GU LOU SLICED NOODLES

The location of this restaurant is very good, just at the southeast corner of the Drum Tower, next to the intersection of Drum Tower East Street, and facing the Drum Tower through the French windows in the restaurant. It is a fast food restaurant. You can order your food at the front desk and pick it up when it is ready. They also have milk tea and coffee. In the morning, I had a set meal, which was just right. The portion was large, and I probably couldn't finish it if I had a small appetite. The taste was also more authentic Shanxi flavor.

Today is the first time I set foot on the land of Shanxi, and the first time I ate authentic local knife-cut noodles. This noodle shop next to the Drum Tower in the old city of Datong has a strong Internet celebrity style. The shop is well organized, the noodles taste very good, and the price is cheaper than Beijing

How can you not have a bowl of knife-cut noodles when you go to Datong, Shanxi? The location and decoration of Gulou Knife-cut Noodles are very good, especially the taste of the knife-cut noodles is very authentic.

**🏔️Dingxiang 2-Day In-Depth Budget Travel Guide｜Explore the "Scenic Wonders of Northern Shanxi" for 186 RMB per person **** Tianzhu Cloud Sea + Fengshen Ancient Temple + Ten-Thousand-Year Ice Palace, Experience the "Secret Realm of Taihang Mountains, Essence of Ancient Architecture, and Geological Wonders" Within Your Budget** --- **🚌Transportation Plan (47 RMB per person)** -Taiyuan → Dingxiang: Bus **28 RMB** (2 hours, first bus 06:30) -Spot transfers: Rural bus **12 RMB** -Within the scenic area: Hiking + ridesharing **7 RMB** --- **🗓Itinerary** **Day 1: Tianzhu Mountain + Fengshen Mountain** 06:30-08:30 Taiyuan → Dingxiang, Breakfast en route: Scallion pancake **3 RMB** + Tofu pudding **2 RMB** 09:00-12:00 **Tianzhushan Scenic Area (Free Admission)** - Hiking along the Taihang Mountain Fault Zone Geological Corridor - Climbing to Yuhuangding Peak to view the sea of ​​clouds (1488 meters above sea level) - Exploring the Tang Dynasty Cliff Carvings 12:00-13:00 Lunch: Self-heating rice **8 RMB** + Jingju Mountain Spring Water 13:30-16:30 **Fengshenshan Ancient Building Complex (Free Admission)** - Paying homage to the Fengbo and Yushi Temple (Yuan Dynasty wooden structure) - Observing the murals depicting stories from *Investiture of the Gods* - Collecting specimens of plants unique to the Taihang Mountains 17:00-18:30 Transfer to Luyashan Homestay: Farmhouse accommodation **45 RMB/night** 19:00 Dinner: Dingxiang Steamed Pork **12 RMB** + Fried Pork Belly **6 RMB** **Day 2: Luyashan + Wannian Ice Cave** 06:30-08:00 Homestay Breakfast: Millet Porridge **2 RMB** + Pickled Melon 08:30-11:30 **Jingju Temple on Luyashan Mountain (Free Admission)** - Hiking on the Primitive Forest Trail (North China Larch Forest) - Pilgrimage to the Ancient Tang Dynasty Zen Buddhist Site - Searching for the "Luyashan Emerald Green" rock formation 11:30-13:00 Lunch: Vegetarian meal at the temple **10 RMB** (Donation optional) 13:30-16:00 **Ten Thousand Year Ice Cave (30 RMB Admission, Half Price for Students)** - Exploring Quaternary glacial relics (-5℃ constant temperature) - Observing geological wonders such as ice stalagmites and ice curtains - Experiencing the "Summer's Dual Experience of Ice and Fire" 16:30-18:30 Return to Taiyuan 19:00 Dinner en route: Dingxiang Knife-Cut Noodles **10 RMB** --- **💰Cost Breakdown** -Transportation: 47 yuan -Entrance Fee: 15 yuan (Ice Cave Student Ticket) -Accommodation: 45 yuan -Food: 53 yuan -Experience: 0 yuan (All attractions are free) -Flexible: 26 yuan **Total: 186 yuan** --- **💡Ultimate Budget Travel Tips** 1. **Ticket Strategy**: Tianzhu Mountain/Fengshen Mountain/Luyashan Mountain are all free; Ice Cave is half price with student ID. 2. **Accommodation Tips**: Choose a farmhouse at the foot of Luyashan Mountain (40% cheaper than in the county town). 3. **Off-Peak Travel**: Visit Ice Cave first in the morning to avoid crowds, then climb Tianzhu Mountain in the afternoon to see the sea of ​​clouds. 4. **Food Plan**: Bring your own dry food + farmhouse meal combination; keep daily food expenses to 25 yuan. 5. **Cultural Alternatives**: Jingju Temple instead of Wutai Mountain (save 135 yuan), Fengshen Mountain instead of Hanging Temple (save 115 yuan). --- **🌄Featured Experiences Guide** - Tianzhushan Mountain: Archean gneiss geological specimen collection area - Fengshenshan Mountain: Yuan Dynasty "Wind, Rain, Thunder, and Lightning" mural replica - Luyashan Mountain: Tang Dynasty stupa underground palace ruins (free admission) - Wannian Ice Cave: The only year-round ice cave at the same latitude in the world. ****⚠️Safety Tips** - Ice Cave Visit: Light jacket required (temperature difference 30℃) - Hiking Gear: Non-slip hiking boots, trekking poles, raincoat --- #Dingxiang2DayIn-DepthTour #ExploringTaihangHiddenGems

