Zhongyang County Travel

Shanxi Lüliang Zhongyang County — the hometown of paper-cutting in Western Shanxi, integrating Baiwa Mountain pine waves, Shangding Mountain sea of clouds, red memories, and paper-cutting art, blending natural elegance with cultural heritage. A 3-day-2-night in-depth tour to decode Zhongyang's diverse culture and experience the unique charm of the Loess Plateau.

1500+
Baiwa Mountain Ancient Pine History (Years)
1
3A Scenic Area
6+
Core Attractions
10+
Local Delicacies

Explore Districts and Counties of Lüliang City

Baiwa Mountain, Zhongyang County, Lüliang City
Baiwa Mountain — Natural Oxygen Bar of Western Shanxi
A provincial-level scenic area, renowned for its "exotic pines, emerald cypresses, clear springs, and ancient temples." The mountain features the millennium-old "Nine-Dragon Pine," the Longquan Temple, and other landscapes, with a forest coverage rate of 90%, making it an ideal destination for summer retreats, leisure, and pilgrimage.

Zhongyang County Three-Day Two-Night Scenic & Cultural Journey

Climb Baiwa Mountain for serenity, ascend the summit for sunrise views, visit red memorial sites to recall history, appreciate paper-cutting art, unlock the beauty of Zhongyang's nature and intangible heritage

Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Baiwa Mountain, Shangding Mountain, Zhang Zishan Memorial Hall, Paper-Cutting Art Museum
Suitable For
Nature Lovers, Red Culture Enthusiasts, Intangible Heritage Explorers, Photography Lovers
Per Capita Budget
¥650-¥1300
01
Baiwa Mountain Serenity & Paper-Cutting Art
Baiwa Mountain Scenic Area · Longquan Temple · Zhongyang Paper-Cutting Art Museum · County Food Street
Trip Highlights

Climb Baiwa Mountain in the morning to admire millennium-old pines and the Longquan sacred spring, visit Longquan Temple to experience Zen atmosphere, explore the Paper-Cutting Art Museum in the afternoon to appreciate intangible heritage charm, and stroll through the food street in the evening to taste Zhongyang flavors.

Attractions
Baiwa Mountain Scenic Area
A provincial-level scenic area covering a total area of 110,000 mu, characterized by "exotic pines, strange rocks, clear springs, and ancient temples." The core attraction, the "Nine-Dragon Pine," is over 1,500 years old, with luxuriant branches resembling nine giant dragons coiling around — hailed as the "Number One Pine of North China." The mountain's Longquan Temple is an ancient Jin Dynasty temple with an unbroken incense tradition.
Zhongyang Paper-Cutting Art Museum
The only professional museum in China dedicated to Zhongyang paper-cutting. Zhongyang paper-cutting is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the museum houses over 3,000 paper-cutting works from the Ming and Qing Dynasties to the modern era, showcasing classic themes such as "Tree of Life" and "Twelve Zodiac Animals," with hands-on paper-cutting experiences available.
Zhongyang County Food Street
A street gathering Zhongyang's local specialty foods, featuring date cake, oil cake, Minqien noodles, and other traditional noodle dishes. The street is brightly lit at night, offering authentic Western Shanxi farmhouse flavors.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Baiwa Mountain Scenic Area B&B
  • Hotels on Fengcheng South Street, County Seat
  • Business Inns on Binhe Road
Food Recommendations
  • Zhongyang Date Cake
  • Soft Rice Oil Cake
  • Minqien Noodles
  • Buckwheat Wantuan
Travel Tips
  • Baiwa Mountain climb takes 2-3 hours; anti-slip shoes are recommended
  • Paper-cutting experience requires 1-day advance booking
  • Longquan spring water is drinkable; bring an empty bottle to fill
02
Summit Sunrise & Red Memory
Shangding Mountain · Wangchuan Pavilion · Zhang Zishan Memorial Hall · Guanshang Battle Site · Chemingyu Ecological Area
Trip Highlights

Ascend Shangding Mountain at dawn (2,100m above sea level) to watch the sea of clouds and sunrise, visit Zhang Zishan Memorial Hall in the morning to pay tribute to revolutionary martyrs, explore the Guanshang Battle Site in the afternoon, and wander through Chemingyu Ecological Area in the evening to enjoy the forest tranquility.

