Kelan travel guide and discussion

📍 Attraction profile · Address: Dongzhai Town, Ningwu County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province · Altitude: Main peak approx. 2,789m · Vibe: Alpine meadows, Ten Thousand Year Ice Cave, hanging ancient village, source of the Fen River · Opening hours: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM (varies by attraction. Some areas like the cliff plank road may be closed, so check official announcements before traveling) · Suggested duration: 2–3 days (attractions are spread out; 2 days is most comfortable) 🚗 How to get there? Self-drive (recommended): From Taiyuan, take the Erguang Expressway to the Cangyu Expressway, then exit at Ningwu. The total distance is about 160km, with a drive time of about 2.5–3 hours. Once in Ningwu, the roads are mostly winding mountain roads with steep curves; driving during the day is recommended to avoid night travel. High-speed rail + car hire: Take the train to Xinzhou West Station, then hire a car or join a ride-share to the attraction. Bus: There are direct buses from Taiyuan East Bus Station to Ningwu County. From there, transfer to a local bus or take a taxi to Dongzhai Town. Most buses depart in the morning, with fewer options in the afternoon. Within the attraction: Attractions are far apart, so relying solely on public transport is not recommended. If driving, there are parking lots at each attraction. If not driving, it is recommended to hire a car in Dongzhai Town; drivers often double as guides and are familiar with the best photo spots. ✨ Must-visit highlights 1. Ten Thousand Year Ice Cave (core wonder) — A natural ice cave formed during the Quaternary glacial period 3 million years ago. It is over 30°C outside the cave, while inside it remains between -4°C and -10°C year-round, with white mist billowing from the entrance. Ice pillars, ice waterfalls, and ice curtains are crystal clear under the colorful lights, like stepping into a crystal palace. The cave is not large; a tour takes about 40 minutes, and it is not recommended to stay too long. 2. Hanging Village (cultural wonder) — An ancient village over 300 years old. Houses are built against the cliff, suspended on wooden pillars over a 100-meter precipice. Stone paths connect dozens of households, creating a rich atmosphere of daily life. Walk the wooden hanging plank road, visit the cliffside cabins, the ancient stage, and the two-tiered mountain waterfall, and overlook the panoramic view of the flower-covered mountains at dusk. 3. Malun Grassland (highlight of the west route) — A rare subalpine meadow in North China, at an altitude of over 2,700m, covering 6,000 mu of alpine meadow. It feels soft like a carpet underfoot. Cattle and horses graze slowly, tails swaying, while the wind carries the scent of grass. The ruins of the Northern Qi Great Wall lie on the grassland, with wildflowers growing in the stone crevices. You can find local herdsmen for a horseback riding experience and take a stroll along the meadow. Every photo is wallpaper-worthy. 4. Luyashan Main Peak — At an altitude of 2,789m, the peak is sharp and resembles a reed sprout breaking through the soil, hence the name. Reaching the top leads to the Prince Hall, offering excellent views of the sea of clouds, mountains, and primeval forests. The climbing steps are steep, so please assess your physical ability. 5. Cliff Plank Road — An ancient plank road carved into the cliff face. The terrain is steep, and there are hanging temples along the way, offering views of the mountain scenery. It is very challenging; those with a fear of heights should be cautious. 6. Source of the Fen River (free) — The source of the mother river of Shanxi. The spring water is so clear you can see the stones at the bottom. Stroll along the stream in the forest, listen to the sound of water and birds, and let time slow down. 7. Lover's Valley — With babbling streams and numerous waterfalls, the valley is cool and quiet, perfect for a leisurely stroll. 8. Shimen Hanging Coffins — Mysterious ancient hanging coffins hidden in the crevices of the cliffs, a niche cultural spot. 