2026 Linyi Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

Here is a customized "One-Day Tour Guide to Miaodao Temple Twin Pagodas and Xiangkou Shousheng Temple Brick Pagoda" to help you appreciate Shanxi's rich ancient architectural art and Buddhist culture. One-Day Tour Guide to Shanxi Miaodao Temple Twin Pagodas and Xiangkou Shousheng Temple Brick Pagoda Highlights Explore the treasures of ancient Buddhist architecture in Shanxi and experience the grandeur and exquisite details of millennia-old temples Admire the majestic architecture and superb stone carvings of the Miaodao Temple Twin Pagodas Appreciate the unique architectural style and historical value of the Xiangkou Shousheng Temple Brick Pagoda Experience the tranquil atmosphere of ancient temples, and feel the serenity of meditation and spiritual cleansing Savor Shanxi’s specialty vegetarian cuisine and enjoy the peacefulness of a simple life Itinerary Morning: In-depth Tour of Miaodao Temple Twin Pagodas Departure and Arrival Depart from the city center between 7:30-8:00 AM, recommended by self-driving or chartered car Estimated arrival time: around 9:00 AM Visit to Miaodao Temple Twin Pagodas Features: The towering twin pagodas are among the representative Buddhist architectures in Shanxi Focus: Appreciate the architectural style, stone carving craftsmanship, and religious symbolism of the twin pagodas Cultural Highlights: Learn about the construction period, building techniques, and their significance in Buddhism Special Recommendation: Take photos to capture the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans Vegetarian Lunch Enjoy Shanxi-style vegetarian dishes at the temple or nearby vegetarian restaurants, experiencing the simplicity of monastic life Afternoon: Xiangkou Shousheng Temple Brick Pagoda and Cultural Experience Travel to Xiangkou Shousheng Temple About a 30-minute drive, start the visit upon arrival Tour of Shousheng Temple Brick Pagoda Features: The brick-carved pagoda is the main architectural highlight, with a distinctive style Focus: Appreciate the architectural structure, brick carving craftsmanship, and historical value of the pagoda Cultural Highlights: Learn about the background of the pagoda’s construction, its religious significance, and its place in Shanxi’s ancient architecture Special Experience: Take photos to feel the charm of ancient brick carving art Cultural and Meditation Experience If time permits, take a walk inside the temple and meditate quietly Participate in meditation or calligraphy experiences (advance reservation required) Return Preparation Start the return journey around 3:00 PM, concluding a fulfilling one-day cultural trip Travel Tips Dress Suggestions: Comfortable shoes, bring rain gear (depending on weather) Photography Notes: Respect temple rules, avoid taking photos in front of Buddha statues or important buildings Cultural Respect: Keep quiet and follow temple regulations Items to Bring: Water, snacks, ID, cash (some temples may not support electronic payments) This in-depth exploration of Shanxi’s Miaodao Temple Twin Pagodas and Xiangkou Shousheng Temple Brick Pagoda will take you through the splendor of ancient architecture and the profound heritage of Buddhist culture. The majestic twin pagodas and exquisite brick carvings will become unforgettable cultural memories in your heart.

