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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Yuncheng [2025]
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Guanque Tower
4.5
/5
3586 reviews
7.5
From 9.54 AZN
Based on 7 reviews
70.4 km from downtown
Phone +8603598485381
Address: 852 County Rd, Yongji Shi, Yuncheng Shi, Shanxi Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–1.5 hours
Highlights:
360° panoramic view
360° view of surroundings
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Climbing to the top of the Stork Tower, one can gaze at the Yellow River where the water meets the sky, and the expansive view instantly relaxes the mind; going downstairs, touching the ancient bricks and listening to the sound of the copper bells on the eaves in the wind, one is overwhelmed by a sense of history.
Climbing to the top of the Stork Tower, one can gaze at the Yellow River where the water meets the sky, and the expansive view instantly relaxes the mind; going downstairs, touching the ancient bricks and listening to the sound of the copper bells on the eaves in the wind, one is overwhelmed by a sense of history.
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Yongle Palace
4.7
/5
1321 reviews
7.0
From 11.92 AZN
Based on 7 reviews
44.5 km from downtown
Phone +8603593011491
Address: About 2 kilometers north of Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Young team’s 9-year relocation miracle
Vast architecture & exquisite murals
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[Yongle Palace Experience: Journey Through a Yuan-Century Taoist Art Hall]
Visiting Yongle Palace in Ruicheng, Shanxi, is a truly breathtaking pilgrimage! Though tucked away in a small town, this Taoist temple, built during the Yuan Dynasty, is breathtaking with its unparalleled mural art and architectural style.
🌟 Highlights:
1. Treasure Murals: The "Chao Yuan Tu" in the Sanqing Hall is a pinnacle of Eastern art—286 deities, 4 meters high, dance in graceful robes, their cinnabar and azurite colors remaining dazzling even after 700 years. Standing within the hall, you can almost hear celestial music and experience the harmony between man and nature as captured by Yuan-Cheng painters.
2. Architectural Marvels: The monumental relocation of the palace in the 1950s for the Three Gorges Project adds to its legendary charm. Walking through the hip-and-gable roofed, Yuan-Cheng wooden structure, you can gaze upon the intricate mortise and tenon joints of the caisson ceiling, and every carved chiwen pattern speaks to the wisdom of the ancients. 3. Immersive Experience: The scenic area utilizes a dark-lighting system, making the details of the murals even more sacred under soft lighting. We recommend renting a guide (a great value at 20 yuan) to understand the subtle metaphors within the legendary story of Lü Dongbin.
⚠️ Notes: • Flash photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple. You can purchase the official album (198 yuan) to collect your own. • It is recommended to enter at 9:00 a.m. to avoid the midday tour group rush. • Combine this with a day trip to the Jiezhou Guandi Temple in southern Shanxi.
The most profound feeling of this trip: While modern people are accustomed to fragmented visual stimulation, standing before these murals, the product of a lifetime of labor, I suddenly understood the meaning of "timeless aesthetic shock." Perhaps this is the meaning of cultural heritage: allowing us to connect with the Chinese nation's most magnificent artistic soul through the intersection of time and space.
I've traveled a lot, but I've rarely seen an ancient building as complete as the Yongle Palace. The main halls are truly masterpieces, and they also feature exquisite murals. The Guangrenwang Temple and the City God Temple in Ruicheng County are also excellent, so you might want to stop by.
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Yuncheng Guan Gong Hometown Cultural Tourism Scenic Area
4.8
/5
2555 reviews
6.8
From 10.73 AZN
Based on 17 reviews
19.4 km from downtown
Phone +8603592808369
Address: 239 Provincial Rd, Yanhu Qu, Yuncheng Shi, Shanxi Sheng, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Rebuilt Qing Dynasty Wumiao site
Four cypress trees form dragon
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The hometown of Guan Yu is definitely worth visiting, possessing high historical and artistic value, and the stories of Guan Yu are widely known. The scenic area is vast, with the parking lot even larger than the area itself, making it quite confusing. There's no direct path from the parking lot to the ticket office; a paid shuttle bus is required. The iron gate at the exit of the scenic area is also very secure; don't even think about sneaking in!
