Travel through the Ming and Qing ancient castle, explore the Prime Minister's Mansion

📍Basic Information
Address: Huangcheng Village, Beiliu Town, Yangcheng County, Jincheng City, Shanxi Province
Opening Hours:
Summer 8:00-18:30 | Winter 8:00-17:00
Tickets: Peak season 120 RMB/person, off-season 100 RMB/person (discounts for students/seniors)
🚗Transportation Guide
Self-driving:
From Taiyuan: Erguang Expressway → Jincheng Ring Expressway → Jinyang Expressway Beiliu Exit, turn left and drive 2 km to reach.
From Zhengzhou: Zhengjiaojin Expressway → Jinyang Expressway Beiliu Exit, turn left and drive 2 km.
Public Transport:
Take a direct shuttle bus from Jincheng Bus Station (about 30 minutes per trip, 60 minutes travel time).
Take the high-speed train to Jincheng Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus.
🏰Must-Visit Attractions
1⃣ Imperial Calligraphy Tower: The location of the magnificent Kangxi Emperor’s handwritten plaque "Wuting Shancun," starting the ancient castle exploration journey.
2⃣ Heshan Tower: A rare Ming and Qing defensive building, 30 meters high, once sheltered 800 people from war, climb to the top for a panoramic view.
3⃣ Stone Archway: The merit archway bestowed by Emperor Kangxi, recording the Chen family’s honor of "one family with nine successful imperial candidates, three generations with six Hanlin scholars."
4⃣ Chen Family Ancestral Hall: Learn about Chen Tingjing’s honest and upright life and feel the family tradition of "virtue accumulated in one family."
5⃣ Zhiyuan Garden: A 11,000㎡ classical garden with flowing water, strange rocks, pavilions, and towers, once a gathering place for literati and poets.
🎭Featured Performances Recommended
"Welcoming the Imperial Visit": A large-scale city opening ceremony at the Imperial Calligraphy Tower Square, with a hundred performers reenacting the grand arrival of Emperor Kangxi (starts at 9:00 during peak season).
"Prosperous Eight Sounds": A national intangible cultural heritage performance of the Eight Sounds Assembly inside the Hidden Soldiers Cave, featuring passionate folk music and dance.
"Return to the Prime Minister’s Mansion": A nighttime immersive live drama, experiencing the rise and fall of the Chen Tingjing family through time travel (separate ticket required).
🍜Food Experience
"88 Banquet": 16 intangible cultural heritage imperial dishes (8 cold, 8 hot), with "palace maids" explaining the stories behind the dishes, tasting an innovative and healthy version.
Yangcheng Roast Liver: Local specialty snack, paired with the "Huangcheng Family Feast" at the Prime Minister’s Hotel for a more authentic taste.
Accommodation Suggestions
Ancient Style Homestay: Renovated old courtyard homestay inside Guoyu Ancient City, rustic exterior with modern interior.
Prime Minister’s Manor Hotel: Modern sightseeing park facilities, including a glass skybridge, petting zoo, and other family-friendly amenities.
📝Practical Tips
1. Guided Tours: Recommended to hire a guide for in-depth explanations of architectural details and historical stories.
2. Hanfu Photo Shoot: The scenic area offers makeup and costume services, allowing you to dress as a Jin merchant’s young lady or Ming and Qing noblewoman for ancient-style photos.
3. Ticket Validity: Valid for three days, allowing multiple entries to explore surrounding attractions.
✨ As the poem says: "The painted pavilion intricately carved with cypress, the towering building adorned with incense." Every brick and tile of Huangcheng Prime Minister’s Mansion is a romantic sediment of history.