🗺️ Itinerary recommendations 2 days 1 night classic loop (recommended): · Day 1 North route ice and fire line: Arrive in Dongzhai Town in the morning → Ten Thousand Year Ice Cave (remember to bring a thick jacket) → Return to town for lunch and eat Youmian → Afternoon visit to Hanging Village (soft light for photos) → Return to Dongzhai Town for the night. · Day 2 West route grassland line: Depart early morning → Stroll on Malun Grassland and take great photos of cattle and horses → Climb Luyashan Main Peak to see the rolling mountains → Stroll by the stream in Lover's Valley → Visit the source of the Fen River → Return. 1-day highlight tour (choose this if short on time): Morning Ten Thousand Year Ice Cave → Noon eat Youmian in town → Afternoon Malun Grassland to see the meadow and sunset → Evening return. This route has a short drive and low physical requirements, suitable for first-time visitors who only want to check off the representative spots. 3-day in-depth tour: Add one day to the two-day itinerary—visit the alpine lakes at Ningwu Tianchi, or hike in the niche valleys around Dongzhai Town and browse the markets for local mountain goods. Suitable for photography and slow travel. 🍜 What to eat? Must-eat signature dish: Youmian Kaolaolao—a Shanxi specialty coarse grain, chewy and full of wheat flavor, mixed with a secret sauce, refreshing and non-greasy. A must-eat when visiting Luyashan. Ningwu stewed lamb—local goat meat is tender and has no gamey smell; the soup is fresh and the meat is tender. A must-eat when traveling in the mountains. Potato Youmian Yuyu—alpine potatoes are soft and waxy, with a smooth texture. The pinnacle of home-style farm cooking. Mountain specialties: Scrambled eggs with Nostoc commune—a mountain specialty, fresh and delicious, a taste you can barely find in the city. Mountain vegetable platter—bracken, daylily, and wild mushrooms, natural and pollution-free, refreshing and non-greasy. Farm-style stewed chicken with potatoes—mountain potatoes are soft and flavorful, chicken is firm and not dry, and it smells amazing when stewed in a large pot. Snacks/Breakfast: Fried cake—crispy skin with brown sugar filling, sweet but not greasy; Lamb offal soup—a warming breakfast for the morning, with a rich broth. Where to eat: Dongzhai Town has many restaurants and is the attraction's distribution center; almost all buses and hired cars depart from here. The "Cliffside Farmhouse Kitchen" in the Hanging Village is also worth a try, with ingredients all produced by local farmers. 🏨 Where to stay? · Dongzhai Town (first choice): The attraction's distribution center, with concentrated accommodation, complete dining options, and convenient travel. Featured homestays include Luyashan Tingshan, Fuhuiju, Linhaiyuan, etc., which can basically be booked on online platforms. Tingshan Homestay also offers special experiences like backyard roasted potatoes and bonfires. · Inside the Hanging Village (special experience): Cliff cave dwellings with heated kang beds. Wake up to see the sea of clouds in the mountains. Facilities are relatively simple, suitable for travelers seeking an immersive experience. · Comfort type: Luyashan International Hotel, with hot springs, suitable for family travel. 💡 Practical tips 1. A thick jacket is a must. The grassland is windy, and it is cold inside the ice cave. The temperature difference between the foot of the mountain and the ice cave exceeds 20°C, so bring a thick jacket regardless of the season. 2. Wear non-slip shoes. The ice cave is slippery, and the steps on the cliff plank road are steep; non-slip shoes are more important than anything else. 3. You can rent cotton coats in the Ten Thousand Year Ice Cave, so don't tough it out. 4. Best season: June–August for escaping the heat (grassland is lush and green), September–October for beautiful autumn scenery with colorful forests. 5. Best time for photography: 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when the light is soft and the flower seas and waterfalls look great in photos. 6. Fill up your gas tank in Dongzhai before entering the mountains; there are no gas stations deep in the mountains. 7. There are more mosquitoes and insects in the mountains than in the city, so bring mosquito repellent. 8. Book in advance during peak season: It is recommended to book homestays and package tickets online in advance to avoid being without tickets on-site. 9. Some areas may be temporarily closed (such as the cliff plank road, Shimen Hanging Coffins, etc.), so check official announcements before departure to confirm the opening status. 10. Take all trash with you, do not trample on the grassland, and work together to protect this alpine pure land.