Despite his youth, our Yuncheng tour guide, Master Xiaoma, possesses exceptional professionalism and competence. We were accompanied by an elderly person, and Master Xiaoma was courteous and attentive, treating them with exceptional care. Along the way, he introduced us to local customs and the historical sites along the way, recounting the stories of each attraction. We were completely satisfied with our chartered tour and felt it was a truly satisfying experience, bringing our trip to Shanxi to a successful conclusion.
No.
4
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Pujiu Temple
4.4
/5
1221 reviews
6.3
From 10.73 AZN
Based on 16 reviews
64.7 km from downtown
Phone +8603598485263
Address: Yingshang, Xixiang Village, Puzhou Town, Yongji City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Echoing frog sounds at Yingying Tower
The Romance of the West Chamber
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This is a wonderful tourist attraction, steeped in history. Such historical treasures deserve greater protection and promotion, as specific historical anecdotes are irreplaceable and must be cherished!
Puji Temple, located in Yongji City, Shanxi Province, is a legendary, millennium-old temple renowned for the love story depicted in the novel "Romance of the Western Chamber."
From a scenic perspective, Puji Temple, nestled high atop the Emei Plateau, offers expansive views. Regarding its cultural attractions, the site boasts a wealth of highlights. Yingying Pagoda, Puji Temple's landmark, is one of China's four great echoing structures. Striking rocks or clapping your hands to the west of the pagoda creates a sound resembling the croaking of frogs, a wondrous experience that belies the wisdom of the ancients. The Pear Blossom Courtyard is the central setting for the story of "Romance of the Western Chamber." Entering the courtyard, one can almost imagine Cui Yingying and Zhang Sheng engaging in their heartbreaking love story. Furthermore, the bell tower, Heavenly King Hall, and Bodhisattva Cave each possess unique characteristics, imbued with rich historical and cultural heritage. The scenic area boasts a rich cultural atmosphere, and the influence of "Romance of the Western Chamber" can be felt everywhere. Puji Temple is conveniently located near the Yellow River Iron Ox and the Stork Tower, making it a suitable location for a comprehensive itinerary. However, Puji Temple also has some shortcomings. Some buildings were later restored and rebuilt, and while they retain their original style, they lack a sense of historical vicissitudes. Furthermore, the tour guide service within the scenic area needs improvement. Some guides' explanations lack the depth and vividness to allow visitors to fully appreciate the cultural heritage of Puji Temple.
Overall, Puji Temple is a well-worth-visiting attraction.
No.
5
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Li's Grand Courtyard
4.7
/5
1021 reviews
6.1
38.9 km from downtown
Phone +8603594823333
Address: Wanrong, Yuncheng, Shanxi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Exquisite brick & stone carvings
Opera: Li Family Courtyard Story
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The Li Family Courtyard is about kindness, the Qiao Family Courtyard is about fame, and the Wang Family Courtyard is about the courtyard. After visiting the Li Family Courtyard, I was deeply moved by the generations of philanthropy. The gate of Tongde Hall is well worth taking the time to examine in detail. If time permits, it's worth hiring a guide to learn more about the courtyard's history and architectural culture.
The introduction before coming here was quite long. Because of the short time, I just took a quick look. There were many places that I didn't go to and didn't look at in detail. But overall there is a lot of content, various courtyards, and performances. If you have time, you can take a closer look. Recommended
No.
