Zuoquan County Travel

Zuoquan County, Jinzhong, Shanxi—a red-hot land named after the anti-Japanese general Zuo Quan, and an ecological treasure in the middle section of the Taihang Mountains. Centered around red relics such as the Matian Eighth Route Army Headquarters and General Zuoquan's Mausoleum, and natural landscapes like Taihang Longquan and Lotus Rock, it integrates red culture, Taihang scenery, and folk customs. A 3-day 2-night deep dive unlocks the heroic spirit and natural elegance of this legendary land.

80+
Red Revolutionary Sites
2
National 4A Scenic Spots (Longquan & Matian HQ)
15+
Core Attractions
12+
Local Delicacies

Explore Districts & Counties of Jinzhong

Yuci District
Taigu District
Qixian County
Pingyao County
Lingshi County
Shouyang County
Xiyang County
Heshun County
Zuoquan County
Yushe County
Jiexiu City
Matian Eighth Route Army Headquarters Memorial Hall, Zuoquan County, Jinzhong City
Matian Eighth Route Army Headquarters - Landmark of Red Memory
A Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. During the Anti-Japanese War (1941-1945), it served as the headquarters of the Eighth Route Army. Preserving the former residences of Peng Dehuai and Zuo Quan, it houses over 3,000 artifacts including weapons, documents, and photos, vividly recreating the history of the Eighth Route Army in the Taihang Mountains. It is honored as the "Little Yan'an of the Taihang Mountains."

Zuoquan County 3-Day 2-Night Red Culture & Landscape Tour

Visit red heritage sites, explore the secrets of Taihang Mountains, commemorate heroic deeds, savor Zuoquan flavors, and unlock the red memories and natural beauty of this heroic land.

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Matian Eighth Route Army HQ, General Zuoquan's Mausoleum, Taihang Longquan, Lotus Rock, Riyuexing Eco-Manor
Ideal For
Red culture enthusiasts, history researchers, nature explorers, study groups, hiking lovers
Budget Per Person
¥500–¥1,100
01
Red Origins
Matian Eighth Route Army HQ · General Zuoquan's Mausoleum · Xihetou Tunnel Warfare Site · Red Theme Night View
Daily Highlights

Morning: Visit the Matian Eighth Route Army Headquarters to feel the war years. Afternoon: Pay tribute to General Zuoquan to honor the hero. Explore the Xihetou Tunnel Warfare Site to experience wartime wisdom. Evening: Watch the red theme light show.

Attractions
Matian Eighth Route Army Headquarters Memorial Hall
A National 4A Scenic Spot and National Patriotic Education Base. During the Anti-Japanese War (1941-1945), it served as the HQ of the Eighth Route Army. Preserving the former HQ site, Peng Dehuai's residence, and Zuo Quan's residence, it houses over 3,000 artifacts including weapons, documents, and photos. Known as the "Little Yan'an of the Taihang Mountains."
General Zuoquan's Mausoleum
Built to commemorate General Zuo Quan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Eighth Route Army. The site includes a statue, monument, memorial hall, and tomb. General Zuo Quan sacrificed his life in this region in 1942. It is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level.
Xihetou Tunnel Warfare Site
Underground fortifications built by locals to fight Japanese invaders. The tunnel network spans approx. 5 km, featuring command centers, rest rooms, traps, and gun ports. It recreates the wisdom and courage of the "Underground Great Wall" and serves as vital material for studying tunnel warfare in North China.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Red-themed hotels in Zuoquan County
  • Homestays near Matian Eighth Route Army HQ
  • Boutique inns on Lingyuan Street
Food Recommendations
  • Zuoquan Minqin Noodles
  • Chaobulan (Stir-fried Potato & Flour)
  • Zuoquan Lamian Noodles
  • Soft Rice Cake
  • Hezi Rice Porridge
Travel Tips
  • Hire a guide at Matian HQ (¥80/session) for deeper historical insights
  • Maintain solemnity at the Mausoleum to respect the martyrs
  • Some tunnel sections are narrow; explore with companions
02
Exploring Taihang
Taihang Longquan Scenic Area · Longquan National Forest Park · Thousand Buddha Cave · Night View
Daily Highlights

Morning: Explore the Taihang Longquan Scenic Area for mountain and water wonders. Discover Longquan National Forest Park for a forest oxygen bar experience. Afternoon: Visit Thousand Buddha Cave to admire grotto art. Evening: Return to the county seat to rest.

Attractions
Taihang Longquan Scenic Area
A National 4A Scenic Spot and key part of the Taihang Mountains, known for its "grandeur, peculiarity, steepness, seclusion, and elegance." Features include Longquan Waterfall, Dragon Mother Cave, Three Immortals Cave, and viewing platforms. With a main peak at 1,750m and 90% forest coverage, it is an ecological paradise for sightseeing, leisure, and hiking.
Longquan National Forest Park
A National Forest Park依托于 Taihang Longquan. It features pristine secondary forests and rare flora/fauna. The forest trails are winding with high concentrations of negative oxygen ions, earning it the title "Natural Oxygen Bar." Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn paints the forest in vibrant colors.
Thousand Buddha Cave
Located within the scenic area, this natural cave houses over 1,000 Buddha statues carved through dynasties, dating back to the Northern Qi Dynasty. The statues vary in expression with fine craftsmanship. Stalactites adorn the cave, making it a rare "Buddha Cave Wonder" in the Taihang region with high historical and artistic value.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Tourist shuttles from county to Longquan (3 daily, ~1 hour)
  • Sightseeing buses available in the scenic area (¥20 round trip)
  • Thousand Buddha Cave is 3km from the entrance; walk or take the bus
Tickets
  • Matian Eighth Route Army HQ: Free (Reservation required)
  • General Zuoquan's Mausoleum: Free
  • Taihang Longquan Scenic Area: ¥60 (incl. Forest Park)
  • Xihetou Tunnel Site: ¥25
Travel Tips
  • Wear non-slip shoes and bring sun protection for hiking
  • Cave floors are damp and slippery; walk carefully
  • Mosquito repellent is recommended for the forest park
03
Ecology & Folklore
Lotus Rock Scenic Area · Riyuexing Eco-Manor · Zuoquan Kaihua Diao Folk Museum · Specialty Shopping · Return Trip
Daily Highlights

