Shanxi hides a "living history book by the Great Wall"! Spend a whole day exploring Daixian Ancient City, sore feet totally worth it

Family! This ancient city in Shanxi, hidden under Yanmen Pass, is such a treasure! Take the high-speed train to Yanmen Pass Station, then a 15-minute shuttle bus ride takes you straight onto the bluestone-paved streets. After a full day of walking, your feet will be sore but it’s absolutely worth it!

Before 9 AM, head straight to Bianjing Tower in the center of the ancient city. A 40 yuan combo ticket (including the Confucian Temple) is super cost-effective. This tower truly deserves the title "First Tower of the Great Wall." Standing below and looking up, the four big characters "Sound Heard in All Directions" are taller than a person. It’s said the plaque is the largest in Asia. Climb to the third floor and look out from the railing—the entire ancient city’s blue bricks and gray tiles stretch to the horizon. The tip of the Ashoka Pagoda appears faintly in the morning mist, and the painted wooden brackets still show traces of the Ming Dynasty.

You must touch the steles at the Confucian Temple! Especially the Ming Dynasty glazed screen wall, where the five-clawed dragon scales even shine through. The guide said very few Confucian Temples in the country dare to use royal standards. The ancient cypress trees in the backyard are hundreds of years old, with trunks thicker than two people hugging—photos come with a built-in historical filter.

At noon, you have to rush to Jiawu Braised Fish! A local uncle said if you arrive before 11 AM at Wufeng Hotel, there’s no queue. Sure enough, the big iron pot stews carp slowly until the bones are tender. The broth poured over yellow rice jelly is so fragrant it makes you stomp your feet. Remember to add some local pickled vegetables to cut the grease and go perfectly with the rice.

In the afternoon, take the shuttle bus to Yanmen Pass, just 40 minutes to the "First Pass of China." Peak season tickets are 90 yuan, but student ID holders get half price, which is a great deal. Don’t squeeze with the tour groups at the main gate—climb the Great Wall along the west side trail, where the wind carries stories of the Yang family generals. The arrow slits in the ruined walls are even more impressive than what textbooks describe. When the sunset dyes the wall golden red, you don’t need any filters for your photos.

In the evening, don’t rush to leave the ancient city. The lights of Bianjing Tower turn on and it looks super dreamy. If you stay in an ancient city inn, remember to bargain. The rooms are renovated Ming and Qing dynasty courtyards, and opening the window reveals stars and flying eaves. A reminder to the ladies: wear non-slip shoes because the bluestone roads get very slippery when it rains; don’t buy souvenirs blindly—wooden carvings can be bargained down by half.

This trip costs less than 200 yuan per person. Walking from the Shanxi Merchants’ Courtyard to the Great Wall beacon tower, all the history textbook knowledge comes alive. Compared to crowded popular spots, this little city full of stories is a true treasure, perfect for bringing parents or history buffs to explore slowly~

Post by CODY LUCAS | Sep 16, 2025