Shilou County Travel

Shanxi Lüliang Shilou County — a cultural secret on the banks of the Yellow River, integrating the spectacular Yellow River Wonder Bend, the revolutionary memory of the Red Army East Expedition, and the ancient architectural elegance of Xingdongyuan Dongyue Temple. A 3-day-2-night in-depth tour to decode Shilou's Yellow River civilization and experience the grandeur and profundity of the Western Shanxi Plateau.

600+
Dongyue Temple History (Years)
1
3A Scenic Area
7+
Core Attractions
9+
Local Delicacies

Explore Districts and Counties of Lüliang City

Yellow River Wonder Bend, Shilou County, Lüliang City
Yellow River Wonder Bend — The First Bend of the Yellow River Under Heaven
A rare S-shaped bend formed as the Yellow River flows through Shilou County's Xinguan Town, with a bend length of 8km and a maximum river width of 1,700m. Overlooking from a height, the Yellow River winds like a giant dragon, majestic and awe-inspiring, hailed as "the most beautiful bend on the Yellow River."

Shilou County Three-Day Two-Night Yellow River Culture Tour

Witness the natural wonder of the Yellow River Bend, revisit revolutionary years at the East Expedition site, explore ancient temple architecture for historical heritage, and unlock the beauty of Shilou where red culture and antiquity converge

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Yellow River Wonder Bend, Red Army East Expedition Memorial Hall, Xingdongyuan Dongyue Temple, Hao Family Compound
Suitable For
Red Culture Enthusiasts, Photography Lovers, History Researchers, Nature Explorers
Per Capita Budget
¥600-¥1200
01
Yellow River & Red Memory
Yellow River Wonder Bend · Red Army East Expedition Memorial Hall · East Expedition Monument · County Food Street
Trip Highlights

Climb the Yellow River Wonder Bend viewing platform in the morning to admire the natural spectacle, visit the Red Army East Expedition Memorial Hall in the afternoon to revisit revolutionary history, and explore the county food street in the evening to taste Shilou flavors.

Attractions
Yellow River Wonder Bend
A rare S-shaped bend formed as the Yellow River flows through Xinguan Town, Shilou County. With towering cliffs on both banks and a broad, gentle river surface, overlooking from above reveals the Yellow River winding like a silk ribbon through the mountains, creating the magnificent "First Bend of the Yellow River Under Heaven" — a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Red Army East Expedition Memorial Hall
A National Patriotic Education Demonstration Base, showcasing the history of the 1936 Red Army East Expedition in Shilou. The hall houses over 300 cultural relics and more than 500 photographs, vividly recreating the glorious journey of the East Expedition campaign.
Shilou County Food Street
A street gathering Shilou's local specialty foods, featuring Yellow River fish, red date products, and yellow rice noodles. In the evening, smoke rises from kitchen chimneys, full of Western Shanxi farmhouse charm.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels on East Expedition Street, County Seat
  • B&Bs near Yellow River Wonder Bend
  • Business Inns on Xinjian Road
Food Recommendations
  • Yellow Rice Oil Cake
  • Shilou Red Date Cake
  • Yellow River Carp
  • Minqien Noodles
Travel Tips
  • Yellow River Wonder Bend is about 50km from the county seat; self-driving or tourist shuttle is recommended
  • It can be windy at the viewing platform; bring a windproof jacket
  • Memorial Hall requires ID card for entry; guided tours can be booked in advance
02
Ancient Architecture & Shanxi Merchant Culture
Xingdongyuan Dongyue Temple · Hao Family Compound · Shilou County Museum · Xiwan Ancient Fortress
Trip Highlights

Visit Xingdongyuan Dongyue Temple in the morning to admire Yuan Dynasty architectural art, tour the Hao Family Compound in the afternoon to experience Shanxi merchant culture, visit the museum to review local history, and stroll through Xiwan Ancient Fortress in the evening to experience ancient village charm.

