Yanhu District Tourism

Shanxi Yuncheng Yanhu District — the hometown of Guan Gong and the "Dead Sea of China," integrating Yuncheng Salt Lake, Xiezhou Guandi Temple, and Chi Shen Temple, blending natural wonders with cultural heritage. A 3-day-2-night in-depth tour decoding the essence of Southern Shanxi culture, appreciating the unique charm of Salt Lake scenery and Guan Gong spirit.

1800+

Years of Guandi Temple History

5A Scenic Areas

10+

Core Attractions

20+

Local Delicacies

Explore Tourism in Yuncheng Districts and Counties

Yuncheng Salt Lake — The Dead Sea of China

One of the world's three major sodium sulfate inland salt lakes, famous for its "floating" wonder. The lake is rich in minerals and is known as the "Dead Sea of China," a National Tourist Attraction.

Yanhu District 3-Day-2-Night Guan Gong Culture and Salt Lake Wonder Journey

Worship Guan Gong, float in the Dead Sea of China, visit the millennium-old Chi Shen Temple, taste Southern Shanxi flavors, unlock the beauty of Yuncheng's nature and culture

                    
Duration
3 Days 2 Nights

                    
Main Destinations
Xiezhou Guandi Temple, Yuncheng Salt Lake, Chi Shen Temple, Guan Wang Temple, Taiping Xingguo Temple Pagoda, Anyi Ancient Town

                    
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, families with children, photography lovers, food explorers, wellness experience seekers

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥600-¥1000

Guan Gong Pilgrimage

Xiezhou Guandi Temple · Guandi Ancestral Shrine · Guan Wang Hometown

Itinerary Highlights

Visit Xiezhou Guandi Temple in the morning to feel the grand momentum of the "Ancestor of All Martial Temples." Explore the Guandi Ancestral Shrine in the afternoon to trace Guan Gong's life story. Tour Guan Wang Hometown to understand the origins of Guan Gong culture. Return to the city in the evening to taste local delicacies.

Attraction Arrangements

Xiezhou Guandi Temple

A National 5A Scenic Area, the largest and best-preserved palace-style Guandi Temple in China, hailed as the "Ancestor of All Martial Temples." A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit and on the World Cultural Heritage Tentative List.

Guandi Ancestral Shrine

Located in Changping Village, Guan Gong's hometown, this is where Guan Gong was born and spent his youth. The shrine preserves Qing Dynasty architecture and relics related to Guan Gong's family, possessing significant historical value.

Guan Wang Temple

An important Guan Gong cultural relic in Yuncheng City, first built during the Yuan Dynasty, with existing buildings in Ming and Qing Dynasty styles. The statue of Guan Gong inside is majestic and solemn, serving as an important venue for citizens' worship and prayer.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Jiefang South Road Hotel Cluster in City Center
Homestays near Salt Lake Scenic Area
Characteristic Inns in Xiezhou Town

Food Recommendations

Xiezhou Mutton Hu Bo (Mutton Stew)
Southern Shanxi You Gao (Fried Pastry)
Jishan Mahua (Fried Dough Twist)
Yuncheng Big Plate Chicken

Travel Tips

Guided tours are available at Guandi Temple (¥50/session)
Comfortable sneakers are recommended as the scenic area is large
Please observe regulations in no-photography zones inside Guandi Temple

Salt Lake Exploration

Yuncheng Salt Lake Scenic Area · Chi Shen Temple · Colorful Salt Lake Viewing Platform · Salt Therapy Center

Itinerary Highlights

Experience the "floating" wonder of Yuncheng Salt Lake in the morning and feel the unique charm of the "Dead Sea of China." Visit Chi Shen Temple in the afternoon to learn about the millennium-old salt industry history. Head to the Colorful Salt Lake Viewing Platform to admire the brilliant salt pans, and experience the specialty salt therapy.

Attraction Arrangements

Yuncheng Salt Lake Scenic Area

A National 4A Scenic Area, one of the world's three major sodium sulfate inland salt lakes, famous for "floating," black mud baths, and salt therapy. Known as the "Dead Sea of China," the scenic area features multiple experience zones and viewing platforms.

Chi Shen Temple

A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, first built during the Tang Dynasty. It was the venue for emperors of successive dynasties to offer sacrifices to the Salt God. The existing main buildings were constructed during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, bearing witness to the glorious history of the Yuncheng salt industry.

