Yongdong Palace 3-Day In-Depth Travel Guide

Shanxi Yongdong Palace 3 Days 2 Nights In-Depth Travel Guide (Budget 5000 RMB)
Explore the millennium-old Taoist sacred site and experience the charm of ancient architecture art
Climb high to enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Taihang Mountains
Taste authentic Shanxi cuisine and experience local folk culture
Day 1: Arrive at Yongdong Palace, get acquainted with Taoist culture
Morning: Take high-speed train/plane to Taiyuan, it is recommended to choose a morning arrival for convenient itinerary arrangement. From Taiyuan Wusu Airport to Yongdong Palace is about 2 hours by car, from Taiyuan South Station to Yongdong Palace is about 1.5 hours by car. You can book a private car or carpool in advance, costing about 200-300 RMB per vehicle.
Noon: Arrive at Yongdong Palace scenic area, check in to a hotel inside the scenic area or nearby homestay. It is recommended to choose a hotel inside the scenic area for convenient sightseeing, price about 300-500 RMB per night.
Afternoon: Visit the core scenic spots of Yongdong Palace, including Lingguan Hall, Sanqing Hall, Yuhuang Hall, and other main buildings. Admire exquisite murals and sculptures, and feel the profound Taoist culture. Entrance fee about 80 RMB per person.
Evening: Taste local specialty foods such as knife-cut noodles, youmian kaolaolao, and fried pork. Recommended restaurants near the scenic area, average cost about 50-80 RMB per person.
Day 2: Climb high to enjoy the view, explore ancient architecture
Morning: Get up early to climb the back mountain of Yongdong Palace, enjoy ancient trees and cliff inscriptions along the way. At the top, you can overlook the entire Yongdong Palace panorama and Taihang Mountain scenery. The hike takes about 2-3 hours, it is recommended to bring water and snacks.
Noon: Return to the hotel to rest and have a light meal.
Afternoon: Visit ancient villages around Yongdong Palace, such as Wanghuagou Village and Xuankong Village, experience local folk customs and feel the rustic rural life. You can choose to hire a car or take local transportation, costing about 100-200 RMB.
Evening: Watch local folk performances such as Jin Opera and Yangko dance, experience the charm of Shanxi traditional culture. Ticket price about 50-100 RMB per person.
Day 3: Return trip, fully loaded with memories
Morning: Free activities, you can choose to buy some local specialties such as aged vinegar, Pingyao beef, Qinzhou yellow millet as souvenirs.
Noon: Check out and head to Taiyuan, take high-speed train/plane back.
Transportation: Round-trip high-speed train/plane ticket about 1000-1500 RMB per person, local transportation about 500 RMB
Accommodation: 2 nights about 600-1000 RMB
Meals: about 300-500 RMB
Tickets: about 130 RMB per person
Others: shopping, souvenirs, etc. about 500 RMB
Total: about 5000 RMB
There are many steps inside Yongdong Palace scenic area, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
Mountain climate is changeable, it is recommended to bring rain gear and sun protection.
Respect local religious customs, keep quiet, and do not touch cultural relics casually.
Book hotels and transportation in advance, especially during holidays.
If time permits, you can add one more day to visit nearby Mianshan Scenic Area or Pingyao Ancient City.
For friends interested in Taoist culture, you can participate in Taoist cultural experience activities in the scenic area, such as scripture copying and meditation.
Wish you a pleasant journey!