Hejin City Tourism

Shanxi Yuncheng Hejin City — a historic and cultural city on the banks of the Yellow River, integrating the majestic Dragon Gate, the hometown of General Xue Rengui, and the ancient charm of Zhenwu Temple, blending Yellow River culture with legendary heroism. A 2-day-1-night in-depth tour decoding the Yellow River civilization, appreciating the unique charm where landscapes and humanity intertwine.

4000+
Years of Dragon Gate History
2
4A Scenic Areas
10+
Core Attractions
8+
Local Delicacies
Longmen Dragon Gate in Hejin City, Yuncheng
Longmen Dragon Gate — Throat of the Yellow River
One of the three ancient ferries of the Yellow River, commanding the river's throat with strategically dangerous terrain, a contested military stronghold throughout history. The典故 of "Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate" originated here, making it an important symbol of Yellow River culture.

Hejin City 2-Day-1-Night Yellow River Culture Journey

Witness the Yellow River's mighty flow at Dragon Gate, trace the legendary general's hometown, visit ancient temples to feel millennia of cultural heritage, savor riverside specialties

Duration
2 Days 1 Night
Main Destinations
Longmen Dragon Gate, Xue Rengui's Cold Kiln, Zhenwu Temple, Guduo Houtu Temple, Yellow River Floodplain
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, history buffs, photography enthusiasts, families with children
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥800
01
Dragon Gate Exploration
Longmen Scenic Area · Yellow River Floodplain · Zhenwu Temple · Night Market
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Longmen Scenic Area in the morning to feel "the peril of the Yellow River," stroll along the Yellow River floodplain to enjoy riverside scenery, climb Zhenwu Temple in the afternoon for a panoramic view of the city, and explore the Hejin night market in the evening for local snacks.

Attraction Arrangements
Longmen Dragon Gate Scenic Area
A National 4A Scenic Area, a strategic pass on the Yellow River, known as the "Yellow River Dragon Gate." The scenic area features Yumenkou, the Dragon Gate Bridge, and other attractions, offering a superb vantage point to witness the mighty flow of the Yellow River.
Zhenwu Temple
Also known as the "Nine Dragons Temple," first built during the Yuan Dynasty and renovated during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Built along the mountain with majestic grandeur, the temple enshrines the Great Emperor Zhenwu and is an important ancient architectural complex in Hejin City.
Yellow River Floodplain
The Yellow River floodplain wetland near Longmen, an excellent spot for birdwatching and photography, where you can enjoy the natural landscape of the Yellow River merging with the riverside wetland, feeling the vastness and grandeur of the river.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels along Xingeng North Street
  • Homestays near Longmen Scenic Area
  • City center business hotels
Food Recommendations
  • You Su Bing (Crispy Pastry)
  • Hejin Daozi Noodles
  • Beef Dumplings
  • Pao Pao You Gao (Puffed Oil Cake)
Travel Tips
  • Hiring a local guide at Longmen is recommended for historical context
  • Sun protection in summer, wind protection in winter at the floodplain
  • Zhenwu Temple has many steps; wear comfortable sneakers
02
Legendary General
Xue Rengui's Cold Kiln · Guduo Houtu Temple · Hejin Museum · Return Journey
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Xue Rengui's Cold Kiln in the morning to feel the legendary general's spirit, admire ancient architectural art at Guduo Houtu Temple, explore local history at Hejin Museum in the afternoon, purchase specialties, and conclude the journey.

Attraction Arrangements
Xue Rengui's Cold Kiln
The place where Xue Rengui, a famous general of the Tang Dynasty, lived in his early years. It is an earthen kiln with a statue of Xue Rengui and related historical artifacts inside, serving as an important venue for understanding the general's life story.
Guduo Houtu Temple
A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, first built during the Yuan Dynasty. The existing buildings retain Yuan Dynasty architectural style, featuring a theatrical stage, offering hall, and other structures with exquisite carvings, possessing high artistic value.
Hejin Museum
A comprehensive museum with collections spanning from the Neolithic Age to the Ming and Qing Dynasties, systematically showcasing the historical and cultural development of the Hejin region, with particular emphasis on Yellow River culture and celebrity culture.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Xue Rengui's Cold Kiln is approx. 5km from the city center; 15 minutes by taxi
  • Guduo Houtu Temple is accessible by rural bus
  • The Museum is in the city center; reachable by multiple bus routes
Ticket Information
  • Longmen Scenic Area: ¥50
  • Zhenwu Temple: ¥30
  • Xue Rengui's Cold Kiln: ¥25
  • Guduo Houtu Temple: ¥20
  • Hejin Museum: Free
Travel Tips
  • Live performances are available at Xue Rengui's Cold Kiln (weekends and holidays)
  • Guduo Houtu Temple has exquisite architectural details; bring a camera
  • Audio guides are available for free rental at the Museum

Hejin City Must-Try Foods

You Su Bing (Crispy Pastry)

A traditional Hejin snack made from flour and oil through multiple processes. The outer layer is crispy, the inner layer soft, with a savory and fragrant taste — a beloved breakfast food among Hejin locals.

Hejin Daozi Noodles

A signature noodle dish of southern Shanxi. The noodles are chewy and resilient, with the "dao zi" topping made from stir-fried pork, tofu, and vegetables. The broth is rich and the flavor fresh and savory — a must-have festive dish for Hejin people.

Beef Dumplings

A traditional Hejin delicacy filled with fresh beef, featuring thin wrappers and generous fillings. They become translucent and glistening after boiling, best enjoyed with a special dipping sauce — deeply loved by locals.

Pao Pao You Gao (Puffed Oil Cake)

A Hejin specialty dessert made from flour and sugar, puffing up into bubbles after deep-frying. Crispy outside and soft inside, sweet and delicious — a common dessert at local banquets.

Hejin City Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • Spring (Mar-May): Mild climate, suitable for outdoor activities
  • Autumn (Sep-Nov): Clear skies and crisp air, ideal for Yellow River scenery
  • Summer: Take precautions against heat; winter is relatively cold
Must-Try Foods
  • You Su Bing (Crispy Pastry)
  • Hejin Daozi Noodles
  • Beef Dumplings
  • Pao Pao You Gao (Puffed Oil Cake)
  • Ma Pian (Sesame Wafers)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Approx. ¥125
  • Accommodation: ¥120-200/night
  • Dining: ¥50-100/day
  • Transportation: Approx. ¥40
  • Total: ¥500-800
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Can you see the full panorama of the Yellow River at Longmen? → Yes, the scenic area's viewing platform is the best spot
  • Is there a guided tour at Xue Rengui's Cold Kiln? → Yes, you can hire a guide (¥50/session)
  • Where is the most authentic You Su Bing? → The old-established stall at the entrance of Hejin City's old market
  • Is Guduo Houtu Temple good for photography? → Very much so; the Yuan Dynasty architectural style is unique with excellent lighting effects