The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Southeast Shanxi

Changzhi, this charming ancient city where history meets landscapes, makes exploring small towns in southeast Shanxi in 3 days and 2 nights a dream come true! Follow this itinerary to experience millennia-old charm and the stunning beauty of the Taihang Mountains. 🏯 Itinerary: Day 1: City Exploration Morning: Start at [Lu'an Prefecture City God Temple] to admire Ming-Qing architecture—red walls and black tiles make for perfect photos! Noon: Enjoy authentic Changzhi donkey meat pancakes on [Yingxiong South Road]. Afternoon: Visit [Changzhi Museum] to see Shang-Zhou dynasty bronze artifacts. Evening: Stroll around [August 1st Square] to soak in the slow-paced life of the old town. Day 2: Mountain & Water Adventure Morning: Head to [Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon] for a hike amid spectacular red rock formations. Noon: Savor rustic mountain cuisine at a [local farmhouse restaurant] in the scenic area. Afternoon: Take a boat ride in [Baquan Gorge] to admire breathtaking canyon reflections. (Tip: Wear comfortable sports shoes—there's lots of walking in the scenic area.) Day 3: Cultural Tour Morning: Explore [Faxing Temple], a Tang dynasty monastery with exquisite Song dynasty painted sculptures. Noon: Try [Changzi County]'s pork soup with fried dough sticks. Afternoon: Visit [Pingshun County] to see the cliff-hugging road of Jingdi Village. Before leaving, don’t forget to buy some [Qinzhou yellow millet] as souvenirs. 🚗 Transportation Tips: • Downtown Changzhi attractions are accessible by bus. • For Taihang Mountain, consider hiring a car or driving (about 1.5 hours). • Changzhi East Station has high-speed trains to Taiyuan, Zhengzhou, etc. 🍜 Must-Try Foods: Donkey meat pancakes, Changzi pork soup, Huguan mutton soup, Xiangyuan hand-pulled noodles, Qinzhou yellow millet porridge. 📌 Practical Tips: • Taihang Mountain has big temperature swings—bring a jacket. • Some historic sites close on Mondays—check schedules in advance. • Local dishes are generously portioned—order wisely!