Yangqu County Tourism

Yangqu County, Taiyuan, Shanxi — an important birthplace of Jin merchant culture, integrating Qinglong Ancient Town, Buer Temple, Hongxian Mountain, and other scenic spots, blending historical charm with natural wilderness. A 2-day-1-night in-depth tour decoding the essence of Jin culture, appreciating the unique charm where humanities and landscapes intertwine.

300+
Years of Qinglong Ancient Town History
1
National Cultural Relics Protection Unit
10+
Core Attractions
15+
Local Delicacies
Qinglong Ancient Town in Yangqu County, Taiyuan City
Qinglong Ancient Town - Pearl of the Jin Merchant Ancient Road
A landmark scenic spot in Yangqu County, hailed as the 'Pearl of the Jin Merchant Ancient Road,' preserving a large number of Ming and Qing Dynasty buildings. Ancient post roads, old shops, and historic architecture bear witness to the prosperity of Jin merchants.

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

Visit Qinglong Ancient Town for Jin merchant heritage, explore Buer Temple's thousand-year-old temple, climb Hongxian Mountain for panoramic views, taste Yangqu's specialty flavors, unlocking the beauty of Taiyuan's northern gateway culture and nature

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Qinglong Ancient Town, Buer Temple, Hongxian Mountain, Xuanquan Temple, Yangqu Millet Cultural Industry Park
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, photography lovers, food adventurers, outdoor leisure seekers
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥1000
01
Ancient Town Exploration
Qinglong Ancient Town · Buer Temple · Yangqu County Town
Itinerary Highlights

Explore Qinglong Ancient Town in the morning, wandering through Ming and Qing architectural complexes to feel the culture of Jin merchants. Head to Buer Temple in the afternoon to appreciate Song Dynasty architectural art. In the evening, visit Yangqu County Town to taste local specialty foods.

Attraction Arrangements
Qinglong Ancient Town
A National 3A Scenic Area, originally named Jinghaozui, it became an important military fortress and commercial post station in northern China due to its strategic location. It preserves a large number of Ming and Qing Dynasty ancient residences, old shops, and ancient post roads, hailed as an "art treasury of northern Ming and Qing architecture."
Buer Temple
A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, originally built during the Northern Han Dynasty. The existing main structures are in the Song Dynasty style. The temple preserves rare Song Dynasty painted sculptures and murals, serving as an important example for studying ancient architecture and religious art in Shanxi.
Yangqu County Town
The political and cultural center of Yangqu County, retaining part of the ancient city wall ruins. There are several traditional food old shops within the town where you can taste specialty snacks such as Yellow Rice Cold Cake and Sour Soup Noodles, experiencing the local atmosphere.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Qinglong Ancient Town Homestays
  • Yangqu County Town Business Hotels
  • Shouyi South Road Characteristic Inns
Food Recommendations
  • Yellow Rice Cold Cake
  • Yangqu Sour Soup Noodles
  • Braised Pork
  • Stir-fried Bulanzi
Travel Tips
  • Hanfu (traditional clothing) rental available at Qinglong Ancient Town (50 RMB/hour)
  • Flash photography is prohibited inside Buer Temple
  • It is recommended to choose time-honored restaurants for dinner in the county town
02
Mountain and Water Enlightenment
Hongxian Mountain Scenic Area · Xuanquan Temple · Yangqu Millet Cultural Industry Park · Return Journey
Itinerary Highlights

Climb Hongxian Mountain in the morning to enjoy natural scenery and religious ruins. Visit Xuanquan Temple in the afternoon to experience the beauty of a mountain spring ancient temple. Tour the Millet Cultural Industry Park in the afternoon to understand agricultural culture, purchase local specialties, and return.

Attraction Arrangements
Hongxian Mountain Scenic Area
A Provincial Forest Park, famous for its majestic mountain terrain and dense vegetation. There are multiple religious buildings on the mountain, including the Holy Mother Temple and Guanyin Hall. The mountain springs gurgle through the valleys, making it an excellent place for leisure climbing and religious cultural experiences.
Xuanquan Temple
Originally built during the Northern Qi Dynasty, named after the hanging spring outside the temple. The temple buildings are constructed along the mountain slope in a well-arranged layout. It is known as the "Little Hanging Monastery" and features beautiful surrounding natural scenery.
Yangqu Millet Cultural Industry Park
A cultural experience park themed on Yangqu millet, showcasing the history of millet cultivation, processing techniques, and nutritional value. Visitors can participate in interactive projects such as farming experiences and millet food making.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Hongxian Mountain is about 25km from the county town; self-driving or chartered car is recommended
  • Some road sections to Xuanquan Temple are steep; pay attention to driving safety
  • Tourist shuttle buses are available from the county town to main attractions
Ticket Information
  • Qinglong Ancient Town: ¥60
  • Buer Temple: ¥20
  • Hongxian Mountain Scenic Area: ¥30
  • Xuanquan Temple: ¥25
  • Millet Cultural Industry Park: Free
Return Journey Guide
  • Yangqu County Town is about 30km from Taiyuan city center, a 40-minute drive
  • Yangqu Station has trains to Taiyuan, Datong, and other directions
  • Local specialties can be purchased at the county town agricultural market

Must-Try Foods in Yangqu County

Yellow Rice Cold Cake

A traditional famous dish of Yangqu, made with local yellow rice as the main ingredient, paired with red dates and bean paste. The texture is soft, glutinous, and sweet, cool and refreshing — a perfect summer treat, hailed as the "Best Cake of Northern Jin."

Yangqu Millet Porridge

Brewed with Yangqu specialty millet, the grains are plump, the porridge is thick, and the rice aroma is rich. It is full of nutrients; Yangqu millet is known as "Golden Beads" and is a local iconic agricultural product.

Sour Soup Noodles

A folk specialty noodle dish from Yangqu. Hand-pulled noodles are served with special sour soup, adding ingredients like potatoes and tofu. The taste is sour, fragrant, and appetizing, cutting through richness — a beloved home-cooked dish for locals.

Braised Pork

A traditional meat dish from Yangqu. Local pork is braised with multiple spices until tender and flavorful, with a rich aroma. It is not greasy, making it an essential dish at festive banquets.

Yangqu County Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Apr-May): Hongxian Mountain flowers in full bloom, suitable for spring outings
  • Autumn (Sep-Oct): Pleasant weather, opportunity to experience autumn harvest activities
  • Summer (Jun-Aug): Cool mountain air, suitable for summer retreat and mountain climbing
Must-Try Foods
  • Yellow Rice Cold Cake
  • Yangqu Millet Porridge
  • Sour Soup Noodles
  • Braised Pork
  • Stir-fried Bulanzi
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approx. ¥135
  • Accommodation: ¥150-300/night
  • Dining: ¥60-100/day
  • Transportation: Approx. ¥80
  • Total: ¥500-1000
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Best time to visit Qinglong Ancient Town? → 9:00-11:00 AM, fewer tourists
  • Is climbing Hongxian Mountain difficult? → Moderate difficulty, suitable for family outings
  • Where to buy authentic Yangqu millet? → Millet Cultural Industry Park or county town specialty shops
  • Is Xuanquan Temple suitable for photography? → The combination of temple architecture and natural landscape is very photogenic