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Clear13° / 0°Clear11° / -6°Clear11° / -6°Clear12° / -6°Discover the most popular places to stay in Xia County, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers
Anonymous User: The room was spacious and clean. The owner was very welcoming and provided excellent service. Parking was free, and although the yard was a bit small, the owner personally directed everyone when parking. Upon check-out, the owner again directed the car out of the yard and escorted it all the way to the gate. They were truly very hospitable.
Opposite Yunan Market, Xiaoxin Lane
From € 8
Guest User: The hotel is clean and tidy, the location is excellent, and the travel is very convenient. The rooms are spacious and bright, the bedding is soft and comfortable, and the stay experience is excellent. The staff is warm and thoughtful, friendly and polite, and responds promptly. The overall price is very high, the facilities are complete, the health is in place, quiet and not noisy, the living is comfortable, the next trip will give priority to this hotel, highly recommended!
10 meters north of the intersection of Xinjian North Road and Dongfeng West Street
From € 18
Guest User: The room was very clean, the facilities were very complete, the breakfast was very rich, the front desk staff was very enthusiastic, we bought a package with swimming tickets, I don’t know which package to buy, the staff explained carefully, very satisfied 👍
No. 7 Wenquan Road, Yaofeng Town
From € 39
Ziyoulvxunhuan: I often run business in Shanxi and have stayed in countless hotels. This home is really beyond my expectations. Hotel location is very good, go out to the city park, in the evening walk can also see the Daqi Zhishui sculpture, overlook the Wuxian Mountain, the small city scenery. The lobby is clean and bright, the front desk check-in efficiency is very high, especially friendly to those who often travel. The room was clean and dry, there was no smell, the bedding was very comfortable to sleep, the desk was spacious, and it was very convenient to come back at night to organize business information. Focus on breakfast! The category is rich, hot dishes, coarse grains, porridge, pastries are all complete, a hot breakfast, running a day of business is full of energy. The self-service laundry room is too suitable for long-term business trips. There are all washing and drying machines and ironing boards. The sweaty clothes are washed and dried, and the next day they are clean and go out. There is also a quiet leisure business district, waiting and resting are very comfortable. Not seeking luxury, seeking clean and worry-free, this one has all done it. Next time I come to Xiaxian, I will continue to choose here, and I recommend it to friends who are traveling and passing by by by car.
No. 60, West Wenquan Road, Yaofeng Town
From € 19
Guest User: 2. 商務出行選這家酒店太明智了！核心優勢是“高效”——辦理入住退房都不超過3分鐘，省去了排隊等待的時間；房間裏的辦公桌夠大，燈光亮度也適合處理文件，Wi-Fi網速超快，傳大文件完全不卡頓。早餐種類很豐富，有熱粥、現做的麪條和新鮮水果，吃飽了剛好趕上午的會議，全程沒踩任何雷，商務人士可直接沖。
No.22 Daxin Lane, Yufeng Town
From € 9
Guest User: Facilities: Good Hygiene: good Environment: Good Service: Good Okay.
About 200 meters northeast of the East Gate of Miaoqian Primary School, Subei Line
From € 8
M623120****: The room is very large and the equipment inside is very smart. The room is decorated with green plants. I wanted to take a few photos, but I forgot to go. The service is also very good. The things are very clean. The projector is super big. It is also very good. It is about 200 meters away from the street.
Next to YOYO International Kindergarten, Huoshenmiao Road, Nanguan Village, Yaofeng Town
From € 16
E0456****: The hotel is facing the street, the room is big, but the sound insulation is not bad, sleep is stable, It was winter when I lived, the temperature outside was low, but the room was warm and the hot water for the bath was sufficient.
Weizhicheng Comprehensive Building, Nanqiao Commercial Street, Shuitou Town
From € 14
Guest User: Overall it is good. Every time I come, I live in Xishuanglong. The last time I went there was 2 parts. This time I went to live. I wish the boss a prosperous business.
No.15 Xin Street
From € 10
Guest User: Really good, very convenient, parking is also convenient
West Entrance of 2nd Lane, Nanguan Village, Yaofeng Town
From € 15
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Xia County dishes and foodie spots.