Yuncheng In-Depth Travel Guide: Exploring Ancient Yellow River Architecture and Savoring Southern Shanxi Culture (Including Prices) Yuncheng, a historic and cultural city located at the junction of Shanxi, Shaanxi, and Henan provinces, is famous for Guan Gong culture, the spectacular Yellow River, and Southern Shanxi cuisine. Whether you are a fan of ancient architecture, a nature explorer, or a food lover, you can find your own travel joy here. Below is a travel guide covering classic attractions, unique experiences, and practical tips to help you plan a cost-effective trip to Southern Shanxi. 1. Core Attractions and Ticket Prices Jiexiu Guandi Temple (AAAA level) Price: About 60 RMB per person; Yuncheng Tourism Annual Pass (100 RMB per card, includes 24 scenic spots) grants free entry. Highlights: The world’s largest Guandi Temple, grand and impressive architecture with a strong atmosphere of loyalty and righteousness culture. Must-see are the glazed tile roof of Chunqiu Tower and the Guandi statue in Chongning Hall, perfect for photos. Recommended to spend 2-3 hours; wearing Hanfu or plain-colored clothes helps capture authentic ancient-style photos. Yuncheng Salt Lake (AAAA level) Price: Free admission; experience packages like floating and black mud wellness start from about 99 RMB. Highlights: China’s version of the “Dead Sea,” the lake water shows colorful mineral hues. In summer, you can float like in the Dead Sea and enjoy black mud wellness; in winter, capture the sunset over the salt lake. Recommended photo spots: Salt Pool No. 006 street lamp, Mountain-Lake Highway frame, Salt Edge Starlight Station. Guanque Tower (AAAA level) Price: About 60 RMB per person; free with annual pass. Highlights: The real scene behind Tang poet Wang Zhihuan’s famous line “To enjoy a grander sight, climb one more floor.” Climb the tower to overlook the Yellow River’s Shanxi-Shaanxi Grand Canyon and feel the poetic atmosphere of the flourishing Tang dynasty. Adjacent to Pujiao Temple (the setting of the West Chamber Love Story), which can be visited together. Yongle Palace (AAAA level) Price: About 60 RMB per person; free with annual pass. Highlights: Famous for Yuan dynasty murals “Chaoyuan Tu,” covering over 1,000 square meters and depicting 290 immortal figures, a world art treasure. It’s recommended to tour with a guide to deeply understand the stories behind the murals. Li Family Courtyard (AAAA level) Price: About 60 RMB per person; free with annual pass. Highlights: The residence of the wealthy Southern Shanxi merchant Li Daohang’s family, blending northern and southern architectural styles with exquisite wood, brick, and stone carvings. The courtyard is huge; wearing Hanfu for photos adds charm, ideal for family trips. 2. Unique Experiences and Costs Ancient Market and Fair One-Day Tour Price: 49-59 RMB per person (includes round-trip transport, guide service, and travel insurance). Recommended routes: Linjin County Government · Wu King Ancient Ferry Line: Visit the Yuan dynasty government hall, enjoy the Yellow River’s grand view, immerse in the lively local market, taste snacks, and shop for rural specialties. Duiyun Cave · Sima Wen Gong Shrine Line: Tour Taoist sacred sites and red heritage spots, visit the Xia Chao ancient fair, and experience authentic rural markets. Houtu Shrine · Ronghe Assembly Line: Pay respects to the root culture of Chinese civilization and experience bustling market life by the Yellow River bank. Yellow River Rafting and Canyon Adventure Price: Hukou Waterfall ticket about 150 RMB per person; round-trip car rental about 100 RMB per vehicle (4 seats). Highlights: Experience the spectacular “Yellow River water coming from the sky.” Summer offers rafting; winter offers ice waterfall photography. It’s recommended to rent a car for flexible scheduling. Intangible Cultural Heritage Experience: Jishan Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware Making: About 80 RMB per person; make your own mother-of-pearl craft and learn about this national intangible cultural heritage skill. Wenxi Flower Bun Making: About 50 RMB per person; learn to make traditional Southern Shanxi steamed buns and appreciate the charm of noodle culture. 3. Food Recommendations and Average Costs Jiexiu Lamb Pao Mo Recommended Restaurant: Jiexiu Lao Wang Lamb Pao Mo. Price: About 25-35 RMB per bowl; rich soup and tender meat, perfectly paired with sugar garlic and chili. Yuncheng Big Plate Chicken Recommended Restaurants: Lao Wu Fried Chicken, Story Pie Rock ‘n’ Roll Fried Chicken. Price: About 48-68 RMB per pot; tender chicken, soft potatoes, spicy and numbing, very filling, recommended for 2-3 people to share. Yongji Beef Dumplings Recommended Restaurant: Yingying Restaurant. Price: About 15-20 RMB per serving; thin skin, large filling, juicy, authentic Hui Muslim craftsmanship. Xinjiang Copper Hotpot Recommended Restaurant: Old Brand Copper Hotpot Restaurant. Price: About 80-120 RMB per pot; charcoal copper pot with rich ingredients, warming and delicious in winter. Night Market Snacks Recommended Locations: Salt Lake Night Market, Yudu Night Market, Hedong Night Market. Prices: Jishan Mahua (fried dough twist) about 5 RMB each, Wenxi boiled cakes about 10 RMB per box, cold noodles with fried bread about 15 RMB per serving, Ruicheng spicy slices about 20 RMB per bag. 4. Accommodation Recommendations and Price Range Budget Hotels Recommended: Hanting Yuncheng Huaidong Road Hotel, 7 Days Inn Yuncheng Zhongyin Avenue City Government Branch. Price: About 150-200 RMB per night; clean and tidy, cost-effective, suitable for budget travelers. Comfort Hotels Recommended: Vienna Hotel Shanxi Yuncheng Hedong Street Wanda Branch, Yuncheng Marriott Hotel. Price: About 300-500 RMB per night; well-equipped facilities, attentive service, suitable for quality seekers. Salt Lake Scenic Area Hotel Recommended: Colorful Salt Lake Tingtaoge Hotel. Price: About 300-500 RMB per night; enjoy salt lake views, perfect for photo check-ins. 5. Itinerary Planning Suggestions Classic 3-Day Tour Day 1: Jiexiu Guandi Temple → Yuncheng Salt Lake → Salt Lake Night Market. Day 2: Guanque Tower → Pujiao Temple → Yongji Beef Dumplings → Stay in Yongji city. Day 3: Yongle Palace → Li Family Courtyard → Yuncheng Museum → Yudu Night Market. In-depth 5-Day Tour adds ancient market and fair one-day tour, Yellow River rafting, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and more to fully experience Yuncheng’s history, culture, and folk customs. 6. Practical Tips Transportation: Yuncheng’s attractions are scattered; it’s recommended to rent a car or take taxis after arriving by high-speed rail for flexible travel. Tickets: Buying the Yuncheng Tourism Annual Pass (100 RMB per card) can save more than half of the ticket costs, suitable for deep travelers. Seasons: Spring and autumn have comfortable weather, ideal for sightseeing; summer offers salt lake floating; winter offers ice waterfall photography. Photography: The salt lake’s light is best from 4-6 pm; wearing Hanfu or plain-colored clothes at Guandi Temple makes photos stand out. Civilized Tourism: Touching and climbing on ancient buildings and murals is prohibited; let’s protect cultural relics together.

