Changzhi City Travel

Changzhi, Shanxi — formerly known as Shangdang and Luzhou, known as "Whoever controls Shangdang can see the Central Plains," it is the birthplace of the Taihang spirit, boasting magnificent Taihang mountains and waters along with rich red culture, recognized as an excellent tourist city in China.

2000+
Years of City History
30+
A-Grade Scenic Spots
13896
Square Kilometers Area
3.4M+
Permanent Population

Changzhi City District & County Travel

Luzhou District

Central urban area of Changzhi, political and cultural center

Shangdang GateTaihang ParkCity God Temple
Shangdang District

Southern urban area of Changzhi, with a long history and culture

City God Temple Under HeavenFive Phoenix TowerZhengjue TempleShangdang Campaign Memorial Hall
Tunliu District

Northwestern urban area of Changzhi, ancient battlefield site

Laoye Mountain Scenic AreaTunliu Martyrs CemeterySan'zong Temple
Lucheng District

Northeastern urban area of Changzhi, industrial tourism zone

Xin'an SpringYuanqi TempleShentou Battle Memorial Hall
Xiangyuan County

Northern county of Changzhi, Zhanghe cultural area

Xiantang MountainEast Lake ParkXiangyuan Confucian Temple
Pingshun County

Eastern county of Changzhi, landscape ecological area

Tongtian GorgeTaihang Water TownHongti PassWell Bottom Village
Licheng County

Northeastern county of Changzhi, ancient pass fortress area

Huangya Cave Arsenal SiteTaihang Red Stone ParkChangning Great Karst Cave
Huguan County

Southeastern county of Changzhi, canyon tourism core area

Taihang Mountain Grand CanyonQinglong GorgeBaquan GorgeHongdou Gorge
Zhangzi County

Southwestern county of Changzhi, cultural ancient county

Faxing TempleChongqing TempleFajiu MountainZhangzi Petrified Wood Nature Reserve
Wuxiang County

Northeastern county of Changzhi, red tourism area

Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial HallWangjiayu Eighth Route Army Headquarters SiteZhuanbi Hundred Regiment Campaign Site
Qin County

Northern county of Changzhi, ecological leisure area

Nannie Water Stone Carving MuseumQin County West LakeSource of Zhanghe River
Qinyuan County

Northwestern county of Changzhi, green ecological area

Lingkong MountainSource of Qinhe RiverHuapo GrasslandTaiyue Mountain National Forest Park

Changzhi City Three Days Two Nights Landscape and Red Culture Tour

Tour the Taihang Grand Canyon to enjoy natural wonders, visit the Shangdang ancient city to explore historical heritage, view red sites to recall revolutionary years, taste Changzhi cuisine to experience southeastern Shanxi customs

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon, Shangdang Gate, Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall, Tongtian Gorge, Baquan Gorge, Hongdou Gorge
Suitable For
Landscape scenery enthusiasts, red culture learners, history explorers, outdoor hiking enthusiasts, photography lovers
Budget per Person
¥800-¥2000
01
Ancient City Red Charm
Shangdang Ancient City and Red Culture Tour
Highlights

Morning: Visit Shangdang Gate to experience the ancient city's history. Afternoon: Tour the Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall to revisit revolutionary years. Evening: Stroll through the City God Temple area to experience local market life.

Attractions
Shangdang Gate
National 3A-level scenic spot, first built during the Kaihuang period of the Sui Dynasty as the gate of the Shangdang prefectural office, with a history of over 1,400 years. Its unique architectural style makes it one of the landmark buildings of Changzhi city.
Eighth Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall
National 4A-level scenic spot and key national cultural relic protection unit. It is a large revolutionary memorial hall comprehensively reflecting the eight-year history of the Eighth Route Army during the Anti-Japanese War, with rich collections showcasing the struggle of the Taihang military and civilians.
City God Temple
First built in the 22nd year of Zhiyuan of the Yuan Dynasty, the existing buildings feature Ming and Qing styles. It is a relatively well-preserved ancient architectural complex in the Changzhi urban area, with exquisite wood and brick carvings inside, surrounded by a gathering area for specialty snacks and handicrafts.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Downtown central hotels
  • Guesthouses near Shangdang Gate
  • Budget hotels on Taihang East Street
Food Recommendations
  • Donkey Meat Flatbread
  • Changzhi Cured Donkey Meat
  • Xiangyuan Meat Soup with Vegetable Dumplings
  • Huguan Lamb Soup
Travel Tips
  • The Eighth Route Army Memorial Hall requires advance reservation
  • Climbing Shangdang Gate tower requires a ticket
  • The City God Temple night market is ideal for tasting local snacks
02
Canyon Exploration
Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon In-depth Tour
Highlights

Morning: Visit Baquan Gorge to experience the magnificence of the "Number One Majestic Gorge of Taihang." Afternoon: Explore Hongdou Gorge to enjoy natural and cultural landscapes, and experience the thrill of canyon rafting.