🌙【Introduction · Let the Fish Lantern Reflect Time】 “When the first fish lantern lights up in Fanlong Tiandi Ancient Town, it feels as if the whole world has been put on slow motion.” I step into the ancient town, and every cobblestone feels like a piano key carved by time. Step lightly, and you can hear echoes of a thousand years. 🚗【Transportation|1 Hour Direct by Car/Bus】 Drive and navigate to “Fanlong Tiandi Ancient Town,” just 1 hour from Yuncheng city center; By bus, take the “Yuncheng—Xia County” route, then taxi to the town (about 30 RMB). 🎫【Tickets|Free Entry Anytime】 The ancient town has free admission and is open all day; The intangible cultural heritage fish lantern event is free but requires advance reservation via the “Xia County Culture & Tourism” WeChat official account. 📸【Photo Spots|4 Shots to Capture the “Intangible New Year Flavor”】 ① Ancient Town Entrance: Side light before 8:00 AM, fish lantern + ancient gate tower, use phone portrait mode with automatic skin smoothing; ② Cobblestone Street: Use fish lantern as foreground, wide-angle low angle shot, instantly capture the “New Year’s journey”; ③ Riverside: Backlight at 5:00 PM, fish lantern + reflection, telephoto compression = “fish lanterns on water”; ④ Back Mountain Viewing Platform: 15-minute climb to the top, overlook “ancient town fish lanterns + night view,” 30 minutes before sunset the pink-purple sky is magical. 💡【Local Insider Tips】 ✔ Best season: From Spring Festival to Lantern Festival, the fish lantern event is liveliest; ✔ Fish lantern lighting time is 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, fewer people and beautiful scenes after 9:00 PM, perfect for photos; ✔ The ancient town’s cobblestone roads are slippery when wet, wear non-slip shoes and walk carefully; ✔ Last bus leaves at 5:30 PM, it’s recommended to descend early or drive back. 🌌【Conclusion · Put a Fish Lantern in Your Pocket】 When leaving, I bought a small fish lantern to take home. On the way back to the city, it gently swayed, keeping the New Year’s atmosphere of Fanlong Tiandi Ancient Town in my palm. “The millennium-old town is small but holds the entire flavor of the Spring Festival.” Save this guide, and next Lantern Festival, let’s meet again at the ancient town entrance!
🌤️【Introduction · Let the Mist Compose Poems with the Mountain Breeze】 "When the first ray of morning light pierces through the mist of Duoyun Cave, the whole world seems to slow down." I step into Duoyun Cave, where every brick and stone feels like a piano key carved by time. A gentle touch can play echoes of a thousand years. 🚗【Transportation|1-Hour Direct Access by Car/Bus】 Drive with navigation to "Duoyun Cave Scenic Area, Xia County," just 1 hour from Yuncheng city center; By bus, take the "Yuncheng—Xia County" route, then taxi to the site (about 30 RMB). 🎫【Tickets|30 RMB to Experience Taoist Charm】 Adult ticket: 30 RMB; half price for students and seniors; Opening hours: 08:30-17:30. 📸【Photo Spots|4 Shots to Capture the "Little Potala Palace"】 ① Beiji Platform: Side light before 08:00, sea of clouds + golden summit, use phone portrait mode for automatic skin smoothing; ② Sanhuang Pavilion: Use stone carvings as foreground, wide-angle low angle shot, instantly capture the "Stone Carving Journey"; ③ Bifeng Pagoda: Backlit at 13:00, pagoda shadow + sea of clouds, telephoto compression = "Cloud-top Buddhist Pagoda"; ④ Rear Mountain Viewing Platform: 15-minute climb to the top, overlook the "Valley Taoist Temple + Sea of Clouds," 30 minutes before sunset the pink-purple sky is divine. 💡【Local-Level Tips】 ✔ High altitude, dress warmly; summer visits offer cool relief; ✔ The cave is dimly lit, bring a flashlight or use your phone light; ✔ Free parking available in the scenic area, convenient for self-driving visitors; ✔ Last bus at 17:30, recommend descending early or driving back. 🌌【Conclusion · Pocket a Piece of the Sea of Clouds】 When leaving, I captured a piece of the sea of clouds on my phone. On the way back to the city, it quietly shimmered, leaving the tranquility of Duoyun Cave in my palm. "The Little Potala Palace is small, but it holds the entire sky’s Taoist charm." Save this guide, and next time the sea of clouds rises, we’ll meet at the cave entrance!
