Linxian Travel

Linxian, Luliang, Shanxi — a thousand-year-old county on the banks of the Yellow River, integrating Qikou Ancient Town's commercial port culture, the natural wonder of the Yellow River Gallery, and the folk customs of Xiwan Ancient Village, blending historical depth with natural elegance. A 3-day 2-night in-depth tour decodes Linxian's Yellow River civilization and experiences the majesty and simplicity of the western Shanxi plateau.

2000+
Yellow River Cultural Imprints
1
4A-Level Scenic Spot
8+
Core Attractions
10+
Specialty Foods

Explore All Districts & Counties of Luliang

Qikou Ancient Town, Linxian, Luliang City
Qikou Ancient Town - No.1 Ancient Town of the Yellow River
National 4A-level scenic spot, an important commercial port along the Yellow River in the Shanxi-Shaanxi region during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Existing ancient streets such as Xishi Street, Dongshi Street, and a large number of Ming and Qing residential houses and shops, known as the "Living Ancient Town", a living fossil of Yellow River culture and Shanxi merchant culture.

Linxian 3-Day 2-Night Yellow River Ferry Tour

Stroll through Qikou to recall commercial prosperity, view the gallery to marvel at nature's power, visit ancient villages to experience western Shanxi folk customs, unlock the beauty of Linxian's Yellow River and ancient architecture

Duration
3 Days / 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Qikou Ancient Town, Yellow River Gallery, Xiwan Ancient Village, Lijiashan Ancient Village
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, photography lovers, folk custom experiencers, culture seekers
Budget per Person
¥600-¥1,300
01
Qikou Antiquity Quest
Qikou Ancient Town · Xishi Street · Black Dragon Temple · Xiwan Ancient Village · Ancient Town Night Market
Highlights

Morning stroll through Qikou Ancient Town's old streets, visit Ming and Qing shop sites, climb Black Dragon Temple to overlook the Yellow River and the ancient town panorama. Afternoon explore Xiwan Ancient Village to experience western Shanxi residential features. Evening browse the ancient town night market to taste Linxian flavors.

Attractions
Qikou Ancient Town
National 4A-level scenic spot, a thousand-year-old ancient town in the middle section of the Yellow River's Shanxi-Shaanxi Gorge. Named after the Yellow River "Qi" (shoal), it was the largest water-land dock along the Yellow River from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the Republic of China era. Over 30 Ming and Qing buildings remain, including banks, pawnshops, and escort agencies, known as the "First Town of the Nine-Bend Yellow River".
Xiwan Ancient Village
National historic and cultural village, 1 km from Qikou Ancient Town. It was the settlement of the Chen family, wealthy merchants of Qikou. The village buildings are built against the mountain following the "Five Elements and Eight Trigrams" layout. Over 70 Ming and Qing courtyard houses survive, with exquisite brick and wood carvings, representing typical western Shanxi residential architecture.
Black Dragon Temple
Landmark building of Qikou Ancient Town, first built in the Ming Dynasty, located at the commanding height of the ancient town. It enshrines the Black Dragon, River God and other deities. The temple features a music tower, main hall and other structures. Climbing up offers a distant view of the confluence of the Yellow River and Qiushui River, making it the "feng shui treasure land" of the ancient town.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Qikou Ancient Town Ming-Qing Inn
  • Xiwan Ancient Village B&B
  • Riverside Theme Hotel
Food Recommendations
  • Linxian Wantuo
  • Qikou Red Date Cake
  • Yellow River Catfish
  • Minjian Noodles
Travel Tips
  • Many cobblestone streets in the ancient town, wear comfortable flat shoes
  • The acoustics of the Black Dragon Temple music tower are excellent, experience the "echo in the valley"
  • The ancient town is brilliantly lit at night, perfect for night photography
02
Yellow River & Ancient Village
Yellow River Gallery · Lijiashan Ancient Village · Kylin Beach · Yellow River Beach BBQ
Highlights

Morning take a cruise to explore the Yellow River Gallery and admire natural reliefs. Afternoon visit Lijiashan Ancient Village to experience cave dwelling culture. Evening relax at Kylin Beach on the Yellow River sandbank and enjoy beach BBQ.