Hate waiting in line, price hikes, and crowded places. Enhe, Zhuanglang, Xinzhou, and Hami are four hidden gems I discovered in August. So few people you can hear the wind, prices so low it feels like five years ago. · -- 📍Enhe Russian Ethnic Village | Spend a day as a "European villager" on the China-Russia border Trip highlights 🪵 The whole village is made of wooden log houses with blue-green window frames and natural wood walls, like stepping into a Russian movie set. Rent a bike and ride along the Erguna River. Across the river is a Russian village, and cattle and sheep cross the border without a visa. 🌅 Watching the sunset from Beishan is a must in Enhe. A 20-minute horseback ride uphill (50 yuan/hour) leads to the top, facing the setting sun. The entire Erguna River turns into a golden ribbon. 🧺 Experience making rye bread (leba) at a local Russian grandma’s house for 38 yuan per person, including baking. Knead the dough until bubbles form, then spread homemade blueberry jam on the hot bread—so good you can’t stop eating. The yard also has a few dairy cows, and you can try milking them. 🌲 Deep in the birch forest is a reindeer park. Buy a basket of moss (10 yuan), and the reindeer will come over with their big antlers. Their wet noses will make kids smile all day. Trip plan Day 1: Fly to Hulunbuir > private car to Enhe (3h) > rent a bike to ride along the river > horseback ride at Beishan to watch the sunset in the evening Day 2: Rye bread DIY > feed reindeer in the birch forest > afternoon flight to Lanzhou, then transfer to Zhuanglang Food 🥛 Freshly squeezed milk boiled to form a thick cream layer, gedeliek (beef patties with mashed potatoes), Russian borscht with sour cream · -- 📍Zhuanglang County | Terraced fields aren’t just in the south—northwest has green waves too Trip highlights 🌾 The mountaintop of Dazhuang Village in Zhaodun Township offers a legendary view of millions of acres of terraced fields. At 6 AM, morning mist floats over the fields, and sunlight filters through clouds, casting patches of green and gold. It’s not rainy season, but the terraces are lush green in August, with a grandeur and ruggedness different from southern rice paddies. 🛕 Yunyan Temple is hidden deep in the Guanshan Mountains, with 19 grottoes carved into the Danxia cliffs from the Northern Wei to Northern Zhou dynasties. The highlight is Grotto 5, the “Great Buddha Cave,” featuring a 5-meter-tall stone Buddha seated for a thousand years. The stream outside flows quietly, a hundred times more peaceful than Mogao Caves. 🌿 Chenjia Cave requires a light hike of about half an hour. A Tang dynasty ruined pagoda stands on a huge rock by the creek, surrounded by ancient trees. Sitting under the pagoda listening to the water cools away the summer heat. Locals chill watermelon in the creek and share it once cut open. Trip plan Day 3: Zhuanglang terraced field viewing platform (arrive before sunrise) > Yunyan Temple grottoes (bring a flashlight to see details) > ice-cold watermelon by the creek at Chenjia Cave Food 🌽 Yangyu jiaotuan (potatoes pounded hundreds of times, dipped