🥶I was freezing in Datong in November! But the vibrant atmosphere of the ancient city and grottoes made me reluctant to leave~ Just got back from Datong bundled up in a down jacket! The -10°C wind stung my face and my hands and feet were numb, but the perilous Hanging Temple, the piping hot knife-cut noodles, and the lively atmosphere of the ancient city completely healed me! Going in November or December is truly "torture," but this guide will save you 99% of the trouble~ As a history buff and food lover, before I left, my mind was filled with the awe-inspiring Yungang Grottoes and the delicious aroma of Datong knife-cut noodles. But as soon as I got off the train, the northeast wind taught me a lesson! But when I saw the golden glow of the Buddha statues in the grottoes under the setting sun, and finished a bowl of hot knife-cut noodles, all the cold vanished~ This heartfelt sharing covers everything from routes and food to staying warm! 🚗Transportation Guide: Worry-Free Travel - External Transportation: 1.5-hour direct high-speed train from Beijing, ticket price 100+ RMB; 2-hour journey from Taiyuan. Buy round-trip tickets in advance on the Ctrip app. During peak season, it's recommended to book early morning high-speed trains to avoid delays. - Local Transportation: Attractions are concentrated in the city center. Taxi fares start at 8 RMB, approximately 30 RMB to Yungang Grottoes; Bus 603 goes to Yungang Grottoes and Huayan Temple for a very cheap 2 RMB/person, but waiting for the bus in winter is extremely cold, so a combination of subway and taxi is recommended. - Avoidance Tips: Roads may be icy in winter. Choose licensed taxis and avoid unlicensed taxis; for the Hanging Temple, carpooling is recommended (50 RMB per person), saving time compared to public transport and being safer on icy mountain roads. 🏯3 Days 2 Nights Essential Itinerary: Cold but Super Worth It! ✨Day 1: Yungang Grottoes → Huayan Temple → Ancient City Wall Night View Arrive at Yungang Grottoes before 9 AM. Buy tickets in advance on the Ctrip app (120 RMB/person, half price for students) to avoid peak tour periods! We recommend renting an audio guide (30 RMB/unit) to follow the explanations and explore the five caves of Tan Yao. The solemnity of the open-air Buddha in Cave 20 is even more breathtaking under the warm winter sun. Photography tips: Wear a dark coat or red scarf to create a contrast with the yellowish-brown of the grottoes. Use the light and shadow to photograph the Buddha's profile for maximum atmosphere! In the afternoon, visit Huayan Temple. The Liao Dynasty painted clay sculpture "Bodhisattva with Hands Clasped and Teeth Showing" is incredibly lifelike. Sunlight streaming through the ancient windows onto the Buddha statue is breathtakingly beautiful. The temple's main hall boasts the largest Buddhist hall caisson ceiling in China; looking up is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Climb the Datong Ancient City Wall at night (free). When the lights come on, the outline of the ancient city is exceptionally clear in the night. Walking on the wall with the wind blowing (remember to wear a scarf!), you can see the Drum Tower and Bell Tower in the distance, creating a picturesque scene. Every snapshot is a masterpiece of ancient style. ✨Day 2: Hanging Temple → Hengshan Mountain → Datong Knife-Cut Noodles The Hanging Temple is absolutely precipitous! Built on a cliff face, the wooden walkway is so narrow that only one person can pass at a time. Looking down makes your legs weak! Tickets can be booked in advance on the Ctrip app (15 RMB/person, 100 RMB for the climbing fee). It's recommended to go early in the morning to avoid crowds and queues. The sunlight shining on the temple, with its red walls and gray tiles, is incredibly photogenic! In the afternoon, we went to Hengshan Mountain. Winter Hengshan was shrouded in a thin mist, and the snow on the summit hadn't melted yet. Climbing the steps, the cold wind stung our faces, but