Things to do in Jinzhong

In November, I brought my family of three to Pingyao Ancient City. Avoiding the crowds, the ancient city possessed a unique tranquility characteristic of early winter. We parked near the Shangxi Gate and Yongding Gate; the surrounding trees were ablaze with vibrant colors, perfectly complementing the blue sky and creating a beautiful late autumn atmosphere. Stepping out of the car, we explored the cobblestone streets and weathered city walls. Red lanterns added a special charm to the cool air. Since my child had just returned from studying abroad, they were very interested in the ancient architecture, so we leisurely explored the buildings and listened to stories of Shanxi merchants, without any rush. Our love for ancient architecture was undeniable; the sheer number of buildings was overwhelming, and we decided to stay another day! The first night we watched "Encounter Pingyao Again," and the second night we saw the light show! A friend helped us book the Fanzhai Inn near the Shangxi Gate. The inn itself is a well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty courtyard house with nearly two hundred years of history, a key cultural relic under protection, and is managed by the descendants of the Fan family. The exquisite brick, wood, and stone carvings throughout the courtyard exude the charm of Shanxi merchants. The cave-dwelling rooms are warm in winter and cool in summer, preserving traditional earthen beds and antique wardrobes while undergoing thoughtful modern renovations. Latex mattresses, separate wet and dry bathrooms, and hot water are all provided, ensuring uncompromising comfort. The location is quiet yet convenient, not far from the "Encounter Pingyao" theater, the county government office, and the city wall. In November, the area is less crowded and tranquil, allowing you to leisurely stroll and enjoy tea in the courtyard, watching the red lanterns illuminate the gray tiles and experiencing the unique serenity of the ancient city. The owners are warm and attentive, even offering helpful suggestions for sightseeing routes, making for a very pleasant experience. If you want to deeply experience Pingyao and authentically immerse yourself in the culture of Shanxi merchants, a stay at Fanzhai is highly recommended.

The Wang Family Compound, with its centuries-old history and grand scale, is often referred to as the "Folk Palace," bearing witness to the achievements of the Wang family. The currently open area represents only a small portion, yet it is still awe-inspiring!

Hiring a guide is a must. A guided tour takes about an hour and a half, and you'll see everything you need to know. Otherwise, you'll wander around aimlessly without understanding anything. Before leaving, we had some free health-promoting tea at the景区 service center. All the plaques, screen walls, and stone carvings are worth seeing.

Shuanglin Temple comprises three courtyards and ten halls arranged in a staggered layout. The temple houses over two thousand painted clay sculptures from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, encompassing round sculptures, suspended sculptures, and wall sculptures, earning it the title of "Oriental Treasure House of Painted Clay Art." Each painted clay sculpture is exquisitely lifelike, especially the Four Heavenly Kings in the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Weituo and Guanyin statues in the Hall of a Thousand Buddhas—these are considered classic examples. The sculptures are vividly expressive and remarkably realistic. Unfortunately, the gloomy weather prevented me from fully enjoying them!

Zhenguo Temple is a hidden gem of an ancient temple in Pingyao, not widely known but rich in historical significance. The Wanfo Hall is a rare example of a Five Dynasties wooden structure, over a thousand years old. Its imposing and simple bracket sets, constructed without a single nail, have stood the test of time, making it a living fossil of wooden architecture. The painted sculptures inside retain their original Five Dynasties appearance, with a dignified and weighty style, a stark contrast to the lively Ming Dynasty sculptures of Shuanglin Temple. The temple is serene and quiet, with few tourists, perfect for slowly appreciating the beauty of its ancient architecture. If you appreciate ancient architecture, after visiting Shuanglin Temple, a stopover at Zhenguo Temple offers a unique and worthwhile experience, allowing you to understand the architecture and sculptures of different eras.

Mianshan Mountain is definitely worth a visit. It boasts stunning natural scenery and numerous historical and cultural sites. However, there are many attractions, and they are quite far apart, making it difficult to see everything in one day. Accommodation is available within the scenic area, and staying overnight might be a better option. Two points to note: 1. When dining at Shuitaogou, avoid the temporary stalls near the drop-off point. Walk towards the entrance of Shuitaogou Scenic Area; there are larger self-service restaurants and food stalls there. 2. Plan your energy and time carefully to avoid running out of time or being unable to keep up. Take the elevator whenever possible to save energy and time. Accommodation booking phone numbers are shown in the image for your reference.

Such ingenious engineering from 1600 years ago deserves only admiration. The wisdom of the ancients is evident in their site selection, their harmony with nature, their ability to see through the soil, and their masterful use of natural forces. The ancients learned wisdom, and of course, only the most exceptional individuals could truly grasp it. We modern people learn knowledge. Wisdom, however, transcends boundaries; it is a profound and unbiased understanding.

On a week day it’s a nice and calming experience. Especially if you bring cards and decide to sit at some of the metal table and chairs to play a card game, with the scenic view of the wall and the ancient city.

The old town of Yuci is worth a visit. The City God Temple is magnificent, with beautiful glazed tiles. The county government office is also quite large. With fewer people during the off-season, it's a very interesting place to stroll around at a leisurely pace. Both are national treasures.

For those crowded tourist attractions, I prefer less-visited, less-traveled spots. It's said that "the Qiao family is known for its reputation, the Chang family for its scale," and after visiting the Chang Family Manor, I can confirm its reputation is well-deserved! Compared to the popular Shanxi merchant manors, this place is less crowded, making it a much more pleasant place to stroll. The streets and courtyards are interconnected, with exquisite carvings of traditional Chinese wood carvings everywhere, each delicate and lifelike. The manor features tranquil gardens with flowing streams and bridges, exuding the charm of southern China, while the Shiyunxuan Academy is full of ancient elegance. You can not only feel the grandeur of the Shanxi merchants who once traversed the Tea Road, but also appreciate the family's deep-rooted values ​​of education. Highly recommended for those who enjoy ancient architecture and a quiet, leisurely pace of life. There are also restaurants within the scenic area; the food is simple and reasonably priced, perfect for a casual meal.