Hequ County Tourism

Shanxi Xinzhou Hequ County — the Pearl of the Yellow River and the hometown of Xikou, integrating Ancient Xikou Ferry, Niangniang Beach, Daiyue Hall, and the Longkou Water Conservancy Hub, blending Yellow River culture with Xikou customs. A 2-day-1-night in-depth tour decoding the essence of Hequ's Yellow River culture, appreciating the unique charm of ancient ferry customs and hydraulic wonders.

400+

Years of Xikou Culture History

Core Scenic Areas

Main Attractions

15+

Local Delicacies

Explore Tourism in Xinzhou Districts and Counties

Ancient Xikou Ferry - Witness to the History of "Walking West Exit"

Hequ Ancient Xikou Ferry was an important crossing point during the historical "Walking West Exit" period, carrying the culture of Jin merchants and immigrant history. Existing historical relics include ancient ferry ruins, stone tablets, and ancient plank roads.

Hequ County 2-Day-1-Night Yellow River Culture & Xikou Customs Journey

Visit Ancient Xikou Ferry to recall the history of 'Walking West Exit,' tour Niangniang Beach to admire Yellow River wonders, pay respects at Daiyue Hall to feel religious culture, observe the Longkou Water Conservancy Hub to marvel at modern engineering

                        
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                        
Main Destinations
Ancient Xikou Ferry, Niangniang Beach, Daiyue Hall, Longkou Water Conservancy Hub, Yellow River Mural Valley

                        
Suitable For
History enthusiasts, Yellow River culture explorers, photography lovers, hydraulic engineering visitors

                        
Per Capita Budget
¥450-¥800

Yellow River Ancient Ferry

Ancient Xikou Ferry · Niangniang Beach · Yellow River Mural Valley

Itinerary Highlights

Visit Ancient Xikou Ferry in the morning to learn about the history of "Walking West Exit." Tour Niangniang Beach in the afternoon to admire Yellow River wonders. Explore the Yellow River Mural Valley in the evening to appreciate natural art landscapes.

Attraction Arrangements

Ancient Xikou Ferry

An important ferry crossing during the historical "Walking West Exit" period, serving as a crucial passage for Jin merchants and immigrants traveling to Inner Mongolia and Ningxia during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Existing relics include ancient ferry ruins, stone tablets, and ancient plank roads, serving as an important venue for understanding Jin merchant culture and immigration history.

Niangniang Beach

A famous river island in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, legend says it was where Empress Dou of the Han Dynasty took refuge. The island boasts beautiful scenery with ancient temples, old wells, and other relics. Visitors can take a boat to the island to tour and enjoy the Yellow River views.

Yellow River Mural Valley

A natural scenic area where the cliff walls along the Yellow River have formed various strange patterns due to long-term water erosion, resembling natural murals. The landscape is unique, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Hequ County Hotels
Homestays along the Yellow River
Characteristic Inns at the Ancient Ferry

Food Recommendations

Hequ River-Opening Fish
Wantuo (Buckwheat Jelly)
Youmian Kaolaolao
Yellow River Carp

Travel Tips

Hiring a guide is recommended at Ancient Xikou Ferry
Pay attention to safety on the boat to Niangniang Beach
Mural Valley is best for photography in the morning and evening

Religion & Hydraulics

Daiyue Hall · Longkou Water Conservancy Hub · Hequ Wenbi Pagoda · Return Journey

Itinerary Highlights

Visit Daiyue Hall in the morning to experience the religious cultural atmosphere. Tour the Longkou Water Conservancy Hub in the afternoon to understand modern hydraulic engineering. Climb the Wenbi Pagoda in the evening to overlook the panoramic view of Hequ, purchase local specialties, and return.

Attraction Arrangements

Daiyue Hall

A famous Taoist temple in Hequ, originally built during the Ming Dynasty, enshrining the Great Emperor of the Eastern Peak. The temple features exquisite architecture and preserves murals and sculptures from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, serving as an important venue for studying Taoist culture in northwestern Shanxi.

Longkou Water Conservancy Hub

An important hydraulic engineering project on the mainstream of the Yellow River, with comprehensive functions including flood control, irrigation, and power generation. The dam is majestic and spectacular; visitors can tour to understand the achievements of hydraulic engineering construction and admire the magnificent scenery of the "flat lake emerging from the high gorge."

Hequ Wenbi Pagoda

A landmark building of Hequ, originally built during the Ming Dynasty, a tower-style pagoda made of brick and stone. Ascending the pagoda offers a panoramic view of Hequ County and the Yellow River scenery, making it the best spot for watching the sunset.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Tourist shuttles run from the county town to various attractions
Advance reservation is required for visiting the Longkou Water Conservancy Hub
Wenbi Pagoda is accessible by foot

Ticket Information

Ancient Xikou Ferry: ¥30
Niangniang Beach Cruise: ¥50
Daiyue Hall: ¥20
Longkou Water Conservancy Hub: Free
Wenbi Pagoda: ¥10

Travel Tips

Photography is prohibited at the murals in Daiyue Hall
Follow regulations when visiting the Water Conservancy Hub
The sunset view from Wenbi Pagoda is breathtaking

Hequ County Must-Try Foods

Hequ River-Opening Fish

A Hequ specialty dish, using fresh fish caught during the Yellow River ice-melting season. The meat is tender and delicious. Having nourished through the winter, the fish is of the highest nutritional value, making it a seasonal delicacy in spring.

Hequ Wantuo (Buckwheat Jelly)

A traditional snack of Hequ, made by steaming buckwheat flour in a bowl shape, then served with special seasonings. The texture is smooth and refreshing with a unique taste, a daily favorite among locals.

Youmian Kaolaolao

A traditional noodle dish of Hequ, made from buckwheat flour shaped into cylinders and steamed, then served with mutton stew or tomato sauce. The texture is chewy and nutritious, a representative dish of the northwestern Shanxi region.

Yellow River Carp

A Hequ specialty dish, using wild Yellow River carp cooked with local characteristic seasonings. The meat is tender and delicious, making it an essential dish for hosting guests.

Hequ County Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Spring (Mar-May): River-opening fish are fat and delicious, pleasant climate
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear skies and crisp air, Yellow River water is clear
Summer for escaping the heat, Winter for Yellow River ice and snow views

Must-Try Foods

Hequ River-Opening Fish
Wantuo (Buckwheat Jelly)
Youmian Kaolaolao
Yellow River Carp
Hequ Tofu

Budget Reference

Tickets: Approx. ¥110
Accommodation: ¥90-180/night
Dining: ¥50-90/day
Transportation: Approx. ¥40
Total: ¥450-800

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Walking West Exit"? → A historical phenomenon during the Ming and Qing Dynasties where people from Shanxi migrated to Inner Mongolia and Ningxia to do business and make a living
Why is Niangniang Beach famous? → One of the largest river islands in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, rich in historical legends and natural landscapes
Why is River-Opening Fish precious? → The first fish caught after the Yellow River ice thaws in winter, the meat is the most tender and delicious
What is the function of the Longkou Water Conservancy Hub? → Comprehensive hydraulic engineering for flood control, irrigation, power generation, and water supply