This new exhibition at the National Museum of China is uncrowded and great to explore! Understand why the "earliest China" is in southern Shanxi! It is not the kind of exhibition that just piles up rare artifacts. Instead, it uses a settlement archaeology perspective and over 200 artifacts (sets) to tell the story of the civilizational development of Yuncheng (ancient Hedong) from the Neolithic Age to the Zhou Dynasty. Coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the excavation of the Xiyin site, it has high academic value, but the exhibition layout is clear and easy to understand. 📍Location: North Gallery 8, National Museum of China 🗺Exhibition: East of the Great River – Yuncheng and the Origins of Chinese Civilization 🎫Admission: Free, but reservation for National Museum of China entry is required ⏰Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, last entry at 4:00 PM; closed on Mondays (except for public holidays) 🗓️Dates: Opens September 29, 2026, for a 3-month run 🎟️Tickets: The National Museum of China releases tickets daily at 5:00 PM. Remember to set an alarm Why is Yuncheng important? The main theme of the exhibition is "resources": Agricultural resources + Hedong Salt Lake + Zhongtiao Mountain copper mines, which together supported early social complexity and the rise of state power. After seeing it, you will understand that "East of the Great River" is not just a name. Four units progress layer by layer: 1. Light of Yangshao: The initial buds of social complexity 2. Ancient Land of Jizhou: Formation of early power structures in the Longshan era 3. Auspicious Metals of Zhongtiao: Control of key resources during the Xia and Shang dynasties ("Auspicious Metals" refers to bronze) 4. Screen of the Zhou House: Maturation of the ritual traditions of the Zhou Dynasty Key exhibits: Pottery bottle with small mouth and flat bottom, painted pottery basin, pottery li tripod with bulbous legs, three-hole stone knife, turquoise artifacts, bronze jue, and the bronze yan with the inscription "Ruibo made for the King's sister," etc. Exhibition tips: ✅ Compared to the general history exhibition on the basement level, this exhibition has relatively fewer visitors and a better experience ✅ If time is limited, it is recommended to focus on the bronze unit at the end of the exhibition ✅ Suitable for history and archaeology enthusiasts, as well as friends who want to avoid the crowds and view the exhibition quietly In short: Free, informative, and relatively uncrowded. Don't just visit the basement level at the National Museum of China!
An underrated mountain gem in Yuncheng! Hidden in the loess gullies, Duiyundong features layered courtyards and caves built into the mountain. It has almost zero commercialization and few tourists. With both ancient architectural scenery and revolutionary history, it is perfect for a comfortable weekend road trip! [Address] Shangniu Village, Shuitou Town, Xia County, Yuncheng [Admission] ¥30 | Half price for students, discounts for seniors [Duration] 1.5 hours, relaxed and leisurely without rushing [Key highlights] 🔹 Unique layered cave dwellings and ancient architecture A cliffside architectural complex dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, featuring caves within caves and courtyards within courtyards, stacked layer by layer. Hundreds of cave dwellings spiral up the mountain. From a distance, the scattered buildings look like clouds piled up, exuding an ethereal vibe, earning it the reputation as the "Little Potala Palace" of southern Shanxi. 🔹 Authentic mountain atmosphere Loess gullies paired with red walls and ancient pagodas, set against serene mountain forests. After the rain, clouds blanket the mountains, creating a quiet and ethereal landscape. It feels like a hidden sanctuary in the wilderness, perfect for an immersive ancient vibe. 🔹 Rich revolutionary history for educational tours As an important revolutionary site in southern Shanxi, it preserves secret caves, underground tunnels, and the former site of a school. It is rich in cultural heritage and perfect for quiet reflection or family educational trips. [Photo spots] ▫️ Rear panoramic terrace: Capture the full view of Duiyundong, a classic popular photo spot ▫️ Bifeng Pagoda area: Ancient pagoda eaves against the mountain backdrop, perfect for effortless ancient-style photos ▫️ Cave dwelling alleys: Great for depth-of-field framing, full of atmosphere and storytelling [Travel tips] 🔸 The paths inside the caves are narrow, the steps are steep, and the lighting is dim. We recommend wearing comfortable flat shoes and taking your time to yield to others 🔸 The site has very little commercialization and a quiet environment, perfect for relaxing, taking photos, and strolling at a leisurely pace 🔸 Public transportation is inconvenient. Driving is recommended, and free parking is available at the entrance 🔸 You can combine this with a visit to the Sima Guang Shrine to plan a one-day tour of niche ancient architecture in Xia County [Summary] Avoid the crowds! This hidden gem in southern Shanxi combines unique ancient architecture, mountain scenery, and cultural history. It is quiet, healing, and offers great value—a top choice for a niche Shanxi road trip!
Hey everyone! I've found a hidden gem! This Taoist temple perched on a cliff, hidden within the loess gullies of Yuncheng, is absolutely stunning😍 📍Location: Duiyundong, Xia County, Yuncheng Yes! It's that legendary magical place known for "houses built on houses, courtyards within courtyards, and caves hidden within caves"! 🏯Architectural features: Layer upon layer of ancient buildings perched on the loess ridges—the view from the top is absolutely incredible! Chinese architecture looks so atmospheric on a cloudy or rainy day💯 The silhouettes of the Bifeng Pagoda and Beiji Terrace, with their varying heights, make every photo look like a masterpiece📸 🔥Must-visit highlights: ✔️The layered Taoist temple on the cliff top is perfect for photos! The weathered look of the loess gullies paired with the upturned eaves is pure Oriental aesthetics ✔️Bifeng Pagoda and Beiji Terrace—a must for ancient architecture lovers! The staggered architectural silhouettes look great from any angle ✔️Red history exhibition hall + secret tunnels—perfect for study tours! It hides the site of a secret printing press and mysterious underground chambers, creating a full-on adventure vibe🕵️♀️ 💡Travel tips: It has a unique charm on cloudy or rainy days! The entire temple is shrouded in mist, feeling just like a fantasy world✨ 🎯Perfect for: Ancient architecture lovers! Photography enthusiasts! History buffs! Family study tours!