6
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Feiyunlou Scenic Area in Wanrong County
4.8
/5
191 reviews
6.1
From 2.39 AZN
46 km from downtown
Phone +8603594527977
Address: Wanrong, Yuncheng, Shanxi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
Highlights:
Unique design & aesthetic appeal
23-foot, three-story pagoda structure
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Wanrong Feiyun Tower, located within the Dongyue Temple in Wanrong County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, was built during the Zhengde reign of the Ming Dynasty. Together with the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, it is known as the "South Tower and North Tower," a pinnacle of Chinese pure wooden architecture. Standing 23.19 meters tall, with three visible stories and five concealed floors, the tower is constructed without a single nail or rivet, relying solely on 345 sets of brackets and mortise and tenon joints. It appears to soar like a cloud, seemingly swirling through the air. Four towering cypress columns pierce the roof, while 32 eaves and corners are adorned with glazed tiles and warrior statues, embodying the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty and the sophistication of the Ming and Qing dynasties. A National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site, Feiyun Tower is not only a living example of ancient architectural craftsmanship but also a landmark of the Yellow River Cultural Belt, thanks to its remarkable appearance of being "half embedded in the clouds."
We visited Feiyun Tower on a rainy day. It's a bit far from Yuncheng to Wanrong, but that didn't stop us from visiting. It's a small attraction, so we finished it quickly. The entire building, including the nearby main hall, is breathtaking. It's a great place, not crowded, so we could take our time to admire the Feiyun Tower from every angle.
No.
7
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Yuncheng Salt Lake
4.3
/5
1096 reviews
6.0
From 53.64 AZN
Based on 25 reviews
4.8 km from downtown
Phone +8603598966737
Address: Yanhu, Yuncheng, Shanxi, China
Recommended sightseeing time: 3–5 hours
Highlights:
One of three major salt lakes
Rusty hot springs, always warm
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On the weekend, I came to Yuncheng Salt Lake with anticipation. When I stepped into the scenic area, the view suddenly opened up, and a sparkling lake came into view. The lake water sparkled dazzlingly under the sunshine, as if it was a bright gem inlaid by nature on the earth.
Walking along the lake, the lake water presents a unique color. Some places show a deep blue, like a miniature of the sea; some places are light green, as if they were gently painted by nature's brush. The salt crystals by the lake sparkled in the sun, like countless diamonds scattered on the shore, and they made a crisp sound when stepped on, which is quite interesting.
I couldn't help but take off my shoes and step into the lake. The lake water was cool and clear, gently caressing my feet, bringing a touch of comfort. In the distance, some tourists were taking pictures, and some were playing by the salt lake, and laughter echoed over the lake.
Yuncheng Salt Lake not only has charming natural scenery, but also contains rich historical and cultural heritage. Here, I seemed to travel through time and space, and felt the love and cherishment that people from ancient times to the present have had for this magical land. This trip to the salt lake brought me a lot of happiness and unforgettable memories, and also made me more in awe of the magic and greatness of nature.
There are many different opinions about whether Yuncheng is called Salt Lake or Salt Pond, but no matter what, it represents the same area. The area is equally beautiful and can give everyone many surprises, especially at sunset.
No.
8
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Great Ladder Cliff of The Yellow River
4.7
/5
178 reviews
6.0
From 11.92 AZN
81.7 km from downtown
Phone +8603598675333
Address: Banpo Village, Xiahua Township, Hejin City, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Seven Mile Gallery's seasonal beauty
Hanging ladder from Northern Wei
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It was raining, so the scenic spot provided us with raincoats, which was a heartwarming touch. The experience was quite enjoyable. Standing high up, we saw the Yellow River, the Love Cliff, and walked through the Beauty Valley. The rain prevented us from climbing the Fengyun Ferry, but it didn't dampen our enthusiasm. We bought a package that included a one-way elevator, a boat ride, and entrance fees. While the elevator was a bit pricey, everything else was excellent.