in spicy garlic sauce), Zhuanglang hot pot (clay pot layered with pork belly, tofu, vermicelli), fermented oat sweet soup (jiuquzi) to cool off · -- 📍Ningwu County, Xinzhou | 3-million-year-old ice cave, North China’s “air conditioner” Trip highlights ❄️ The millennia-old ice cave formed 3 million years ago during the glacial period. Outside it’s 30°C in August, inside -4°C. Descend over 100 meters down the steps. Ice stalagmites rise from the ground, frozen waterfalls hang midair, and ice crystals sparkle under colored lights. Apart from Iceland and Norway, this is the only place where you can enter an ice cave this deep. 🌿 After the ice cave, head straight to Malun Grassland (40-minute drive), at 2,721 meters elevation, with summer temps around 20°C. The Northern Qi Great Wall ruins cross the meadow, weathered stones resembling a giant dragon’s spine. The grassland is covered with wildflowers, yellow and white, blanketing the slopes. The wind makes the grass ripple like waves. 💦 Lover’s Valley is a creek valley where you walk alongside water. The narrowest part fits only one person sideways. Tree leaves filter the light green, and the sound of water drowns out all heat. At the end is a small waterfall whose mist refreshes your face instantly. Trip plan Day 4: High-speed train to Xinzhou > private car to Luyashan (1.5h) > millennia-old ice cave (down jacket required) > Malun Grassland (best light in the afternoon) > wade in Lover’s Valley Food 🥘 Ningwu stewed lamb (large bone-in pieces, rich broth, tender meat), youmian kaolao (honeycomb-shaped noodles dipped in lamb soup), sorghum flour fish (smooth noodles with minced meat sauce) · -- 📍Hami City | Chase the Milky Way on “Mars” Trip highlights 🏜️ Dahai Dao is the world’s only legal crossing of the Yadan desert, a 1,564-square-kilometer barren land. A 4WD takes you into the core area. The Fairy Cave looks like a giant skylight carved by the wind. Standing inside, you see a blue sky framed by rock walls. The Pterosaur Canyon’s rock pillars look like giant beast ribs. At dusk, shadows stretch, making the scene look like a sci-fi movie still. 🗿 Wubao Devil City is accessible by paved road, even regular cars can get there. The “Desert Turtle” and “Potala Palace” rock formations are right by the road, making it easy to get great photos. 🌌 If you stay overnight in Dahai Dao, the Milky Way is visible to the naked eye, and meteors appear every 5 minutes. On the Gobi, look down for wind-polished stones, smooth and shiny, a unique souvenir. It’s recommended to join an off-road tour (268 yuan per person, including vehicle and ticket). A guide ensures safety and helps find the best photo spots. Trip plan Day 5: Fly to Hami > Wubao Devil City (shoot sunset at dusk, best light) Day 6: Dahai Dao core area crossing (group tour) > Fairy Cave + Pterosaur Canyon > collect wind-polished stones > return Food 🔥 Roasted buns (freshly baked, thin skin, juicy lamb that’s hot to the mouth), hand-pulled rice (lamb stew with yellow radish, sweet and tender), Hami melon (local ripe melon cut open, dripping with sugary juice)

