Xinfu District Tourism

Shanxi Xinzhou Xinfu District — an ancient city of Xiurong and a hot spring paradise, integrating Xinzhou Ancient City, Qicun Hot Spring, and Yuan Haowen's cultural heritage, blending ancient city charm with hot spring wellness. A 2-day-1-night in-depth tour decoding the essence of Xinzhou's history and culture, appreciating the unique charm of ancient cityscapes and therapeutic hot springs.

1800+

Years of City History

4A Scenic Areas

10+

Core Attractions

15+

Local Delicacies

Explore Tourism in Xinzhou Districts and Counties

Xinzhou Ancient City - Xiurong Ancient Cityscape

Xinzhou Ancient City was first built during the Eastern Han Dynasty, with existing ancient city walls, Xiurong Academy, and Yuan Haowen's Ancestral Hall. A National Famous Historical and Cultural City, it showcases the unique character of ancient cities in northern Shanxi.

Xinfu District 2-Day-1-Night Ancient City & Hot Spring Journey

Stroll through Xinzhou Ancient City to savor historical charm, soak in Qicun Hot Spring for wellness, visit Yuan Haowen's Tomb to honor the past, explore Yuwang Cave for geological wonders

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Xinzhou Ancient City, Qicun Hot Spring, Yuan Haowen's Tomb, Yuwang Cave, Xiurong Academy

                    
Suitable For
History and culture enthusiasts, hot spring wellness seekers, families, photography enthusiasts

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥900

Ancient City & Hot Spring

Xinzhou Ancient City · Qicun Hot Spring · North Gate Tower

Itinerary Highlights

Stroll through Xinzhou Ancient City in the morning and visit Xiurong Academy to feel the scholarly atmosphere; head to Qicun Hot Spring in the afternoon to enjoy the wellness benefits of natural hot springs; ascend the North Gate Tower in the evening to admire the ancient city nightscape.

Attraction Arrangements

Xinzhou Ancient City

A National 4A Scenic Area, first built during the Eastern Han Dynasty, with well-preserved ancient city walls, historic streets, and traditional dwellings from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Xiurong Academy and Yuan Haowen's Ancestral Hall within the city are well-preserved, serving as an important window for understanding Xinzhou's history and culture.

Qicun Hot Spring

A renowned hot spring wellness destination in Shanxi Province, with a water temperature of 63°C, rich in multiple minerals, and excellent therapeutic effects on skin diseases and arthritis. The area features multiple hot spring resorts with comprehensive facilities.

North Gate Tower

The north gate tower of Xinzhou Ancient City, originally built during the Ming Dynasty, is an important landmark structure still standing in the ancient city. Ascending the tower offers a panoramic view of the ancient city and a distant view of Xizang Mountain, making it an ideal spot for watching the ancient city sunset.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Characteristic Inns within the Ancient City
Qicun Hot Spring Resort Village
Urban Boutique Hotels

Food Recommendations

Xinzhou Wastone
Buckwheat Kaolaolao
Sorghum Noodle Fish
Dingxiang Steamed Pork

Travel Tips

Some attractions within the ancient city require tickets
Avoid heavy meals before soaking in hot springs
The North Gate Tower nightscape is beautiful; evening visits are recommended

Cultural Exploration

Yuan Haowen's Tomb · Yuwang Cave · Xiurong Academy · Return Journey

Itinerary Highlights

Pay homage at Yuan Haowen's Tomb in the morning to learn about the life of this literary giant of the Jin-Yuan period; explore Yuwang Cave in the afternoon to admire the karst landscape wonders; visit Xiurong Academy in the evening to experience ancient academy culture, purchase local specialties, and conclude the journey.

Attraction Arrangements

Yuan Haowen's Tomb

The burial site of Yuan Haowen, a renowned literary figure and historian of the Jin-Yuan period. The tomb area features lush pines and cypresses, with numerous stone tablets, serving as an important venue for understanding the life and literary achievements of this "Literary Hero of the North."

Yuwang Cave

A National 4A Scenic Area and one of the large-scale karst caves in North China. The cave features well-developed karst formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars in a myriad of shapes and brilliant colors, hailed as the "Premier Cave of North China."

Xiurong Academy

The highest educational institution in Xinzhou during the Qing Dynasty, originally built in the 40th year of the Qianlong era. Existing structures include the main gate, lecture hall, and student quarters. The academy grounds feature towering ancient cypresses and a serene environment, serving as an important place for experiencing ancient educational culture.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Attractions within the ancient city can be toured on foot
Tourist shuttle buses run from the city to Yuwang Cave
Yuan Haowen's Tomb is approximately 8km from the city center

Ticket Information

Xinzhou Ancient City: Free (interior attractions charged separately)
Qicun Hot Spring: ¥88-168
Yuwang Cave: ¥70
Yuan Haowen's Tomb: ¥20

Travel Tips

The interior of Yuwang Cave is slippery; pay attention to safety
Traditional rubbing experiences are available at Xiurong Academy
Local specialties can be purchased on the ancient city commercial street

Xinfu District Must-Try Foods

Xinzhou Wastone

A traditional Xinzhou pastry named for its tile-like shape, made from refined flour, hemp seed oil, and white sugar. The texture is crispy and the taste is sweet and delicious, making it an excellent gift for friends and family.

Buckwheat Kaolaolao

A traditional noodle dish of Xinzhou, 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.

Sorghum Noodle Fish

A Xinfu District specialty noodle dish, made by rolling sorghum flour into small fish shapes, then boiled and served with various stews. The texture is smooth and refreshing, skillfully prepared from coarse grains — healthy and delicious.

Dingxiang Steamed Pork

A traditional Xinfu District dish, made with pork and potato starch as the main raw materials, steamed to perfection. The meat is tender and the flavor is delicious, making it an essential hearty dish for hosting guests.

Xinfu District Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Spring (Apr-May): Pleasant climate, flowers blooming in the ancient city
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Clear skies and crisp air, ideal for sightseeing
Winter (Nov-Mar): Best season for hot spring wellness

Must-Try Foods

Xinzhou Wastone
Buckwheat Kaolaolao
Sorghum Noodle Fish
Dingxiang Steamed Pork
Xinzhou Tofu Brain

Budget Reference

Tickets: Approx. ¥180
Accommodation: ¥120-220/night
Dining: ¥60-100/day
Transportation: Approx. ¥40
Total: ¥500-900

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Xinzhou Ancient City called "Xiurong Ancient City"? → Named after the historical Xiurong Commandery and Xiurong County that were once established here
What are the characteristics of Qicun Hot Spring? → High water temperature and rich mineral content, renowned as the "Disease-Healing Spring"
Who was Yuan Haowen? → A renowned literary figure and historian during the Jin-Yuan transition, hailed as the "Literary Hero of the North"
Origin of the name "Yuwang Cave"? → Legend says that Great Yu lived in this cave while controlling the floods, hence the name Yuwang (King Yu) Cave