Yongji City Tourism

Shanxi Yuncheng Yongji City — an important birthplace of Yellow River culture, integrating Stork Tower, Pujiu Temple, Wulao Peak, and Tang Kaiyuan Iron Ox, blending frontier charm with cultural heritage. A 2-day-1-night in-depth tour decoding the history of ancient Puzhou, appreciating the unique charm where mountains, rivers, and culture intertwine.

1300+

Years of Stork Tower History

5A Scenic Area

Core Attractions

10+

Local Delicacies

Explore Tourism in Yuncheng Districts and Counties

Stork Tower — Famous Tower on the Yellow River

Yongji's landmark building, first built during the Northern Zhou Dynasty, renowned worldwide for Wang Zhihuan's poem "Ascending the Stork Tower." One of China's Four Great Towers, hailed as the "Premier Tower of the Yellow River."

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

Ascend the famous tower to watch the great river flow east, visit the ancient temple to seek the Western Chamber romance, climb the strange peaks to admire the mountain and water scroll, unlock the beauty of Yongji's nature and culture

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Stork Tower, Pujiu Temple, Wulao Peak, Tang Kaiyuan Iron Ox, Pujin Ferry Ruins, Shentan Grand Canyon

                    
Suitable For
Culture enthusiasts, hiking lovers, couples' getaway, families with children

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥500-¥1000

Tower Nostalgia

Stork Tower Scenic Area · Pujin Ferry Ruins · Tang Kaiyuan Iron Ox Museum · Yellow River Wetland

Itinerary Highlights

Ascend Stork Tower in the morning to overlook the Yellow River scenery and feel the grandeur of "ascending one more story to see a thousand miles." Explore the Pujin Ferry Ruins and Tang Kaiyuan Iron Ox Museum in the afternoon. Stroll through the Yellow River Wetland in the evening to enjoy the sunset glow.

Attraction Arrangements

Stork Tower Scenic Area

A National 4A Scenic Area and one of China's Four Great Towers, renowned for Wang Zhihuan's poem "Ascending the Stork Tower." The main tower stands 73.9 meters tall, offering distant views of the Yellow River and Zhongtiao Mountain — a landmark building of Yellow River culture.

Tang Kaiyuan Iron Ox Museum

A National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, where precious artifacts such as Tang Dynasty Kaiyuan-era iron oxen and iron figures have been unearthed. It is the heaviest ancient iron artifact group discovered in China to date, bearing witness to the prosperity of the ancient Pujin Ferry.

Yellow River Wetland

A National Wetland Park located along the Yellow River, with lush aquatic plants and abundant birdlife. It is an ideal place for birdwatching, photography, and experiencing the Yellow River ecosystem, with the evening sunset over the river being particularly spectacular.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Characteristic Homestays in Puzhou Town
Hotels in Yongji City Center
Inns near Stork Tower

Food Recommendations

Yongji Che Mian (Hand-Pulled Noodles)
Beef Dumplings
You Gao (Fried Pastry)
Baozi Noodles

Travel Tips

The top floor of Stork Tower offers the best views; a sunny day is recommended
Flash photography is prohibited inside the Iron Ox Museum
It can be windy at the Yellow River Wetland in the evening; bring a light jacket

Zen and Landscape

Pujiu Temple Scenic Area · Wulao Peak Scenic Area · Shentan Grand Canyon · Return Journey

Itinerary Highlights

Explore Pujiu Temple in the morning to immerse in the romantic story of "The Romance of the Western Chamber." Climb Wulao Peak in the afternoon to admire the strange peaks and steep ridges. Tour Shentan Grand Canyon in the evening to experience the fun of mountain and water scenery, then return.

Attraction Arrangements

Pujiu Temple Scenic Area

A National 4A Scenic Area, famous as the setting of the Yuan Dynasty playwright Wang Shifu's "The Romance of the Western Chamber." The Yingying Tower within the temple is one of the four great echo architectures of ancient China, featuring a unique acoustic effect.

Wulao Peak Scenic Area

A National 4A Scenic Area and a famous Taoist mountain, named after its five peaks that resemble five elderly men. The main peak, Yuzhu Peak, stands at 1,809.3 meters and is renowned for its extraordinary pines, bizarre rocks, sea of clouds, and flowing springs — a premier summer retreat and hiking destination.

Shentan Grand Canyon

A natural scenic area centered on canyon scenery, with crystal-clear pools and numerous waterfalls. Known as the "Premier Canyon of the Zhongtiao Range," it is ideal for leisurely strolls and family outings, with a cool and pleasant climate in summer.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Pujiu Temple is approx. 3km from Stork Tower; 10 minutes by taxi
Wulao Peak is approx. 20km from the city center; self-driving or tourist shuttle is recommended
Shentan Grand Canyon is accessible by direct city bus (Route 2 transfer to Route 5)

Ticket Information

Stork Tower: ¥60
Pujiu Temple: ¥50
Wulao Peak: ¥70 (includes scenic area transportation)
Tang Kaiyuan Iron Ox: ¥60
Shentan Grand Canyon: ¥68

Travel Tips

Hiking Wulao Peak takes 3-4 hours; comfortable athletic shoes are recommended
The echo effect at Pujiu Temple's Yingying Tower can be experienced (specific positions required)
Shentan Grand Canyon offers a drifting experience in summer (additional charge)

Yongji City Must-Try Foods

Yongji Che Mian (Hand-Pulled Noodles)

A traditional Yongji pasta dish, featuring hand-pulled noodles that are chewy and smooth, served with toppings or fried sauce. The flavor is unique and it is a beloved daily staple among locals, earning the reputation of "King of Noodles."

Beef Dumplings

A classic Yongji snack, filled with fresh beef and seasonings such as scallions and ginger. The wrappers are thin and the filling generous; the dumplings turn translucent and glistening when boiled, and taste even better when dipped in vinegar — a must-have festive food.

You Gao (Fried Pastry)

A traditional Yongji pastry 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 common street snack beloved by visitors.

Baozi Noodles

A Yongji folk delicacy featuring long, thin noodles served with meat topping, eggs, wood ear mushrooms, and other ingredients. The broth is fresh and delicious, with a savory and tangy flavor — an essential dish at local weddings, funerals, and banquets.

Yongji City Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Spring (Apr-May): Mountain flowers in full bloom, ideal for hiking and flower viewing
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Crisp air and clear skies, perfect for Yellow River scenery
Summer (Jun-Aug): Ideal for escaping the heat; best season for drifting at Shentan Grand Canyon

Must-Try Foods

Yongji Che Mian (Hand-Pulled Noodles)
Beef Dumplings
You Gao (Fried Pastry)
Baozi Noodles
Yellow River Carp

Budget Reference

Tickets: Approx. ¥250-300
Accommodation: ¥120-260/night
Dining: ¥50-100/day
Transportation: Approx. ¥50
Total: ¥500-1000

Frequently Asked Questions

Was Stork Tower rebuilt on the original site? → Yes, it was rebuilt in 1997 near the original site
What are the operating hours for the Wulao Peak cable car? → 08:30-17:00 (peak season), 09:00-16:00 (off season)
When are "The Romance of the Western Chamber" performances at Pujiu Temple? → One show each at 10:00 and 15:00 daily
Where can I find the most authentic Yongji Che Mian? → "Lao Ma Jia Che Mian" in the city center (a century-old establishment)