Traveling through Shanxi Jinzh

Traveling through Shanxi Jinzhong by day and night, starting in Levice, we'll explore Pingyao Ancient City and Jiexiu Mianshan Scenic Area all in one trip. This itinerary's biggest draw: Experience the ancient charm of the town in the morning, and the natural wonders of Mianshan in the afternoon. A day trip through history—not only does it immerse you in the turbulent history of the city, but you'll also experience the soothing beauty of the mountains and rivers amidst the sea of clouds and fog. Want to share your travelogue on Instagram? This itinerary is absolutely "check-in-worthy"! Follow my steps and easily explore both Pingyao and Mianshan!

🌇 See the highlights here:
Combining a thousand-year-old city with spectacular scenery in one day, you can watch the fireworks in the alleyways from the city walls and breathe in the fresh air deep in the lush green mountains! If you want to experience the culture of Shanxi merchants and savor the natural beauty of northern China, this is the perfect combination!

🔵 Recommended Itinerary:

First Stop: Pingyao Ancient City
📍Address: Kangning Road, Pingyao County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province
🕒 Opening Hours: Open 24/7
💰 Admission: ¥123
Pingyao Ancient City is remarkably well-preserved. Walking around the ancient city walls, you'll experience a step back in time with Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture. Every snap in the streets and alleys is incredibly photogenic, brimming with the ambiance of life in an old northern city. We highly recommend arriving early so there aren't as many tourists as possible, allowing you to stroll and take photos at your leisure. You can also enjoy a plate of Pingyao beef and a bowl of traditional yogurt while strolling through the ancient city, savoring the authentic charm of Jinzhong.

Second Stop: Mianshan Scenic Area
📍Address: Nanhuaizhi Village, Mianshan Town, Jiexiu City, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province
🕒Opening Hours:
- April 1st - October 31st: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- November 1st - March 31st: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Mianshan is the "backyard" of the people of Jiexiu and a renowned mountain in China. Its winding mountain range is dotted with ancient sites, featuring numerous temples, plank roads, and waterfalls. Whether you're drawn to ancient architecture or natural scenery, Mianshan has something for everyone. We recommend planning at least 2-3 hours for a thorough exploration, as there are many mountain paths. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water. The mountain air is fresh, and the scenery is at its most beautiful in autumn or spring, when the mountains are vibrant and perfect for photo ops. It's convenient to purchase tickets and check transportation to the scenic area in advance.

✅ Trip Tips
- Due to its terrain, Mianshan Scenic Area is relatively cool in the summer, but be sure to bring rain gear during the rainy season. For winter visits, dress warmly as some plank roads can be slippery due to ice and snow.
- Pingyao Ancient City is open year-round, but it can be crowded on holidays. For a quieter experience, visit in the morning or evening.
- There are many snack shops inside and outside Pingyao Ancient City. I recommend trying the Pingyao Beef and Yogurt, both authentic traditional flavors.
- Suggested one-day itinerary: Depart directly to Pingyao Ancient City in the morning, then drive to Mianshan in Jiexiu after lunch. Then, explore Mianshan on foot before returning. If you're not in a rush, stay overnight near Jiexiu and return the next day.
- The most convenient way to get around is by taxi or chartered car. The two areas are 30-40 kilometers apart, and the scenery along the way is beautiful. After visiting the ancient city, you can head to the mountains for a full and enriching trip.

🚙 Useful Transportation Information
- Taxis are available from Pingyao to Jiexiu, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. Shared bicycles are also available within the city for convenient transportation. - Some bus stations also offer shuttle buses to Jiexiu (but the frequency is limited, so it's recommended to check in advance or charter a bus).
- For the return trip, you can take the high-speed rail from Jiexiu or Levice; transportation is relatively smooth.

🍜 Pingyao & Jiexiu Food Recommendations
- Beef pot stickers, Pingyao beef, knife-cut noodles, and yogurt are all iconic delicacies, and I personally recommend them for their delicious and reliable flavors.
- There are food stalls near Mianshan Scenic Area, making it easy to fill your stomach. Mountain restaurants mainly serve home-style dishes at reasonable prices.

Finally, check out the old streets of Pingyao Ancient City and the sea of clouds in Mianshan. Not only are they photogenic, but the hiking and historical exploration are also fascinating! Plan a day trip to Shanxi for a rich and exciting itinerary, so remember to save some energy!

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