Wuzhai County Tourism

Shanxi Xinzhou Wuzhai County — an ecological oasis and summer retreat, integrating Luya Mountain, Heye Ping, Nanfeng Reservoir, and Qinglian River, blending natural landscapes with ecological wellness. A 2-day-1-night in-depth tour decoding the essence of Wuzhai's ecological tourism, appreciating the unique charm of stone forests, alpine meadows, and lake-and-mountain scenery.

2784

Luya Mountain Altitude (m)

Core Scenic Areas

Main Attractions

12+

Local Delicacies

Explore Tourism in Xinzhou Districts and Counties

Heye Ping - Largest Alpine Meadow in North China

Wuzhai's Heye Ping, at an altitude of 2784 meters, is the largest alpine meadow in North China. In summer, the grass is lush and green with wildflowers everywhere, known as the "Prairie in the Clouds," making it a paradise for summer retreats and sightseeing.

Wuzhai County 2-Day-1-Night Ecological Landscape & Summer Retreat Journey

Climb Luya Mountain to admire stone forest wonders, tour Heye Ping to view alpine meadows, visit Nanfeng Reservoir for lake and mountain scenery, stroll along Qinglian River to enjoy natural coolness

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Luya Mountain, Heye Ping, Nanfeng Reservoir, Qinglian River, Wuzhai Ancient City

                    
Suitable For
Nature lovers, outdoor sports, photography, summer retreats, families

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥420-¥780

Alpine Wonders

Luya Mountain · Heye Ping · Alpine Meadow

Itinerary Highlights

Climb the main peak of Luya Mountain in the morning to admire the stone forest natural landscape; tour the Heye Ping alpine meadow in the afternoon to experience the grandeur of the "Prairie in the Clouds"; stay at the scenic area in the evening to feel the cool night of the high mountains.

Attraction Arrangements

Luya Mountain

A National Nature Reserve and a National 4A Scenic Area, famous for its steep stone forest landscapes and rich flora and fauna resources. The main peak, Heye Ping, stands at an altitude of 2784 meters, with towering strange peaks and bizarre rocks, renowned as the "Northern Stone Forest."

Heye Ping

The largest alpine meadow in North China, at an altitude of 2784 meters, covering an area of approximately 40,000 mu. In summer, the grass is lush and green, wildflowers blanket the landscape, cattle and sheep graze in herds, and clouds and mist swirl around — earning it the name "Prairie in the Clouds," a paradise for summer retreats and photography.

Luya Mountain Stone Forest

The core landscape area of Luya Mountain, featuring dense stone peaks in a myriad of shapes — some resembling reed buds breaking through the soil, others like precious swords pointing at the sky. Ancient trees reach for the sky between the stone forests, and streams gurgle, forming a unique landscape painting.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Luya Mountain Scenic Area Hotels
Heye Ping Tent Camp
Wuzhai County Town Hotels

Food Recommendations

Wuzhai Mutton
Mountain Mushroom Stewed Chicken
Buckwheat Kaolaolao
Cold Wild Vegetable Salad

Travel Tips

Large temperature difference in alpine areas; bring warm clothing
Strong UV rays at Heye Ping; pay attention to sun protection
Open flames are prohibited within the scenic area

Lake & River Scenery

Nanfeng Reservoir · Qinglian River · Wuzhai Ancient City · Return Journey

Itinerary Highlights

Tour Nanfeng Reservoir in the morning to admire the lake and mountain scenery; stroll along the banks of Qinglian River in the afternoon to enjoy the pastoral landscape; visit Wuzhai Ancient City in the evening to purchase local specialties and conclude the ecological journey.

Attraction Arrangements

Nanfeng Reservoir

An important water conservancy project and tourist attraction in Wuzhai, the reservoir covers a vast area with clear water surrounded by mountains. Boat tours are available to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, making it an ideal place for leisure fishing and water recreation.

Qinglian River

The mother river of Wuzhai, originating from Luya Mountain. The river water is clear to the bottom, with green trees shading both banks. Sightseeing trails have been built along the river, making it a great place for walking, cycling, and getting close to nature.

Wuzhai Ancient City

An important bearer of Wuzhai's history and culture, preserving the ancient city layout and traditional buildings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The local folk customs are simple and honest, making it a place to understand local history and culture and taste specialty snacks.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Driving time from Luya Mountain to Nanfeng Reservoir is approximately 40 minutes
Qinglian River is suitable for cycling tours
Walking is recommended within the Ancient City

Ticket Information

Luya Mountain Scenic Area: ¥100
Heye Ping: Included in Luya Mountain ticket
Nanfeng Reservoir: ¥20
Qinglian River: Free
Wuzhai Ancient City: Free

Travel Tips

Fishing is available at Nanfeng Reservoir
Qinglian River is suitable for family outings
Wuzhai millet is a high-quality local specialty

Wuzhai County Must-Try Foods

Wuzhai Mutton

A Wuzhai specialty dish, using locally free-range goats. The meat is tender and delicious with no gamey smell. It can be braised, roasted, or stewed — all are delicious, making it an essential dish for hosting guests.

Mountain Mushroom Stewed Chicken

A traditional Wuzhai dish, made with wild mountain mushrooms from Luya Mountain and local free-range chicken, slow-stewed with multiple spices. The mushrooms have a rich aroma, the chicken is tender, and the soup is delicious and nutritious.

Buckwheat Kaolaolao

A traditional noodle dish of Wuzhai, made from buckwheat flour shaped into cylinders and steamed, then served with mutton stew or tomato sauce. The texture is chewy and nutritious, a traditional favorite among locals.

Wuzhai Millet Porridge

A porridge made from Wuzhai specialty millet. The millet grains are plump and golden in color; the porridge has a rich aroma and a smooth, silky texture, making it a premium wellness food.

Wuzhai County Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Summer (Jun-Aug): Best for summer retreat, Heye Ping is lush and green
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear skies and crisp air, mountains ablaze with color
Spring for flower viewing, Winter for snow scenery

Must-Try Foods

Wuzhai Mutton
Mountain Mushroom Stewed Chicken
Buckwheat Kaolaolao
Wuzhai Millet Porridge
Cold Wild Vegetable Salad

Budget Reference

Tickets: Approx. ¥120
Accommodation: ¥90-180/night
Dining: ¥45-90/day
Transportation: Approx. ¥35
Total: ¥420-780

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Luya Mountain called the "Northern Stone Forest"? → Because of its strange mountain rocks, dense peak forests, and varied shapes, comparable to southern stone forest landscapes
Best season for Heye Ping? → June to August, when the meadow is at its greenest and wildflowers are in full bloom
What are the characteristics of Wuzhai mutton? → Thanks to the lush local water and grass, the meat is tender and fresh with no gamey smell, of superior quality
Origin of the name "Qinglian River"? → Named for its clear water and sparkling ripples, like flowing wave patterns