Ying County Travel

Ying County, Shuozhou, Shanxi — an important Liao-Jin cultural town, centered around the world cultural heritage Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, integrating Pure Land Temple, Stone Pillar Mountain and other landscapes, blending ancient architectural art with frontier charm. A 2-day in-depth tour decodes the architectural wonders of the Liao Dynasty and tastes the distinctive flavors of northern Shanxi.

Nearly 1000 Years
History of Yingxian Wooden Pagoda
1
World Cultural Heritage
8+
Core Attractions
10+
Specialty Foods

Explore Districts & Counties of Shuozhou

Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Ying County, Shuozhou
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda - Liao Dynasty Architectural Miracle
One of the world's three great pagodas, built in the Liao Dynasty, entirely without nails or rivets, pure timber structure, 67.31 meters high. It is the tallest and oldest surviving pure timber pavilion-style pagoda in China, hailed as the "Number One Pagoda Under Heaven".

Ying County Two-Day Liao-Jin Culture Journey

View the wonder of the wooden pagoda, visit ancient temples for Zen charm, explore hidden mountain and water landscapes, and taste northern Shanxi specialty cuisine

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, Pure Land Temple, Ying County Museum, Stone Pillar Mountain, Dragon Head Mountain
Suitable For
Architecture enthusiasts, history buffs, photography lovers, food explorers
Budget per Person
¥500-¥800
01
Ancient Architecture Pilgrimage
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area · Pure Land Temple · Ying County Ancient City Wall · Specialty Food Street
Highlights

In the morning, explore the world cultural heritage Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, marvel at the Liao Dynasty architectural miracle. In the afternoon, stroll through Pure Land Temple to admire the exquisite "caisson ceiling flying apsaras" wonder. In the evening, walk along the ancient city wall to experience historical vicissitudes, and taste Ying County beef loin and other specialties.

Attractions
Yingxian Wooden Pagoda Scenic Area
World cultural heritage, national 4A-level scenic area, originally named Fogong Temple Sakyamuni Pagoda, built in the second year of Liao Qingning (1056). It is the oldest and tallest surviving pure timber pavilion-style pagoda in the world, enshrining Sakyamuni Buddha tooth relics.
Pure Land Temple
National key cultural relic protection unit, first built in the Liao Dynasty. The "caisson ceiling" in the Mahavira Hall is exquisitely constructed, known as the "Twenty-Eight Mansions Hanging from the Ceiling". The murals on the four walls vividly depict Buddhist stories, holding extremely high artistic value.
Ying County Ancient City Wall
First built in the Ming Dynasty, the existing parts were restored during the Ming and Qing periods. The city wall is about 4 kilometers in circumference with four gates. Climbing the wall offers a panoramic view of the county town, allowing visitors to experience the ancient city layout and historical changes.
Practical Info
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Characteristic guesthouses near the Wooden Pagoda
  • Hotels in the county center
  • Inns near the ancient city wall
Food Recommendations
  • Ying County Beef Loin
  • Yellow Millet Cold Cake
  • Oat Noodle Nest
  • Yam Fish Fish
Travel Tips
  • Electronic audio guides available for rent at the Wooden Pagoda scenic area (30 yuan/unit)
  • For panoramic photos of the Wooden Pagoda, choose the square on the east side of the scenic area
  • Flash photography is prohibited inside Pure Land Temple
02
Culture & Nature Discovery
Ying County Museum · Stone Pillar Mountain Scenic Area · Dragon Head Mountain · Return
Highlights

In the morning, visit Ying County Museum to systematically learn about local history. In the afternoon, head to Stone Pillar Mountain to enjoy natural wonders and ancient temple ruins. In the evening, climb Dragon Head Mountain for a panoramic view of Ying County, purchase local specialties and return.

Attractions
Ying County Museum
A comprehensive museum housing over 3,000 artifacts, featuring Liao-Jin period items. It systematically displays the historical and cultural development of Ying County from ancient times to modern times, with a dedicated exhibition hall for the Wooden Pagoda.
Stone Pillar Mountain Scenic Area
Provincial-level scenic area, famous for its unique columnar rock formations. The main peak is 1,746 meters above sea level. There are ancient temple ruins, cliff carvings and other cultural landscapes within the mountains, where natural scenery and historical relics complement each other.
Dragon Head Mountain
The iconic peak of Ying County, named for its dragon-head-like shape. The summit features a Ming Dynasty beacon tower ruin. From the top, you can overlook the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda and the surrounding plain scenery, making it an excellent spot for sunrise and sunset viewing.
Practical Info
Transportation Guide
  • Ying County Museum is a 15-minute walk from the Wooden Pagoda scenic area
  • Stone Pillar Mountain: take township bus (Ying County-Nanhezhong Town)
  • Dragon Head Mountain is 3 km from the county town, taxi about 10 yuan
Ticket Info
  • Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: 60 yuan
  • Pure Land Temple: 10 yuan
  • Stone Pillar Mountain: 20 yuan
  • Ying County Museum: Free
Travel Tips
  • The mountain path at Stone Pillar Mountain is steep; wear non-slip shoes
  • Sunset at Dragon Head Mountain is around 19:30 (summer); plan ahead
  • ID card required for museum entry registration

Must-Try Foods in Ying County

Ying County Beef Loin

A Ying County specialty, made from fresh beef loin specially processed to remove any gamey taste, then braised or stir-fried with various spices. The texture is tender and rich in flavor, a famous dish for entertaining guests.

Yellow Millet Cold Cake

A traditional northern Shanxi snack made from yellow millet, steamed and wrapped with bean paste filling, topped with honey or brown sugar water. Soft, sticky, sweet, and refreshing, it is a beloved summer dessert.

Oat Noodle Nest

A classic noodle dish from northern Shanxi, made from oat flour into a honeycomb-shaped nest. Steamed and served with lamb soup or dipping sauce, it has a chewy texture and rich nutrition, a daily staple for local residents.

Youyu Lamb

A specialty from neighboring Youyu County, famous for its tender meat without gamey taste. In Ying County, it is often prepared as hotpot or braised lamb, an excellent winter nourishing dish. Locals say "eating lamb in winter is better than ginseng".

Ying County Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
  • Spring (Apr-May): Mild climate, suitable for mountain hiking
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear and crisp weather, ideal for photographing the Wooden Pagoda panorama
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Escape the heat, enjoy cold cake and other specialty snacks
Must-Try Foods
  • Ying County Beef Loin
  • Yellow Millet Cold Cake
  • Oat Noodle Nest
  • Yam Fish Fish
  • Youyu Lamb
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 90 yuan
  • Accommodation: 120-200 yuan/night
  • Meals: 50-100 yuan/day
  • Transport: approx. 20 yuan
  • Total: 500-800 yuan
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can I climb the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda? → Currently only floors 1-2 are open; upper floors are temporarily closed
  • Does the Ying County Museum require reservations? → No reservation needed; enter free with ID card
  • Where is the most authentic Ying County Beef Loin? → "Old Place Restaurant" (time-honored brand) in the county town
  • How long does a visit to Stone Pillar Mountain take? → Suggest 3-4 hours; bring your own drinking water