Tracing origins in the hometown of Emperor Yao, feeling the roar of the Yellow River, reflecting in the shadows of ancient temples and pagodas—five thousand years have never gone far

【3 days 2 nights, about 4800 RMB per person! Linfen Guide: The Source of Chinese Civilization, Exploring the Root of Five Thousand Years of Culture】

Day 1: Fly into **Linfen Yaodu Airport** (or take a 1.5-hour high-speed train from Taiyuan), check in at a quality city hotel 【Linfen Wanda Realm】 (about 900 RMB/night × 2 = 1800 RMB). In the afternoon, visit 【Yao Temple】 (50 RMB entrance fee) — the sacrificial site of the Chinese ancestor Emperor Yao, see the magnificent ancient "Five Phoenix Tower." In the evening, stroll through 【Pingyang Square】 night market and try beef meatball noodles, heluo noodles, and persimmon cakes.

Day 2: Charter a car to 【Hongtong Great Pagoda Tree】 (80 RMB entrance fee) — "Ask where my ancestors are, at the Great Pagoda Tree in Hongtong, Shanxi," trace roots and honor ancestors, experience immigrant cultural rituals. In the afternoon, climb 【Guangsheng Temple】 (60 RMB entrance fee) — admire the stunning Feihong Tower glazed pagoda and Yuan Dynasty mural treasures, overlooking the autumn colors of Huo Mountain. On the way, check out 【Su San Prison】 (30 RMB entrance fee) and hear legendary stories.

Day 3: Visit 【Hukou Waterfall】 (Linfen side, 100 RMB entrance fee) — the Yellow River thundering and roaring, winter ice waterfall spectacle, summer rainbow waves. Recommended to go in the morning for the best light. Optional Shanxi side boat ride (+30 RMB) for a close view of the rapids. On the return trip, pass by 【Yunqiu Mountain】 (optional, 80 RMB entrance fee) — a famous Taoist mountain in southern Shanxi, with picturesque autumn red leaves and year-round cold ice caves.

💰Budget breakdown:
Airfare/Train 1800 + Accommodation 1800 + Meals 600 (5 meals) + Car rental and transport 600 + Tickets about 300 + Other reserves 200 ≈ **4800 RMB**

📌Tips:
- The Shanxi side view of Hukou Waterfall is better, with the highest water volume in the rainy season (July–September);
- Photography is prohibited for murals at Guangsheng Temple, please appreciate quietly;
- Rich folk intangible cultural heritage, try paper cutting and mighty gongs and drums.

⚠️Warnings:
❌ "Low-price one-day tours" at scenic spots often include shopping stops;
❌ The riverbank near Hukou is slippery, do not climb the railings.

Three days and two nights, step into Linfen. This is not a tourist hotspot, but the heartland of Chinese civilization. Come here, trace origins in the hometown of Emperor Yao, be amazed by the roar of the Yellow River, reflect in the shadows of ancient temples and pagodas—five thousand years have never gone far.

Post by vasquez.the.fez | Oct 21, 2025