Datong Yanggao Autumn Scenery Must-Visit Spot

Exploring Yanggao Ancient City｜Travel through Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, savor authentic northern Shanxi flavors🏯

Yanggao Ancient City on a sunny day is unbelievably beautiful! The blue bricks and gray tiles blend with modern buildings, autumn yellow leaves scatter over the stone-paved roads, every snapshot looks like a scene from a time-travel drama～

🚗 Travel Tips
📍 Address: Yanggao County, Datong City, Shanxi Province
Take the high-speed train to Datong South Station, then transfer to a bus for a 1-hour direct ride (frequent departures)

Ancient City Walking Route:
1️⃣ Wenchang Pavilion → City God Temple
Wenchang Pavilion: The highest point of the ancient city! Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the city’s layered dark-tiled roofs
City God Temple: Ming Dynasty painted murals are stunning, light and shadow passing through carved windows make it perfect for shooting new Chinese style photos

2️⃣ Ming and Qing Street → Ma Family Courtyard
Ming and Qing Street: A well-preserved old merchant street, with pharmacies and pawnshops restoring northern Shanxi market life
Ma Family Courtyard: A model of Shanxi merchant mansions, the three-courtyard layout hides exquisite brick carvings (the window patterns in the east wing are a hidden photo spot!)

🍜 Must-Try List
- Yanggao Lamb Noodle Soup: Made with locally free-range lamb, sprinkled with chopped cilantro for an irresistible aroma
- Youmian Kaolaolao: Served with wild mushroom sauce, this intangible cultural heritage master’s freshly hand-pressed honeycomb-shaped noodles are very special
- Fried Yellow Rice Cake: Crispy outside, sticky inside, and stretchy, the most authentic comes from the old lady’s stall at the west gate of the ancient city

📸 Hidden Photo Spots:
1. Red wall in the backyard of City God Temple (absolutely beautiful when the sunlight slants at 4 PM)
2. Ma Family Courtyard stage, use the lantern frame to compose silhouette shots

💡 Local Insider Tips:
- Arrive at Wenchang Pavilion before 7 AM to capture the ancient city shrouded in morning mist
- There is a market on Ming and Qing Street every Saturday morning where you can find handmade cloth tigers
- The apricot grove outside the south gate turns golden in autumn and is ten times less crowded than popular spots!