Attractions
Yellow River Gallery
A unique landscape along the Shanxi-Shaanxi Gorge section of the Yellow River in Linxian, named for the natural reliefs formed by river erosion on the cliff walls. Stretching about 30 km, the patterns on the cliff walls resemble figures, animals, and landscapes in various poses, known as the "Hundred-Li Water Erosion Relief of the Yellow River", best viewed by cruise.
Lijiashan Ancient Village
National historic and cultural village, praised by famous painter Wu Guanzhong as a "village like a Han tomb". The village is built against the mountain, with layered cave dwelling clusters arranged in an orderly manner. Ming and Qing residential buildings are preserved, making it a living fossil of cave dwelling culture on the Loess Plateau.
Kylin Beach
A natural sandy beach on the banks of the Yellow River, named for its shape resembling a kylin. The beach is vast with fine sand, suitable for beach volleyball, kite flying and other activities, making it a great place to get close to the Yellow River and enjoy leisure entertainment.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Qikou Ancient Town is about 50 km from Linxian county town, self-driving or tourist shuttle recommended
  • Yellow River Gallery cruise departs from Qikou Pier, one departure per hour
  • Lijiashan Ancient Village is 3 km from the ancient town, walkable or by tricycle
Ticket Info
  • Qikou Ancient Town: Free (some attractions charge fees)
  • Yellow River Gallery Cruise: ¥80
  • Xiwan Ancient Village: ¥25
  • Black Dragon Temple: ¥15
Travel Tips
  • The Yellow River Gallery cruise is heavily affected by water levels, confirm 1 day in advance
  • The mountain road to Lijiashan Ancient Village is steep, elderly should proceed with caution
  • Strong UV rays on the summer beach, take sun protection measures
03
Ancient Temples & Local Products
Yiju Temple · Central Rear Committee Agency Site · Linxian Red Date Expo Garden · Specialty Market · Return
Highlights

Morning visit Yiju Temple to admire ancient architecture and murals. Afternoon visit the Central Rear Committee Agency Site to learn about red history. Later visit the Red Date Expo Garden to taste Linxian red dates. Evening head to the specialty market to purchase souvenirs.

Attractions
Yiju Temple
Shanxi Provincial Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit, first built in the Tang Dynasty. The existing buildings were reconstructed in the Ming and Qing dynasties, consisting of a front temple, rear temple, and side courtyard. The temple preserves Ming Dynasty murals, sculptures, and inscriptions from various dynasties, among which the "Water and Land Paintings" are hailed as artistic treasures of western Shanxi.
Central Rear Committee Agency Site
National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. From 1947 to 1948, the Central Rear Committee was stationed here, directing the nationwide War of Liberation. Existing sites include the former residences of Mao Zedong, Zhou Enlai and other leaders, as well as agency office sites, making it an important red education base.
Linxian Red Date Expo Garden
Linxian is the "Hometown of Chinese Red Dates". The expo garden showcases the cultivation history and processing techniques of red dates. Visitors can experience red date picking, taste red date wine, red dates with walnuts and other products, and learn about Linxian's red date culture.
Practical Info
Experiences
  • Qikou Ancient Town folk performances (paper cutting, yangko dance)
  • Yellow River Gallery photography tour
  • Red date picking and processing experience
  • Cave dwelling B&B life experience
Souvenir Recommendations
  • Linxian Red Dates (Wood Dates, Jun Dates)
  • Red Date Wine
  • Wantuo (vacuum packed)
  • Handmade Paper Cuttings
  • Western Shanxi Millet
Departure Guide
  • Linxian Bus Station has coaches to Luliang city center and Taiyuan
  • Qikou Ancient Town has direct tourist buses to Taiyuan (one daily)
  • About 120 km from Luliang Dawu Airport, 2-hour drive

Must-Try Foods in Linxian

Linxian Wantuo

Linxian specialty snack, made from buckwheat flour steamed into a bowl shape, cooled and cut into pieces with a small knife, then mixed with vinegar, garlic paste, chili oil, sesame and other seasonings. Chewy texture, sour and spicy, it is a common street food with a history of a thousand years.

Qikou Red Date Cake

Steamed with high-quality Linxian red dates and yellow millet flour, bright red in color, rich in date aroma, soft, sticky, sweet and delicious. Rich in vitamins, it is an essential food for local festivals and hospitality, as well as a health product.

Yellow River Catfish

Linxian classic dish, made with wild Yellow River catfish, using the traditional western Shanxi braised method. The flesh is tender, the broth is rich and flavorful without any fishy smell. It is a signature dish along the Yellow River, rich in protein.

Minjian Noodles

Linxian home-style noodle dish. The dough is pressed into boiling water using a special tool, cooked and served with lamb sauce or tomato and egg sauce. Smooth texture, easy to digest, it is a staple food loved by locals, especially suitable for the elderly and children.

Linxian Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Red date harvest, abundant Yellow River water, suitable for visiting the Yellow River Gallery
  • Spring (Apr-May): Apricot blossoms in full bloom in the ancient town, pleasant climate
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Experience cave dwelling B&Bs and western Shanxi New Year customs
Must-Try Foods
  • Linxian Wantuo
  • Qikou Red Date Cake
  • Yellow River Catfish
  • Minjian Noodles
  • Soft Millet Oil Cake
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. ¥150
  • Accommodation: ¥100-200/night (ancient town B&B)
  • Meals: ¥40-80/day
  • Transport: ¥100-200
  • Total: ¥600-1,300
FAQ
  • Can I visit Qikou Ancient Town at night? → Yes, the ancient streets are brilliantly lit at night, and some inns offer night tour commentary
  • Best time to view the Yellow River Gallery? → 9-11 am, optimal lighting for photography
  • Where to buy the most authentic Linxian red dates? → Linjiaping Town Red Date Trading Market
  • Can I drive inside the ancient town? → Motor vehicles are prohibited in the core area, park at the scenic area parking lot