Sima Wengong Temple in Xia County, Yuncheng, Shanxi, is the hometown and final resting place of Sima Guang. Originally founded in the Song Dynasty, the current layout strictly adheres to Song Dynasty standards, with the main structures renovated during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It preserves a large number of original Northern Song Dynasty national treasures, including authentic Northern Song main halls, original Song Dynasty sculptures, and famous steles inscribed by Su Shi. A single garden spans the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, making it a must-visit destination to understand "Zizhi Tongjian" (Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance) and the spirit of Northern Song scholar-officials. It is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level (Third Batch). 🏯 Core tour route and four must-see national treasures: ① Sima Guang Bronze Statue Square | A life story hidden in the details The iconic landmark seen upon entering the park is full of ingenuity: the total height is 6.8 meters, corresponding to Sima Guang's age at death, 68. The bronze statue is 4.9 meters tall, representing his 49-year political career. The 1.9-meter base pays tribute to the lifelong effort he spent compiling "Zizhi Tongjian" over 19 years. Sculptures of him smashing the vat to save a friend and writing at his desk are placed nearby, connecting the trajectory of his life from his clever youth to his decades of historical writing. ② The temple's greatest treasure | Apricot Blossom Stele (Stele of Loyalty, Purity, and Virtue) 🔥 The most precious cultural treasure in the entire temple. The original stele was commissioned by the Northern Song imperial court and records Sima Guang's lifelong achievements. It was written and inscribed by Su Shi himself, making it a rare stele featuring two legendary figures. The original stele was smashed during political strife, but later generations excavated the fragments from the soil of an apricot tree and reconstructed it, hence the name "Apricot Blossom Stele." ③ Yuqing Zen Temple | Authentic Northern Song architecture + original Song Dynasty colored sculptures 🔥 The most hardcore ancient architectural highlight in the park! It is one of the few well-preserved original Northern Song main halls in Shanxi, with vigorous wooden structural style and clear Song Dynasty design. The hall currently houses 21 original Song Dynasty colored sculptures (originally 22, one Vajra is missing): the three 3-meter-tall gold-painted Buddhas in the center are very special—the Buddha statues have beards, which is rare in Han Chinese Buddhist iconography, and the style carries the charm of Liao Dynasty sculpture. The Buddhas are flanked by 2 attendant Bodhisattvas, with sixteen Arhats on the east and west walls. Although the Song sculptures were repainted during the Qing Dynasty, the main bodies are original Song works. Some Arhat heads were stolen, and the existing statues bear the scars of these cultural relics' turbulent history. ④ Wengong Ancestral Hall & Family Cemetery ▪️Wengong Ancestral Hall: Renovated during the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, the hall houses colored sculptures of five ancestors from four generations of the Sima family, with Sima Guang's father, Sima Chi, in the center. It is solemn and orderly. The walls of the hall display the famous essay "Xunjian Shikang" (Admonishing My Son Kang on Frugality), Sima Guang's family instructions urging his descendants to be diligent, frugal, and upright. ▪️Sima Family Cemetery: The family ancestral graveyard is arranged according to ancient rites, with Northern Song stone statues (stone figures, horses, and sheep) standing quietly on both sides of the spirit way. Sima Guang's own tomb has no magnificent stele or mound, just a simple earthen mound—a testament to his life of integrity and incorruptibility, resting peacefully in his hometown. ✨ Reflections on visiting ancient sites When I was young, I knew Sima Guang only for his cleverness in "smashing the vat to save a friend." Visiting Wengong Temple as an adult, I finally understood his life of serving four emperors, dedicating himself to history, and remaining upright and incorruptible. Nineteen years of writing at his desk resulted in a textbook of imperial history. He lived a life of diligence and frugality, holding fast to his principles, using literature to convey the Way, and using integrity to cultivate himself. The garden is filled with ancient cypresses, and the steles stand in silent witness, holding the purest patriotism and eternal integrity of a Northern Song scholar. 📍 Super practical visiting tips ▪️Located in Xiaochaocun, Shuitou Town, Xia County, Yuncheng. You can drive or charter a car, and combine it with attractions in Xinjiang County for a trip. ▪️Recommended tour route: First see the Song sculptures and architecture, then admire Su Shi's Apricot Blossom Stele, and finally visit the ancestral hall and cemetery.