Colorful Salt Lake Viewing Platform

The best location to view the colorful Salt Lake landscape. Due to varying mineral concentrations, the lake displays red, green, yellow, and other colors under sunlight — a breathtaking sight.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Take Bus No. 66 or 21 from the city center直达 Salt Lake Scenic Area
Chi Shen Temple is approx. a 15-minute walk from the Salt Lake Scenic Area
Self-driving or chartered car is recommended for greater convenience between attractions

Ticket Information

Xiezhou Guandi Temple: ¥60
Yuncheng Salt Lake (incl. floating): ¥158
Chi Shen Temple: ¥30
Salt Therapy Experience: Additional ¥80-120

Travel Tips

Swimwear is required for Salt Lake floating; available for rent at the scenic area (¥30/set)
Floating time is recommended to be within 30 minutes to avoid discomfort
Strong UV radiation in the Salt Lake area in summer; take sun protection measures

Ancient City Trail

Anyi Ancient Town · Taiping Xingguo Temple Pagoda · Phoenix Valley Forest Park · Return Journey

Itinerary Highlights

Stroll through Anyi Ancient Town in the morning to experience the charm of traditional Southern Shanxi folk dwellings. Visit Taiping Xingguo Temple Pagoda in the afternoon to appreciate Song Dynasty architectural art. Head to Phoenix Valley Forest Park to connect with nature. Purchase local specialties in the evening and conclude the journey.

Attraction Arrangements

Anyi Ancient Town

A historic ancient town, once the capital of the Xia Dynasty. The well-preserved ancient architectural complex from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with old streets, ancient alleys, and traditional residences, showcases the traditional charm of the Southern Shanxi region.

Taiping Xingguo Temple Pagoda

A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, first built during the Song Dynasty. A pavilion-style brick pagoda approximately 50 meters tall, with a simple and古朴 design and rigorous structure, possessing significant architectural research value.

Phoenix Valley Forest Park

Located in the eastern part of Yanhu District, named for the mountain's resemblance to a phoenix spreading its wings. The scenic area features dense forests, gurgling streams, and multiple natural landscapes and cultural relics — an excellent destination for leisure and vacation.

Practical Information

Experience Programs

Traditional handicraft workshop experience in Anyi Ancient Town
Phoenix Valley hiking expedition
Taiping Xingguo Temple Pagoda cultural tour
Southern Shanxi folk performance viewing

Specialty Recommendations

Yuncheng Salt Lake Black Mud Facial Mask
Guan Gong Bronze Statue Crafts
Wenxi Zhu Bing Pastry
Ruicheng Sesame Wafers

Return Journey Guide

Yanhu District is approx. 15km from Yuncheng Zhangxiao Airport; 25 minutes by taxi
Yuncheng Station and Yuncheng North Station (High-Speed Rail) have trains to Taiyuan, Xi'an, and other cities
Specialties can be purchased at the Jiefang Road commercial street in the city center

Yanhu District Must-Try Foods

Xiezhou Mutton Hu Bo (Mutton Stew)

A famous Southern Shanxi delicacy made with premium mutton, flatbread, and glass noodles. The broth is rich and flavorful, the meat tender and falling-apart, and the flatbread chewy — an excellent dish for hosting guests in the Xiezhou region.

Salt Lake Sesame Wafers

A traditional Yuncheng pastry dating back to the Ming Dynasty, made from sesame seeds, white sugar, and flour. The slices are as thin as paper, with a golden color and a crispy, sweet flavor — a renowned local specialty.

Southern Shanxi You Gao (Fried Pastry)

A traditional Southern Shanxi snack made with glutinous rice flour as the wrapper and jujube paste or red bean paste as filling, then deep-fried. The exterior is crispy while the interior is soft, sweet but not cloying — a must-have festive food.

Pao Pao Gao (Puffed Pastry)

A Yuncheng specialty pastry made from scalded dough wrapped around filling and deep-fried until the surface puffs up. The texture is like a sponge — crispy on the outside with a sweet flavor, a common pastry at local banquets.

Yanhu District Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Spring (Apr-May): Mild climate, ideal for outdoor activities
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Cool weather, colorful Salt Lake landscapes
Winter (Dec-Feb): Salt therapy experience available, fewer tourists

Must-Try Foods

Xiezhou Mutton Hu Bo (Mutton Stew)
Salt Lake Sesame Wafers
Southern Shanxi You Gao (Fried Pastry)
Pao Pao Gao (Puffed Pastry)
Yuncheng Big Plate Chicken

Budget Reference

Tickets: Approx. ¥300
Accommodation: ¥120-240/night
Dining: ¥50-100/day
Transportation: Approx. ¥40
Total: ¥600-1000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for Salt Lake floating? → Not recommended for children under 6 or seniors over 65
When is Guandi Temple less crowded? → Weekday mornings before 9 AM are relatively quiet
When is the Colorful Salt Lake most vivid? → Sunny days between 10 AM and 3 PM
Where is the most authentic Xiezhou Mutton Hu Bo? → "Lao Ma Jia Hu Bo" in Xiezhou Town (century-old shop)