Kelan Ancient City is nestled among the mountains of northwest Shanxi. Founded during the Later Han of the Five Dynasties period, it is a uniquely shaped boat-form military city and is now a national 3A-level tourist attraction. Historically located on a key border route, the city walls are built with rammed earth foundations and covered with blue bricks. The four bastions are arranged in a regular layout, with a complete defense system, showcasing the majestic aura of a vital frontier town. The bell and drum tower in the city is a landmark building, a three-story wooden pavilion with exquisitely curved eaves. An ancient bell weighing ten thousand jin hangs inside, its chimes resonating far and wide. The Confucian Temple and the ancient prefectural office have been restored to their original appearance. The winding streets paved with bluestone slabs are full of lively local atmosphere. This place combines a millennium of frontier heritage with revolutionary memories, as great leaders passed through here, leaving praise that "Kelan is a great place." Climbing the city wall and looking into the distance, the Lanyi River flows around the city, surrounded by mountains embracing the ancient city. The smoke of a thousand years of war has long since faded, and the blue brick ancient walls stand quietly, blending profound history with peaceful daily life, fully displaying the unique, vast ancient charm of the Loess Plateau.

Title: 3-Day, 2-Night In-Depth Travel Guide to Kelan County, Shanxi Province | A Complete Guide for a Budget of 5000-10000 Yuan! Hello everyone, today I'm bringing you a super practical 3-day, 2-night travel guide to Kelan County, Shanxi Province! If you have a budget of 5000 to 10000 yuan and want to deeply experience the natural scenery and cultural heritage of Kelan, this guide is absolutely essential! 【Day 1: Arrive in Kelan and Begin Your Nature Journey】 In the morning, depart from Taiyuan or Linfen by bus or car to Kelan County, a journey of approximately 3-4 hours. It's recommended to book local characteristic guesthouses or highly-rated hotels in advance, priced at approximately 400-700 yuan per night, offering comfort and authenticity. In the afternoon, head to the Kelan Scenic Area near the famous Hukou Waterfall on the Yellow River. The entrance fee is approximately 100 yuan. Experience the magnificent power of nature. The canyon scenery and waterfall views here are breathtaking, and taking photos is definitely not to be missed! In the evening, you can enjoy authentic Shanxi cuisine in the county town, such as knife-cut noodles and mutton offal soup, priced at 60-100 yuan per person. 【Day Two: Exploring Cultural Relics and Rural Scenery】 After breakfast, we will visit ancient temples and historical sites in Kelan County. Entrance fees are approximately 50-80 yuan, allowing you to experience the rich culture of northern Shanxi. Afterwards, we will drive to nearby traditional villages to experience simple farm life and participate in handicraft making, costing approximately 150-250 yuan. Lunch is recommended at a farmhouse restaurant, where you can taste local specialties, priced at approximately 80-120 yuan per person. In the afternoon, we will visit Kelan's natural park for hiking or cycling adventures. Entrance fees and rental fees are approximately 100-150 yuan. In the evening, we will participate in local folk performances or a bonfire party, with entrance fees around 80-120 yuan, to experience the vibrant ethnic customs. 【Day 3: Relaxation and Return Trip】 After breakfast, we recommend visiting the hot spring resort in Kelan County. Entrance fees are approximately 200-350 yuan. Enjoy a relaxing hot spring experience and rejuvenate. Enjoy local snacks at noon, priced at approximately 50 yuan. In the afternoon, browse the shops in the county town and purchase Kelan specialties such as walnuts and apples, with a budget of approximately 300-500 yuan. Depart for the return trip in the evening, concluding your enjoyable three-day, two-night trip. 【Budget Summary】 Transportation (round trip + local transportation): Approximately 1200-2500 yuan Accommodation (three nights): Approximately 1200-2100 yuan Food (three days): Approximately 400-600 yuan Entrance fees and experience fees: Approximately 480-700 yuan Shopping and other expenses: Approximately 300-600 yuan Total: Approximately 3580-6500 yuan. This budget allows for upgrades based on individual needs and is well within the 5000-10000 yuan range! Kelan County boasts magnificent natural scenery and a profound cultural heritage, making it a treasure trove of tourism in Shanxi.

Daizhou Wenmiao, also known as the Confucius Temple or Xuegong, is a temple dedicated to Confucius and an ancient prefectural Confucian academy. The temple was originally built during the Tang Dynasty. It was destroyed by war in the 18th year of the Zhizheng era of the Yuan Dynasty (1358) and was rebuilt under the supervision of Prefect Li Yuanfeng in the 27th year of Zhizheng (1367), with completion in the 2nd year of the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty (1369). The existing complex covers more than 15,000 square meters. The Wenmiao faces south and follows a three-courtyard layout: the front courtyard features the Lingxing Gate, Pan Pond, and two ancient locust trees from the Tang Dynasty; the main structure in the middle courtyard is the Dacheng Hall, which houses an octagonal caisson ceiling, flanked by east and west corridors; the rear courtyard contains the Chongsheng Shrine. Auxiliary buildings include the Zhongyi Shrine, Wenchang Pavilion, and Minglun Hall, forming a complete Confucian educational complex. As the largest and best-preserved prefectural Confucius Temple in North China, the architectural complex showcases construction techniques from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The surviving Tang Dynasty locust trees and peacock blue glazed tile roofs are historically distinctive features. It is a nationally protected key cultural relic site.

