Xingxian County Travel

Shanxi Lüliang Xingxian County — a red holy land in Western Shanxi, integrating Caijiaya revolutionary memory, the grandeur of Beiwudang Mountain, and the majesty of the Yellow River Canyon. A 3-day-2-night in-depth tour to decode Xingxian's red heritage and experience the bold beauty of the Loess Plateau and Yellow River civilization.

80+
Revolutionary Historical Sites (Years)
1
4A Scenic Area
9+
Core Attractions
12+
Local Delicacies

Explore Districts and Counties of Lüliang City

Caijiaya Memorial Hall, Xingxian County, Lüliang City
Caijiaya Memorial Hall — Red Revolutionary Holy Land
A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, originally the former site of the Jinsui Border Region Government and Military Command. It showcases the history of the Jinsui military and civilian resistance against Japan, serving as a National Patriotic Education Demonstration Base and a classic red tourism scenic spot.

Xingxian County Three-Day Two-Night Red Culture Tour

Visit red sites to recall bygone years, climb Wudang Mountain for natural wonders, view the Yellow River to feel the vastness of heaven and earth, unlock the beauty of Xingxian's red culture and ecology

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Caijiaya Memorial Hall, Beiwudang Mountain (Xingxian Section), Yellow River Canyon, Heicha Mountain Martyrs Memorial Hall
Suitable For
Red Culture Enthusiasts, History Researchers, Outdoor Explorers, Photography Lovers
Per Capita Budget
¥700-¥1400
01
Red Memory Journey
Caijiaya Memorial Hall · Jinsui Border Region Revolutionary Memorial Hall · April 8th Martyrs Memorial Site · County Food Street
Trip Highlights

Visit Caijiaya Memorial Hall and Jinsui Border Region Revolutionary Memorial Hall in the morning to revisit the anti-Japanese war history of the Jinsui Border Region. Pay tribute to the April 8th Martyrs in the afternoon, and explore the county food street in the evening to taste Xingxian flavors.

Attractions
Caijiaya Memorial Hall
A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, covering an area of 88,000 square meters. It consists of the former site of the Jinsui Border Region Government, the former Military Command, and the Mao Zedong Residence Hall, with a collection of over 5,000 cultural relics, vividly showcasing the revolutionary spirit of "hard struggle and selfless dedication" of the Jinsui military and civilians.
Jinsui Border Region Revolutionary Memorial Hall
Adjacent to Caijiaya Memorial Hall, it features thematic exhibits on Jinsui Border Region political construction, military struggles, and economic development. The hall includes former residences of leaders such as He Long and Guan Xiangying, along with a large collection of precious historical photographs and documents.
Xingxian County Food Street
A street gathering Xingxian's local specialty foods, featuring Maotang, oil cake, and Minqien noodles. The street is brightly lit at night, allowing visitors to experience the vibrant atmosphere of this revolutionary old district.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Caijiaya Red Theme B&B
  • Hotels on Xinjian Street, County Seat
  • Inns near Weifen Park
Food Recommendations
  • Xingxian Maotang
  • Soft Rice Oil Cake
  • Minqien Noodles
  • Buckwheat Noodles (Qiaomian Helao)
Travel Tips
  • Red sites are free; entry requires ID card
  • Hiring a guide (¥50 per session) is recommended for in-depth historical understanding
  • Maintain solemnity during visits and observe venue rules
02
Mountain & River Exploration
Beiwudang Mountain (Xingxian Section) · Shifo Temple · Yellow River Canyon (Xingxian Section) · Qiankun Bay Viewing Platform · Luoyukou Ancient Town
Trip Highlights

Climb Beiwudang Mountain (Xingxian Section) in the morning to admire exotic pines and strange rocks, visit Shifo Temple to experience ancient temple Zen, tour the Yellow River Canyon (Xingxian Section) in the afternoon, and stroll through Luoyukou Ancient Town in the evening to experience Yellow River culture.

Attractions
Beiwudang Mountain (Xingxian Section)
An important component of the Beiwudang Mountain range, characterized by "precipitousness, strangeness, and seclusion." The mountain features landscapes such as "Thread of Sky" and "Flying Stone," with a forest coverage rate of 85%, making it an excellent destination for mountain climbing and ecological sightseeing.
Yellow River Canyon (Xingxian Section)
A magnificent canyon landscape formed as the Yellow River flows through Xingxian, approximately 60km in total length, with towering cliffs on both banks and a winding river course. The "Qiankun Bay" section is famous for its S-shaped river bend, representing the essence of the Yellow River Canyon.
Luoyukou Ancient Town
A millennium-old town on the banks of the Yellow River, once an important ferry for Shanxi-Shaanxi trade. It preserves Ming-Qing residential buildings and ancient dock ruins, where visitors can experience Yellow River boatman culture, Western Shanxi folk customs, and taste Yellow River fish feasts.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Beiwudang Mountain (Xingxian Section) is about 30km from the county seat; self-driving is recommended
  • Yellow River Canyon is about 50km from the county seat; tourist shuttle is available
  • Mountain roads have many curves; drive with caution
Ticket Information
  • Beiwudang Mountain (Xingxian Section): ¥40
  • Shifo Temple: ¥15
  • Yellow River Canyon Viewing Platform: ¥20
  • Red Sites: Free
Travel Tips
  • Beiwudang Mountain climb takes 3-4 hours; bringing a hiking stick is recommended
  • Strong UV radiation at Yellow River Canyon in summer; sun protection is essential
  • Accommodation in Luoyukou Ancient Town is limited; returning to the county seat the same day is recommended
03
History & Local Specialties
Heicha Mountain Martyrs Memorial Hall · Xingxian Museum · Hujiagou Brick Pagoda · Xingxian Specialty Market · Return Journey
Trip Highlights