the moment we reached the top and looked down at the surrounding mountains, all the fatigue was worth it! Clothing suggestions: Wear non-slip sports shoes, gloves, and a hat. It's windy on the mountain, so wear a windproof down jacket if possible. In the evening, we absolutely had to have Datong knife-cut noodles! The pork stir-fried noodles at "Oriental Knife-Cut Noodle King" were incredibly fragrant, the noodles were chewy, and paired with homemade chili oil, one bite warmed us to the core. It's only 15 yuan per person, enough to fill you up. ✨Day 3: Shanhua Temple → Datong Museum → Local Snacks Shanhua Temple is the best-preserved Liao-Jin dynasty temple in China, and it's free to enter! The Puxian Pavilion and the Three Saints Hall inside the temple are exceptionally well-preserved. Sunlight streamed through the lattice windows, creating dappled light and shadow, perfect for a quiet and leisurely stroll. In the afternoon, visit the Datong Museum. The museum's prized possession, the "Sima Jinlong Tomb Wood Lacquer Painting," is a must-see. Its vibrant colors and exquisite details offer a close-up experience of the cultural charm of the Northern Wei Dynasty. Before leaving, check out "Fengling Pavilion." Besides its famous shaomai (steamed dumplings), their braised pork and yellow millet jelly are also superb. The shaomai have thin wrappers and generous fillings; one bite and the broth bursts out. A satisfying meal for around 60 RMB per person. 🍜Food List: Local Hidden Gems You Can't Miss - Knife-cut Noodles: Besides the "King of Knife-cut Noodles" from Dongfang, "Lao Chai Knife-cut Noodles" also offers incredibly fragrant mutton noodles. The mutton is tender and not gamey, paired with refreshing side dishes—perfect for warming up in winter. - Shaomai: Fengling Pavilion's shaomai is a must-try, but the queues are long. You can also try "Kaige Restaurant's" shaomai; the taste is just as good, and the price is more affordable. - Snacks: "Sun Ji Baozi Shop's" sugar buns and meat buns are incredibly generous, with thin skins and large fillings. Paired with a bowl of millet porridge, they make a wonderfully comforting breakfast. "Datong Liangfen" (cold mung bean jelly) has incredibly fragrant chili oil; eating cold dishes in winter requires courage, but the taste is absolutely amazing! - Specialties: Datong daylilies and Yanggao dried apricots are great souvenirs, readily available in supermarkets at excellent value. ⚠️November-December Avoidance & Warmth Guide - Warmth Gear: For temperatures below -10℃, a windproof down jacket, fleece-lined snow boots, touchscreen gloves, and a Lei Feng hat are essential. Wear a quick-drying undershirt next to your skin, layered with a sweater underneath. Make sure to protect your neck and ears, or they'll turn bright red from the cold! - Avoidance Tips: Purchase your entrance fee to the Hanging Temple in advance, as it may sell out on-site. Some attractions on Hengshan Mountain may be closed in winter; check the latest announcements on the Ctrip app before you go. Most guesthouses in the ancient city have heating, but some older buildings have poor sound insulation; check reviews before booking. - Photography Tips: In winter, the sunlight is at an angle, making 10 AM and 3 PM the best times for photos. When photographing ancient architecture, use shadows to add depth. When photographing people, let the sunlight come from the side for a fantastic atmosphere. Although Datong is freezing cold in November and December, the ancient city's grandeur, the awe-inspiring grottoes, and the comforting food make this city incredibly charming. Stay warm, bring this guide, and you can unlock Datong's unique winter charm! Save this guide and get ready to go! Which city do you most want to visit in winter? Share your thoughts in the comments, and one lucky winner will receive a Datong-style daylily gift box! ❄️ #DatongTravel #PlacesYouGetAskedAboutOnWeChat #RoadScenery #OffTheRoadDiscovery #CityCultureNotes