Songjia Valley is a serene retreat embraced by mountains. The landscape features a harmonious blend of lush forests and flowing streams that meander through the valley like a silver ribbon. Each season brings its own unique charm: spring blankets the mountains with blooming flowers, summer offers cool shade under verdant canopies, autumn sets the hills ablaze with fiery red leaves, and winter transforms the area into a snow-covered wonderland. Walking along the mountain trails, the gentle sound of flowing water accompanies you, bringing a sense of calm and relaxation. Though unassuming, Songjia Valley captivates visitors with its pristine natural beauty. It is an ideal escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, a sanctuary for the soul. Every pause here allows you to experience the purity of nature and the tranquility of life.

Step right out of Beisita Metro Station, and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the entrance to Bao’en Temple, home to the iconic Beisi Pagoda. The temple welcomes visitors with its grand stone archway — walk through and follow the clear signage guiding you around the serene complex. Free incense is offered for those who wish to pay respects to the goddess, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for reflection or quiet exploration. At the heart of the temple grounds stands the impressive Beisi Pagoda. You can admire it from below or climb the winding stairs for a panoramic view — though it’s a bit of a workout! (Or simply offer to take photos of your friends from the base — no judgment!) Beyond the pagoda, take time to explore other prayer halls and the relaxing park area tucked behind the temple — a lovely escape in the city. #cherryblossom25 #suzhou #chinatrip #travel #Beisipagoda #Baoentemple #Beisita

Just a 3-minute walk from Beisita Metro Station, on the way to Suzhou’s historic town, lies Xi Bei Coffee (惜杯咖啡) — a charming two-story café that celebrates the beauty of coffee and cups from around the world. The front opens to the road, but the real magic happens at the back — where you can sip your drink while overlooking the serene riverside. We tried their iced latte, smooth and creamy to the last sip. The standout was the Hawthorn Tree, an ice drip coffee blended with hawthorn juice and topped with fresh hawthorn — tart, refreshing, and unique. To end on a sweet note, we had the affogato, served with perfectly shaped vanilla ice cream and a shot of espresso — pure delight. It’s the kind of place where artful coffee meets scenic tranquility — the perfect pause in Suzhou. #cherryblossom25 #suzhou #chinatrip #travel

|A Rich History. During the Northern Qi Dynasty, the Great Wall was built in Shanxi to resist the invasion of northern ethnic minorities. During the Northern Song Dynasty, the Great Wall was reinforced and expanded to resist the Khitan people, filling the gap of the Song Great Wall in China. The best-preserved section of the Song Great Wall is located in Wangjiacha Village, which has now become a national cultural relic protection unit. You can walk along the path and climb the wall to feel the weight of history. Address: Wangjiacha Village, Kelan County, Xinzhou City, Shanxi Province‌. Tickets: Free

The small towns in Shanxi always give people a feeling of the sedimentation of time. The old houses and old people in the streets and alleys seem to be unable to leave too many traces of the dust of time. Perhaps only in such small towns can one find true tranquility and relaxation. The human touch that is becoming increasingly sparse in big cities still extends here. This may be the reason why Jia Zhangke is so fascinated by these small towns in Shanxi. Kelan County, a small city in northwestern Shanxi Province, has a population of only tens of thousands, but historically it was an important military city in the border area. It still retains the clear outline of the original city. Although the city tower we see now has been renovated in recent years, it is hard to imagine that the tall urn city is the defense structure of a small county city. Strolling in the small town, modernity and tradition are intertwined and collided here, and the atmosphere of leisure and laziness fills every street. Perhaps this is how life should be.

Drive from Taiyuan and arrive at Yinmachuan in 2.5 hours. This time, we encountered heavy fog again, with a visibility of 1m. Drive safely, and beginners should not go! I recommend you to enter Yinmachuan from the south gate, and you can directly enter the wooden plank road and enjoy the alpine meadow scenery by climbing more than 200 small steps🌿 However, it costs 20💰 to enter from the south gate There are many mushrooms🍄 in the mountains, and cows🐮. It's really beautiful if the fog is not heavy! The foot of the mountain is also very beautiful!