Starting from Xia County, a budget of CNY 1,500 is more than enough for a 3-day trip. Xia County itself is dense with ancient architecture and has affordable prices. Use Xia County as your base: spend one day immersing yourself in local culture and hot springs, then spend two days easily connecting to the Guandi Temple, Salt Lake, and ancient villages around Yuncheng for a comfortable pace. 🗓️ 3-Day Itinerary Suggestion: Ancient Architecture, Hot Springs, and Salt Lake Day 1: In-depth Tour of Xia County's Local Culture In the morning, visit Sima Wengong Shrine (ticket approx. CNY 40), the family shrine of the Northern Song dynasty official Sima Guang. The shrine preserves the "Sima Wengong Stele" written and inscribed by Su Shi, and the Jin dynasty clay sculptures of the 18 Arhats in Yuqing Zen Temple are among the earliest surviving mud sculptures in Shanxi. Afterward, head to Duiyundong (ticket CNY 30), a Yuan dynasty Taoist architectural complex built into the loess gullies. It resembles the Potala Palace from a distance and is most photogenic when shrouded in mist after rain. In the afternoon, visit Yaotai Mountain (free), the top of the 8 ancient scenic spots of Xia County. The main peak is 987m high, and the 9-story pagoda on the summit offers a view of the Zhongtiao Mountains and the Xia County basin. In the evening, stay at the Tianmu Xia Du Hot Spring Hotel to soak in the strontium-rich hot spring and relieve fatigue. This 4-star hotel is highly rated, and the private hot spring room experience is excellent. For dinner, have a bowl of Guan Gong pulled noodles in the county town—the noodles are thin and chewy, served with a ladle of pork lard and scallion soup, which is how Yuncheng locals start their day. Day 2: Jiezhou Guandi Temple + Yuncheng Salt Lake In the morning, take the 102 intercity bus from Xia County toward Yuncheng (fare CNY 3–5) and get off at Jiezhou. Jiezhou Guandi Temple is the largest Guandi Temple in the world, featuring red walls, glazed tiles, and thousand-year-old cypresses. The ticket is CNY 60; we recommend setting aside 2–3 hours. For lunch, have a bowl of Wang Jian mutton soup in Jiezhou Town, made with broth boiled from the same ancient well water as the Guandi Temple, served with crescent bread for a hearty meal. In the afternoon, continue by bus to Yuncheng to visit the Colorful Salt Lake. The lake water turns pink in spring. You can rent an electric scooter to slowly tour along the lake and head to the viewing platform at sunset when the light is best. In the evening, go to the Hedong Night Market. Must-try items include Lao Wu stir-fried jelly noodles and mutton hubu; you can have a very satisfying meal for about CNY 30 per person. Return to Xia County for the night. Day 3: Sijiao Ecological Tourism Area + Luming Valley, Relaxed Return In the morning, depart from Xia County and follow the Yellow River No. 1 Tourist Highway to the Sijiao Ecological Tourism Area. There is a 25km-long canyon boardwalk where you can see the Heilongtan Waterfall, Emerald Valley streams, and thousand-year-old pine forests. With an average summer temperature of only about 18 °C, it is the last primitive forest in southern Shanxi. For lunch, have a farmhouse meal in Sijiao Town and try gouquan (a local pasta) with mutton heluo. In the afternoon, on the way back, stop by Luming Valley, which is located along the Yellow River No. 1 Highway, just a 10-minute drive from Xia County. The rainbow slide and bamboo swings are great for relaxing, and both adults and children can have fun. In the evening, buy some Wenxi boiled cakes as a souvenir (a provincial intangible cultural heritage snack that is "silver-wrapped gold and can be pulled into threads"), then head back at a leisurely pace. 💰 Budget Breakdown (Total approx. CNY 1,100–1,300) · Transportation (approx. CNY 100): The 102 intercity bus from Xia County to Yuncheng costs CNY 3–5 depending on the distance, with frequent departures. Taxi starting fares in the county are low; for trips to Duiyundong or Sima Guang Shrine, we recommend taking a taxi or ride-sharing, which costs about CNY 20–30 per trip. · Accommodation (approx. CNY 300): Economy hotels in Xia County cost about CNY 100–120/night. Xia County Xinxing Hotel is located in the city center, making it convenient for travel. If you want to soak in hot springs, you can stay at the Tianmu Xia Du Hot Spring Hotel, where private hot spring rooms cost about CNY 300–400/night. · Tickets (approx. CNY 130): Sima Guang Shrine CNY 40 + Duiyundong CNY 30 + Jiezhou Guandi Temple CNY 60. Yaotai Mountain, Salt Lake, Sijiao, and Luming Valley are basically free or have low minimum consumption. · Dining (approx. CNY 400): Prices in Xia County are affordable. Guan Gong pulled noodles cost a dozen yuan per bowl, mutton soup is about CNY 20–30 per person, and Yellow River carp is about CNY 50 per person. You can eat very comfortably for CNY 400 over 3 days. 