🌟Yongji 2025 In-Depth Tour! Climb the Stork Tower to Discover the Legacy of the Tang Dynasty and Savor Authentic Shanxi Flavors! > In Yongji, a small town in southern Shanxi, I found the Stork Tower from Tang poetry and the Puji Temple from the Romance of the Western Chamber. This treasure trove of a town gave me so many surprises! When I first stood atop the Stork Tower, gazing at the Yellow River flowing on the horizon, I instantly understood the meaning of "To see a thousand miles further, climb one more story." Yongji's tourism popularity continues to rise in 2025. This small town, with its rich historical heritage, offered me a cultural journey through time with its ancient temples, famous towers, and scenic landscapes! --- 🏯 **Must-Visit Attractions** 1. **Climb the Stork Tower for Panoramic Views** As one of the four great ancient towers of China, the Stork Tower is definitely a must-see in Yongji. I chose to climb the tower at dusk, watching the sunset and the Yellow River dyed golden red. I truly experienced the magnificent scene described in Wang Zhihuan's poem, "The sun sets beyond the mountains, the Yellow River flows into the sea." In 2025, the scenic area launched the immersive traditional Chinese style script tour, "Poetry Inspires the Tang Dynasty: Tracing the Footsteps of the Stork," allowing me to experience a cultural adventure across a thousand years through reciting poetry and learning etiquette with historical figures as NPCs. 2. **Experience the Legend of Love at Puji Temple** As the setting of the story of *The Romance of the Western Chamber*, Puji Temple is the only temple in China dedicated to "love stories." Strolling along Yingying Path, I felt as if I had stepped into the love story of Zhang Sheng and Cui Yingying. The scenic area's performances, such as "Turning the Pagoda for Blessings" and "Love in the Western Chamber," vividly recreated the classic love story, and the actors' wonderful performances made me applaud and cheer. Don't forget to circle the Yingying Pagoda three times to pray for blessings; it's said to be very effective! 3. **Visiting the Giant Iron Oxen at the Pujindu Site** At the Pujindu Site Museum, I saw **giant iron oxen from the Tang Dynasty, weighing over ten thousand kilograms**. These iron oxen and figures were the bridge piers of the ancient Pujin Bridge. Their sheer size, weight, number, and exquisite craftsmanship are breathtaking, earning them the title of national treasure. Standing before these millennia-old artifacts, I couldn't help but marvel at the wisdom and creativity of the ancients. 4. **Climbing and Enjoying the Scenery at Wulaofeng** Wulaofeng is a national forest park, where the autumn leaves are particularly vibrant and dazzling. I participated in the park's **first Tai Chi Culture Festival**, experiencing Tai Chi performances, health classes, and an immersive "Tai Chi + Mountain and Water" experience. Reaching the summit, the breathtaking scenery of every tree in autumn colors and every mountain bathed in the glow of the setting sun unfolded before my eyes. 🍜 **Food Recommendations** The food in Yongji kept me stuffed every day: - **Beef Dumplings**: I recommend Xiaoxue Beef Dumplings, Caifeng Green Dumpling Restaurant, and Liu Jie Beef Dumplings, all well-known local dumpling restaurants. - **Shuiyukou Ancient Village Food Street**: Here you'll find various specialty restaurants, such as Shunxiang Fried Dough Sticks, Thousand-Layer Vegetable Boxes, Min Dou Noodles, and Jishan Pancakes… each exuding a rich local flavor. - **Lamb and Carrot Stew**: It tastes like lamb stew with bread, but it's filled with shredded bread; the flavor is incredibly rich. 🏨 **Accommodation Recommendations** - **Pushe·Nangu Li Homestay**: Located in Nanshan Park, with an elegant environment. - **Yaowangtai Yunshang Homestay**: Located within the Yaowangtai Scenic Area, offering a mountain living experience. - **Dianji Hotel**: A very cost-effective option. 💡 **Practical Information** **Best Time to Visit**: Spring and Autumn are the best seasons to visit Yongji, with pleasant weather. The autumn foliage at Wulaofeng Peak is stunning, especially around October. **Transportation**: - **High-Speed ​​Rail**: Take the high-speed rail to Yongji North Station. - **Driving**: Yongji's attractions are relatively spread out, so driving is a convenient option. **Recommended Itinerary**: - **One-Day Tour**: Stork Tower → Pujiu Temple → Pujindu Ruins - **Two-Day Tour**: Day 1: Wulaofeng Peak → Wuxing Lake Wetland → Museum + Folk Custom Exhibition Hall; Day 2: Yaowangtai → Pujiu Temple → Pujindu Ruins Museum → Stork Tower --- Every day in Yongji, I was immersed in a sea of ​​history and culture. By day, I wandered among ancient buildings, feeling the weight of history; by night, I savored authentic Shanxi cuisine and experienced the warmth and hospitality of the locals. This city not only boasts a glorious history but also amazing food and unique cultural experiences. If you're looking for a travel destination that blends history and nature, culture and cuisine, then Yongji is definitely the perfect choice! This city, steeped in history, will surely leave you wanting more and with unforgettable travel memories. **Feel free to share your Yongji experience or ask questions in the comments section! 👇**