Attractions
Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon (Baquan Gorge)
Core scenic spot of the National 5A-level scenic area, named after eight springs emerging from the same source within the gorge. It combines majesty, wonder, danger, seclusion and beauty, offering cable cars and cruise ships for multi-angle viewing of canyon scenery.
Taihang Mountain Grand Canyon (Hongdou Gorge)
A canyon scenic area famous for lovesick red beans, combining the majesty of northern landscapes with the beauty of southern scenery, known as the "Love Gorge of China." The summer rafting program is very popular among tourists.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • About 1.5 hours drive from downtown to the Grand Canyon
  • Sightseeing buses connect attractions within the scenic area
  • Self-driving or tourist shuttle bus recommended
Ticket Information
  • Baquan Gorge ticket + sightseeing bus: 100 RMB
  • Hongdou Gorge ticket: 80 RMB
  • Rafting program: approximately 150 RMB/person
  • Cable car, cruise ship charged separately
Visiting Tips
  • Wear comfortable sports shoes and sun protection gear
  • Temperature difference in the canyon is significant, bring a jacket
  • Prepare change of clothes for rafting program
03
Wonder Canyon Discovery
Tongtian Gorge and Ancient City Echoes Tour
Highlights

Morning: Visit Tongtian Gorge to enjoy the "Little Jiuzhaigou of the North" scenery. Afternoon: Return to the city to visit Faxing Temple and appreciate ancient architectural art. Before departure, buy Changzhi specialty products.

Attractions
Tongtian Gorge
National 4A-level scenic spot, known for its "danger, wonder, beauty, and seclusion." The gorge features clustered waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, earning the reputation of "Little Jiuzhaigou of the North." The glass observation deck is a popular photo spot.
Faxing Temple
Key national cultural relic protection unit, first built in the first year of Shending of the Northern Wei Dynasty. The Song Dynasty colored sculptures and Tang Dynasty stupa inside the temple are national treasures. The architectural layout is rigorous, holding high historical and artistic value.
Practical Information
Schedule
  • Tongtian Gorge tour takes about 4 hours
  • Tongtian Gorge to Faxing Temple about 1.5 hours
  • Faxing Temple tour takes about 1.5 hours
  • Depart for return journey before 4 PM
Food Map
  • Zhangzi Stir-fried Pancake
  • Qin County Dry Steamed Bun
  • Wuxiang Date Cake
  • Huguan Small Cart Knife-cut Cake
  • Lucheng Flatbread
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Changzhi Cured Donkey Meat
  • Qinzhou Yellow Millet
  • Shangdang Codonopsis
  • Lu Embroidery
  • Changzhi Brocade

Must-Try Foods in Changzhi City

Donkey Meat Flatbread

Changzhi specialty snack, paper-thin flatbread wrapped with fragrant donkey meat, eaten rolled up. Crispy texture with rich flavor, a delicacy on local banquets and daily meals.

Changzhi Cured Donkey Meat

Traditional famous food of Shanxi with a history of over 300 years. Made from high-quality donkey meat through special curing and marinating processes. The meat is tender, rich in flavor and nutritious.

Huguan Lamb Soup

Specialty dish from Huguan County, Changzhi. Made from local goats, slowly simmered for hours over low heat. The soup is delicious, the meat is tender, served with local baked flatbread, an excellent winter warmer.

Zhangzi Stir-fried Pancake

Traditional pasta from Zhangzi County, Changzhi. Pancake strips stir-fried with vegetables and meat, golden in color, chewy in texture, rich in flavor, a staple food loved by locals.

Qinzhou Yellow Millet

Specialty of Qin County, Changzhi, a national geographical indication product of China. Full grains, golden color, smooth and delicate porridge with rich aroma and nutrition, historically a royal tribute.

Travel Tips for Changzhi City
Best Time to Visit
  • April-May: Blooming flowers, pleasant climate, perfect for spring outings
  • June-August: Cool summer, ideal for canyon summer retreats and rafting
  • September-October: Clear autumn sky, colorful mountain scenery, the best tourist season
  • December-February: Enjoy canyon ice waterfalls in winter with fewer tourists
Must-Experience Activities
  • Take a cable car at Baquan Gorge to enjoy the panoramic view of the canyon
  • Experience canyon rafting at Hongdou Gorge
  • Walk on the glass viewing platform at Tongtian Gorge
  • Revisit red history at the Eighth Route Army Memorial Hall
  • Taste authentic donkey meat pancake and cured donkey meat
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approximately 200-400 CNY
  • Accommodation: 200-400 CNY per night
  • Catering: 100-180 CNY per day
  • Transportation: 150-300 CNY (including round trip to scenic spots)
  • Total: 800-2000 CNY
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Which scenic spot in Taihang Grand Canyon is most worth visiting? → Baquan Gorge
  • Is a ticket required for the Eighth Route Army Memorial Hall? → Free of charge, advance reservation required
  • Which is more fun, Tongtian Gorge or Taihang Grand Canyon? → Tongtian Gorge is more elegant and beautiful, while Taihang Grand Canyon is more magnificent
  • Is there a bus from Changzhi to Taihang Grand Canyon? → Yes, there are tourist special line buses
  • Which restaurant serves the most authentic donkey meat pancake? → Time-honored restaurants like "Shuaibing Wang" in the urban area