Attractions
Shangding Mountain
The highest peak in Zhongyang County at 2,100 meters above sea level, named for its flat summit. From the top, you can overlook the Loess Plateau landform of Western Shanxi. At sunrise, the sea of clouds churns with shifting light and shadow, making it a premier photography destination. The mountain features natural meadows and rare flora and fauna.
Zhang Zishan Memorial Hall
Built to commemorate the revolutionary martyr Zhang Zishan, showcasing his leadership of the Zhongyang people in the anti-Japanese struggle. The hall houses cultural relics, photographs, and scene restorations, serving as a Patriotic Education Base of Lüliang City.
Guanshang Battle Site
An important battle site from the 1936 Red Army East Expedition, where a monument and trench ruins remain. That year, He Long led the Red Second Army Corps in annihilating an entire enemy regiment here, laying the foundation for the East Expedition victory.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Shangding Mountain is about 40km from the county seat; self-driving or car hire is required
  • Mountain roads are steep; hiring a local guide is recommended
  • Rural buses connect red sites, approximately 1 hour intervals
Ticket Information
  • Baiwa Mountain Scenic Area: ¥30
  • Zhongyang Paper-Cutting Art Museum: ¥20 (includes experience)
  • Shangding Mountain: Free
  • Red Sites: Free
Travel Tips
  • Temperatures are low at Shangding Mountain; bring a thick jacket even in summer
  • Sunrise time varies by season; check in advance
  • Guided tours of red sites can be arranged through the local culture and tourism department
03
Cave Exploration & Local Specialties
Xianming Cave · Zhongyang County Museum · Paper-Cutting Workshop · Specialty Market · Return Journey
Trip Highlights

Explore Xianming Cave in the morning to admire stalactite wonders, visit the County Museum in the afternoon to review local history, go to the paper-cutting workshop for hands-on craft making, and shop for souvenirs at the specialty market in the evening.

Attractions
Xianming Cave
A natural limestone karst cave formed millions of years ago, with a total length of approximately 3,000 meters across two levels, featuring landscapes such as "Dragon Palace" and "Jade Pool." The stalactites come in a dazzling variety of shapes, and the cave also preserves Ming Dynasty inscriptions, combining natural and cultural value.
Zhongyang County Museum
A comprehensive museum showcasing Zhongyang's history and culture, with a collection of over 600 cultural relics spanning from the Neolithic Age to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, including pottery, bronze ware, and jade artifacts, with a focus on the development history of paper-cutting art.
Zhongyang Specialty Market
A market gathering Zhongyang's characteristic products, mainly paper-cutting artworks, date cake, walnuts, and handmade stretched noodles. The paper-cutting works feature rich themes ranging from traditional patterns to modern designs, making them excellent gifts.
Practical Information
Experience Programs
  • Paper-Cutting Art Creation Experience
  • Baiwa Mountain Forest Hiking
  • Shangding Mountain Sunrise Photography
  • Xianming Cave Exploration
Specialty Recommendations
  • Zhongyang Paper-Cutting (Deluxe Edition)
  • Date Cake Gift Box
  • Soft Rice Oil Cake (Vacuum Packaged)
  • Lüliang Walnuts
  • Handmade Hollow Stretched Noodles
Return Journey Guide
  • Zhongyang Bus Station operates services to Lüliang City and Taiyuan
  • Approximately 80km from Lüliang Dawu Airport; 1.5-hour drive
  • Paper-cuttings are fragile; hard-box packaging is recommended for transport

Zhongyang County Must-Try Foods

Zhongyang Date Cake

A traditional Zhongyang delicacy made from local red dates and yellow millet flour, steamed in layers with a rich date aroma, sweet but not cloying. It is both an everyday snack and an essential festive food, symbolizing "rising higher and higher."

Soft Rice Oil Cake

A festive delicacy in Zhongyang, made with soft rice flour wrapped around date paste or bean paste filling, deep-fried to a crispy exterior and soft interior. Sweet and glutinous, every household makes them during Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, symbolizing family reunion and happiness.

Buckwheat Wantuan

A summer specialty snack in Zhongyang, made from buckwheat flour steamed into bowl-shaped portions, then sliced after cooling and seasoned with vinegar, mashed garlic, chili oil, and other condiments. The texture is chewy and resilient, with a tangy, spicy, and refreshing taste — a common street food.

Minqien Noodles

A Zhongyang home-style noodle dish, where dough is pressed through a special tool into boiling water and served with tomato-egg sauce or minced mutton topping. The texture is smooth and tender, easy to digest, making it a local staple.

Zhongyang County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Apr-May): Baiwa Mountain in full bloom, ideal for spring outings
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Shangding Mountain crisp and clear, perfect for sunrise viewing
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Experience paper-cutting intangible heritage and folk activities
Must-Try Foods
  • Zhongyang Date Cake
  • Soft Rice Oil Cake
  • Buckwheat Wantuan
  • Minqien Noodles
  • Mutton Noodle Stew
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approx. ¥80
  • Accommodation: ¥120-240/night
  • Meals: ¥50-100/day
  • Transportation: ¥100-200
  • Total: ¥650-1300
Frequently Asked Questions
  • How long does the paper-cutting experience take? → Basic experience about 1 hour; custom works take 3-5 days
  • Is Shangding Mountain suitable for seniors? → Some sections are steep; seniors are advised to rest at the viewing platform
  • Is a guide needed for Xianming Cave? → The cave is dim; hiring a guide is recommended (¥30 fee)
  • What is the price range for Zhongyang paper-cuttings? → Ordinary works ¥50-200; masterworks ¥500 and above