Pay tribute at Heicha Mountain Martyrs Memorial Hall in the morning to honor revolutionary martyrs, visit Xingxian Museum in the afternoon to review local history, explore Hujiagou Brick Pagoda to appreciate Tang Dynasty architecture, and shop for souvenirs at the specialty market in the evening.

Attractions
Heicha Mountain Martyrs Memorial Hall
Built to commemorate the 1946 "April 8th" martyrs' sacrifice, including a monument, memorial hall, and martyr's cemetery. The hall showcases the life stories of martyrs such as Wang Ruofei, Bo Gu, and Ye Ting. It is a National Key Martyr Memorial Building Protection Unit.
Hujiagou Brick Pagoda
A Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit of Shanxi Province, originally built during the Tang Dynasty. It is a pavilion-style brick pagoda, approximately 20 meters high, with an octagonal body and five stories. The pagoda features imitation wood structure with exquisite brick carving craftsmanship, possessing significant historical value.
Xingxian Specialty Market
A market gathering Xingxian's characteristic products, mainly Xingxian millet, red dates, walnuts, and handmade paper-cuttings. "Xingxian Millet" is a National Geographical Indication product, known for its golden color and sweet, glutinous texture.
Practical Information
Experience Programs
  • Caijiaya Red Theme Guided Tour
  • Beiwudang Mountain Hiking Expedition
  • Yellow River Canyon Boat Tour Experience
  • Traditional Noodle Making Experience
Specialty Recommendations
  • Xingxian Millet (Gift Box)
  • Jinsui Border Region Red Cultural Creatives
  • Handmade Paper-Cuttings
  • Yellow River Beach Red Dates
  • Xingxian Aged Vinegar
Return Journey Guide
  • Xingxian Bus Station operates services to Lüliang City and Taiyuan
  • Approximately 150km from Lüliang Dawu Airport; 2.5-hour drive
  • Booking return tickets one day in advance is recommended

Xingxian County Must-Try Foods

Xingxian Maotang

A Xingxian signature dish, using mutton broth as the base, with glass noodles, tofu, meatballs, and crispy fried pork added, topped with chili oil and cilantro. The soup is fresh and rich, with a tangy and spicy kick that stimulates the appetite. It is the top choice for local breakfast, said to originate from the Jinsui Border Region period.

Soft Rice Oil Cake

A traditional Xingxian delicacy, made with soft rice flour wrapped around red date paste or bean paste filling, deep-fried to a crispy exterior and soft interior. Sweet and delicious, it is an essential food for festivals and entertaining guests, symbolizing "rising higher step by step."

Minqien Noodles

A Xingxian specialty noodle dish, where buckwheat or wheat flour dough is pressed through a special tool into eight fine strands, boiled and served with mutton gravy or tomato-based sauce. The texture is chewy and resilient, easy to digest, making it a local everyday staple.

Yellow River Carp

A classic Xingxian dish featuring wild Yellow River carp prepared using traditional Western Shanxi braising techniques. The meat is tender and the broth is rich, making it a signature dish along the Yellow River, high in protein.

Xingxian County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Apr-May): Pay tribute to martyrs and participate in red education activities
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Escape the heat at Beiwudang Mountain, Yellow River Canyon rafting available
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Millet and red dates harvest season, suitable for farming experiences
Must-Try Foods
  • Xingxian Maotang
  • Soft Rice Oil Cake
  • Minqien Noodles
  • Yellow River Carp
  • Buckwheat Noodles (Qiaomian Helao)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approx. ¥75
  • Accommodation: ¥120-240/night
  • Meals: ¥50-100/day
  • Transportation: ¥150-250 (mainly self-driving)
  • Total: ¥700-1400
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Do red sites require reservations? → Group visits need 1-day advance booking; individual visitors do not need reservations
  • Is boating available on the Yellow River Canyon? → Luoyukou offers boat tours at ¥50/person
  • Where can I buy the most authentic Xingxian millet? → Direct sales shop at the specialty market on Weifen South Road
  • Is there altitude sickness at Heicha Mountain? → At approximately 1,200m above sea level, altitude sickness is generally not an issue