|Magnificent Dacheng Hall. Linjin Confucian Temple is located on West Street, Linjin Town, Linyi County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province. It was built in the 10th year of the Zhiyuan period of the Yuan Dynasty (1273) and is the main building of the ancient Confucian Temple. The Dacheng Hall of the Confucian Temple is magnificent and splendidly constructed. It is the main hall for worshiping and offering sacrifices to "the Most Holy Teacher Confucius" throughout the ages. The Confucian Temple also houses two stone tablets, "Confucius Praise" and "Yanzi Praise." In front of the hall, there is a 1,300-year-old Tang cypress tree, which is 19 meters high, with a girth of 540 centimeters and a crown width of 15 meters. This ancient tree has three branches at a height of 3 meters, and one of the branches has a toon tree growing on it. The two trees lean against each other, appearing particularly peculiar. Tickets: 40

|Ancient Pagoda in the Fields. Between Yangyuantou Village and Luyuantou Village in Yishi Town, Linyi County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, in the plains north of the Sushui River, there is a square brick pagoda called "Luyuantou Yongxing Temple Pagoda." The pagoda has eight remaining levels, is about 13.5 meters high, and its construction date is unknown, but it is speculated to have been built during the Tang Dynasty. The pagoda body tapers upwards, with each level having corbelled eaves, and levels two to five have three brick-carved imitation wooden structures on each side. The first level has a column head bracket under the eaves, the fourth level has false doors and windows on the south side, and the sixth level and above have no decorations. The entire pagoda leans slightly to the southwest. The pagoda was originally part of Yongxing Temple, which was destroyed during the War of Resistance Against Japan, leaving only the pagoda. The Yongxing Temple Pagoda is only 5 kilometers away from the Miaodao Temple Twin Pagodas in Linyi County, and they are similar in shape. Now it stands quietly in the fields, welcoming every visitor.

|Ancient pagodas of the Song Dynasty. Before the Northern Song Dynasty, Miaodao Temple was called "Yongfu Temple." During the Song Dynasty, it was called "Miaodao Temple." During the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty, it was renamed "Yanta Temple," and later "Shuangta Temple." The temple's Buddhist halls were magnificent throughout the ages, and it was home to thousands of monks, making it a famous temple in the area. The temple has been destroyed, but the east and west pagodas remain. According to the inscription on the stele unearthed from the underground palace of the west pagoda, "The Underground Palace of the Twin Pagodas of Miaodao Temple in Yishi County, Hezhong Prefecture, Great Song Dynasty," the west pagoda was built in the second year of the Xining period of the Northern Song Dynasty (1069). It faces east, is made of brick and wood, and was originally a square nine-story pagoda. Six stories remain, with a height of 21.98 meters. The east pagoda faces west, is made of brick, and has seven stories. It is 23.07 meters tall, with a base length of 4.95 meters. Inside the pagoda is a stele from the 14th year of the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty (1535) and a stone tablet from the 23rd year of the Wanli period (1595). Address: East of Xingjiaofang Village, Yishi Town, Linyi County, Yuncheng, Shanxi Province Transportation: Take bus 103, Linyi 7, or Linyi 11 to Shuangta Square Station.

