Shanxi Ningwu 2 Days 1 Night Travel Guide

Here is a 2 days 1 night travel guide for Ningwu, Shanxi:

Preparation

● Documents: Bring your ID card, student ID, and other necessary documents.

● Clothing: In September, there is a large temperature difference between morning and evening in Ningwu, Shanxi. Prepare a thick jacket. Thicker clothing is needed when visiting Wannian Ice Cave, where the temperature inside can drop to -5℃. You can also rent a coat at the cave entrance.

● Others: Prepare a camera, charger, umbrella or raincoat, etc.

Transportation Guide

● If departing from Foshan, you can first take a plane or high-speed train to Taiyuan, then travel from Taiyuan to Ningwu.
○ Self-driving: About 3 hours driving from Taiyuan.
○ Public transport: Take a bullet train to Xinzhou Station, then charter a car to Ningwu.

Itinerary

Day 1

● Morning: After arriving in Ningwu, head to Wannian Ice Cave (Madi Valley Village, Chunjingwa Township, Ningwu County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province). It is the only non-permafrost ice cave in the world, never melting all year round. Descend 100 meters underground, and under colorful lights, it feels like entering an ice crystal kingdom. The ice stalactites on the ceiling and ice stalagmites on the ground resemble the magical world of "Frozen." Open from 09:00 to 17:00.

● Noon: Taste local delicacies near the scenic area, such as Youmian Kaolaolao with mushroom and mutton sauce, and freshly fried Ningwu oil cakes (red bean paste filling with bursting juice).

● Afternoon: Visit the Cliffside Ancient Village (Wanghuagou Village), the "Sky City" built on a 2300-meter cliff. The wooden plank road creaks, and opening the window reveals a sea of clouds. Elderly women spin yarn on stone steps, as if time has stopped in the Ming and Qing dynasties.

● Evening: Stay at a farmhouse in the cliff village, with a window view of the sea of clouds, costing about 150 RMB per night; or choose a hotel in Dongzhai Town with complete facilities, recommended is Luyashan International Hotel.

Day 2

● Morning: Visit the Shimen Hanging Coffins, the only hanging coffin group north of the Yangtze River. The cliff caves hold unsolved mysteries. Playing the "Ghost Blows Out the Light" soundtrack enhances the experience.

● Noon: Dine at nearby restaurants and try wild silver plate mushroom soup and sour porridge with yellow mustard (a local favorite breakfast combo).

● Afternoon: Head to the source of the Fen River, scoop up water that has flowed for thousands of years as described in the "Book of Songs." The Water Curtain Cave waterfall is very refreshing, an excellent summer cooling spot. Then end the trip and return.

Attraction Tickets

Luyashan Scenic Area pass costs 198 RMB, including 6 major attractions such as the ice cave, cliff village, and plank road. Buying the pass saves half compared to single tickets.

Notes

● Be cautious on plank roads when it rains, as steps are slippery.

● Protect the environment, do not touch the hanging coffin relics.