Exploring Xiangyu Ancient Fortress

**🚩 Route Guide (Color-Coded)**
1. **🟢 Main Entrance (South Gate)** → Pass through the stone archway, walk straight along the cobblestone path to reach the core area of the fortress.
2. **🔵 Defense Line (Blue)**: Climb the city wall → Hidden soldier caves → Watchtower (best panoramic view).
3. **🟡 Residential Culture Line (Yellow)**: Ming Dynasty official residence "Sandutang" → Brick-carved courtyards → Ancient well alley.
4. **🟣 Ancestral Hall and Temple Line (Purple)**: Sun Family Ancestral Hall → Wenchang Pavilion → Guan Yu Temple.
5. **🔴 Exit (East Gate)**: Pass by the ancient opera stage to conclude your visit.

**📌 Tips**: The entire tour takes about 2 hours on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as some steps are steep.

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**🍜 Local Food Recommendations**
1. **Qinshui River Noodles**: Handmade buckwheat noodles with pickled vegetable sauce. The "Sun Family Noodle Shop" at the fortress entrance is the most authentic.
2. **Xiangyu Grilled Tofu**: Local yellow bean tofu grilled on an iron plate, crispy outside and tender inside, best enjoyed with chili sauce!
3. **Millet Pancakes**: Filled with jujube paste or pickled vegetables, often freshly made and sold at village markets for breakfast.
4. **Wild Honey Walnut Cake**: Available at small stalls inside the fortress, sweet but not overly rich, perfect as a souvenir.

**🌟 Hidden Gem**: During festivals, you might get to try the "Eight Eight Banquet" (8 cold dishes and 8 hot traditional dishes).

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Post by 當地司導山西張娟 | Aug 13, 2025