Attractions
Xingdongyuan Dongyue Temple
A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, originally built during the Yuan Dynasty. The existing main structures are Yuan Dynasty constructions, including the Main Hall, Offering Hall, and Opera Stage. The hall preserves Yuan Dynasty murals and sculptures, possessing extremely high historical and artistic value.
Hao Family Compound
A Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit of Shanxi Province, the residence of the Qing Dynasty Shanxi merchant Hao family, covering an area of approximately 15,000 square meters and consisting of 14 courtyards. The brick and wood carving craftsmanship is exquisite, making it the most complete preserved Qing Dynasty residential architectural complex in the Western Shanxi region.
Shilou County Museum
A comprehensive museum showcasing Shilou's history and culture, with a collection of over 800 cultural relics. The Shang Dynasty bronze wares are the most famous, including the "Dragon-shaped Gui" and other national first-class cultural relics, systematically presenting the civilization development of the Shilou region.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Xingdongyuan Dongyue Temple is about 30km from the county seat; self-driving is recommended
  • Hao Family Compound is 5km from the county seat; rural bus is available
  • Driving time between attractions is about 1-1.5 hours; plan your time wisely
Ticket Information
  • Red Army East Expedition Memorial Hall: Free
  • Xingdongyuan Dongyue Temple: ¥20
  • Hao Family Compound: ¥25
  • Yellow River Wonder Bend Viewing Platform: ¥30
Travel Tips
  • Roads in ancient architecture scenic areas are mostly dirt paths; comfortable sneakers are recommended
  • Some scenic spots have few visitors; guided tour services can be contacted in advance
  • Xiwan Ancient Fortress has farmstay inns for experiencing overnight stays in ancient villages
03
Ecology & Local Specialties
Qipanshan Ecological Tourism Area · Red Date Industrial Park · Shilou Paper-Cutting Art Museum · Specialty Market · Return Journey
Trip Highlights

Stroll through Qipanshan Mountain in the morning to enjoy the forest ecology, visit the Red Date Industrial Park in the afternoon to learn about cultivation history, experience paper-cutting art, and shop for red dates and other souvenirs at the specialty market in the evening.

Attractions
Qipanshan Ecological Tourism Area
An ecological scenic area featuring forests, canyons, and streams, with a main peak at 1,460m above sea level. Named for its resemblance to a chessboard, it boasts an 85% forest coverage rate with various tree species including Chinese pine and mountain poplar, making it an ideal summer retreat.
Shilou Red Date Industrial Park
Shilou is known as the "Hometown of Red Dates in China." The industrial park cultivates varieties such as wood dates and jun dates, where visitors can learn about red date cultivation history and processing techniques, and taste products like red date vinegar and red date cake.
Shilou Specialty Market
A market gathering Shilou's characteristic products, mainly red date series products, walnuts, and handmade paper-cuttings. The "Shilou Wood Date" is the most famous, recognized as a National Geographical Indication product.
Practical Information
Experience Programs
  • Yellow River Wonder Bend photography
  • Red date picking and processing experience
  • Paper-cutting art making workshop
  • Hao Family Compound Shanxi merchant culture tour
Specialty Recommendations
  • Shilou Wood Dates (Premium Grade)
  • Red Date Vinegar
  • Handmade Paper-Cuttings
  • Walnut Oil
  • Western Shanxi Millet
Return Journey Guide
  • Shilou Bus Station operates services to Lüliang City and Linfen
  • Approximately 180km from Lüliang Dawu Airport; 3.5-hour drive
  • It is recommended to purchase return tickets one day in advance

Shilou County Must-Try Foods

Yellow Rice Oil Cake

A traditional Shilou delicacy, with yellow rice flour as the outer layer wrapped around red date paste or bean paste filling, deep-fried to a crispy exterior and sweet interior. An essential festive and hospitality food, symbolizing "rising higher step by step."

Shilou Red Date Cake

Made from premium local red dates mixed with flour and steamed, featuring a dark red color, rich date aroma, and soft texture. High in vitamins, it is a local health and wellness food.

Yellow River Carp

A classic Shilou dish featuring wild Yellow River carp prepared using traditional Western Shanxi cooking methods. The meat is tender and the broth is rich, making it a signature dish along the Yellow River.

Minqien Noodles

A Shilou specialty noodle dish, pressed through a special tool into boiling water and served with tofu, potatoes, tomatoes, and other toppings. The texture is smooth and the toppings are rich, making it a local everyday staple.

Shilou County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Red dates harvest season, abundant Yellow River water, spectacular scenery
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Escape the heat at Qipanshan Mountain, cool climate
  • Spring (Apr-May): Mountain flowers in bloom, ideal for spring outings
Must-Try Foods
  • Yellow Rice Oil Cake
  • Shilou Red Date Cake
  • Yellow River Carp
  • Minqien Noodles
  • Dates Stuffed with Walnuts
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approx. ¥100
  • Accommodation: ¥100-200/night
  • Meals: ¥40-80/day
  • Transportation: ¥150-250 (mainly self-driving)
  • Total: ¥600-1200
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Best time for Yellow River Wonder Bend photography? → Sunrise or sunset, when the light is soft
  • Where to buy the most authentic Shilou red dates? → Luocun Town Red Date Trading Market
  • Is there a guide at Xingdongyuan Dongyue Temple? → Advance booking required 1 day ahead, ¥20 fee
  • Are mountain roads suitable for regular sedans? → Some sections are mountain roads; driving an SUV is recommended