The Great Ladder Cliff of the Longmen Gorge on the Yellow River was excavated during the Northern Wei Dynasty, contemporary with the Yungang Grottoes. We crossed the river here for the nth time, entering the northern lands. The Iron Bridge is the narrowest point of the thousand-mile Yellow River, with a width of between 40 and 60 meters. It is also the place where fish leap from the Dragon Gate, the exit of the Shanxi-Shaanxi Grand Canyon, and the origin of the magnificent Yellow River history of the Chinese people. The word "Longmen" is so alluring to the Chinese that today, on both sides of the Yellow River, Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces have their own "Longmen" place names marked on maps on both sides of the same riverbank. Today, three railways, one national highway, two provincial highways, and one expressway all cross the Yellow River within a 5-kilometer radius north and south of Yumenkou.
No.
9
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Houtu Temple
4.8
/5
219 reviews
5.8
59.2 km from downtown
Phone +863594588580
Address: Bank of the Yellow River, Miaoqian Village, Ronghe Town, Wanrong County, Yuncheng City
Recommended sightseeing time: 2–3 hours
Highlights:
Explore Chinese heritage by Yellow River
Zhang Yi's ancient path remains
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Hou Tu Temple in Wanrong, Shanxi: Located near the confluence of the Fen River and the Yellow River. The main hall enshrines Hou Tu Niangniang, Song Zi Niangniang, and Shi Yao Niangniang. Qiu Feng Lou became famous for Emperor Wu of Han's "Autumn Wind Ode"...
The parking lot outside Hou Tu Temple is large and convenient. The route is one-way, so it's recommended to carefully explore each area before proceeding. Qiufeng Tower is essentially the end of the attraction. Climbing the tower is currently prohibited; you can only admire it from below. There are snack shops on the way to the exit.
No.
10
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Temple of Prince Guangren
4.3
/5
96 reviews
5.7
From 3.22 AZN
44.1 km from downtown
Address: Four kilometers north of Ruicheng County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 1–2 hours
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It's not big, but it has great historical value and is worth a closer look. You don't need a guide; searching online in advance and reading the scenic area's text guide is enough. There's parking, which is very convenient.
[A Visit to Guangrenwang Temple: Touching Time in the Breath of Tang Dynasty Wooden Structures]
If the Yongle Palace is a symphony of brilliant murals, then Guangrenwang Temple, tucked away near Longquan Village in Ruicheng, is a condensed Tang Dynasty quatrain. It lacks dazzling murals or sprawling buildings, but it houses one of China's oldest wooden structures (ranked third among the four surviving Tang Dynasty structures), a true "white moonlight" for lovers of ancient architecture.
🌟 Core Experience:
1. A Thousand-Year Moment: The main hall was built in the fifth year of the Tang Dynasty's Dahe era (831). As you gaze up at the gently sloping hipped roof and the massive, simple brackets, you'll be instantly struck by a minimalist aesthetic that transcends millennia. The original Tang Dynasty structures, especially the east and west walls, are preserved, where every trace of axe and knife work is a secret code of dialogue with the craftsmen.
2. Environmental Theater: The temple cleverly forms an ecological theater with a spring pool beneath the steep cliff. In summer, the lotus flowers in the pond complement the ancient Tang Dynasty architecture in a striking contrast. Sitting on the stone steps of the courtyard, you can hear the wind rustling through the brackets—a true echo of the Tang Dynasty.
3. Cultural Comparison: We recommend combining this with a "Tang Dynasty vs. Yuan Dynasty" architectural tour of the Yongle Palace (the two are only a 15-minute drive apart). Here, you can directly experience how the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty and the complexity and splendor of the Yuan Dynasty blossomed across time and space.
⚠️ Practical Tips: • Extremely small (only two buildings), so allow an hour for your visit. • No commercial atmosphere, only local villagers selling wild tea (5 yuan per cup, refreshing and refreshing). • Best time to photograph: Around 4 p.m., when the sunlight filters through the brackets for breathtaking layers of beauty.
Standing in front of the temple, I was reminded of Liang Sicheng's admiration when he visited ancient buildings: "Tang Dynasty architecture is like an elder, imposing without anger." Free from crowds and overdevelopment, the lonely Wang Temple is guarded by ancient pines, evoking a private dialogue with time. Recommended for all travelers seeking the essential beauty of architecture.
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