🍜 Specialties · Guan Gong pulled noodles: The most representative pasta in Yuncheng. The noodles are thin, white, and chewy, served with pork lard and scallion soup—a very solid breakfast. · Wang Jian mutton soup: A time-honored brand in Jiezhou. The broth is boiled with ancient well water and served with crescent bread. The soup is rich and the meat is tender. · Wenxi boiled cakes: A provincial intangible cultural heritage snack. "Silver-wrapped gold and can be pulled into threads," sweet but not greasy, suitable as a souvenir. · Mutton hubu: Unleavened pancake strips stewed in mutton soup. Chewy and flavorful, an old taste from the Hedong Night Market. 💡 Practical Tips · Transportation: Driving yourself is the most convenient way to travel in Xia County. We recommend driving to attractions in towns like Duiyundong and Sijiao. If you are not driving, the 102 intercity bus is the most economical way to connect Yuncheng and Xia County. · Clothing: Both Duiyundong and Sijiao Ecological Area require walking, so wear non-slip, comfortable sports shoes. There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the mountains, so bring a light jacket. · Best season: Spring and autumn are the most comfortable. In spring, the cherry blossoms at Duiyundong are in full bloom; in autumn, the forests at Sijiao are ablaze with color. · Special note: Touching is prohibited in the stele area of Sima Guang Shrine; you can bring a notebook to copy the inscriptions. There is no signal in the canyon of Sijiao Ecological Area, so we recommend traveling with a companion. Starting from Xia County, 3 days is just enough to connect local culture, hot springs, and the Guandi Temple and Salt Lake around Yuncheng. It's an affordable, authentic, and solid short trip in southern Shanxi~
· Taxi or self-drive recommended · The Sima Guang Shrine scenic area is on the same route as Xinjiang (Jiangzhou Ancient City, Fusheng Temple, etc.). If you are driving or chartering a car, you can visit them in one day · Highlights of the Sima Guang Shrine scenic area: Apricot Blossom Stele, Yuqing Chan Temple (not photographed), and the Sima Guang Spirit Way Stele ✅ Tomb of Sima Guang, Song Dynasty, National Heritage Site (Batch 3) The central part of the tomb area is the shrine, the west is the cemetery, and the east is the Yuqing Chan Temple. There are 4 existing tombstones and 13 burial mounds in the cemetery. There are 8 stone statues on both sides in front of Sima Guang's tomb, and 20 stone statues on both sides in front of his son Sima Kang's tomb. There are 30 existing stone tablets from the Song, Jin, Yuan, Ming, Qing, and Republic of China eras. Additionally, there are 8 stone beasts from the Northern Wei Dynasty. The shrine was built in the Song Dynasty and expanded by Li Zuntang, the magistrate of Xia County, in the 27th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty, with construction completed in the 39th year. It faces south, and along the central axis from south to north are the Apricot Blossom Stele Pavilion, east and west wing rooms, and the shrine. The Apricot Blossom Stele Pavilion currently houses the Apricot Blossom Stele, the stele for the reconstruction of the Apricot Blossom Stele Pavilion, and the tombstone of Sima Yi. The Apricot Blossom Stele was erected in the 3rd year of the Yuanyou reign of the Song Dynasty and was destroyed during the Shaosheng reign. In the 8th year of the Huangtong reign of the Jin Dynasty, Wang Tingzhi, the magistrate of Xia County, found the broken stele under an apricot tree. Admiring Sima Guang's political achievements and character, he found the original text at the homes of Sima Guang's great-grandnephews, Sima Zuo and Sima Tong, and had it re-engraved in the 9th year of the Huangtong reign, naming it the Apricot Blossom Stele. The stele is made of bluestone, rectangular in shape, with 68 lines of text across four stones, 41 characters per full line, recording Sima Guang's life achievements and profound knowledge. Yuqing Chan Temple is the incense temple for Sima Guang's ancestral cemetery. The existing Mahavira Hall is an original structure from the Song Dynasty. The Mahavira Hall faces south and has a brick foundation 0.88m high. It is 5 bays wide and 3 rafters deep, with a single-eave hanging mountain roof. The beam structure consists of 6-rafter purlins with 4-rafter beams paired with front breast-shaped beams spanning the eaves, supported by 3 columns. The