waterfall separates Shaanxi and Shanxi provinces, and we will enter from the Shaanxi side. No matter how many times you have seen the Yellow River, you will still be amazed by the spectacular sight of Hukou Waterfall!
You can walk to the lower platform to get up close to Hukou Waterfall and feel the mist hitting your face; sing the Yellow River Cantata together and feel the passion surging in your heart; or wear Shaanxi costumes and take photos with the Yellow River.
The "Peach Blossom Flood" from April to May and the "Hukou Autumn Wind" from September to November are the seasons with the highest water volume. Here, the Yellow River, once 300 to 400 meters wide, suddenly narrows to 30 to 40 meters, creating a turbulent, roaring tide. Visitors will deeply feel the awe of the Yellow River's heavenly waters. On a good day, the mist stirred up by the water creates a rainbow in the sunlight, which hangs over the waterfall. This is even better luck!
We gathered around 11:00 to return to Xi'an, and were first sent to Xianyang Airport and then to Xi'an North Railway Station. Everyone was reluctant to leave and kissed goodbye with tears!
Special reminder: Estimated arrival time: 16:30 at Xianyang Airport and 17:00 at Xi'an North Railway Station. Tourists are advised to book flights or trains after 18:30.
If your flight doesn't match your airport/station drop-off time or you have other travel arrangements, we will disband the group at Xi'an North Station and will no longer arrange separate airport/station drop-off services. Thank you for your understanding!
Important reminder! During holidays like May Day and National Day, there may be traffic jams during peak return trips. To avoid delays, please book a flight or high-speed train later than the one noted on this page. Thank you for your understanding!