Morning: Explore Lotus Rock to witness the Danxia landform wonders. Afternoon: Enjoy pastoral fun at Riyuexing Eco-Manor. Visit the Folk Museum to experience the charm of "Kaihua Diao" folk songs. Evening: Shop for local specialties before concluding your journey.

Attractions
Lotus Rock Scenic Area
Famous for its unique Danxia landform, named after the lotus-shaped peak. Features include Lotus Peak, Thread of Sky, and cliffside plank roads. The thrilling plank road offers panoramic views of the Taihang peaks, making it a paradise for photographers and explorers.
Riyuexing Eco-Manor
An integrated pastoral complex focusing on ecological planting, fruit picking, and folk experience. It grows apples, walnuts, and vegetables. Visitors can enjoy picking fruits and tasting farmhouse cuisine. The manor also hosts local art performances, showcasing the pastoral life of the Taihang Mountains.
Zuoquan Kaihua Diao Folk Museum
A thematic museum showcasing the national intangible cultural heritage "Zuoquan Kaihua Diao" (flower-blooming tune folk songs). It collects folk instruments, music scores, and costumes. Visitors can watch performances by local artists and try singing the tunes to experience the unique folk charm of Zuoquan.
Practical Info
Experience Programs
  • Cliff plank road adventure at Lotus Rock
  • Fruit picking at Riyuexing Eco-Manor (Charged by weight)
  • Kaihua Diao singing lesson (¥30/person)
  • Simulated tunnel warfare experience
Souvenirs
  • Zuoquan Walnuts (Gift boxes)
  • Handmade Minqin Noodles (Vacuum-packed)
  • Kaihua Diao themed souvenirs (Sheet music, instrument models)
  • Zuoquan Skullcap Tea
  • Farmhouse Persimmon Wine
Return Trip Guide
  • Zuoquan is ~190 km from Taiyuan; ~3 hours by car
  • Zuoquan Railway Station has trains to Taiyuan and Shijiazhuang
  • Express delivery services are widely available in the county for shipping specialties

Must-Try Foods in Zuoquan

Zuoquan Minqin Noodles

The signature noodle dish of Zuoquan. Made from wheat or buckwheat flour and "pinched" into boiling water using a special bed, the noodles resemble tiny fish. Served with pickled vegetable gravy or meat sauce, they are soft, smooth, and nutritious—earning the nickname "Little Silver Fish of Taihang."

Chaobulan (Stir-fried Potato & Flour)

A Zuoquan specialty coarse grain dish. Shredded potatoes are mixed with flour, steamed, and then stir-fried. Crispy outside and tender inside, savory and delicious, it originated as a frugal farmhouse meal but is now a representative of green, healthy eating, known as the "Golden Grains of Taihang."

Soft Rice Cake

A traditional Zuoquan sweet pastry made from glutinous millet (shumi) steamed with red bean or jujube paste. Soft, glutinous, and sweet, it is a must-have for weddings and the Spring Festival, symbolizing "rising step by step" (Gaosheng), reflecting local culinary culture and auspicious meanings.

Zuoquan Lamian Noodles

A specialty noodle dish of Zuoquan. Hand-pulled to even thickness, the noodles are chewy and elastic. Served with local minced meat sauce (pork or lamb), the broth is rich and flavorful. The preparation involves stretching, pulling, and swinging techniques, showcasing the bold character of Zuoquan people.

Zuoquan Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Wildflowers bloom at Longquan and Lotus Rock—ideal for hiking
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Cool mountain climate, perfect for summer retreats and rafting (Longquan)
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Forests ablaze with color, excellent for photography
  • Martyrs' Memorial Day (Sep 30): Commemorative activities at red sites
Must-Try Foods
  • Zuoquan Minqin Noodles (Try at "Time-Honored Minqin Noodle House")
  • Chaobulan (Freshly made at farmhouse restaurants)
  • Soft Rice Cake (Best during festivals)
  • Zuoquan Lamian Noodles
  • Hezi Rice Porridge
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: ~¥100
  • Accommodation: ¥100–¥220/night
  • Meals: ¥50–¥100/day
  • Transport: ¥80–¥150 (incl. charter/self-drive)
  • Total: ¥500–¥1,100
FAQs
  • Origin of the name "Zuoquan"? → Renamed from Liao County in 1942 to honor General Zuo Quan, Deputy Chief of Staff who died here.
  • What is "Kaihua Diao"? → A national intangible cultural heritage; a form of folk song from Zuoquan, named for starting verses with "flower-blooming" imagery.
  • Is rafting at Longquan suitable for kids? → Yes, for children above 1.2m with safety supervision (open in summer).
  • Do red sites require reservation? → Yes, Matian Eighth Route Army HQ requires advance online booking for free entry.