Houma City Travel

Houma City, Linfen, Shanxi—the Ancient Capital of the Jin State and the source of the Three Jin cultures. Integrating the Jin State Ruins, Houma Covenant Texts, and Peng Zhen's Former Residence, it blends ancient civilization with modern transportation hubs. A 3-day 2-night deep dive decodes the essence of Jin culture and reveals the glory of the Jin State during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods.

2600+
Years of Jin State History
3
Major Historical Sites
12+
Core Attractions
15+
Local Delicacies

Explore Districts & Counties of Linfen

Jin State Ruins, Houma City
Jin State Ruins - Birthplace of Three Jin Civilization
A Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. Located at Xintian, the capital of the Jin State during the late Spring and Autumn Period. Large quantities of precious artifacts such as bronze wares and pottery have been unearthed, making it a vital site for studying Jin culture.

Houma City 3-Day 2-Night Jin Culture Exploration Tour

Visit Jin State Ruins to trace the origin of the Three Jin, decipher Spring and Autumn mysteries through the Houma Covenant Texts, recall revolutionary years at Peng Zhen's Former Residence, and savor Houma delicacies to experience southern Shanxi flavors.

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Jin State Ruins, Houma Covenant Texts Site, Peng Zhen's Former Residence, Xintian Square, Bronze Casting Site
Ideal For
History Enthusiasts, Archaeology Researchers, Revolutionary Education, Foodies
Budget Per Person
¥500–¥900
01
Tracing Jin Origins
Jin State Ruins · Houma Covenant Texts Site · Xintian Square · Jin Capital Food Street
Daily Highlights

Morning: Explore the Jin State Ruins to feel the origin of the Three Jin civilization. Visit the Houma Covenant Texts Site to understand Spring and Autumn history. Afternoon: Stroll through Xintian Square to experience the city's ambiance. Evening: Head to Jin Capital Food Street to taste Houma's specialty snacks.

Attractions
Jin State Ruins
A Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. Located at Xintian, the capital of the Jin State during the late Spring and Autumn Period. Archaeological finds include palace foundations, handicraft workshops, and tomb complexes. Large quantities of precious artifacts such as bronze wares and pottery have been unearthed.
Houma Covenant Texts Site
A Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. Excavated in 1965, it yielded a large number of jade slips inscribed with cinnabar texts. These were relics of oath-taking ceremonies conducted by Jin nobles and officials, providing precious data for studying Spring and Autumn history.
Xintian Square
The central square of Houma City, named after "Xintian," the ancient capital of the Jin State. It is a vital venue for civic leisure and entertainment, surrounded by bustling commerce and a strong cultural atmosphere.
Practical Info
Accommodation
  • Hotels near Xintian Square
  • Business Hotels near Railway Station
  • Boutique Homestays on Jinguo Road
Food Recommendations
  • Houma Minced Pork Noodles
  • Lamb Soup with Steamed Buns
  • Fried Qizi (Crispy Noodles)
  • Oil Tea Noodles
Travel Tips
  • Hiring a guide is recommended for the Jin State Ruins.
  • Do not touch artifacts at the Covenant Texts Site.
  • Jin Capital Food Street is liveliest in the evening; consider avoiding peak hours.
02
Red Memories
Peng Zhen's Former Residence · Houma Museum · Old Railway Station · Ming-Qing Street
Daily Highlights

Morning: Visit Peng Zhen's Former Residence to learn about revolutionary history. Tour Houma Museum to experience local culture. Afternoon: Explore the Old Railway Station site to recall railway history. Evening: Stroll through Ming-Qing Street to experience traditional commercial charm.

Attractions
Peng Zhen's Former Residence
A Provincial Patriotism Education Base. The birthplace and childhood residence of Comrade Peng Zhen, a proletarian revolutionary. The residence retains its original architectural style and displays materials regarding Comrade Peng Zhen's life and deeds.
Houma Museum
A local comprehensive museum with rich collections. It focuses on exhibiting Jin State history, the Houma Covenant Texts, bronze wares, and other precious artifacts, serving as a vital window into Houma's history and culture.
Houma Old Railway Station
The old railway station building, constructed in the early 20th century, features typical modern architectural styles. It witnessed Houma's development as a transportation hub in southern Shanxi and is currently a Municipal Cultural Relics Protection Unit.
Practical Info
Transportation
  • Multiple city bus routes reach attractions (Route 1, 2, 5, etc.)
  • Peng Zhen's Former Residence is approx. 3 km from downtown
  • Ming-Qing Street is in the city center and walkable
Tickets
  • Jin State Ruins: Free
  • Peng Zhen's Former Residence: Free
  • Houma Museum: Free (Reservation required)
  • Covenant Texts Site: Free
Travel Tips
  • Maintain solemnity at Peng Zhen's Former Residence.
  • Advance reservation is recommended for Houma Museum.
  • Ming-Qing Street offers rich traditional snacks; highly recommended.
03
Craft Exploration
Bronze Casting Site · Pottery Workshop · Houma Craft Market · Return Trip
Daily Highlights