|Brick pagoda from the Song Dynasty. The Sheng'an Temple Pagoda is located in the courtyard of Zhangcun Village Committee, Beijing Township, Linyi County. This pagoda was built in the Song Dynasty. It is a hexagonal, seven-story pavilion-style brick pagoda. The seventh floor no longer exists and the sixth floor has also been damaged. The tower is about 11.6 meters high. The first floor of the tower is higher, with a door on the front. The tower is 2.5 meters hollow inside, and the floors above are solid. Under the eaves of the first floor, there are brick-carved brackets in imitation of wooden structure. The shape of the brackets is one dou and three sheng, with one bracket at each corner. Under the brackets, there are imitation wooden lintels, and the lintels protrude at the intersection of the corners. The eaves above the second floor have stepped corbels, the front of the third floor has a door, and false straight lattice windows on the side, and each side of the third and fourth floors has imitation wooden structure straight lattice windows. The Zhangcun Sheng'an Temple Pagoda has a simple and symmetrical shape, and its structure and carvings have obvious characteristics of the times, and it has high historical value. Judging from its current appearance, the original appearance of the tower has been preserved after renovation, and the renovation effect is good. Tickets: Free, supervised by cultural relics protection personnel

Black Myth Wukong's popularity Let Shanxi's ancient buildings catch fire Five thousand years is far away, Shanxi is close Look at the ground relics in Shanxi An ordinary small county also hides many treasures Many treasures have long been integrated into the lives of the people Visible and touchable, there are many twin towers in Shanxi, but there seems to be none in Yuncheng. It is said that there is a Song Dynasty twin tower in Linyi. Many people in Linyi have not been there. Just go back to Yuncheng on National Day and take a look. The Miaodao Temple Twin Tower was built during the Northern Song Dynasty. The east and west towers are square tower-style brick towers with symmetrical structures and beautiful tower shapes. The east tower is a solid tower column, and there is also an underground palace under the west tower. Look closely at the tower body and there are Buddha heads inlaid in it. The west tower body has obvious tilt, but it still stands upright. Twin Tower Elephant: On the morning of the 16th of the third and seventh lunar months, and on the evening of the 14th and 15th of the first and ninth lunar months, the east and west towers will appear "sun and moon cross shadow" According to local people, the predecessor of the Twin Tower Park was the Twin Tower Middle School, which was later rebuilt into a civil park. The ancient tower has existed in such a low-key manner for a thousand years, but my heart feels close to a thousand years

The Confucian Temple in Linfen was built during the Song Dynasty, and was reconstructed during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Facing south with its back to the north, the temple currently only retains the Dacheng Hall. It is built on a brick base 0.4 meters high, with a platform set in front, and a double dragon stone carving imperial pathway in the center of the platform front. Stone watch pillars and railings are set around the platform, with carvings of figures, flowers, and other designs. The main body of the hall is five bays wide and six rafters deep, with a single-eaved Xieshan-style roof. The structure features a seven-purlin front and rear corridor-style framework, with triple-step bracket sets on the column capitals, a flat body with five-cluster brackets, and 45° oblique arches in the main bay, all on drum-shaped column bases. The existing building is a relic of the Qing Dynasty.

📍Located on the east bank of the West Yellow River in Linyi County, Shanxi Province📍 👉Here you can find the Yellow River wonder Sand Bird's Nest and the legendary Tongzi Spring; there are both thousand-year-old ancient roads and modern floating bridges; there are both ancient military fortresses and modern water conservancy hubs. 👉After crossing the floating bridge, you will reach Qiachuan, Heyang, Shaanxi. There are many farmhouses and the Yellow River carp is very famous. 👉It has both the sadness of the autumn wind in the ancient fortress and the pleasure of the pastoral scenery; it has both the beauty of the Jiangnan water town and the ruggedness of the northern desert; 👉The river here is wide and misty, with the charm of the sea; here lotus flowers are reflected in the sun, reeds are swaying, sand swallows are flying, and fish are singing to each other. It is truly a paradise for all things. 💡Location: Linyi County, Yuncheng City 🔍Navigation: Search directly for [Wuwang Ancient Ferry] 💰Tickets: None