Qingxu County Tourism

Qingxu County, Taiyuan, Shanxi — China's Vinegar Capital and Hometown of Grapes, integrating vinegar culture, wine culture, Buddhist culture, and celebrity hometowns. A 2-day-1-night in-depth tour decoding Jin folk customs and historical heritage, appreciating the unique charm where pastoral landscapes and humanities intertwine.

3000+
Years of Grape Cultivation History
600+
Years of Mature Vinegar Brewing History
10+
Core Attractions
15+
Local Delicacies
Qingxu Mature Vinegar Brewing Scene, Taiyuan City
Qingxu Mature Vinegar Brewing Craftsmanship
Qingxu mature vinegar is hailed as the 'World's Best Vinegar.' Its brewing technique is listed in the National Intangible Cultural Heritage名录, famous worldwide for its five characteristics: 'sour, fragrant, sweet, mellow, and fresh.'

Qingxu County 2-Day-1-Night Jin Culture Journey

Taste the richness of mature vinegar, pick fresh fruits in vineyards, visit ancient temples for Zen, explore the hometown of Luo Guanzhong, unlock the beauty of Qingxu folk customs and nature

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Qingxu Vinegar Culture Museum, Ten-Thousand-Acre Vineyard, Baofan Temple, Luo Guanzhong Hometown, Donghu Park
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, families, food adventurers, rural experience seekers
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥1000
01
Vinegar Charm & Grape Fragrance
Qingxu Vinegar Culture Museum · Ten-Thousand-Acre Vineyard · Donghu Park · Mayu Grape Culture Corridor
Itinerary Highlights

Explore the Vinegar Culture Museum in the morning to understand the brewing process of mature vinegar and experience making vinegar starter by hand. Head to the Ten-Thousand-Acre Vineyard in the afternoon to pick fresh grapes and taste self-brewed wine. Stroll through Donghu Park in the evening to enjoy the lake view and visit the Mayu Grape Culture Corridor to experience folk customs.

Attraction Arrangements
Qingxu Vinegar Culture Museum
The first professional museum in China with vinegar culture as its theme. It systematically displays the historical origins, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural connotations of Qingxu mature vinegar. Visitors can participate in interactive experiences such as making vinegar starter and vinegar tasting.
Ten-Thousand-Acre Vineyard
Qingxu is a famous hometown of grapes in China. The ten-thousand-acre vineyard stretches over rolling hills with numerous varieties, mainly Longyan, Jufeng, and Muscat. When grapes ripen in autumn, tourists can enter the garden to pick and experience pastoral fun.
Donghu Park
A comprehensive park in the center of Qingxu County, named because the lake surface resembles the character "East" (东). The park features well-arranged pavilions and towers, with clear lake water, making it a great place for citizens' leisure and entertainment. The lights are brilliant at night, creating a charming scenery.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • City center hotels
  • Homestays near vineyards
  • Inns near Donghu Park
Food Recommendations
  • Vinegar-Poured Lamb Offal
  • Grape Pastry
  • Mengfeng Cake
  • Guanchang (Jelly Strip)
Travel Tips
  • Vinegar Culture Museum experience projects require booking 1 day in advance
  • Best time for grape picking is August-October
  • Donghu Park has a light show after 7:00 PM
02
Ancient Temple & Literary Charm
Baofan Temple · Luo Guanzhong Hometown · Xiangyan Temple · Return Journey
Itinerary Highlights

Visit the thousand-year-old Baofan Temple in the morning to feel the charm of Buddhist culture. Head to Luo Guanzhong's hometown in the afternoon to learn about the life of the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" author. Visit Xiangyan Temple in the evening, then purchase vinegar products and other specialties before returning.

Attraction Arrangements
Baofan Temple
An ancient temple originally built during the Northern and Southern Dynasties, with existing structures rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty. The temple preserves Ming Dynasty murals and sculptures, featuring a rigorous layout and magnificent momentum. It is a Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit of Shanxi Province.
Luo Guanzhong Hometown
The hometown of Luo Guanzhong, author of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." The scenic area includes the Luo Guanzhong Memorial Hall and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms City, showcasing Luo Guanzhong's life story, literary achievements, and the cultural influence of the novel.
Xiangyan Temple
Also known as the "No-Beam Hall," originally built during the Jin Dynasty. Named after the many lilacs and peonies planted in the temple. The existing main structure, the No-Beam Hall, is of brick and stone construction without using a single piece of wood, representing a masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Baofan Temple is about 15km from the county seat; rural buses are available
  • Luo Guanzhong Hometown is in Xugou Town, accessible by town bus
  • Taxi fare between attractions is about 20-30 RMB
Ticket Information
  • Qingxu Vinegar Culture Museum: ¥30
  • Ten-Thousand-Acre Vineyard: ¥20 entry fee (picking charged separately)
  • Baofan Temple: ¥20
  • Luo Guanzhong Hometown: ¥40
  • Xiangyan Temple: ¥15
Travel Tips
  • Observe temple etiquette; no loud noises or unauthorized photography
  • Luo Guanzhong Hometown has "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" live performances; check schedule in advance
  • It is recommended to choose products from time-honored vinegar factories for specialties

Must-Try Foods in Qingxu County

Qingxu Mature Vinegar

One of China's four famous vinegars, using sorghum as the main raw material, brewed through five processes: "steaming, fermenting, smoking, dripping, and aging." It has a unique flavor profile of "sour, fragrant, sweet, mellow, and fresh," earning it the reputation of "World's Best Vinegar."

Mengfeng Cake

A specialty of Mengfeng Town, Qingxu County, dating back to the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty. Made from flour, oil, and sugar through multiple processes, it has a crispy texture, distinct layers, and a sweet taste. It is a famous snack in Shanxi.

Vinegar-Poured Lamb Offal

A Qingxu specialty dish. Lamb offal is cleaned and boiled, then poured with seasonings including mature vinegar and chili. It is savory and appetizing, cutting through richness, fully embodying the local dietary culture of "no banquet is complete without vinegar."

Grape Pastry

A flaky pastry made with local Qingxu grapes as the main ingredient. The outer crust is crispy, the inner filling is sweet, and it carries a rich grape aroma, making it a highly characteristic local dessert.

Qingxu County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Vineyards are lush and green, suitable for escaping the heat
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Grapes ripen, perfect for picking experience
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Participate in vinegar culture festival activities
Must-Try Foods
  • Qingxu Mature Vinegar (can be tasted directly)
  • Mengfeng Cake
  • Vinegar-Poured Lamb Offal
  • Grape Pastry
  • Xugou Guanchang (Jelly Strip)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approx. ¥125
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night
  • Dining: ¥60-100/day
  • Transportation: Approx. ¥40
  • Total: ¥500-1000
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can Qingxu mature vinegar be checked in luggage? → Yes, bottled sealed products are recommended
  • Is reservation needed for vineyard picking? → Recommended during peak season (Aug-Oct)
  • Is there a guided tour service at Luo Guanzhong Hometown? → Yes, electronic guides are available for rent (¥10/time)
  • Is Baofan Temple suitable for photography? → The temple buildings and murals are great subjects; follow photography rules