column heads feature 4-bracket sets with a single cantilever arm, with no inter-column bracket sets. The central bay of the front eaves has double-leaf wooden doors with a plaque above inscribed with "Bie You Tian Di" (A World Apart). The side bays have straight-latticed windows and square stone column bases. Inside the hall are 19 colored sculptures, including the Buddhas of the Three Ages, Manjushri, Samantabhadra, and the Sixteen Arhats, as well as 1 wooden sculpture of a Dharma protector Vajra. All are original works from the Song Dynasty, repainted in the 5th year of the Qianlong reign of the Qing Dynasty. The Stele of Loyal and Pure Virtue is made of bluestone with a dragon-headed top and a tortoise-shaped base. Also known as the Sima Guang Spirit Way Stele, its header is inscribed with the seal script "Stele of Loyal and Pure Virtue." The title reads: "Spirit Way Stele of the Late Song Dynasty Justice Grand Master, Minister of the Left of the Department of State Affairs, concurrently Vice Minister of the Secretariat, Supreme Pillar of State, Founding Duke of Henei Commandery, with 4,100 households of fief and 1,500 households of honorary fief, posthumously awarded Grand Preceptor and Duke of Wen, with the posthumous name Wenzheng, Lord Sima." The inscription is in regular script, totaling 2,266 characters. The header was written by Emperor Zhezong of Song (Zhao Xu), the text by Su Shi, and the calligraphy by Zhu Shichang. The stele header and base are original Song Dynasty works, while the stele body was reproduced by Hedong Censor Zhu Shichang in the 3rd year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty. ✅ Pagoda of Chan Master Fanzhou, Tang Dynasty, National Heritage Site (Batch 5) Built in the 9th year of the Zhenyuan reign of the Tang Dynasty, with the tomb inscription engraved in the 2nd year of the Changqing reign. The north side of the pagoda body is embedded with a 1m high "Tomb Inscription of the Late Great Virtuous Chan Master Fanzhou of Baoguo Temple, Anyi County." It consists of three parts: the pagoda base, the pagoda body, and the pagoda spire, with each part accounting for about one-third of the total height. The pagoda base is circular and tapers slightly from bottom to top. The lower part of the pagoda body is a waist-constricted Sumeru pedestal. Above it is the pagoda body, surrounded by 8 square brick columns that divide the body into 8 bays. The upper pagoda eaves extend outward with corbelled brickwork, and the outer edges of the two layers are carved into imitation wood-structure rafters, flying rafters, and drip tiles. The pagoda spire is decorated with stacked elements including a binding band, an inverted bowl, inverted lotus petals, upright lotus petals, and a precious pearl. Sima Guang Shrine scenic area
Standing in the square of Sima Wengong Shrine, the Stele Pavilion preserves a remarkable meeting of Song-dynasty heritage and Ming-dynasty craftsmanship. First established in the early Jiajing reign of the Ming dynasty, the pavilion was later rebuilt in brick, crowned by a double-eaved roof with sweeping hip-and-gable lines. Within it stands a monumental stele nearly nine metres tall, its imposing scale reflecting the esteem in which the celebrated Song historian and statesman Sima Guang was held. The stele’s history is especially fascinating. Its carved crown and massive bixi tortoise pedestal are original Northern Song relics, while the six characters “忠清粹德之碑” — commemorating loyalty, integrity and exemplary virtue — were written in imperial seal script by Emperor Zhezong of Song. The stele body and inscription were reproduced during the Ming dynasty, with the text recarved from an earlier rubbing of the original composition by Su Shi. Thus, the monument preserves more than a single historical moment: original Song-dynasty components and Ming-dynasty reproductions coexist within one remarkable structure. Look closely, and the pavilion becomes a lesson in how history survives. Stone, calligraphy and architecture carry memories across centuries, even as later generations restore, reproduce and reinterpret the legacy of those who came before. 📍 Stele Pavilion, Sima Wengong Shrine, Xia County, Yuncheng City, Shanxi Province, China 🇨🇳 📸 Photography Tip: Photograph the pavilion from a low angle to convey the monument’s impressive height. Include the roofline and bixi pedestal in separate detail shots to highlight the contrast between architectural form and ancient stone carving. ✨ Signature Feeling: Standing before a monument where the craftsmanship of different dynasties preserves one enduring legacy. Dynasties change, stone endures, and the words of history continue to speak.
