Daping Ancient Village: A traditional village on the edge of modernity

🌈Highlights Daping Ancient Village is located in Yu County, Shanxi Province. It is like a hidden paradise in the mountains. 😃 The village has a history of over 1,500 years. Built on a mountain, the village features layers of cave dwellings that are scattered in an orderly manner. From a distance, the village looks as magnificent as the Potala Palace. Surrounded by green mountains and clear waters, the village has fresh air that seems to cleanse your lungs. 💦 As you stroll through the village, you will see winding stone alleys and traces of time on every stone, as if you can hear stories from the past. The unique folk customs are also a highlight. During traditional festivals, the villagers hold primitive and lively celebrations, allowing you to immerse yourself in the charm of ancient culture. This is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find peace and simplicity. 📍Address: Daping Village, Liangjiazai Township, Yu County, Yangquan City, Shanxi Province 🕐️Opening hours: Open all day, but it is recommended to visit during the day to enjoy the full view of the ancient village and the surrounding scenery. 🎫Tickets: Free admission 🆓. 📝Best time to visit: Late spring to early summer (May to June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit. 🌳🍁 In late spring to early summer, the mountains are lush and full of blooming flowers, making the ancient village even more tranquil. In autumn, the mountains are covered with fiery red leaves, which contrast with the ancient village, creating a stunning oil painting-like scene. 🚘Transportation: 1. Self-driving: Navigate to "Daping Ancient Village" and take the G20 Taiyuan-Jiuguan Expressway to the Liangjiazai exit. Follow the signs to the village. The scenery along the way is beautiful, making for a great self-driving experience. 🚗 However, there are many curves on the mountain road, so be sure to control your speed. 2. Public transportation: Take a train or long-distance bus to Yangquan City, then transfer to a bus to Liangjiazai Township at Yangquan Bus Station. From there, you can take a taxi or walk to the ancient village. 🚌🚶 📅Travel tips: ☑️Must-see attractions: 1. Ancient Village Panorama Viewing Platform: From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the orderly architecture of Daping Ancient Village, making it a great spot for photos. 📷 2. Millennium-old Tree: This ancient and sturdy tree has witnessed the changes of the ancient village over time. It is said to have many legends of blessings. ☑️Hiking route: Enter the village from the entrance and follow the main road. Walk through the stone alleys and visit the ancient dwellings. Then, take the back mountain trail to overlook the ancient village and the surrounding mountains and waters. The entire route is about 2 to 3 km long, allowing you to fully experience the charm of the ancient village without getting too tired. ☑️Activities: 1. Experience traditional farming: Rent farming tools in the village and learn how to plow and sow with the villagers to experience the simplicity of rural life. 🥔 2. Participate in folk handicraft making: Try your hand at making paper cuttings, weaving, and other crafts to create souvenirs and take home unique memories of Daping Ancient Village. ✂️ 🍱What to eat: 1. Daping Tofu: Made with spring water, this tofu is tender and fragrant. It is delicious whether served cold or stewed. 😋 2. Youmian Kaolao: A local specialty noodle dish. After steaming, the noodles are dipped in a special sauce, making them chewy and satisfying. 3. Iron Pot Stewed Mountain Chicken: Made with free-range mountain chicken, potatoes, vermicelli, and other ingredients, this dish is stewed in a large iron pot. The chicken is tender, and the broth is rich, making it perfect with rice. 🍚 4. Wild Vegetable Dumplings: Made with wild vegetables from the mountains, these dumplings are green and healthy, with a unique natural fragrance. 💗Practical tips: 1. As the ancient village is located in the mountains, the temperature difference between day and night is large. It is recommended to bring a warm jacket. 🧥 Even in summer, you may need it at night. 2. Respect local customs during your visit. Do not touch villagers' sacrificial items. 🙏 3. Bring your own drinking water, as water sources are limited in some mountain areas. Stay hydrated. 💧 4. Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged. The ancient village is full of beautiful scenery, so be ready to capture the moment. 📱