One-Day Highlights Route 🏞️

📅 **Morning: Climb Phoenix Mountain & Explore Jin Merchants' Cultural Heritage**
**Phoenix Mountain Forest Park** (Taigu District, Jinzhong)
• Recommended entry at 8:00 AM via the East Gate, follow the stone path to the summit at "Chaoyang Pavilion" for a panoramic view of Taigu.
• Discover the ancient Ming Dynasty temple "Longquan Temple" nestled in the mountain, featuring a thousand-year-old locust tree and a spring (perfect for brewing tea with spring water).
• On the way down, pass by "Hundred Birds Garden," ideal for family-friendly interactions.

📅 **Noon: Indulge in Taigu Pastries & Carb Heaven**
**Xinbingji Taigu Pastry Flagship Store** (A must-try heritage brand)
• Freshly baked Taigu pastries: Warm honey-glazed crust with soft filling, best paired with a bowl of fermented rice soup.
• Hidden menu: Red date sesame filling "Youganzi" and savory "Dry Pastry with Donkey Meat."

**Taigu Old Town Snack Street** (10-minute drive from the mountain base)
• "Rongxintang" Sausage: Steamed buckwheat noodles topped with garlic vinegar and chili oil, a refreshing and tangy treat.
• "Jinyisu" Beef Baked Bun: Crispy pastry stuffed with braised beef, soaked in flavorful meat juices.

📅 **Afternoon: In-depth Tour of Jin Merchants' Courtyards**
**Cao Family Courtyard** ("Crown of Chinese Residential Architecture," San Duo Hall Museum)
• Admire the "Hundred Longevity Screen" and underground vault ruins, showcasing the wisdom of wealthy Jin merchants.
• Experience activities: Dress in Jin merchant attire for courtyard photoshoots, DIY traditional woodblock prints.

**Kong Xiangxi Residence** (A blend of Chinese and Western styles from the Republic era, featuring stunning stained glass windows.)

📅 **Evening: Feast on Shanxi Cuisine**
**Taigu Tianfu Restaurant** (Local favorite for banquets)
• Signature "Taigu Rolled Dumplings": Egg wraps stuffed with pork, steamed and served with aged vinegar for balance.
• Must-try "Dingkun Soup": A slow-cooked sweet soup with red dates, yam, and goji berries, perfect for warming the stomach.
• Seasonal recommendation: Autumn-exclusive "Sweet and Sour Crispy Yellow River Carp."

🍁 **Seasonal Highlights**
• September-October: Harvest red dates at the foot of Phoenix Mountain (taste fresh dates and buy date paste).
• Winter: Taigu "Bottle Gourd Date Stewed Lamb" paired with yellow wine, the ultimate cold-weather remedy.

💡 **Practical Tips**
- Phoenix Mountain has free entry; Longquan Temple charges 10 RMB/person.
- Taigu pastries make great souvenirs; recommended boxed options include "Mengfeng Pastry" and "Dragon Beard Pastry."
- Combo ticket suggestion: Cao Family Courtyard + Kong Xiangxi Residence for 80 RMB, more cost-effective.