Sima Guang Temple in Xia County, Yuncheng | The ultimate immersive Song Dynasty-inspired guide✨ Don't just visit the Salt Lake when you come to Yuncheng, Shanxi! Hidden in Xia County, Sima Guang Temple is a truly underrated, niche treasure🌿 Free from the crowds and commercialization, it features courtyards of Song Dynasty architecture, thousand-year-old stone tablets, and tranquil Zen temples. Every step is history, gentle and healing. Perfect for a leisurely stroll, taking photos, learning something new, family trips, relaxing, or cultural travel! ✅Address: Xiaochao Village, Shuitou Town, Xia County, Yuncheng City (on Mingtiao Ridge, 13 km northwest of the county seat) ✅Admission: ¥30/person, great value ✅Opening hours: Summer: 8:30 AM–6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM) Winter: 9:00 AM–5:30 PM ✅Duration: 1.5–2 hours, relaxed and unhurried 🚗Transportation guide ▫️Driving: Search for "Sima Guang Temple" directly. The attraction has a free parking lot and good road conditions. It takes 40 minutes from downtown Yuncheng ▫️Public transport: Take a local bus from Xia County to Shuitou Town, then a short taxi ride directly to the site. Convenient and hassle-free 🌟5 must-visit highlights (for beginners) 1. Apricot Blossom Stele Pavilion | The star attraction📜 The essence of the entire site! It houses the spirit way stele with an inscription written by Su Shi himself, showcasing incredible calligraphy. The stele was once broken and buried under an apricot tree. After a thousand years, it has been restored. The inscription is weathered and profound. If you love calligraphy and history, be sure to take a close look—the atmosphere will transport you straight back to the Song Dynasty. 2. Wengong Ancestral Hall An antique hall housing statues of five people from four generations of the Sima family, with a neat and symmetrical layout. Here, you can learn about Sima Guang's entire life—not just as the "boy who smashed the vat" from textbooks, but as the legendary prime minister who spent 19 years compiling the Zizhi Tongjian. 3. Yuqing Zen Temple An ancient Zen temple built in the Northern Song Dynasty, featuring blue bricks, old trees, and tranquil courtyards. It's quiet and uncrowded. The breeze through the courtyard is healing, making it perfect for taking atmospheric photos in traditional style. Every shot is a winner📸 4. Sima Family Ancestral Cemetery Lush vegetation and towering ancient cypresses create a quiet and solemn atmosphere. Far from the hustle and bustle, walking along the forest trails allows you to truly feel the weight of history. 5. Immersive live performance💫 A major hidden perk! The attraction hosts the "Jing Zhi Guang · Lian Zhi Lv" (Light of the Mirror · Journey of Integrity) live performance daily at 3:00 PM, free with your admission ticket. It recreates classic stories like Sima Guang smashing the vat, studying with a log pillow, and selling a horse with integrity. You can even change into Song Dynasty costumes for free to participate. Both adults and children will love it! 💡Travel tips 1. We recommend going in the afternoon! The light is soft, perfect for photos of ancient architecture, and you'll avoid the midday sun 2. If you're bringing children, be sure to watch the performance. It's a fun way to learn history and easier to understand than reading books 3. The entire route is flat with no climbing, making it stress-free for seniors and children 4. There is plenty of shade in the courtyards, making it very comfortable to visit in early autumn—a great place to escape the heat and take the kids out
The winding mountain path leading to Duiyun Cave resembles a dragon or snake, every stone step soaked with sweat and anticipation. Upon reaching the cave, a sip of spring tea instantly washes away weariness with a gentle breeze.
andylindaI bought the ticket on the mobile app, and it was valid immediately, granting me instant entry to the scenic area! This place has a particularly rich cultural heritage; it's a rare national treasure. It combines the Sima Guang Ancestral Hall, family cemetery, and ancestral temple into one scenic area.
juekeyThe artifacts in the Yuncheng Museum are undoubtedly excellent and well worth seeing. The various statues of Guan Yu from different eras and styles are particularly noteworthy. The only area for improvement is the lack of a single elevator. I had walked a lot before and my legs were sore, so I used a wheelchair. However, when I visited, the museum's only elevator was under repair. Fortunately, I'm not truly disabled and could stand up and walk a few steps to take the escalator to the second and third floors. Someone completely unable to stand would likely only be able to explore the first floor. I believe that a national first-class museum should have at least two elevators.
zhongling77Good place, absolutely no crowded in week day, delicious ala carte dinner. Very relaxing experience, but waiting for massage or etc was long, I skipped this experience
trveloneThe environment was nice, the water was clean, and the children played and frolicked in the water. It was a very happy vacation!
Anonymous userAfter climbing the steps inside the Pond God Temple, you can see the salt lake in the distance. Animals can still be seen everywhere in the scenic area. From the Pond God Temple, you can walk to the museum and the city wall.
FFFfreya.The audio guides at the scenic area kept coming up to sell their services. There were about 20-30 of them along the way from the parking lot to the pit, and each one of them would come up to you to sell something. It was a bit of a disruption to the visitor experience, which was really bad.
Anonymous userThere are fewer people than expected, the environment is very good, the service is in place, and it is interesting. If I have the opportunity to go again, I will consider staying in a hotel there. Oh, by the way, the mudflats at the door are really smelly... It is recommended that the scenic area be cleaned up
cocoliu4139Misu is very familiar with the Shaanxi History Museum's vast collection. She clearly outlines the historical development from prehistoric pottery to Tang Dynasty gold and silver artifacts, making the otherwise dry history vivid and interesting. I highly recommend her.
M45***54The ancestral temple of Guan Yu, one of the 30,000 temples worldwide, is indeed magnificent and awe-inspiring. Several emperors personally inscribed plaques, making it a royal temple exuding grandeur. It's a bit far from the city center, so it's advisable to plan your time accordingly.
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