Jinzhong's 2025 Treasures Guide! Experience the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ancient City and its Courtyards, and Experiencing the World of Noodles!

🌟2025 Jinzhong Treasure Guide! Experience the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the Ancient City Courtyards and the World of Noodles on Your Taste!

> Every day in Jinzhong felt like a journey through history. This city, known as the "Hometown of Shanxi Merchants," offered countless surprises and awe-inspiring experiences!

When I first stood on the walls of Pingyao Ancient City, overlooking the vast complex of over 2,700 Ming and Qing dynasty dwellings, I was instantly overwhelmed by the grandeur of this World Heritage site. Jinzhong's tourism popularity continues to rise in 2025. Not only is it the birthplace of Shanxi merchant culture, it's also a treasure trove of tourist destinations, blending ancient courtyards, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and noodle culture!

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🏯 **Must-See Attractions**

1. **Pingyao Ancient City: A Journey Through the Ming and Qing Dynasties**
As a World Heritage site, Pingyao Ancient City is an absolute must-see. I chose **early morning** to climb the city walls. Watching the rising sun bathe the blue bricks and gray tiles, the entire ancient city seemed to come alive. Touch China's earliest silver note templates at the Rishengchang Banknote Exchange and experience the grandeur of Shanxi merchants, whose "connection with the world" was unparalleled. In the County Yamen Lobby, personally strike the gavel and experience the majesty of an ancient county magistrate. In the evening, be sure to visit the South Street Night Market, where the vibrant red lanterns light up and the ancient city truly comes alive.

2. Experience the grandeur of Shanxi merchants at the Wang Family Courtyard

"One can't leave without visiting the Wang Family Courtyard" is a true saying! Built over 300 years by the Jingsheng Wang family, this 250,000-square-meter complex boasts 231 courtyards and 2,078 houses. I particularly admired the "three carvings": the woodcarvings of magpies ascending plum trees on the beams, the brick carvings of Pixiu on the screen wall, and the stone carvings of carp in front of the academy—all of them are incredibly lifelike. It's recommended to hire a guide to truly understand the essence of Shanxi merchant culture behind these buildings.

3. **Explore the Ancient Cliff Temple in Mianshan Scenic Area**
Mianshan Scenic Area, the birthplace of the Cold Food Festival, is famous for its ancient cliff temples and refreshing summer weather. I took a cable car up the mountain, and the awe-inspiring temple suddenly emerged from the mist, carved into the cliff face. **The Qixian Valley Hanging Plank Road** is a challenge for the brave, offering a thrilling adventure amidst the cliffs. **The Yunfeng Temple "Baofu Rock"** is entirely carved into the mountainside, creating a spectacular spectacle where even in the rain, an umbrella is unnecessary.

4. **Explore the Underground Labyrinth in Zhangbi Ancient Castle**
This miniature castle, built over 1,600 years ago, appears to be an ordinary village above ground, but beneath it lies a three-story, 5-kilometer-long network of tunnels, fully equipped with traps, granaries, and horse troughs. During the Ming Dynasty, it could have housed 3,000 soldiers. Following a local elder as he gathered mugwort at the tunnel entrance, he recounted stories of the garrison at the end of the Sui Dynasty, feeling as if he had traveled back in time.

**Special Experiences**

1. **Intangible Cultural Heritage Handicraft Experience**
At the Pingyao Ancient City Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience Center, I personally experienced the craft of polished lacquerware, tasted authentic Pingyao beef, and participated in the brewing of aged vinegar, truly achieving a "one-stop" intangible cultural heritage experience. In Zuoquan County, I also experienced national-level intangible cultural heritage items such as "Blooming Tune" and "Little Flower Opera," and felt the charm of folk song culture.

2. **"Seeing Pingyao Again" Situational Drama**
This large-scale live performance recreates the historical story of Pingyao Ancient City through modern technology and artistic expression. The performance venue is located just outside the west gate of Pingyao Ancient City. The immersive experience made me feel like I was part of the story of the Shanxi merchants.

3. **Nighttime Tour of Shanxi Merchants Park**
The newly opened Yijing Food Plaza connects the park's boat tours and campgrounds, creating a closed-loop leisure experience: "Enjoy the park by day, enjoy the scenery, and enjoy food and music by night." Here, I embraced an oil-paper umbrella, transformed into a "Jinzhou merchant lady," strolled through the quaint gardens, and captured moments of conversation with history.

🍜 **Food Recommendations**

Jinzhong's delicious food keeps me full every day! Here are some of the best dishes I've personally tried:

- **Yuci Peach Blossom Noodles**: Thin, soft noodles, a golden poached egg, and tender slices of pork, with generous toppings and a clear, rich broth.
- **Pingyao Bowl Tray**: Topped with garlic juice and chili oil, the sour, spicy, and refreshing dish is refreshing.
- **Yellow Rice Jelly**: Sweet and soft, a perfect summer refreshment.
- **Pingyao Beef**: Firm and textured, its texture imbued with Pingyao flavor. Empress Dowager Cixi praised it highly.
- **Qin'e'dang Noodles**: A Pingyao traditional noodle dish used to entertain distinguished guests, a true art form.

**Food Recommendations**:
- In Pingyao Ancient City: Hongwuji Restaurant (Yellow Rice Jelly, Braised Beef in Old Vinegar), Laozhao's Shanxi Copper Hot Pot (Assorted Copper Hot Pot).
- Yuci: The long-standing Peach Blossom Noodle Shop on West Street.
- A new favorite: Yijing Food Plaza (under the sunken plaza of Shanxi Merchants Park), a blend of traditional cuisine and cultural performances.

🏨 **Accommodation Recommendations**

- **Pingyao Ancient City Inn**: Choose a traditional inn within the ancient city (150-300 RMB) and drift off to sleep amidst the centuries-old stories of Shanxi merchants.
- **Hotels in Mianshan Scenic Area**: Convenient for early morning exploration the next day.
- **Near Yuci Old Town**: Convenient for experiencing the local pace of life.

💡 **Practical Information**

**Tickets**:
- Pingyao Ancient City: 123 RMB
- Wang Family Courtyard: 55 RMB
- Qiao Family Courtyard: 115 RMB
- Zhangbi Ancient Castle: 67 RMB

**Best Time**: **Spring and autumn** offer pleasant weather, making them ideal for visiting Jinzhong. In summer, you can escape the heat in the mountains.

**Transportation**:
- 🚄 **High-Speed Rail**: Take the high-speed rail to Pingyao Ancient City Station
- 🚗 **Driving**: Tourist attractions are scattered, so driving is a more convenient option.
- 🚌 **Bus**: County buses are available to connect attractions.

**Outfit Tips**:
- Comfortable sneakers (a must-have for visiting the courtyards and the ancient city)
- Light jacket (the temperature difference between morning and evening is significant in Jinzhong during summer)
- Hanfu (perfect for taking stunning photos in the ancient city and courtyards)

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Every day in Jinzhong, I was immersed in a sea of history and culture. By day, I wandered among the thousand-year-old buildings, absorbing the rich culture of the Shanxi merchants; at night, I savored authentic Shanxi cuisine and experienced the warm hospitality of the locals. This city boasts not only a glorious history, but also astounding cuisine and unique cultural experiences.

If you're looking for a destination that blends history and cuisine, Jinzhong is the perfect choice! I'm sure this "hometown of Shanxi merchants" will leave you wanting to linger, creating unforgettable travel memories.

**Feel free to share your Jinzhong experiences or ask questions in the comments section~👇**