Song Great Wall, starting from Qingcheng Mountain in Kelan County in the west, and ending at He Ye Ping, which is connected to Wuzhai County in the east. It was built during the Song Dynasty and has a history of more than a thousand years. Its architectural style is quite unique and has important reference value for the study of ancient Chinese frontier defense and social customs. The existing 20 kilometers of the Song Great Wall in Kelan are built with stone slabs. The well-preserved sections are about 4.2 meters high and about 2.1 meters wide at the top. Some sections still retain the remains of watchtowers, and local people have also found a small number of porcelain pieces, tombstones, and ancient weapons near the Great Wall. He Ye Ping is located at the junction of Ningwu, Wuzhai, and Kelan counties. The mountain is covered with ancient trees, providing dense shade. The original secondary forest covers 820,000 mu and is a national forest park. He Ye Ping is named after its shape, which resembles an enormous lotus leaf. The subalpine meadow of He Ye Ping, at an altitude of 2784 meters, is the highest peak of the Guancen Mountain, known as the 'Emerald of the Plateau.' Trekking route: Wangjiacha Song Great Wall --- Loess Slope --- He Ye Ping, a two-day trek suitable for heavy-load hiking, camping, and mountaineering enthusiasts. Activity intensity: Medium to high intensity. Travel mode: Chartered car + hiking Personal equipment: Backpack, three-season tent, moisture-proof mat, sleeping bag (from -5°C to 15°C), quick-dry clothes, windbreaker, hiking shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, headlamp, sunscreen, spare batteries, military knife, camera, trekking poles, knee pads. If you have a handheld radio or walkie-talkie, you can bring it. Medicines: Antidiarrheal, Yunnan Baiyao, snake medicine, band-aids, antiseptic solution, gauze. Food: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast. Drinking water: 6 liters for men, 4 liters for women (no water replenishment points along the way). Emergency food: Chocolate, beef jerky, candy, energy bars, etc. Common medicines: Band-aids, anti-inflammatory drugs, motion sickness pills, cold medicine, fever medicine, Yunnan Baiyao, etc. Trekking itinerary: Walk about 13 kilometers of the Song Great Wall ruins to reach the He Ye Ping alpine meadow scenic area. Accommodation: There are many hotels in Dongzhai Town nearby. Nearby scenic spots: Luyashan Scenic Area.

Songjiagou Village is located 12 kilometers east of Kexi County, Shanxi Province. The National Highway 209 and the Xinbao Expressway run through it from east to west. It is rich in water resources and has convenient transportation. Songjiagou was formerly known as Shunjiagou, implying smoothness. The simple place name contains the longing and expectation for a better life of the mountain people over the past thousands of years. Walking into Songjiagou, you can see the green bricks and grey tiles, wooden houses and yellow walls, and the ancient rural style comes oncoming. Since 2018, with the help of unique tourist resources such as the Song Great Wall, Heleping, Luyashan, Chairman Mao's Road Residence, and the ancient city, Kexi County has focused on creating the Songjiagou '6•21' rural cultural tourism season. In recent years, with its rich tourism resources, this small mountain village in the northwest of Shanxi has made the rural tourism industry booming.

There are many villages called Songjiagou in all parts of the country, but the most well-known one is undoubtedly the Songjiagou in Jixian County, Quzhou City, Shanxi Province. This once-deep poverty-stricken village has turned into a beautiful environment. It is a livable and convenient new countryside and attracts a large number of tourists. Visitors came to the village and saw not only the achievements of the beautiful new rural construction, but also many rich and characteristic local activities. In addition to the local dramas that attract local attention, there are lively folk performances, assorted specialties, handicrafts made by the villagers such as dough, paper-cutting, etc., all of which are popular among tourists.