Morning: Visit the Jin State Bronze Casting Site to understand ancient craftsmanship. Explore the Pottery Workshop to experience traditional skills. Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at Houma Craft Market before concluding your journey.

Attractions
Bronze Casting Site
A key component of the Jin State Ruins. Discovered evidence of bronze casting includes smelting furnaces, pottery molds, and copper slag, showcasing the advanced bronze casting technology of the Jin State during the Spring and Autumn Period.
Pottery Workshop Site
A handicraft site from the Jin State era. Discoveries include pottery kilns, potter's wheels, and clay blanks, reflecting the development level of the pottery industry in the Jin State during the Spring and Autumn Period.
Houma Craft Market
A distribution center for Houma's specialty crafts, gathering replicas of bronzeware, pottery, paper cuttings, fabric arts, and other traditional handicrafts. It is an ideal place to purchase travel souvenirs.
Practical Info
Experience Programs
  • Bronze Ware Making Experience
  • Pottery Art Experience
  • Houma Paper Cutting Lessons
  • Traditional Noodle Making
Souvenirs
  • Bronze Replicas
  • Houma Paper Cuttings
  • Traditional Pottery
  • Fried Qizi (Crispy Noodles)
  • Oil Tea Noodles
Return Trip Guide
  • Houma is well-connected with Houma Station and Houma West Station
  • Approx. 40 km from Linfen Airport
  • Souvenirs can be purchased in one stop at the Craft Market

Must-Try Foods in Houma

Houma Minced Pork Noodles

A traditional Houma noodle dish featuring handmade noodles topped with specially prepared minced pork sauce. The broth is rich, and the noodles are chewy. It is the staple noodle dish for locals, leading to the saying: "If you haven't tried Minced Pork Noodles, you haven't truly been to Houma."

Lamb Soup with Steamed Buns

A Houma specialty snack. Grilled steamed buns are soaked in rich lamb broth, accompanied by lamb meat and offal. The soup is fresh and delicious, rich in nutrients, making it an excellent dish to ward off the cold in winter.

Fried Qizi (Crispy Noodles)

A traditional Houma noodle dish. Dough is rolled into thin strips and then stir-fried until crispy. It emits a tantalizing aroma, can be served as a staple or a snack, and is deeply loved by locals.

Oil Tea Noodles

A traditional Houma beverage. Flour is roasted and then mixed with ingredients like walnut kernels, sesame seeds, and peanuts. It is prepared by pouring boiling water over the mixture. Rich in aroma and nutrition, it is a common breakfast drink among locals.

Houma Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr–May): Pleasant climate, ideal for outdoor archaeological site visits
  • Autumn (Sep–Oct): Cool weather, perfect for historical and cultural exploration
  • Avoid rainy season (Jul–Aug) for open-air ruins
  • Winter: Experience authentic southern Shanxi cuisine
Must-Try Foods
  • Houma Minced Pork Noodles
  • Lamb Soup with Steamed Buns
  • Fried Qizi (Crispy Noodles)
  • Oil Tea Noodles
  • Houma Sauced Meat
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Free (Some sites require reservation)
  • Accommodation: ¥100–¥200/night
  • Meals: ¥40–¥80/day
  • Transport: ~¥15
  • Total: ¥500–¥900
FAQs
  • Is a guide necessary for Jin State Ruins? → Recommended, to better understand the site's value.
  • Where to see original Covenant Texts? → Some at Houma Museum; some at Shanxi Museum.
  • Where to find the most authentic noodles? → "Old Hou Family Minced Pork Noodles" on Ming-Qing Street (3rd generation).
  • Is Houma convenient for transport? → Yes, a key transportation hub in southern Shanxi with developed rail and road networks.