Yuanqu County Tourism

Shanxi Yuncheng Yuanqu County — Green Heart of North China, Hometown of Emperor Shun, integrating Lishan primitive forest, Yellow River Xiaolangdi, and Wangxian Grand Canyon, blending ecological landscapes with Shun Emperor culture. A 2-day-1-night in-depth tour decoding the charm of North China's natural oxygen bar, appreciating the magnificent scenery of primitive forests and canyon lakes.

500+

Species of Flora and Fauna

National-Level Scenic Areas

10+

Core Attractions

12+

Local Delicacies

Explore Tourism in Yuncheng Districts and Counties

Lishan Scenic Area — Natural Oxygen Bar of North China

Lishan in Yuanqu, one of the best-preserved primitive forests in North China, hailed as the "Green Lung of North China," with verdant peaks and crisscrossing streams, a National Nature Reserve and Forest Park.

Yuanqu County 2-Day-1-Night Ecological Landscape Journey

Climb Lishan to explore primitive forests, visit Xiaolangdi to admire the high-gorge flat lake, walk through Wangxian Canyon to view waterfalls and strange rocks, taste Chaoqi and local delicacies

                    
Duration
2 Days 1 Night

                    
Main Destinations
Lishan Scenic Area, Yellow River Xiaolangdi, Wangxian Grand Canyon, Shunwangping

                    
Suitable For
Nature lovers, outdoor sports, photography, family study tours

                    
Per Capita Budget
¥400-¥750

Mountain and Water Exploration

Lishan Scenic Area · Yellow River Xiaolangdi · Wangxian Grand Canyon · County Night View

Itinerary Highlights

Visit Lishan primitive forest in the morning to feel the fresh air of the "Green Lung of North China." Visit the Yuanqu section of the Yellow River Xiaolangdi in the afternoon to admire the magnificent "high-gorge flat lake" scenery. Explore the Wangxian Grand Canyon in the evening to experience the breathtaking beauty of canyon waterfalls.

Attraction Arrangements

Lishan Scenic Area

A National Nature Reserve and National Forest Park, one of the best-preserved primitive forests in North China. With rich flora and fauna resources and a forest coverage rate exceeding 90%, it is a veritable "natural oxygen bar" and summer retreat.

Yellow River Xiaolangdi

The Yuanqu section of the Xiaolangdi Water Conservancy Project, forming a spectacular "high-gorge flat lake" landscape. The lake water is crystal clear with mountain reflections, and boat tours are available to enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks of the Yellow River and experience the grandeur of the water conservancy project.

Wangxian Grand Canyon

A canyon scenic area renowned for its precipitousness, beauty, strangeness, and serenity. The canyon features clusters of waterfalls, connected pools and cascades, and stands of bizarre rocks. Main attractions include the Three Pools Waterfall, Fairy Pool, and Heavenly Stone Gate, making it an ideal destination for photography enthusiasts and outdoor explorers.

Practical Information

Accommodation Recommendations

Lishan Forest Homestays
County Center Boutique Hotels
Xiaolangdi Lakeside Inns

Food Recommendations

Yuanqu Chaoqi (Fried Noodle Snack)
Lishan Wild Mushrooms
Yellow River Carp
Farmhouse Free-Range Chicken

Travel Tips

Hiking shoes are required for climbing Lishan
Pay attention to safety on Xiaolangdi boat tours
The canyon floor can be slippery; walk carefully

Cultural Experience

Shunwangping · Ancient City Wetland Park · Yuanqu Museum · Specialty Shopping · Return Journey

Itinerary Highlights

Climb Shunwangping in the morning to learn about the legend of Emperor Shun tilling the fields at Lishan. Visit the Ancient City Wetland Park in the afternoon to enjoy the wetland ecological beauty. Visit the Yuanqu Museum in the evening to understand local history and culture, then purchase local specialties to conclude the journey.

Attraction Arrangements

Shunwangping

The main peak of Lishan, said to be the place where Emperor Shun tilled the fields. The summit is flat and open, with verdant grass and surrounding mountains enveloped in sea of clouds. In spring, mountain flowers bloom profusely; in summer, it is cool and pleasant — an excellent spot for watching sunrises and sea of clouds.

Ancient City Wetland Park

A wetland park formed by the Xiaolangdi reservoir area, with broad water expanses and luxuriant reeds, serving as a habitat for various waterfowl. The park features observation decks and wooden boardwalks, making it an ideal place for leisurely strolls, birdwatching, and photography.

Yuanqu Museum

A local museum showcasing Yuanqu's history and culture, with rich collections including Neolithic artifacts, Shang and Zhou bronze wares, and ceramics from successive dynasties, systematically displaying Yuanqu's development from ancient times to the present.

Practical Information

Transportation Guide

Tourist shuttle routes connect the county seat to Lishan
Shunwangping requires hiking on foot
The wetland park can be toured by bicycle

Ticket Information

Lishan Scenic Area: ¥80
Xiaolangdi Boat Tour: ¥70
Wangxian Grand Canyon: ¥60
Shunwangping: Included in Lishan ticket
Museum: Free

Travel Tips

Shunwangping is at high altitude; keep warm
Keep quiet for birdwatching at the wetland
The museum requires advance reservation

Yuanqu County Must-Try Foods

Yuanqu Chaoqi (Fried Noodle Snack)

A traditional Yuanqu pasta dish with a history of several hundred years. Made from premium flour, free-range eggs, sesame seeds, and other ingredients through multiple processes including dough mixing, strip cutting, and stir-frying. The texture is crispy and crunchy with a unique aroma.

Lishan Wild Mushroom Banquet

Dishes made from various wild mushrooms grown in the Lishan primitive forest, including matsutake, boletus, and chanterelle mushrooms. The flavor is fresh and delicious, rich in nutrition, representing pure natural green food.

Yellow River Carp

Selected wild Yellow River carp, prepared with local specialty seasonings. The flesh is tender and fresh, with multiple cooking methods available, making it a signature dish for hosting guests.

Yuanqu Huicai (Braised Mixed Vegetables)

A traditional Yuanqu home-style dish, braising pork, tofu, glass noodles, and vegetables together. The flavor is mellow and rich, with balanced nutrition, making it a beloved daily dish among locals.

Yuanqu County Travel Tips

Best Travel Time

Spring (Apr-May): Mountain flowers in full bloom, pleasant climate
Summer (Jun-Aug): Ideal summer retreat, forest oxygen bar
Autumn (Sep-Oct): Forests ablaze with color, magnificent scenery

Must-Try Foods

Yuanqu Chaoqi (Fried Noodle Snack)
Lishan Wild Mushrooms
Yellow River Carp
Yuanqu Huicai (Braised Mixed Vegetables)
Farmhouse Free-Range Chicken

Budget Reference

Tickets: Approx. ¥210
Accommodation: ¥90-180/night
Dining: ¥50-90/day
Transportation: Approx. ¥40
Total: ¥400-750

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Lishan called the "Green Lung of North China"? — Because Lishan has the best-preserved primitive forest in North China, with a forest coverage rate exceeding 90% and extremely high negative oxygen ion content in the air
What is the connection between Emperor Shun and Yuanqu? — Legend has it that Emperor Shun once tilled the fields at Lishan, leaving behind the legend of "Shun tilling Lishan." Lishan Shunwangping is an important site commemorating this legend
What are the characteristics of Yuanqu Chaoqi? — Crispy texture that stays crunchy over time, unique production process, the most representative traditional food of Yuanqu
What impact does the Xiaolangdi Reservoir have on Yuanqu? — It formed the spectacular "high-gorge flat lake" landscape, improved the local ecological environment, and promoted tourism development